Cool Travel Bib-Bibagogo Giveaway!

See my daughter getting all messy while eating on vacation?  Well, that cute strawberry shortcake design is not her dress, it's actually a bib!   It's called a Bibagogo.  

                                        

What's cool about it is that the bib has 3 hidden pockets in back (includes 2 washcloths and a spoon)and it all rolls up easy for traveling.  No more digging around the bottom of the diaper bag!   I didn't use the washcloths, but they were nice to have. You can tuck away anything you want in the pockets.

I've tried a lot of bibs before, but what I really like about the Bibagogo is that it combines a lot of the features I need in one.  It doesn't stain.  I just wipe it off or rinse it and it's ready to go again.   It's long and has a catch pocket-so no more messy bottoms.  Also, it has snaps instead of velcro so my kids can't rip them off.   And they're really cute!  Bibagogo is offering the Blue Rainboot Design to TZM readers for today's giveaway. 

To enter the giveaway for the Blue Rainboot Bibagogo:

1. Subscribe to The Zen Mom or let us know you are already a subscriber with a comment below.

2. Follow us on Twitter, tweet about it, and tells us you did with a comment below or tweet which Bibagogo is your favorite.

Giveaway ends on Monday, July 4th midnight PST.  Good Luck!

20,000 Britax Strollers Recalled

If you have a Britax B-Nimble Stroller you need to check the model numbers.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall because of risk of brake failure. 

An audible click heard when the brake pedal is pressed can give a false impression that the brake is fully engaged when it is not. When the brake is not engaged, the stroller can move unexpectedly posing a risk of injury to the child. Britax has received seven reports of the brake not being fully engaged. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves B-Nimble umbrella strollers manufactured on or after August 1, 2010.

Here are the model numbers U311771, U311773, U311775 and U311780.

The date of manufacture labels and model numbers can be found on the lower frame/tube on either the left or the right side. The strollers were sold in a variety of colors including black and silver, Cowmooflage (black and white), green and red.

Britax says you should stop using the stroller and call them for information and to request a replacement.  If you do use it you need to make sure the brake is fully engaged.

Contact Numbers

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 427-4829
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

 For additional information, contact Britax toll-free at (888) 427-4829 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and, or visit the firm's website atwww.britaxusa.com

Zenspiration: What I Learned Traveling With 2 Kids!

"Traveling with kids is a lot like life- it may not always be easy getting where you want to go, but what really matters is what you do when you do when you get there!"  -TheZenMom

Traveling with children is not always a very zen experience, but what you and your family get out of it may be.  Our cross country trip to visit family in Ithaca ended with a 3 hour flight delay, a missed connection in Newark, an overtired crying 3 year old, a 17 month old that threw up on me just as I finished strapping her to me in the Baby Bjorn as we were disembarking, and lost luggage.  There were more crazy travel tales,  but what I'd like to share with you is what I learned from our family vacation.

No matter how light you plan to travel there's always too much stuff!

    

After a red-eye a luggage cart doubles as a bed! :)

Even if your daughter looked like this just seconds before, she can still throw up on you!

Here's some useful information:
-If you have a toddler, bring a DVD player
-Always bring a baby carrier so you can have as many hands free as possible.
-Bring small toys and to make the "wow" factor last longer, wrap them up so it takes them longer to open it.
-Bring a change of clothes for the kids and for you.  I'm glad I had one or I would have smelled like throw up.  If your child is potty trained bring even more underwear and bottoms.
-If you bring a carry-on, also carry a foldable bag with it so you take all your must have's out if they make you check your bag.
-Always have food, but don't feed them too much or it may backfire.

Now for the Zen part.
Once the travel day passed and we were able to be with family, I learned it's good to get out of the routine and for me and my kids to experience new places, new people, even if it means having to shlep them and all our stuff cross country and that they didn't sleep on the red-eye.

We went to Eco Village Ithaca for my sister in law's high school graduation and brother in law's coming of age ceremony.  Upstate New York is very different than California and it was great to see my kids play in a community where toys are shared right outside your front door,  where there are waterfalls nearby and where my son can pick strawberries from an organic garden.

                                       

Most importantly, always appreciate the moment.  With all the packing, nap schedules, etc.  I forgot why we were there in the first place to be with family.

But one of the most important lessons I didn't learn until I returned home, it was the wisdom that came from my 15 year old brother in law's coming of age ceremony.   I was too busy juggling the two kids at the time to notice what he had written down as his values and beliefs.

It is today's zenspiration and I'd like to share it with you.

Be honest, no matter how difficult it may be, and no matter how much discomfort or consequences it may bring to you.

Be fair to all people and living things.

Respect all living things in order to be more respected, avoid creating enemies, help others feel valued, and set an example for others.

Be thoughtful of what you say. Your words can be a force for good or for creating harm.

Be confident in yourself, and show your confidence in others.

Be loyal to the people you love.

Know your goals and make them come true. Be aware of what's motivating you.

Be strong in your loving; don't let fear guide you.

Be awake to life in the present moment. Appreciate the process as much as the goal. Enjoy the little things. Be aware of what you're thinking and feeling.

Live your life in harmony with all of these values and beliefs.

What are your values and beliefs?  With our busy lives, it's so hard to even finish a thought sometimes. Take some time and and write yours down.  In the meantime,  happy travels this summer.

Zen Letters: A Letter To My Dad-Happy Father's Day!

I hope you had a great Father's Day celebrating the wonderful men in your life!  This year I had dinner with my husband and kids, but didn't get to hang out with my Father, but I did wish him a Happy Father's Day.

I'm starting a new TZM series called "Zen Letters". I'm starting the first one with a tribute to my Father.

Dear Baba (father in Chinese),

Now that I am a parent myself it makes me reflect on all your sacrifices and what it took for you and mom to raise a family.   You were in your 20's, still learning English, moving to a place for new opportunities.  You left your family, friends and the security of what you knew for a new country, a new culture and a new life. Then I was born. To make ends meet you had to give up some of your dreams, and ended up working long hours in a Chinese restaurant to make sure I would accomplish my dreams.  You were learning how to fit in a new culture, and at the same time learning how to be a Dad.

Then your little baby started to grow up and had a mind of her own.  Sorry for questioning, "Why we couldn't be more American?"  Thank you for making me speak Chinese.  Now I am fluent and can teach my children.  Thank you for making me authentic Chinese meals and not just getting pizza and McDonalds like I asked.  Now I can cook too!

As a teen-ager, thank you for setting boundaries and making me work for what I wanted.  Even if that meant I had to work to pay for car insurance and drive to parties in the "family wagon."

Thank you for your help to put me thru college and the freedom to be myself in college. After graduation, thank your for giving me the support to move back home when I was still looking for a job. When I made it back to Los Angeles, as a news reporter, thank you for not only trying to watch all my newscasts, but taping them for me and saving them in the cabinet.

I appreciate all that you have gone through and everything you have done for me many times silently.  Now that I am a mother I realize the sacrifices of a parent and I thank you.
Happy Father's Day!
Love,
Wan Wan (My Chinese name)

Who are you grateful for and have you had a chance to share your Zen Letter?

The Zen Mom on Her Say!-Daily Web Series

Check out today's Her Say Video featuring The Zen Mom at the Plush Show! I just signed on as a Host/Contributor and I'm excited to work with the talented team to bring you the latest  keeping you up to date and in the know.  As a busy mom, who has time to watch TV?  Now you can tune in when you want, on the web.


Her Say launched a few weeks ago and is a daily web series hosted by Soleil Moon Frye, yes it is Punky Brewster, but she's been doing a lot since then.  She's now a mother of 2, author, and momtrepreneur with her eco-friendly kids clothing line and store-The Little Seed.


Every day we'll feature hot topics from parenting to relationships to fashion to food, keeping you connected and inspired.


Have a great weekend! 

Plush Show Highlights

It was a fun and fabulous day at the Plush Show at the Vibiana Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.  Dozens of parents and expecting moms gathered to check out the latest baby and toddler finds and to have a little fun.

Here are a few highlights.  Hosts Catt Sadler and Jason Kennedy from E! greeted excited parents with giveaways!  One of my favorites at the event was stroller cleaning by CleanBeeBaby.  When's the last time you cleaned your stroller?  I know we all do a little wipe and shake to get all the crumbs out, but who has time to really clean it.  What a cool service!  They are a mobile unit making stops all over Los Angeles.

 I was shooting a segment for Her Say-a new online web series-so I didn't make it to the manicure and massage station, but a well-deserved break for the moms there.

I love gummy and sour candy, but I try not to indulge too often, but check out these treats from Sweets Indeed. Candy Kabob Sweet Skewers each one has 1/2 pound of candy! 

Project Nursery was also on hand providing design and party planning inspiration.

Beautiful dessert table featuring cake pops, but now take a look at the vases next to it...pie pops.  Yum! Too cute! Could this be a new trend?

Here's a peek at the Alouette crib that's about to hit stores from Petit Nest-a modern nursery line by actress Tiffani Theissen and Designer Lonni Paul from HGTV's Design Star.

 I enjoyed meeting all the pregnant moms, parents. and inspirational business owners.  The Zen Mom Giveaway winner Nicole also stopped by with her husband and baby boy! Stay tuned for more from the show and my HerSay segment. I will feature more innovative products for your little one later.

Father's Day Card Discounts!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Father's Day is coming up!  Don't worry you still have a few weeks, but why wait until the last minute.  Especially when it comes to cards.  Yes, you could buy one when you're rushing at the grocery store or out running errands with the little one, but that's no fun.  Now you can make really cool personalized cards right from home.  


Tiny Prints is always great for invitations, but they have a great selection of customizable Father's Day Cards too. You can add photos and messaging and if your all out of gift ideas now you can also embed a gift card from Starbucks, Amazon, and other top retailers into the card.   Then have them mailed out directly. Click here to see how you can get three free cards.


From now until June 6th, Tiny Prints is running a special promotion offering customized Father's Day cards as low as $.99. Just use the code GC99 at checkout.


Jibjab is also fun for e-cards. You can send them out right away.  Just add a personalized photo.  Hope you liked the tribute to my Dad!
Save 10% on a 12-Month JibJab.com Subscription with Code FDAY10, through 6/20/11