Review and Product Give Away…Vitamin Drink with an Aloha Spirit

For those of you who swear by EmergenC, I have a new product for you. Ola Loa is a Hawaiian based company that created a new kind of vitamin powder that kids can enjoy too.

You may appreciate the fact that Ola Loa packets come in bursting flavors like Tropical or Cran-Rasberry. They use mostly natural ingredients such as tumeric for color.

I personally tried the Lemon Lime flavor and my guest taster tried the Mango Tangerine.

My guest tester is a bicyclist who relies on vitamin sports drinks. Here is what he had to say:

“Yeah, I didn’t use much water…wouldn’t hold up to like a water bottle (meaning entire sports water bottle might dilute the powder too much, so use less water) but EmergenC doesn’t either. Much more intense and flavorful than EmergenC”

As for me, I’m not big on effervescent vitamin drinks but I appreciate the energy and Aloha spirit that Ola Loa is bringing to the market. The flavors are interesting and unique plus I like that it’s safe enough for the kids. Who knows…Kai may become a big fan when he’s older.

If you would like to try the product, please connect through a comment and I will send a sampler to the first three people. Thanks!

For more information, visit www.drinkyourvitamins.com

The Hunt for a Family Car

Pre -pregnant me drove a Nissan 300 Z which was absolutely fun for the nights out in the city. Things changed when I hit my sixth month of pregnancy and my belly was too big for cruisin’ around in a sports car. Shortly after, it was a bitter sweet sale of the car and farewell to my carefree days.

For the past year, I’ve shared a 1994 Honda Accord with J. I’m not super high maintenance but it was a shift for me. Everything is manual…the transmission, windows, and locks. Since I suffer from momnesia, I tend to leave a door unlocked by accident. I struggle to roll down the window while driving and the trunk never seems to have enough space for baby gear and groceries.

So now what? We’ve decided to upgrade with hopes to make our driving life simple. But somehow the hunt for the perfect family car is hard especially on a budget. There’s no reason to buy a spanking new car since Kai’s shoes will leave marks, cheerios will find their way to the floor, and more toys will be shuffled from one place to another.

We want functionality but a bit of style too. When I went to used car lot yesterday, the sale guy tried to pitch a mini van to me. I don’t see one in my future. Hmmm…a Cross over? Mini SUV? Hybrid? What’s best for 12K or less?

We test drove the Honda element. Very boxy but it has some cool components like the massive trunk space that allows two bikes to roll in easily. Who knows… I’m still waiting.

Maybe while shopping for a family car, I shouldn’t expect the “wow” factor anymore. Looks like I might need to get over style and go for function. What do you drive?

Must Have for Baby Cruisers: Giant Fitness Ball

Baby Kai started to crawl last weekend! At eight months, he’s got the curiosity of a five year old and cruises around every where. One of the best distractions for him has been our giant blue fitness ball. We started using the ball when he was a newborn to bounce him to sleep. Now this giant object has grown into the best toy around the house.


Kai giggles like crazy chasing the ball, drums his hands against the rubber surface to make music, and practices soccer kicks while dad holds him up. Plus it’s great for playing peek-a-boo too. The bigger the better as babies will be obsessed with the brightly colored rolling ball. Baby safe for sure since the material is burst resistant. Kudos to another multi-functional object that’s good for baby and parents.

Other must have baby gear and goods: sit n stroll, sweet lullabies, and baby mum-mum.

Hello Heels! Guilt-Free High Heels for Moms

Over the weekend I had to go to a wedding solo with baby Kai. Before having a baby, I loved to rock high heeled boots. Since giving birth, I’ve stuck to flats and sneakers when cruising around with the baby. While getting dressed for the wedding, I was torn about wearing my vintage boots with three and half inch heels. The flats were too unsexy. Hey, I know I’m not the only mom who still wants to look good. Part of me felt guilty because I thought about the slim chance I might get chased by a maniac on the street, and these boots definitely weren’t made for running. I also thought about how other moms might curse me for wearing heels while pushing a stroller. I tried my luck anyways.

There I was in San Francisco, a mom in high heels. I was able to push the stroller three blocks to the church. I carried him with ease too. It was kinda liberating! Of course, I’m not going to make it a habit but I’ll indulge once in awhile.

Maybe even purchase a few sexy and functional heels like these:

Indigo by Clarks Shoes (Yes, the same maker of the clunky, mule type shoes that you swore you’d never wear. They created a designer line which combines fashion and comfort)




YOU shoes (made by Crocs. Lots of moms wear Crocs, not me! But they also have a designer and comfort line)

Mum-Mum: Asian Snack for Baby

Being Asian and a rice fanatic, I was thrilled to learn about Baby Mum-Mum at Kai’s last play date. Props to Lisa for turning us on to these lovely snacks.

As other parents know, the search for the perfect baby cracker is hard. Kai’s not old enough to nibble on the standard teething biscuit as they are made for 9 month olds.

Mum-Mums are rice crackers without the sodium, spice, or seaweed you might find in the adult version. They are individually packed and extra long for an easy grip. They seem to dissolve easily in baby’s mouth and make no mess on the floor. Plus, parents won’t mind eating any left over crackers either, they’re pretty good.

Mum-Mum crackers are made in China but have been Canadian tested so there are no deadly ingredients involved.

Hooray for Baby Mum-Mum!

I’ve never seen them at any grocery store in Oakland but you can buy them on Amazon.

Gen X...Are we producing Generation Youtube?

Well, I'm learning that even though many parents don't believe in letting their children watch shows on an actual TV screen--they do indulge their children in YouTube. Secretly some of us Gen X parents are fascinated with YouTube so our children seem to be growing up around it. It's not all bad. YouTube allows any of us to upload videos of our kids eating macaroni, learning sign language, or speaking in their native tongue. How cute! Btw, when did Sesame Street become so hip with all these musical guests? Over dinner with friends, I learned that these are the must-see videos for toddlers either from the original source or on YouTube:

ABC's with India Arie


baby sign



Number 4 with Feist

Blue Moon: Mood Lighting for Baby

When I walk into Kai’s room at night, it seems to be lit by a blue moon. I’ve always been into mood lighting so why not for the baby too? Even after 6 months, Kai enjoys the soft light coming from the paper lantern. We love to snooze in his room under the blue moon because it feels peaceful.


Try mood light lighting for your baby. It’s easy and economical. Purchase a paper lantern, color bulb cord for more fun, and dimmer from Ikea. This will cost you about ten bucks. As for the color bulb, you can purchase at Longs for another two bucks. Hooray for paper lanterns!

Leaky-Leaky: Nursing Mamas Dilemna

Nursing is optimal for your growing baby right? But sometimes the process can be messy and draining on moms. As a swimmer and spa/hot springs/steam room addict, I wasn't sure how to indulge in these activities with leaky boobs. As you may know, warm water can induce such leakage. How would I avoid an embarrassing situation at the local Y or Kabuki Hot Springs?

If you enjoy water relaxation like me, I discovered and tested a solution...lily padz. They're clear waterproof pads that press against the nipple. For $20 bucks a pair that last a couple of months, it's well worth it. It's best to express or nurse right before wearing them. I've done the freestyle stroke, backstroke, and aqua walking without any problem. Plus I've lounged in the steam room and sauna for varying times, and they stay on.

So if you're planning a trip to hot springs or a local pool, these are a must have for nursing moms. You can buy them at Baby World in Oakland.

Oh G!

With several friends expecting, I've had a lot of questions about diapers. Every bay area parent contemplates cloth because using conventional disposals like huggies/pampers provokes a bit of guilt, especially in the bay area. But cloth diapers aren't for everyone. Maybe you don't live in a single family home with a porch for easy drop off or you don't want the faint smell of poop to develop in your house.

I was actually surprised to learn that a lot of people don't know about G diapers. I don't remember how we even stumbled upon them. But this product is a good compromise between disposable and cloth. G diapers can be flushed, composted, or trashed. If you're lazy or can't stand the thought of handling a poopie liner, then you can trash them without feeling guilty. The company vows that the diaper liners decompose in 50 days as opposed to 500 years for the standard diaper. Crazy right?

I've learned that being green does take more work. As cute as the g diapers are, those liners get dirty which means some soaking and washing. Plus, they aren't always leak proof. But overall worth the switch.

We're part timers with the g, and use 7th generation chlorine diapers for the other times. And yes, for longer outings we indulge in Pampers.

Try the G...it's not for every baby but it does reduce waste plus they're cute!

New Discoveries

Just yesterday I had an opportunity to meet with Oakland based designer mom Cari Borja. She mentioned that having rituals with your children are key. If there are siblings, then it is equally important to have a ritual one-on-one with each child. I was wondering what fun and inexpensive rituals are out there? Anyways, be sure to check out Cari's retail store which carries women's and children's clothing at 2117 4th st. studio B in Berkeley. http://www.cariborja.com/

Another friend of mine who use to design children related books at Chronicle Books sent me a link to a very cool on-line magazine "SMALL" that if full of ideas for crafts, picnics, and excercise with kids. http://www.smallmagazine.net/issue.asp?issue=6&page=106

Must Have Accessory

Many of you have heard of the Bella Band which is sold at major maternity retail shops. It normally runs between $20-25, and the color selection is basic. On my search for a similiar product with a cheaper price tag, I discovered the "BELLY BAND" which is made by an independent designer in Canada. She has a full selection on EBAY, but also can accomodate custom colors/patterns. For popular patterns, the starting bid is $4.99, and can be battled out by 4-5 bidders. But for your basic solids, you can easily purchase one for $6.99-9.99 plus shipping. I've worn my basic black band for several months, and it works wonders to keep your unbuttoned pants up. It also adds a cool layering style.

Check out independent belly band crafter: Mili bryon at http://myworld.ebay.com/milibryson/

What I'm Wearing
It's raining out here.
At Week 22, nothing old of mine really fits
What I'm rockin' now daily:
Born Knee High Flat Boots

Wool Swing Coats
Black from Gap Maternity

Note: To keep very cozy, I prefer black tights under everything, newsboy hats, and gloves.
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