Sometimes its really difficult to find things to do with your little bean. However, its not all about the big plan and the big adventure. Sometimes, its just enough to get up early, go to a mall, sit down by an open space and watch your little one find life interesting. It was rainy today in Los Angeles so we decided to head out to one of our favorite malls, Century City. Well formerly known as Century City now I believe its Westfield. Its an outside mall, so you would think that its NOT a good idea in the rain. However, if you park yourself at the BreadBar you get a great covered view of a fairly wide open space where you can let your bean roam free. The beauty of today was really that it rained and no one was out. So our little girl got to run around in the puddles while we ate croissants and bread from the BreadBar. It was a blast.

Most of the time I’m glad we have hardwood floors, cause our kid gets messy, and with a hardwood floor I just swoop in with a Lysol wipe and its all good. However, on cold rainy days such as today hat floor that cleans so well also stays so cold. When my little bean walks on it barefoot her toes get cold as ice. My solution….Nowali! The Sweater sock slippers, as I like to call them. They are basically socks with a leather sole that makes the sock non slipper. The other thing that I love about these slippers is that they are machine washable. So little bean spills ketchup all over her slippers- no problem- bam in the washer.

Locally (In Los Angeles) you can get these babies at Kidsland which is on the North Western corner of Wilshire and Western in Los Angeles’ famous Korea Town. Or if you don’t want to leave the house order on line at Amazon.

The Pasadena Symphony Association’s Musical Circus at The Americana at Brand in Glendale is great for children 3-8 years of age.

The Circus begins with the instrument “petting zoo” where youngsters can toot flutes, blow trumpets, pluck violins and cellos and bang on percussion instrument.

The Musical Circus is free, so bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun music making!

To view the full schedule, please visit Pasadena Symphony website.

The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210-1555 ( View Map )
2 pm-3:30 pm

Our family visited Toys R Us on La Cienaga today armed with my 20% coupon that came in the mail to get our little bean a Buggy and a Swing Along Castle. Since the weather has been so nice, I felt that little bean should go out and play. I am sad to report that none of the items we wanted to get were in stock. Maybe they haven’t received any shipment since Christmas? Or maybe the recession is over.

I have a 7 month old and wanted to share my experience that Sigg bottle has been the best sippy cup for my little bean. I bought other traditional bottles parents get their kids, but my little one didn’t really like it…. until….. when my brother bought her a Sigg bottle with kid’s bottle top.

If you haven’t tried it you should. Your little one might love it as much as mine does.

If you are free this Friday evening grab your family and venture out to Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice.

The event is held monthly, starts around 6 p.m and runs until around 10 p.m. It is a great way to experience art, shopping and dining on Abbot Kinney.

This month there is a charity shoe drive going on as well. (see below for information)

So head on out grab some shoes that are taking up space in your closet and have a great time in Venice!

CHARITY SHOE DRIVE
June 5th, 6-10 p.m.
Donate: New or Lightly Worn Shoes

Collection Points:
San Juan & Abbot Kinney (Near Topo Ranch)
California & Abbot Kinney (Near Hal’s)

If anyone is looking to buy a Britax car seat for your baby-sprout here is a great chance to get it at a discount. Through May 9th, Amazon.com is having a Britax Car Seat Sale. When I had to buy a car seat for my little bean, I skipped the infant car seat and just purchased the Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat and added a Kiddopotamus Snuzzler Complete Head and Body Support for support. She is now 6 months old and it has worked pretty well. Since I don’t believe taking a infant out unless it is absolutely necessary, we didn’t need the infant carrier type of car seat. I just used the Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling to carry her when I needed to. If I had to change one thing, I think I would have bought Ergo Baby Carrier instead, since it’s getting harder to use the sling as she gets bigger. In all honesty though, I might not be using the sling correctly. Happy shopping!

In honor or Earth Day, I am writing about green toys that I would like to get my little bean sprout. Whenever I see a toy made with plastic I have always wondered about the chemicals that might be in it, so when I saw these toys I had to know more.

I personally like toys from Plan Toys, Melissa & Doug and Haba. I thought green doll house from Plan Toys was adorable, educational and earth day appropriate.

Here are some online retailers where you can get safe earth friendly toys.

• Oompa
• Wooden Toys
• Moolka
• Gummy lump
• Kangarooboo

Happy Earth Day everyone!

When I dress my little bean, I always put a bodysuit on her under any other clothing. I think of it as her underwear. That way her belly is never exposed so I don’t have to worry constantly if she is properly covered and protected from elements. I also believe it keeps her diaper in place better.

One of the bodysuits I purchased was SpaSilk 100% Cotton Assorted Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder 7-Pack Bodysuit and these are one of the best.

It’s not too expensive, so you can buy more than one pack so you can just change your little one and toss it in the laundry and also it’s very soft for your baby’s skin.

This little piggy wears cotton is having a tax free sale today. If you have time to go over to their store take advantage of this sale.