A Corn PDA.... Cool Momma Phone!

Sprint and Samsumg have just launched a green phone, a simplified version of a green Blackberry. Very nice initiative, considering how often people replace their phones. Unfortunately just a small percentage of old phones are recycled, and most of them end up in the landfill for decades.

It is a nice looking phone with several cool applications such as heavy e-mail and texting, and access to Facebook and Twitter. Sprint said $2 of every phone sale goes to the Nature Conservancy.

Check out this link for more information

If You Are a Runner or a Walker

Walking or running are great ways to exercise. Being able to walk to the grocery store, a cafe, or to see my friends is a great opportunity to burn calories and save resources (gas and money!).

We got an “all-terrain” type of stroller that works really well. It is a bit heavy to take on trips, but a great gear to have in the city. The wheels are big and wide, so riding it on smooth or rough pavements is a breeze. And the suspension keeps the little one comfortable anywhere. Its large canopy protects my son against rain or sun. I also keep a net and an umbrella in the pocket, in case of mosquitoes, or rain to cover myself. A diaper changer, when I remember, is also useful to keep in the pocket!

There are several brands available in stores, most marketed as running strollers. The one we got is from BOB, but overall look for “all-terrain” features (large wheels and suspension) and a long canopy for protection.

Enough Packing for a Trip

Both my husband and I have traveled the world, for business and leisure. Having a baby required some adjustments into our schedules, but not enough to stop us from enjoying new international experiences! Our son Lukas went to Australia with us when he was 8 months old, and then to Brazil at 11 months. We have also taken him to several domestic trips. Soon we are heading to Europe, and Brazil again. Before his first birthday his passport had already been stamped in a few continents.

The trips definitely required some serious preparation, and a lot more equipment! Good times when we used to travel with carry on luggage only. No more….well, it is really not that difficult. Gotta be organized!

Having an umbrella stroller has been very helpful to navigate through airports and destinations. Also, bringing some comfort food items, such as cereal or Cheerios, can be a huge plus while the little one is getting acquainted with different food. Lukas eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, which generally can be found anywhere. The food preparation is really the main difference.

Another item that has been very valuable is a diaper changing mat. I bought a large piece of fabric that is water proof on one side, and cushioned on the other. It has allowed us to change his diapers pretty much anywhere (see picture at a park in Sydney). Many countries lack the convenience of public restrooms’ changing tables. Sometimes the stalls are so small that you can barely fit yourself in there.

Through our trips I have compiled a helpful check list of items to pack for carry on and checked luggage. Some of my world traveler friends help me add to this list with their personal experiences too. You can find the check list posted on the section “Useful Links” in this website.

I think that exposing your kids to other cultures is one of the best experiences you can provide. Even though they might not remember the actual trip in the future, some key learnings will stay with them forever.

Relax, be flexible, and enjoy the trip!

Eco Diaper Dilemma

Early this morning, while Lukas was still asleep, I searched the web for some eco-friendly diaper options for Lukas. I enjoy learning about new products that could potentially make my life easier.

The majority of eco-friendly diapers are still made of cloth, which can be very cumbersome when you don't have much time to spare. I actually found a website in Canada that provides classes for cloth diaper management! It never ceases to amaze me how creative people can get to make money!

we're not ready yet for cloth diapers, but I do feel very guilty about using regular disposable ones, sending all this plastic to the landfill. In the last few months we’ve been trying the G Diaper. It is a very interesting concept, a mix of “green” disposable pad attached to cloth panties.

Basically the starter kit comes with a couple of cloth panties that can be alternated, disposing only the pads. Overall it is a good product, but unfortunately the design has yet to be improved. It leaks a lot, resulting in extra loads of laundry to wash sheets, PJs and pants, defeating the eco-friendly purpose!

Here is the link to gdiapers for more information, if you are interested.http://www.gdiapers.com/

For now, we use the product during the day, only when we know for sure that #2 is not happening within the next couple of hours!

Smart Necessity

Have I mentioned how much I love my smart phone? It's been 5 years since I got my first Blackberry from a previous employer. As a Mompreneur, and someone addicted to the news, it has saved me a LOT of time.

Every day I feel the need to read at least 4 online news sites, including CNN, my favorite The NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Globo.com, a Brazilian news site.

As soon as I wake up, it is so easy to just click on that icon and read CNN headlines, then check pressing e-mails, logon to weather.com, and lastly get an update on my Facebook friends. Having moved so many times, friends are literally everywhere in the world.

My early morning Blackberry routine definitely takes the anxiety away from having to do many other things before connecting my laptop to the internet. Any mom knows that early morning is always busy trying to get kids fed, dressed and happy. And I also have Samba, my dog and adopted son, to take care of.
Oh, I almost forgot to add to the list feeding and dressing myself. Hahhh, so easy to forget amongst all other priorities....

Ok, now I can connect to the internet. I feel a real sense of pleasure! Time to slowly absorb The NY Times. This is such a great journal. Every column is a joy to read, from the content to the selection of words. A real piece of art.

Then, later on, I check the WSJ and Globo, to be a bit more worldly. Sometimes I feel a bit guilty for not reading a European site on a daily basis, but to solve that I subscribed to The Economist, the weekly printed version.

Anyway, without the portability of my Blackberry I wouldn't be able to squeeze all that into my daily routine. I have saved there a list of the great wines I've ever tasted, the groceries to buy next time I go to the store, the items to carry for our kid when we travel. I also have my 3 e-mail accounts and obviously can use it as a phone! Boy, what an spectacular gadget for moms!

Kama Sutra cookie cutters

It seems that these days, even cookies and biscuits do not stay innocent. With this Kama Sutra cookie cutter, nothing is left to your imagination, possibly turning your cookie jar into an all new seductive and suggestive experience. Any favorites?

This cookie cutter is made from Sweden, and comes in two colours - purple and black. The average size of the cookie is about 10cm by 10cm by 2cm.

Clothings for your dog

Here are some unique designer clothings to fit your dog's lifestyle.

Have we lost touch?

Have we lost touch?

[via The POKE with No Name]

Piano with 5 keys

Watch the video to see this person create music using only 5keys.

Traffic jam

This is an interesting research carried out by the Japanese that aims to find out why a traffic jam occurs. Take a look at the video and see the shockwave that is created, very similar to what we see in traffic jams.

Russian Imperial Faberge Eggs

For those wanting to indulge this Easter, you might want to take a look at the Faberge Eggs, designed by Peter Carl Faberge for the Russian Imperial Court. These eggs are elegantly decorated in gold and gem stones, where each of these eggs could fetch up to millions of dollars. If you like this, you might also want to take a look at Armani Easter Egg.

[via Dark Roasted Blend]

AlwaysClean pacifier

As the name suggests, this pacifier remains clean as it closes before the pacifier hits the ground protecting the nipple and keeping it sanitary for your baby. For children 0 to 6 months and is available in two colours - pink and blue.

Overturn Bus?

"Created by Ben Cohen, idea and design by Stefan Sagmeister, custom fabrication by Tom Kennedy and Haideen Anderson."

via [book of joe]

Booster blades

To skate you push down in a cycle motion in order to gain speed. If you move your heel back, this engages a set of brake pads which helps you to brake. The overall experience of riding Booster Blades is fun and safe and is a completely different to anything within the skating sector.

Premier adventure centre

The vision for Silvertown Quays is to create a fully integrated vibrant mixed use quarter for this rapidly expanding area of East London. It will be a place where water and land meet resulting in an exciting variety of environments for discovery, recreation and reflection, as well as for working, shopping and living.

Two large waves 1.8m high or three smaller waves 0.9 to 1.2m high will be created each minute in the surf pool. The waves 25 metres wide at the start can break from the left, right or centre before running down the pool.

A variety of bars and restaurants will surround the surf pool including a fantastic beach bar accessed from the boardwalk with steps down on to the beach. The beach bar will be everything a Hawaiian bar should be, offering the typical surf lifestyle, tropical music and serving the best cocktails in town!

Venture Xtreme - A destination venue like no other on the planet

Christie offers 101-Carat diamond for auction

A 101 Carat diamond, with the third highest clarity (VVS1) and third best colourlessness , will be auctioned by Christie International sale in Hong Kong. With an estimated price tag in excess of $8million, it is the first time that a diamond such high quality and weight will be auctioned in Asia.

Air kicks

Anti-Gravity Boots (also known as Air Kicks) are so much fun we wouldn't be at all surprised if they're the next big craze.

They have the simplicity and appeal of Heelys roller shoes but they ramp the excitement factor up another level plus you don't have to be a kid to join in and bounce around like crazy!

A great workout, good for the bones!

The high impact rubber springs cushion the blow of normal running and are easier on your joints which is good to know even if you're just bouncing about like a kid for no reason whatsoever!

Grab yours here!

Musical condom

This musical condom looks like a traditional condom except it goes a step further by incorporating a chip which plays your recorded melody or voice message when the transducer (18) is activated. Here's how it works:

1. You record a song or message.
2. Put the prophylactic on and begin your business.
3. And everytime you thrust, the recoding is played out loud.

Who's your daddy? Are you ready?

Roman candles

Roman Candles comes with 8 silver-trimmed roman candles in each set which is good for ages 1-89. Love it!

Fillico Beverly Hills - A luxurious water

Fillico Beverly Hiils is the latest addition to the luxurious water. This bottled drink is from Osaka and costs at least $100 per bottle. The frosted bottles are decoracted with Swarovski crystals etched with gold paint. If you get the silver or gold crowns, or golden wings, the price will double.
The water is from a spring in Kobe, and is mostly distributed at the Ritz Carlton in Tokyo.