Cool Finds of the Month, May 2009

It’s back! Let’s see what cool things I found this month

How is your language on Twitter? Find out with CurseBird, which allows you to see how much you or your favorite Twitters curse in their tweets. I apparently swear “like a mute”, while Michelle “swears like a Scottish comedian“  (sorry Michelle – but those who are following you already know that)

If you or your daughters love Gwen Stefani, you’ll be excited to find out that the Harajuku Lovers collection now includes makeup and makeup cases, too! Available at Sephora right now!

A completely different topic: baby carriers. I love them. I think they are addictive. They now come in so many different models and fabrics, that it’s hard to stop at just one, especially if you like to carry your baby and have your hands free (Motrin ads be damned.) Whaloo is a baby pouch that has two pockets, so if you are just going out for a walk, or quickly popping into the store, you can just take your phone, keys and cards and put them in the pockets, and off you go. Oh, and don’t forget the baby

And talking about moms: when was the last time you took a shower that was longer than 5 minutes? We can’t take a long time to get ready in the morning, but we still need to get the beauty essentials in, including daily SPF application. Now there is a soap that makes it simpler, it’s by Bethesda, they called it “sunscreen soap” and basically when you lather with it you come out of the shower with SPF 10 on. May not be enough in summer if you are going to be exposed to the sun, but it’s certainly better than nothing and one less step to take in the morning!

Need a cure for the bare walls in your pad? Start collecting works of art without spending a fortune: Airstream Studios organized the Incredible Print Show, which includes work from more than 50 international artists, including lithography, silkscreens, digital prints, and more, nearly all for under $100. The online exhibit ends June 27.

NYers in need of a health boost now have all the homework done for them: Blueprint Cleanse, the popular detox program that includes juices and a routine all ready for pickup or delivery, has now come up with the Mind Body Package, where the Classic Blueprint Cleanse regimen has been paired with 3 days of Core and Yoga classes at Exhale Spa, and one healing spa treatment. This is a fantastic package, if I lived in the city I would definitely give it a try! (hello, BPC, take a hint )

If you got pregnant right now, what would you have to give up that you’d be sure to miss? For many, the occasional cocktail or glass of wine is on top of that list. Which is why I thought this book was such a great idea: Preggatinis: Mixology for the mom-to-be includes virgin cocktails that are very different from the so called “mocktails”, because they are made with freshly squeezed juices, fresh fruit or vegetables, herbs, and homemade syrups, so they are much healthier (translation: can be enjoyed more often without guilt.) One less reason to feel deprived.

Which leaves us to talk about baby showers: I found the perfect cookies to serve at the next baby shower! Or you can give them as favors, too. Either way, your guests are sure to ask where you got them… after enjoying several of them, of course – ’cause really, we like pretty stuff, but pretty AND good beats that

As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, Forever 21 has finally come out with a new line of plus-size fashion, Faith 21. It may not be the best quality around, but we can always count on Forever 21 for fashionable items at accessible prizes, and being a plus-size gal myself, I can’t help but think “Yay!”

People often ask me where I find some of the stuff I include in the Cool Finds posts. The source varies, but let’s just say I get a lot of e-mail!! For this last one, I have to give credit to Mom Central (thank you!): Mamapedia is a new website that is likely to become incredibly popular, especially with more and more moms online and on the blogosphere! Mamapedia is basically like google, but for parenting and family-related advice. Find advice from other moms who have “been there, done that”, on topics ranging from childhood crushes to renting a house, and everything in between.You can even find recommendations for summer camps, local Pediatricians, kid- friendly restaurants, and lots more! A virtual encyclopedia of Mothers’ wisdom. It was about time someone came up with it!

- Liz explains how having babies sharpens women’s minds… sort of.

- Marinka shares a hypocondriac’s view on how to talk to your children about the swine flu.

- Carol inspires us to play nice.

- The City Sage treats us to Peach Cobbler Scones.

This ends the Cool Finds for this month! I hope you enjoyed it. As usual, if you want to suggest something to be included in the next installment of Cool Finds of The Month, e-mail me or send me a Tweet!