Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Family Traditions

Where has the time gone?! Its four days before Christmas and I still don’t have ONE stocking put up. We will be lucky if they are down from the attic at this point, much less hung with care!

I had all these big plans for this year, since Little Miss is now 19 months old. We managed to get a table top tree up. I had visions of her scaling our 6 foot tree we have and it toppling over. Instead, we spend all day with her climbing up the chair and onto the table, to point and grab ornaments. By the end of the day I am so over that tree!

But back to traditions, when I was a child I remember we always had a nice family dinner, after my sister and I each got to open one present before we went to midnight mass in our new Christmas dresses! I want to start traditions with my daughter but will obviously have to be satisfied with the few things we have done thus far and try to add new things each year as she gets older.

What are some Holiday Traditions that you grew up with and have since incorporated into your current family?

At Ritzy Baby we wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and please enjoy this time with your family!

www.ritzybaby.com
www.ritzybabyonline.com

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

HO HO OH NO!!


Well, I had Little Miss all decked out for her picture with Santa. She was in her cute holiday outfit and giant head bow- I know they are obnoxious but when worn for photo ops it doesn’t count!


I was apparently in denial as to how this “Santa Photo Shoot” was going to go down. Not two weeks prior we had gone for her 18 month portrait and it was a disaster to say the least! My little social butterfly was suddenly shy, uncooperative and downright rude!


How in the world was I going to make her understand that sitting with a large, bearded stranger, dressed in red velvet was going to be OK? The reindeer gods were smiling upon us that day because when we got to Santa’s workshop he was out for lunch! Super mom to the rescue, I grabbed my camera (I was a Girl Scout, always prepared) and with the help of a few girlfriends, a.k.a. wranglers, we plopped Little Miss right down in Santa’s seat and began snapping away. We danced, we clapped, we did what was needed to get a smile and caused quite the scene. But, the winning Christmas card picture was so worth the humiliation.


So, now I have the cards printed and sitting on my coffee table, along with my address book, pen, and stamps. All I have to do is address them and get them mailed, yet I have been staring at them for about 3 hours now-just sitting there! I hope to have them mailed out before the New Year!


Ok, Ritzy Baby fans I want to hear your favorite Santa/Holiday stories…make us laugh!


Get your shopping done online! Be sure to visit www.ritzybaby.com and go crazy.

Monday, November 30, 2009

ONE FOR YOU, ONE FOR ME!


I spent most of the Thanksgiving weekend shopping. And I shop like it’s an Olympic sport, which means I would medal in the gold-FOR SURE!!

What’s the problem you ask? Well, for each gift I bought I also bought a duplicate for Moi. Yeah, I said it! One for you, one for me! I couldn’t help it because the gifts I buy are gifts I would want for myself-so why not, tis the season and all. Right?

Well, I seem to have spent my entire Christmas budget (there’s a little left) and I have ALOT of gifts yet to buy. It’s not like when I was 8 and could go into my dad’s office and raid his pencil cup and wrap up all his pens to “gift” to him. Ahhh, the good old days, but I digress. I am running out of time and money and will be scouring the internet for ALL the great deals out there to be had.

If you are also doing the same make sure to check order deadlines. Here at Ritzy Baby all of our CUSTOM orders must be in by Friday, December 11 in order to be delivered by Christmas. Better yet, shop our everyday inventory for in stock items that will ship within 24 hours of order.

We have so many WONDERFUL things to choose from right now! I posted a picture of one of my new favorite Ritzy Baby infant car seat covers, the Zoology. Adorable for the infant boy in your life, the Zoology has super soft velvety Minky Blue with a reversible Canopy. And priced at ONLY $59.95 it’s a steal.

Happy Shopping Ritzy Baby fans, we only have 24 shopping days left before Christmas!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Gobble Gobble


Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving?! At our house it means a road trip down to The Big “D” to see the family, eat lots of good food and our favorite sport, shopping! And by shopping I don’t mean staying up all night outside in the cold, because along the way, the long lines and the big crowds have gotten to be TOO much. Which is why I have started doing a lot of my shopping online.

At Ritzy Baby we are in the process of adding MANY new vendors to our web store, just in time for the Holidays. We are so excited to bring you new items, such as Ruffle Butts, Kalencom and JJ Cole just to name a FEW! Don’t stand in the long lines and get up at the crack of dawn this year for Black Friday. Sit in the comfort of your own home, sipping your coffee in your comfy pajamas and shop till you drop 

Be sure to check out the website to see all the new and exciting items we have added!

We at Ritzy Baby wish you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 16, 2009

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!!


We went to bed last night and it was in the 60’s. When we woke up this morning it was in the 30’s. Brrrrrrrrr!

I spent most of today frantically pulling out warm clothes for “Little Miss”, not an easy feat with a 17 month old there to “help out”. So as I ticked off my mental checklist: sweaters-check, long pants-check, hat-check, mittens-check, warm coat-check and so on, it got me to thinking about keeping her warm while traveling.


One thing I do miss about the Infant car seat carrier, (I know can you believe I said that about a 40 pound carrier that I had to lug around for 12 months), is that I could cover her up with those infant carrier covers. Keep your Ritzy Baby snugglie warm with the new Infant Car Seat Carrier Covers that are available to us these days. Check out the different styles to choose from, because its not your basic pink and blue anymore! Beautiful and sassy covers to choose from, baby can be stylish and warm.

Also, I always make sure to have a Stroller blanket either by the back door or already in the car. That way “Little Miss” is sure to be nice and snugglie warm while traveling in the car.

Please be sure to check out our selection of Infant car seat carrier covers for your infant AND check out the Stroller size blankets for keeping your toddlers warm!

The Holidays are right around the corner. No time like the present to start your shopping!

Monday, November 9, 2009

“Let me tell you something about my family. We are thick as thieves”










What is it about reality TV that has us so enthralled? Is it because we are peeking into other people’s lives? The ups and downs they experience? Or, maybe the uncomfortable moments when people behave badly and yet you still can’t turn it off? Be honest, it’s all the above and MORE?!

Ritzy Baby is a fan of the Bravo reality show The Real Housewives of New Jersey, so we were honored to have our blanket on display in the November 9th issue of In Touch Weekly magazine. The newest additions to the NJHW’s were featured laying on our beautiful Giraffe Boy Stroller Blanket.

Congratulations to Jacqueline, Teresa and their families on these beautiful blessings!

Enjoy the picture and be sure to go to the website to get your own Giraffe boy OR girl blanket, available in stroller and travel size. Like Teresa says, “happy wife, happy life” and a nice soft blanket always puts a smile on this “wife’s” face.

Monday, November 2, 2009

SAVINGS IN STYLE!


Did everyone survive Halloween? Little Miss and I made the long trek down to Dallas to spend 4 days with family and trick or treat with her cousins. I got her the cutest Bumble Bee custom tutu costume. But, why didn’t anyone warn me that a 17 month old wouldn’t think it was cute or cool to be decked out in tulle and marabou feather? At one point she had feathers coming out of her mouth because she was eating her costume!

A few cute and cool things at Ritzy Baby are three new infant car seat covers that are BELOW $60. We have done two girls styles and one boy style and they are precious! I don’t think you can find a cover as luxe and as well made as one of ours and then to offer them to our customers at such a great price, we are really excited!

Please check them out on our infant car seat page and let us know what you think. We are always anxious to hear back from our loyal readers.

Monday, October 26, 2009

BOO! Happy Halloween!

Is it wrong that I ordered “Little Miss” her Halloween costume back in June? I am so excited this year because she is walking now; we have even taught her to say “trick or treat”. Of course she just sounds like a bird chirping, isn’t that cute?!

Below are 5 tips to a Healthier Halloween:

1. Give your child a nutritious meal before he goes trick-or-treating. This will fill him up and make it less likely that he'll be eating the candy before he even gets home.
2. Let your child indulge a bit. Not allowing your child to eat her Halloween candy will just drive her to want it more. Although a low-fat diet is important for children, allowing the occasional indulgence, especially on a fun-oriented holiday like Halloween, is also important.
3. Set limits on how much candy can be eaten at once. When your child returns home from trick-or-treating, ask her to pick the 10 pieces of candy that she wants to keep. Take the rest away and use them as substitutes for lunch treats or desserts.
4. Have your child brush and floss his teeth thoroughly before going to bed. Although this should be done every night, it's especially important that your child's teeth be free of the Halloween sugar.
5. Donate your leftover candy to charity. Not only will this prevent your child from continuing to eat candy for months to come, it will help teach her the value of helping others.

Be sure to share some of your favorite Halloween ideas or stories with us.

Check out Ritzy Baby's BOOTIQUE sale on all Ritzy Baby infant and toddler car seat covers now through October 31st! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Use Coupon code BOOTIQUE at checkout for 20% off all Ritzy Baby infant and toddler car seat covers and blankets now through October 31st!!
***excludes all sale items and custom orders***

Monday, October 19, 2009

Uh Oh, where does the baby go?!

We just returned from a six day trip to New Mexico. While it was GREAT to go see the grandparents and Balloon Fiesta the 8 ½ hour drive each way was not.

It was only after we had the car loaded, and by loaded I mean: stroller, pack n play, 3 suitcases, and several tote bags full of toys just to name a few things…oh yes, and both dogs, there wasn’t anyway to put “Little Miss” into her car seat. You see we had packed things on both sides of her seat, in front of her seat and all along the floor board. Hmmm, we spent that whole day taking her in and out of the car from the front seat, not an easy task I might add.

I have listed below an article on traveling with baby, either air or road travel. But, the best advice given to me and what I have learned as well is: pack trash bags (in case of motion sickness), do not give any dairy products on day of travel (in case of motion sickness; learned this the hard way), and a portable DVD player is a great and worthwhile investment! Enjoy the article:

High-Flying Advice
1. Travel off-peak. This varies with the route and the season, so ask the airline which flights to your destination fill most slowly. You'll have a better choice of seats, and the plane is less likely to be packed. Avoid flights with long layovers or late-night connections.
2. Reserve seats when you book. Though final seating assignments aren't guaranteed until check-in, prebooking ups the odds of getting your preference. (Keep in mind that a car seat can be installed only in a seat next to a window.) On your departure date, be sure to arrive early enough to ensure that you get your choice. Remember that the coveted front-row seats with attachments for bassinets are assigned first to families with younger babies, so your chances of snagging these are slim. Also, many airlines such as United save the best seats for business travelers and frequent fliers.
3. Bring your child's car seat. "Unrestrained children have been seriously hurt during air turbulence," says Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Kathryn Creedy. As a result, the FAA recommends that children under 2 be buckled into a car seat while flying. Although a child that age who has a seat of her own (as opposed to being held on your lap) pays 50 percent of an adult fare on major U.S. airlines, the extra cost is well worth it.
4. Preboard the seat, not the baby. Although airlines no longer officially preboard families, most will do it on request. However, preboarding adds an extra 30 to 45 minutes of being cooped up with a 1-year-old. Have the person you're traveling with claim the seat and stow the bags, then wait until the last moment to board with your child.
5. Check your stroller at the gate before boarding. That way, the crew will have it waiting for you when you get off the plane.
6. Adjust your toddler's nap schedule so he will sleep on the plane. This means knowing your child's patterns: Some kids will sleep if they've skipped their naps; others will remain awake (and cranky) from overtiredness. Though some parents give their kids antihistamine syrup before a flight to promote sleepiness, resist the urge. It's never a good idea to give any kind of medicine to a healthy child.
7. Dress your child in easily removable layers. Airports and planes can be hot one moment, freezing the next.
8. Be on the alert for ear pain. If your child has recently had an ear infection or a cold, get your doctor's approval before flying. The change in cabin air pressure may cause pain, but swallowing or sucking on a bottle or Sippy cup usually solves the problem. Offer a drink at the first sign of discomfort.
9. Keep drinks close at hand. Flying is even more dehydrating for children than it is for adults, so make sure they get plenty of fluids.
10. Change diapers in the rear. Wide-body and newer planes have large fold-down changing tables in the lavatories, but U.S. airlines still fly many older planes that do not. In that case, ask a flight attendant if you can use adjoining empty seats in the back of the plane as a changing area.

On the Road Again
1. Time it right. Toddler car travel presents fewer challenges than flying. But that doesn't mean your child won't get cranky, overtired, or carsick. To make a road trip go as smoothly as possible, start out close to your child's regular naptime so she'll sleep for part of the journey.
2. Entertain your child. Even the most independent toddler cannot amuse himself for hours. Consider sitting beside him if another adult is driving.
3. Limit driving time to six hours a day. In addition, make stops at safe, well-populated rest areas every two hours so you and your child can recharge.
4. Protect your child from the sun. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and keep back windows shaded.

Please feel free to leave a comment about some of your favorite travel tips.

Also, check out our new custom section for your Infant and Toddler covers. The fabrics are incredible and how fun is it to create your OWN look! Order now, we are getting busy!!!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

NO SHE DIDNT!

What do you say when one of your closest friends tells you that a five year old told her that her kid AND her car smelled! “SNAP!!” That’s my reaction. I am not the best at remaining calm and cool. I am the Aunt who taught her niece the “slice your finger across your throat” motion when another kid is looking at her funny. I have a lot to learn apparently. But, I mean well.

It really got me to thinking, what IS the best way to handle a situation like that? I found an article that I like and have pasted the link below, enjoy:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-handle-it-when-someone-elses-kid-is-rude_10305048.bc

After you read it, come back and let me know your opinions. Has this ever happened to you? How did you handle it?

I hope everyone is enjoying the blogs, in addition to the Blog Hop, we will be doing a give away here within the next couple of weeks. So be sure to check back every Tuesday and Friday for new posts!

Also, PLEASE be sure to check out our NEW and AMAZING toddler seat covers!! Easy on and easy off…at such great prices you need two!!


Thank
you to all our Ritzy Fans.

Monday, October 5, 2009

My SEO Gal's Blog Hop


Hello All!

We are excited to announce that we are participating in My SEO Gal's first Blog Hop!

To honor the first Blog Hop, Ritzy Baby will be giving away one of fabulous infant car seat covers

You can enter to win our Vintage Bowtique Infant Car Seat Cover:




Rules to enter our contest:

1. Leave a comment below.

2.. Mention this giveaway at any of these locations along with a link back to this blog and receive an extra entry:

Blogs, Your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Blog about it, or refer a friend.

If you choose the refer a friend. Make sure your friend mentions your name in the comment box so you can get credit.

3. Winners will be chosen three days after the end of the hop which will be October 21,2009.
We will announce the winner here.

4. After you enter and leave a comment, Please visit the other blogs listed below and enter more contest to increase your chances of winning other prizes or simply leave a comment on bloggers post who are participating in the hop and let them know that you are stopping by during the blog hop. It would be nice if you became a member or follow their blog for free while your stopping by:


That's it!!! Good Luck



MckLinky Blog Hop

Friday, October 2, 2009

Putting Your Best "Baby" Forward

Putting Your Best “Baby” Forward.

I know, I know, its supposed to be “Put your best FOOT forward” but with me I have always said that my child is my BEST accessory. Who cares if I haven’t washed my hair in two days or my clothes are wrinkled and don’t match, my daughter looks precious and that’s all that counts right?

Well, I went out to run errands the other evening without my best accessory and I had nothing to distract from the fact that my hair was a mess, I didn’t have any makeup on, and my shirt didn’t match my pants. And by pants I mean the black gauchos my husband threatened to burn because I wore them all during and after pregnancy. I try and sneak them into my weekly wardrobe and pretend I don’t see him cringe when he sees them.

Below are some Fall Must Haves for the busy mom:
Denim Everyone has heard the term Mom Jeans. Its an ugly term so, invest in a good pair of jeans, such as something long and dark, that flatter the body can greatly improve a wardrobe.
Layer Moms know that layers are not only fashionable, they are practical. After hauling a baby carrier and a crying toddler into the grocery store, most moms feel like they have completed a hard work-out at the gym. Dressing in layers allows the mom to remove excess clothing in such frantic times. Tossing on a long cardigan over a fitted t-shirt is a great way for a mother to layer and look fashionable in the process.
Double-duty bag Many moms find it burdensome to carry around a diaper bag and a purse. They often forgo their cute bag for the practical diaper bag. This does not have to be the case. Find a cute purse that can also hold the necessary baby supplies and can spice up your look instantly.
Little Black Dress For decades, fashion mavens have been discussing the importance of owning a good little black dress that can transition effortlessly from daytime to nighttime. There are many choices of little black dresses that will work for moms, whether she is attending story time at the library or cooking dinner for her brood. The key is finding a fabric that moves easily and has a child-friendly neckline and hemline.
Accessories A chunky beaded necklace or an armful of bangle bracelets can do wonders for a basic t-shirt and jeans combination. Not only do accessories perk up an outfit and help draw attention away from tired Mommy eyes, they also serve double-duty as an emergency form of entertainment for little ones.
Shoes Moms need shoes that are comfortable, able to withstand the assault of a playground's woodchips and stylish. The non-athletic tennis shoe is a perfect choice for moms because it offers the comfort of a tennis shoe in a subtle style that can be paired nicely with jeans and a cute top. Ballet flats are another option that help keep moms on their toes in a functional yet trendy way.
Save those faded yoga pants for the gym and throw something cute on this fall. Doing so will most likely improve one's mood, especially when catching a glimpse of those fabulous clothes in a mirror.
So Ritzy Baby moms, tell us what is your favorite mommy wardrobe staple that is functional yet makes you feel fabulous?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

DIAPER DRAMA MAMA!!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

DIAPER DRAMA MAMA!!

Hello to all our readers. We are trying to get back into to the groove of things and start posting a regular blog with helpful, informative and maybe some entertaining information.

Let’s kick it off with my new favorite thing, changing my 16 month olds diaper. It’s like “herding cats”. She hates it and I end up with bruises along my forearms. I came across this article about diaper changing and am ready to try a few:

Take a stand. Instead of interrupting playtime, change her diaper while she's standing up and happily engaged.
Enlist her help. Even on her back, your toddler can hold a clean diaper or her pants and use them to surprise you in a quick game of peek-a-boo.
Offer a treasured toy. Or a favorite board book. Or stuffed animal. Keep a bin of items handy and rotate them so she's always intrigued.
Try a high-tech tactic. Give her your watch, cell phone, or even a calculator. She'll be fascinated while you get to work.
Talk her through it. Enthusiastically narrate the process, and she'll learn to anticipate each step -- and how soon you'll be done.
Hold on tight. When all else fails, just pin her down and change her fast.

Right now we are using the Hold on Tight method and I will reserve my comments about some of the above suggestions until I try them. Who knows MAYBE you can change a diaper with them standing up. Let us know what tricks you have found work best for you. My sanity and bruised forearms thank you!

Happy shopping and as a thank you to our loyal customers we offer free shipping on all orders over $99. THANK YOU!!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

And the winner is....

Hello to all of our wonferful readers...Today is the day that we announce the winner of the FREE Ritzy Baby Shopping Cart Cover. We have had so many wonderful comments and kind words. Thank you to everyone for entering. The lucky winner is Mary! Mary, we will contact you via email so that you may provide us with your shipping address. We cannot wait to send you your Sugar & Spice Shopping Cart Cover!!! We hope you love it!



To everyone else...we plan to continue to have some great contests so please sign up for our newsletters and RSS feeds so that you may be the first to hear about everything going on with Ritzy Baby!


On a more emotional note....
I hope that all mommies out there are surviving sending their little babies to school. I know that my baby girl started Kindergarten today and my eldest moved into college today...MY, MY...what a day of emotions. Treasure every moment because they truly grow up so fast!

Ritzy Baby~

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Vintage Picnic


I wanted to share one of my favorite Ritzy Baby designs this morning. This beautiful Vintage Picnic shopping cart cover is absolutely stunning! 100% reversible to a soft pink minky fabric and beautiful leopard trim makes this design totally chic! Check out the leopard pockets for your coupons, toys etc! We also have the matching infant car seat cover!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Ritzy Baby Shopping Cart Covers Giveaway


I am excited to announce Ritzy Baby first blog giveaway! This is the first of many more to come.

This giveaway is for one Shopping Cart Cover

The winner will have a choice of either a Shopping Cart Cover for a boy or a Shopping Cart Cover for a girl.

You can choose from one of the following designs. To view each design, simply click on each shopping cart cover designs below:

For Boys: Animal Crackers , I Love Spinach , Feeling Groovy Spa , or Construction Zone

For Girls : Girl Bowtique , Lime Star Paisley , Sugar & Spice or Water Lily

To Enter the Contest, simply follow the following Rules:

  • Click on the comments link below
  • Put your name and email address into the given fields (website url is optional)
  • In the comment box, enter the name of the design above you would like to win.
  • If you own a blog, you can make a post about the contest and link back to this contest page and you will receive two entries. If you post about the contest on your blog. Please enter in your blog url in your comment so we can verify the post.
  • You can also tweet about our contest or share it on your facebook account with your friends. Post where you mentioned the contest and get two extra entries
  • You can enter daily. The more entries the greater your chances are to win.
  • Please make sure to enter in a valid email address. If you are the winner and we can not email you , we will chose another winner.
Contest Rules:
  • No Purchase Necessary
  • One entry per household
  • 18+ In USA only
  • Contest ends August 20,2009
  • Drawings will be random
  • Winner will be announced no later than August 25,2009
  • Winner will be announced here on our blog
  • Contest is for one Shopping Cart Cover only. You get to pick from one of our designs listed above. You pick from one of our girls or boys shopping cart cover.
Good Luck!!!

We also have a contest going on to win one of our Infant Car Seat Covers. Click on the words: Infant Car Seat Covers to enter.

A Gift for our readers

We would like to offer 15% off all Ritzy Baby infant car seat covers at Ritzy Baby to all of our faithful Ritzy Baby Blog readers through the end of July 2009. Enter coupon code "BLOG" at checkout.

Soon we will be launching some amazing new changes to Ritzy Baby! So please subscribe to our blog to be the first to see all of the NEW infant car seat covers, toddler car seat covers & more!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Welcome to the launch of the Ritzy Baby blog!

Welcome to the launch of the Ritzy Baby blog!

We are very excited about the launch of our newly designed website last month and will be continuing to add new products and services over the next couple of months. Stay tuned to this blog for up-to-date info on the happenings of Ritzy Baby Designs.
On our new blog you will find tips and tricks for the busy mom, and articles we think you will find interesting concerning babies, family, parenting, safety and more! Please join in on the conversations and let us know what you think-- we love comments and we want to get to know our readers!
We encourage you to subscribe by email or rss so you can be informed of our new posts. You can also subscribe to our upcoming newsletters, for exciting updates about Ritzy Baby.
We have great things in store for you, including a very exciting giveaway, starting this coming Monday so please stay tuned for all of the details on how to win some FREE RITZY! We look forward to growing this blog with you!