D~LuxeList

Entertaining Elephants {New Baby Gift Baskets}

  

As a mom, I really appreciate unique gifts for babies and children. New moms in particular get bombarded with baby clothes and other things that friends and family think are cute but might not be useful. I love these new baby gift baskets from SoCal-based Entertaining Elephants. Each basket contains an assortment of stylish basics—organic cotton knitwear, silky bamboo socks and other luxe items in beautifully colored fabrics that are also super-soft and safe for baby's delicate skin. Buy them at EntertainingElephants.com

 

bGreen by Joyababy

The second I received the Joyababy diaper clutch, from the new bGreen line, I was in awe. Why had I spent the first year of my son's life without this essential accessory?! As a style-conscious mama, I love the aesthetics but it's really all about functionality. Founder and designer Joya Mukerjee Logue is the mom behind this ingenious creation. Consider it a mommy must. Carry a travel pack of wipes, a compact changing pad and two diapers, all in this fabulous clutch. The reason it's so perfect for me is because I switch bags frequently. This makes it easy to do a quick change—for the handbag and the baby. 

Joyababy also makes adorable bibs and super-soft, lightweight blankets (both of which I also love). Plus, all of the new bGreen products are eco-friendly, PVC-free and free of harmful plastics and coatings. Shop online at Joyababy.com

Bumboo Tees

 

What can I say? I'm a sucker for ultra-soft, comfy, stylish t-shirts. My most recent finds have become fast faves: Market, Sharon Segal, Maj, and now my latest discovery, Bumboo. Of course it's something you have to feel and wear to truly believe, but I can offer my personal guarantee that if you are t-shirt connoisseur like moi you'll love these bamboo fabrications. I hear Gisele is already a fan, too. View the full men's and women's collections at BumbooLife.com Buy them at ShopIntuition.com

Mod Mom Furniture

 

I am definitely a mod mama and this line of mid-century inspired furniture for kids is my latest home decor obsession. I was having trouble choosing just one item to feature so I'm showing a couple of my favorites but encourage you to visit ModMomFurniture.com to see the entire collection—it's amazing! And here's a great Q&A on DesignPublic with Mod Mom creator/designer Kiersten Hathcock.

Nectar Essences

I've tried similar products like these before but have never really jumped on board with the whole concept until now. I took a deep breath of Nectar Essences Balance spray and now I'm addicted. Available in five blends (Sleep, Awake, At Home, Balance and De Stress), these luxe concoctions are handcrafted, biodynamic, eco-friendly and organic. I love them because they provide a breath of fresh air whenever I need it. NectarEssences.com

Nature Girl Facial Toners

I've never been a big fan of facial toners—just seemed like an extra step that I could do without. But Nature Girl changed my mind with She Tones and O Mist. Why I love them: All it takes is a quick spray after washing my face. Here are five reasons why Nature Girl Nanette Pallrand loves toners:

1. "Toners’ primary purpose is to restore the skin’s normal pH balance, which is often thrown off kilter through cleansing. The skin’s natural pH balance is 5.5, but in some areas the water you use to wash your face could be as high a 9.5, while the products you use tend to have a lower pH than your skin. A good toner will restore the pH balance to your skin and help it prepare for the moisturizer you’re about to put on so it can work to the best of its abilities."
2. "It saves you money. Yes, really, using an extra product could help save your pennies. By sweeping a little toner over your complexion you’ve giving your moisturizer the perfect base to work effectively. Your skin will be a little damp and this will help your moisturizer sink in quickly and you’ll also need less of it so that pot will last longer."
3. "A splash of water won’t do in place of a great toner. Firstly, as mentioned above, water’s pH level is different from our skin’s pH level. Secondly, a splash of water may seem hydrating and refreshing but you’re also splashing numerous chemicals over your face too. A toner (and obviously we mean an all-natural toner) will gently remove all the toxins left on your face from your cleanser and any water you’ve splashed on."
4. "What’s the point of spending money for a jar of the latest hi-tech miracle cream if your skin isn’t receptive to it? Toners prepare the skin to receive moisturizer so that all those active ingredients can get to work, without first battling through a layer of left-behind makeup and dirt, or fighting for space with toxins from the products to cleanse."
5. "Toner can help protect you skin against the elements. By using toner you’re restoring the skin’s acid mantel – a protective layer of acidic oils. This important layer helps protect the skin from environmental assaults, pollution, prevents it from drying out, and halts harmful bacteria from entering the skin. The acid mantel is destroyed by strong alkaline cleansers – and toners can help restore it by balancing the skin’s pH levels."

Nature-Girl.com

aden + anais Organic Wrap

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the baby line aden + anais (I have my friend Lindsey to thank for introducing me to the amazing blankets). The Sleepsacks are great and the Swaddling blankets (previously featured in a Three Faves article) are wonderful for warm climates and always at the top of my list for baby gifts. Seriously, when people ask what my must-have baby gear items are, aden + anais is always in my top three recommendations. Now I can wholeheartedly suggest the new organic wrap, an ultra-luxe, lightweight blanket that is available in an array of adorable prints. And, please, beware of impostors... the originals are worth every penny. Shop online and view the entire collection at adenandanais.com

John Masters Organics Sunscreen

I wear sunblock year-round and encourage my family to do the same. And I'm always on the lookout for paraben-free formulas without chemicals. My latest find is the SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen from John Masters Organics. The 2oz size is perfect for traveling, stashing in your handbag, etc. It non-greasy and I also like it because the scent is not overpowering. Buy it at JohnMasters.com