The Feeder Frock from LaDy LaDuke

Etsy.com Designer: Courtney from LaDy LaDuke
What do they design? Unique items for nursing moms, such as a super-stylish nursing cover called The Feeder Frock.

How did you get into design?

We are two sisters, who always loved fashion and design, sharing a room, and playing dress up. Our Mom used to sew many of our clothes, as well as her own, and we would have a ball looking through her Vogue patterns. So, the design seed was always there. Then we were out with our sister-in-law, who was trying to nurse in public, while walking, chasing her toddler, and tugging at the back of her shirt to keep covered, and thought, why don’t we make something that really works for Moms! After research and prototypes, we came up with our full coverage, mobile nursing cover invention…The Feeder Frock.

What motivated you to start your own Etsy store?

We knew we wanted to be completely unique, but to be able to cater to Moms with a variety of tastes and custom choices, and to be able to offer seasonal collections. We also wanted plus size options, and we knew that being handmade would give us the freedom to do that, and keep offering more. We wouldn’t have to have that one style fits all minimum order submission to a manufacturer. Etsy was able to offer that special niche to us.

What is your favorite item you are currently selling?

The Pocket Feeder Frock

The Pocket Feeder Frock, which has a front deep pocket to hold Moms’ burp cloths, wipies, cell phone, etc. It is offered in 11 styles with 2 new ones on their way. It has so much function and looks great.

Do you have a favorite design website or other Etsy seller you love or get inspiration from?

There is a fabulous shop called RubysLounge, with the coolest, handmade paper machete deer heads you’ve ever seen! So unique and fantastic!

Click here to visit the LaDy LaDuke boutique on Etsy.com

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About:

The sootheTIME™ zzzTIME™ Sleep System includes the following products to give your baby the healthiest and safest sleep possible.

snooze wrap™ plus adjustable swaddle wrap
The Snooze Wrap™ Plus is so simple to use that anyone can achieve a perfect swaddle — every time. It’s been designed to ensure proper positioning, while supporting the healthy growth and development of your baby. And the luxurious 100% cotton knit fabric provides the comfort baby deserves.

snooze sheet™ safe sleep
Use the Snooze Sheet™ with the sootheTIME Snooze Wrap™Plus or Stage 1 Snooze Sack™ to position baby for safe, developmentally appropriate sleep. Simply open the Sleep Stabilizers™on the Snooze Wrap™ Plus or Stage 1 Snooze Sack and place baby on the soft fabric over to secure your little one in the “back to sleep” position.

snooze sack™ wear-a-blanket™
With the Stage 1 Snooze Sack™ your baby stays covered and cozy for more restful sleep in any season. Unique design allows freedom of movement while keeping your baby snug and secure. And the soft, 100% cotton assures your baby’s comfort year-round. Machine washable and dryer safe to make your life a little easier, too.

Reviewed By: Resident Mom™ Sarah
Resident Mom™ Says:

Overall, this product line was great. The material felt wonderful and the products seem very well made. I washed them several times during our testing time and saw no wear. We used the line for about two weeks and loved it. I would definitely recommend this to my friends!
 
*Reviewed by piece

snooze sack™ wear-a-blanket™:
LOVED IT!!!! Due to the summer heat where I live, I put my newborn daughter, Eve, in this one with just her diaper. The vents kept her cool and the zipper allowed for easy access for diaper changes. She slept like a charm in this. I would seriously love to have several of these!
 
snooze sheet™ safe sleep and snooze wrap™ plus adjustable swaddle wrap:
Again, the material and fit were great. I also loved that these coordinated. Eve seemed to not like the fact that she was restricted initially, but acclimated very quickly. I loved the fact that I knew she wouldn’t ”roll” around. Figuring it out for the first use was a little complicated, but after one use we were good. I did not use the option of keeping her arms in the swaddle wrap, as she HATES this. Usually she doesn’t like her feet covered, but we had no problems with this at all.  My only complaints were that the wrap made the midnight diaper changes a little difficult, but it was worth it.

Pros: Fabric and quality feels great, items work well together, price is reasonable
Cons: Initial set up takes a bit of time and learning
Rating: A

INTERESTED IN BEING A RESIDENT MOM AND REVIEWING PRODUCTS (AND KEEPING THEM?!) CLICK HERE.

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By Bekah Wright

“Give me liberty or give me death!” No, it’s not the cry of a toddler attempting to get out of their parents’ clutches. Rather, it’s the edict proclaimed by Patrick Henry in 1775 at the start of the Revolutionary War. The site of the memorable speech – St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Because of its ideal proximity, many people consider Virginia’s capital city a base camp for visiting amusement parks like Busch Gardens or King’s Dominion, historical destinations such as Williamsburg or Jamestown or The Smithsonian Institution in nearby Washington, DC. Richmond has its own treasures to behold, though, from a deep-rooted history to a rich arts and culture scene. Best of all, the city’s many gardens, museums and theatres welcome families of all ages.

TOP FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS

Byrd Park & Maymont

The Fairy Chase at The Maymont Mansion

These two recreation areas are directly beside one another, making visiting both on the same day a possibility. Not to miss at Byrd Park are the peddleboat rides on Fountain Lake. There are two other lakes on the 287-acre property as well, including the aptly named Swan Lake with its many feathered inhabitants. There are plenty of trails to explore, as well as a playground for swing time. Hear the Carillon’s 56 bells note the hour and the urge to hear live music may come on. Lucky for visitors, the park’s Dogwood Dell amphitheatre has a full summer schedule with music, dance and theatrical performances.

Byrd Park is located at 600 S. Boulevard. For information about Dogwood Dell performances phone 1-804-646-DELL.

Visit the historic Maymont for both a glimpse back in time and to get in touch with nature. From 1893 to 1925, the 100-acre grounds were home to the Dooley millionaires. Their Victorian mansion is available for touring for a look at daily lives that included regular tea parties, card games and entertaining. Kids will especially like Sallie Dooley’s opulent swan bed. Down in the servants’ quarters, visitors get a realistic viewpoint of what it took to accomplish all that lavish living.

Strolling through Maymont’s gardens, it’s easy to imagine the fairy chases that take place on property. There are other gems to be stumbled upon as well from a 45-foot waterfall and idyllic gazebos to a Butterfly Garden and bamboo forest. A great way to get an overview of the area is via a horsedrawn carriage ride. Once having met the resident horses, there are other creatures to visit at the Children’s Farm, Nature & Visitor Center and Outdoor Wildlife Exhibits. The place to spot black bears on a hot day – treading water in their private pond.

Maymont is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Maymont Mansion, Nature & Visitor Center are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. To learn more, visit www.maymont.org or phone 1-804-358-7166.

Children’s Museum of Richmond

Proof that Richmond is a city that believes in the power of play are its two Children’s Museums, the Central Location (CMor Central) on Broad Street and the newly-opened Short Pump facility (CMor Short Pump).

For those families fresh from the Science Museum of Virginia next door (another of Richmond’s family friendly activities), more science can be had via Central C-Mor’s Cave Exhibit filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors can turn paleontologists in the Dinosaur Exhibit and dig for fossils and meet a Stegosaurus or baby Triceratops. Dramatists can play with the puppets at the Playhouse or build their own magic kingdom out of blocks.

PHOTO CREDIT: PW Photography

CMor Short Pump is a smaller facility, but has numerous displays that will keep little ones entertained for hours. Here it’s possible to don a pirate hat and commandeer a crew from the giant pirate ship, ride aboard the Wild Safari Train or make like fishes in the Whale of a Tale Water Play area. Children (or parents) still having fantasies that require playing out can head to the Enchanted Castle and work on their fairy godmother skills or be king for a day.

PHOTO CREDIT: PW Photography

For information on both Children’s Museum locations visit www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org or phone 1-804-474-7000.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Think all gardens are the same? Not in Richmond and definitely not the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. At first glance, the Conservatory may look both inviting and austere. Enter its doors, though, and whimsy abounds with the current Frabel exhibit with glass clowns, lizards and, yes, aliens mixed amongst the plants. They’ve even taken over the thatched-roof cottage in the Conservatory’s West Wing.

There’s magic to be found throughout the expansive property with frog fountains and butterfly chairs to be discovered in the Central Garden, a Tea House just outside the Rose Garden and a humongous pestle and mortar in the Healing Garden.

Perhaps the most fascinating garden of all, though, is the Children’s Garden. Giant wind chimes welcome from the treetops. Speaking of trees, there’s a tree house with views of Sydnor Lake for playing house. Other toddler-sized houses are in the area, too, signifying types of shelter found in different cultures. There are also trees to be climbed, arts and crafts to be made and a WaterPlay area for cooling off. For those not visiting in summer months that bemoan water fun, the winter holds an equally exciting venture – checking out the gardens transformed by holiday lights.

To learn more about Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden visit www.lewisginter.org or phone 1-804-262-9887 ext. 300.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts & Virginia Historical Society

Dashing preconceived notions that museums are stuffy are the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and Virginia Historical Society. Next door to one another, both hold treasures to behold. Introducing youngsters to fine art is VMFA’s one-hour gallery walk geared for families. On the tour are a series of objects used for carrying people and things from a Faberge egg that holds a mother’s special photo to animals that guarded an Indian king. After the tour, there’s more to be discovered from an Egyptian mummy to a flying rabbit.

To learn more about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts visit www.vmfa.museum or phone 1-804-340-1400.

The Virginia Historical Society never says “shhh” and believes exhibits are there to be handled. Just ask them. Beyond a healthy children’s program that includes arts and crafts, games, story times, camps, teas and tours, there are exhibits for checking out like various modes of transportation (how did they get that trolley car in there?) and a log cabin the pint-sized can appreciate. As for dress-up, sure, parents can try on the hats, too.

To learn more about the Virginia Historical Society visit www.vahistorical.org or phone 1-804-358-4901.

Theatre IV: The Children’s Theatre of Virginia

Located within the historic Empire Theatre. Bring beloved children’s books to the stage like Ferdinand the Bull (10/1-10/17/10) and The Velveteen Rabbit November 26, 2010 – January 9, 2011 (at the Willow Lawn location). The Big Friendly Giant February 18 – March 6, 2011 and Honk! April 29 – May 15, 2011

To learn more about Theatre IV visit www.theatreivrichmond.org or phone 1-804-282-2620.

NEXT: Where to Stay

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