TalkingShopping.com

For moms concerned about keeping their babies in style and their kitchens looking fab, the TalkingShopping gals think the Fresco Loft Baby High Chair by Bloom is certainly the way to go.

The chair was chosen as one of CoolMomPicks, "Picks of the Year" for 2008.

Of course a high chair this high on style also comes with a pretty high price tag... $500!

Chic moms can choose from either the black base (shown left) or white base and eight different colors for the seat cover (Coconut White Leatherette shown left).

One of the best features of the chair is it's 360 degree swivel capability... so no matter where you are in the kitchen you can gently swirl little junior around to face you. 

Gotta have one?  Snag it at Estella.  

If you think shopping for the people in your life is hard, imagine what it must be like for Jim Duggar?! His wife Michelle gave birth to their 18th child yesterday in Arkansas.  Not only does he have 18 children to give gifts to... what in the world do you give to the woman that has 18 children?  

The TalkingShopping gals think that Michelle deserves a little pampering.  So we put together a couple of suggestions (both less than $50) for Jim.  We'd be happy to receive either of these little goodies... so we can only imagine a super busy mom like Michelle might also enjoy them!


True Blue Spa
Wrapped in Luxury
Shea Cashmere

This set includes a chenille sponge, shower cream and body lotion packaged in a brushed canvas reusable box.

$39.50 at Bath & BodyWorks











Relax & Restore Gift Set

This set includes moisture cream, milk bath float, dream pillow, body mist, body moisturizer, lamp ring, home fragrance oil and a silk eye mask all packaged in a blue cotton-covered reusable box.

Helmets, seatbelts, organic food, looking both ways before crossing the street, Vitamin C, embarrassing but warm hats, scarves, and gloves---you do everything you can for your kiddos to keep them safe and healthy.

Sadly, there seems to be a new danger in your home that may mean Santa's elves are gonna have to be dealing with loads of returns this holiday season. Sounds like a news story for TalkingShopping! Oh wait... Here we are! We're glad you are here, too!

Turns out toxic chemicals called phthalates have been proven to cause all kinds of health issues for kids including early puberty, breast cancer, lowered sperm-count, and other gender-bending problems. Worst of all, they have been found in many plastic toys sold all over the world, including the United States (the chemical gives them a "softer" feel). Because of such findings, toys with the toxic phthalates will be banned as of February 2009. Unfortunately, toys made before the ban can still be sold! Why would toymakers even mess around with a loop hole like this??

So, to keep your kids' presents free of phthalates, the best thing to do is avoid toys with PVC plastic which usually contain phthalates. Also know that Toys 'R' Us and WalMart are removing all toys with the banned substances from their shelves already. HealthyToys.org have tested 1200 toys this year for concerned parents. The Super Safety Bath Ducky from Munchin, Inc., $4.49 was listed as a low risk toy. Their website has huge lists of toys so you can make sure that you know what's in those gifts!

In these tough economic times when there are hungry mouths to feed, moms and dads are doing the best they can to make ends meet. But it's important to know when inventive ways to squeeze those dollars can potentially be more harm than help.

Recently, one Florida mom learned the hard way when trying to make her baby's formula stretch and it almost killed her 5-month-old. If you've ever diluted your baby's formula to make it last longer, you're gonna want to read on--it could save your child's life.

The mom tried to get by feeding her baby eight-to-10 cans of formula a month when he needed 15, so she improvised and added extra water to his bottles to make do. Little did she realize that babies cannot handle extra water in their diet until they are at least 10 months old. Her infant suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with water intoxication after being rushed to the hospital. He was also diagnosed with malnutrition.

TalkingShopping wants all our shoppers to know that following the formula instructions exactly as directed on the label is critical!

Dr. Nancy Snyderman, chief medical editor for NBC, said on TODAY, "Let your doctor or hospital know you are going to need help, because beyond the [Women, Infants and Children] program, hospitals can help, food banks are helping this time of year, and food stamps we know are going up."

TalkingShopping suggests taking advantage of Diapers.com's free shipping on orders of $49.00 or more.

Pictured and available on Diapers.com:

Nestle Good Start Nursers, 3 oz. bottles-48 count, $57.99

Earth's Best Organic Baby Formula, 25.75 oz., $27.99

If you're looking to do some major baby shopping this weekend, then Saturday is the day to stop by your local Babies"R"Us store or spend some time online at BabiesRUs.com. 

The team at Babies"R"Us just tipped the TalkingShopping girls off about some super savings happening this Saturday only!
So what can you save on?  
Read the Full Story

Kids all over the country will no doubt be ready to stage a revolt when they hear that one of the biggest chain toy stores, KB Toys has returned to Chapter 11 bankruptcy status, according to the Wall Street Journal (the sound of kids crying is resounding on playgrounds everywhere)!  According to the article, all KB Toys will be liquidated by their parent company, Prentice Capital Management, ASAP.

Apparently, "Going out of business" sales will start sooner than later at the chain's 277 retail outlets, 40 larger KB Toy Works stores, 114 outlet stores and 30 temporary "holiday stores."  However, once again, although this is surely sad news for toy-hungry tots across the country, this may work to their advantage (yes, we can still think like a child once in a while).  This simply means that mom and dad can snag more toys to gift you with this year!  Perfect.

The WSJ said that the liquidation was prompted by a 20% decrease in sales over the second half of this year.  Ouch.  No word yet on what the fate of KB Toys gift cards is, but their website does state that they have suspended gift card sales for the rest of 2008.

KB Toys is in fact offering TONS of savings right now on their website and they even tell you when to order by so your gift will arrive in time for Christmas!  Check it out here!

TalkingShopping doesn't know whose job it was to calculate when the deed was done, but apparently winning a gold medal is one effective aphrodisiac! Olympic gold winning, beach volleyball hottie, Kerry Walsh, is gonna be a momma!

And even if you aren't putting that bump pass on hold in exchange for a baby bump like Kerry, we still think fashionable maternity wear is a necessity for every mommy-to-be! In honor of such a great opportunity for Mrs. Walsh to trade in her bikini for some maternity gear, we thought we'd keep our shoppers who find themselves in the same situation in the shopping loop--do ya love us, or what?

Tummy Style currently is having their December Super Clearance Sale.


Right: Olian Maternity Turtleneck Top, $60.00 now $39.95

Staying well-dressed and within budget is possible while sporting flattering maternity clothes, especially with your TalkingShopping reporters by your side!

TalkingShopping.com stopped by IKEA to tell you all about a great promotion that benefits UNICEF and "Save the Children."   Watch the video below to learn more about how you can help by taking home a plush toy from IKEA this holiday season...