droolicious : sling

Star Baby: Someone is Slinging Pretty

SunnyChanel — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Jennifer Garner is slinging her new daughter Seraphina in style. The new baby Affleck is being cradled in a festive floral carrier by The Peanut Shell. The Park Avenue Stoll Baby Sling is reversible, is 100% cotton and has a handy pocket and fabric toy loop. You can stroll just like this star here for $69.

Photo: Just Jared

The Babble Review - Kata 3N1 Camera Bag

Chris Ford — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Taking photos with my DSLR camera - especially taking photos of my kids - has become one of my passions. But the problem for me and most parents is, how do you deal with carrying a big expensive camera while still dealing with kids and all of the stuff that they require? In fact, I've spoken with many parents who have complained of this same problem. So I've been searching for the perfect camera bag, and although I think ultimately the idea of a "perfect" camera bag may just be an illusion - I might have found a pretty close one - the Kata 3N1 Camera Bag.

My complete review after the jump.

At the bare minimum, my requirements for a great camera bag are it needs to hold my camera, two additional lenses, a flash and have a space for some personal items (cell phone, keys, water bottle etc.). Also, I was really looking for a bag that would work as a sling, so I wouldn't have to constantly be taking the bag off to grab my camera to take a picture. This part is especially important for parents trying to deal with kids and a camera at the same time. The great thing about the Kata 3N1 is that it met all of those bare requirements, plus had a lot of features that, while I wasn't specifically looking for them, have proven to come in very handy.

The Kata 3N1 holds my Canon 50D with a lens on the body, as well as a medium telephoto and 50mm lens in the bag. It also holds my external flash as well as all of the other normal stuff you'd want to carry in a camera bag (memory cards, extra batteries, remote trigger cords etc.). It also has a decently sized compartment at the top for personal items. But the best part about the bag is that it works as a sling as well as a backpack. The bag can be configured to be a right-handed or a left-handed sling, as well as a backpack for when you're hiking or know you won't need the camera at a moment's notice. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's the only left-handed sling camera bag on the market.

When taking pictures with kids, this sling feature is immensely helpful. I took the bag to birthday parties, to the park and other outdoor activities; and whenever they did something cute or spontaneous that I wanted to take a picture of, I could just twist the bag around my body, pull open the top and have the camera ready in a matter of seconds. In fact getting to most of the other stuff in the bag was equally easy - but it will depend on how you set up the bag for yourself.

The other great thing about the bag that I love is that while it holds a lot of stuff, it really isn't that big or bulky. I tested the Kata 3N1-20 which is the medium-sized bag in the line, and it seemed there was a place or a pocket for every piece of gear (memory card pocket, easy access external pouches for filters or batteries etc.). And to me at least, the look of the bag doesn't scream "I've got an expensive camera over here! Check me out!" It really just looks like a small black backpack, which is important not just for modesty's sake, but also safety (cameras in bags that don't necessarily look like camera bags are less of a target for thieves).

Besides all of that, it's got all of the things you'd expect in a camera bag from a company like Kata. There is a waterproof cover for the bag in case it rains, a great handle on the top of the bag and very sturdy construction. Oh, and it also has the signature Kata yellow interior lining - which might not seem like that big of a deal, but anyone who's dug around the bottom of a black camera bag looking for a black camera accessory can understand how cool this feature is.

In fact, I tried very hard to find a problem with the bag, but ultimately I came up short. It's not even that expensive, especially considering how expensive the camera and gear you're putting into it likely is.

The bag won't hold a laptop or every last item of your camera gear (like a tripod) so it might not be great for long vacations or trips. It also won't hold a lot of the kid-stuff that parents sometimes have to lug around so it won't work as a camera/diaper bag combo, but it has become my personal day-to-day camera bag and is my absolute recommendation for parents with a DSLR camera.

You can check out the Kata 3N1 camera bag line at Kata-Bags.com.
Or purchase the Kata 3N1 20 for $99.95 at Amazon.com.

Spit Up: What is This? And It's How Much???

SunnyChanel — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:30:00 GMT

At first glance I thought this piece by Bill Amberg was some sort of equestrian gear. But no, this isn’t for Sea Biscuit, this is a baby of the human variety. The Shearling Baby Papoose is a “luxury” baby carrier that’s imported from England and features “sumptuous shearling, bridle leather and buttery suede.” And you’re probably wondering how much a baby sling that has the words sumptuous and buttery in it’s description, well those aren’t cheap words. This handsome piece of baby carrying technology will set you back $550. Interested? Check it out here.

The Baby Wearing Down Coat

SunnyChanel — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Yes, this is one big, warm practical feat of coat technology especially developed for those cold weather dwelling moms. The Mama Baby Wearing Down Coat was designed just for baby wearers. By Psling, this light weight puffer jacket comes with an extra panel that zips on the basic coat, giving ample room for mom and baby. It comes with a removable faux fur hood and can be warn just as practically sans baby. It's two coats in one, with a two coat price of $345. You can check it out here.

Baby Wearing Made Beautiful

Cathy Hale — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

It may be one of the oldest parenting traditions in the world, aside from breastfeeding and natural childbirth. Parents around the world have been wearing their babies for centuries. Happy. Safe. Secure. Comfortable. There are plenty of reasons why it's such a beneficial form of transportation.

Me personally? I didn't sling my babies with much success. And I can assure you, after trying to put on a sling and place my baby into it without dropping him on the floor, I was a frazzled, sweaty mess. Nothing like the relaxed smiling mommy in this photo. Then again, I never tried Hotslings.

I been around many mommies who do enjoy baby wearing and one of the their favorites is the Hotslings Everyday Baby Sling Carrier. I've seen it in action. First, the slings are beautifully crafted and the prints are amazing. Second, they are 97% cotton and 3% spandex so they have some give and provide a snug fit. Hotslings pouches are a single piece of fabric without buckles, snaps or rings. The sizing is crucial to your comfort, so make sure you follow the sizing chart. Check out the Everyday Collection. If you've never worn a sling and you're curious as to how they work, check out the website for detailed instructions.

Star Baby: How Does Brooke Burke Carry Her Baby

SunnyChanel — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:40:00 GMT

How does Brooke Burke carry her 9-month-old son Shaya? She keep him close and safe on a recent shopping trip in the Peacock Johnny by Rockin’ Baby Sling. This stylish baby carrier is made of a brushed 100% cotton, which makes it nice and soft and it is worn here in the pouch style, you can also get the same fabric in the ring sling version. You can get it here for $82.

Photo: CelebrityBabyScoop

Star Baby: How Does Nicole Kidman Carry Her Kid?

SunnyChanel — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:57:00 GMT

While cold chillin’ in Paris (literally), Nicole Kidman used more then just her black leather jacket to keep warm, she also had a sweet sweet baby Sunday to keep her warm…and vice versa. Nicole took her daughter Sunday on a stroll in her Black Belle Baby Carrier. This comfortable ergonomic design distributes the baby’s weight so you can carry them easier. Apparently it works well for Nicole, maybe it will for you too. You can pick up yours here for $89.95. PLUS they’re offering a discount of 20% and free shipping on all orders received now until December 20th! Coupon code: mommies.

Star Baby: How Does Gwen Stefani Sling Her Baby?

SunnyChanel — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gwen Stefani and family were snapped arriving at LAX. Glam Gwen doesn’t have to carry her own luggage (a lucky perk of being a star), but she was seen lugging around her own special carry on, her baby Zuma. How does Gwen carry her new little boy? With a black Maya Wrap Sling. This popular sling choice comes in a variety of color choices and makes carrying your little cargo simple, easy and comfortable. You can get your own 100% hand-woven sling here for $65.95.

Etsy Alert: Attachment Parenting Doll from Norway

SunnyChanel — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

For those toddlers and kids who grew up being worn by mommy or daddy, this doll will make bring back fond memories of being carried by the folks here, there and everywhere. This handmade cutie has a baby doll in a sling wrapped around her, she was inspired by the Scandinavian Matryoshka Art Doll and is suitable for children over the age of three. Sweet and sentimental, you can get your handcrafted 100% cotton doll from Etsy seller Ravenhill, who resides in Oslo, Norway, here.

Star Baby: What Was Gabrielle Reece Wearing?

SunnyChanel — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Pro volleyball player, model and tall drink of water Gabrielle Reece departed from LAX wearing not just a lovely scarf but her 11-month-old daughter Brody Jo. Gabrielle closely carried her baby daughter in ever-popular BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original in City Black. You can get yours from BabiesRUs here and it’s on sale! You can pick one up for $79.99 (regularly $89.99) here.

Star Baby: How Does Amanda Peet Carry Her Baby?

SunnyChanel — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:27:00 GMT

Actress Amanda Peet was with her daughter at the Los Angeles International Airport yesterday. How does she carry 20 month old daughter Frances Pen? In the Ergo Baby Carrier in Blue with Green. This model has sold out and isn’t be made anymore but you can still get the same carrier in other hues like black with green detail. And really that’ll match all your outfits better than a blue/green mix. Black, that goes with everything. You can get yours here for $105.

Star Baby: Nicole Kidman Goes for a Sunday Stroll

SunnyChanel — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:24:00 GMT

Nicole Kidman was out and about taking her aptly named baby Sunday out for a, well, Sunday stroll. And she got all Ethan Hawke-ish with the stunning Serena and Lilly cotton Market sling. This baby carrier is so pretty it almost makes me want to have another kid just so I can use one. Here Nicole Kidman carries her baby in the Flax hue with Sky Blue interior. The cotton is 100% organic cotton and has been hand embroidered. The sling is created with one piece of seemless piece of fabric and doesn’t have buckles, belts or straps to irritate your precious cargo. $129 here.

(Photo Via Jezebel)

Star Baby: Get Carried Away With Julia Roberts

SunnyChanel — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:34:00 GMT

How does America’s sweetheart and Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts carry her son Henry? She goes green with this ERGObaby-organics carrier ($120). This baby carrier is made from soft and sturdy 100% organic materials. The one that Julia uses here is the Forest green with Moss green lining. It can carry kids from four months to four years but has been known to be able to hold up to 90 pounds (but who know if you could carry that much baby). Get yours here.

Droolworthy: Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags

elizabeth leach — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Petunia Pickle Bottom, besides having a fantastic name, makes scrumptious diaper bags and coordinating baby slings. (We've reviewed their Serenity Slings in the past so I'll focus on the diaper bags.) Known for using exotic brocade patterns, Petunia’s bags are sophisticated and beautiful enough to be worn as handbags, long after the need to carry diapers.

Petunia now offers a new collection of glazed canvas (PVC free) bags that have the look of brocade but can be easily wiped clean. These bags are as glamorous as her original bags but can be worn every day without any worries.

The names of the fabrics are as delicious as the bags themselves: Nightfall in Madrid, Idealistic Istanbul, Moroccan Roll, to name a few. Choose from many sizes depending on how much or how little you need to carry.

The above photo is the Boxy Backpack in Tigris Roll brocade. These bags have 3 bottle pockets, a detachable dirty diaper pouch, a changing pad station that folds out (very clever!), and can be used as a backpack or with shoulder straps. (approximately $158)

The above photo is the Cross Town Clutch in Afternoon in Katmandu, glazed canvas. This compact bag has enough room for all the essentials and easily hooks on to the back of your stroller. It comes with a diaper changing pad and wipes case. (approximately $68)

The above photo is the Touring Totes in Parisian Pansy, glazed canvas. These bags are a little bigger than the Cross Town Clutch and attach to your stroller with clips. There's a pocket for your cell phone, bottle, wallet, iPod, and it comes with changing pad and wipes case. (approximately $145)

Check out Petunia Pickle Bottom's other diaper bags: the Scout which is designed by and for men and the Cake Collection, in super lush cut velvet.