Nurseries aren't just unicorns and rainbows for Robert Kwak, they're more cherry blossoms and boom boxes. The woodworker and soon-to-be father of two came up with the concept for Muu (pronounced Moo), his modern sustainable furniture company, as an expectant parent. The name is a zen term for the stage right before enlightenment and is appropriate since Kwak's designs have changed the way moms and dads think about tot decor. Muu offers families customization without commitment. Kwak isn't interested in mass production, instead he "makes things people are going to love and hold onto for a long time." We recently had a chance to chat.
LilSugar: There have been numerous crib recalls. Can you speak to if/why buying well-made furniture is important?
Robert Kwak: When we were starting the concept (of Muu) we talked to manufacturers all over the world, but ultimately we wanted to (have our goods) be (made) here in the United States for a number of reasons. One is quality, the people who make
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The Man Behind the Furniture: Robert Kwak of Muu Interview
By LilSugar | Parenting – Tue, Jun 22, 2010 10:47 PM EDT
Babies might be the best thing in life to celebrate! When that celebration comes in the form of a shower, it's even better. Planning a party that honors the soon-to-be mama while reflecting her personality and comfort level can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Any celebration is celebration enough. If the mom of the day isn't a traditional baby shower kind of gal, consider adding modern elements to her fete by stealing inspiration from these mod shower elements.Related Content:
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Read More »from Modern Baby Shower Elements to Consider
A baby shower is a cornerstone tradition for every soon-to-be-mama: Not only does it celebrate her impending adventure, but it sets her up with advice and tools for finding her way through the early days of motherhood. Planning a party that properly honors mama while reflecting her personality and comfort level can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Any celebration is celebration enough. If you aim to throw an impressive and traditional fete steal inspiration from these standard shower elements.Related Content:
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Read More »from Classic Baby Shower Elements to ConsiderCatch World Cup Fever With These Soccer Picks
By LilSugar | Parenting – Tue, Jun 15, 2010 8:33 PM EDTLet the games begin! World Cup fever is sweeping the globe, and even soccer's youngest fans can get in on the craze. From miniature versions of the game to t-shirt-clad Barbie dolls, it's easy for tots to show their football spirit.Related Content:Stella McCartney's Sister Mary Also Has an Eye For C
Natalie Morales's Mommy Must Have: Good Running Shoes
By LilSugar | Work + Money – Thu, Jun 10, 2010 8:50 PM EDT
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Natalie Morales navigates motherhood with a pair of broken in sneakers! We chatted with the NBC Today Show host at Baby Buggy's Bedtime Bash last week where she was enjoying amusement park rides with her sons Josh, 6, and Luke, 1. To keep up with her boys, the triathlete recommends, "a good pair of running shoes to chase after them!" We were also curious if she draws on any personal experience in her recurring role on Marriage Ref.
BabySugar: How do you handle differences in parenting styles with your husband?
Natalie Morales: We make a pretty good tag team. We trade off quite a bit, although both of them (the boys) seem to think Daddy is fun, fun, fun all the time and that's where I have the Marriage Ref argument because it's always mommy's the bad cop and daddy's the good cop.
BabySugar: You know you're a mother when ____. Natalie Morales: When the most incredible love - every little thing your child does you just well up with this love and at the same time the most incredibleNo nursery is complete without the perfect mobile hanging above the crib to lull a lil one off to sleep. The visual stimulants can inspire tots to reach for the stars and help young eyes begin to focus on individual objects. Finding a mobile that fits your nursery design is easier than ever. Here ar
Oh baby , what will they think up next? There's a thin line between cute and creepy baby items when it comes to the fetus category! The craze has been taken to the limits with goods from cookie cutters to ultrasound cufflinks and ornaments to casts of the growing babes. We've rounded up a few jaw-dropping items for you to vote on. Check 'em out!Related Content:
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Read More »from Five Cute or Creepy Fetus Items
A baby's bottom may be the epitome of softness, but the tender skin can be pretty sensitive when suffering from diaper rash. The prickly red dots can wreak havoc on a newborn and send mama searching for remedies. Before purchasing fancy potions, check out these all natural (inexpensive) treatments.
- Skip the Baby Wipes - Many commercial baby wipes are made with chemicals and perfumes to make them look and smell good. Skip the wipes and clean your lil one with a soft wet cotton cloth. A traditional cloth diaper or burp cloth works well.
- Air Out - Cover the floors with blankets and towels and take off your lil one's diaper. Allowing your baby's bum to dry out in the fresh air will help clear up the rash.
- Loosen the Diaper - Mamas tend to secure their tots' nappies pretty tight to contain leaks. Loosen the closures so there's a bit of space between the diaper and your baby's bum so air will flow more freely.
- Wash Up - Diaper rashes are not all the same.
Shower the mama-to-be with gifts for her impending arrival. When a LilSugar reader asked our community of moms for baby shower gift advice, lots of recommendations came in. Check out these 10 hot reader tips!
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Source: LilSugarRead More »from LilSugar Readers' Top 10 Baby Shower GiftsGet Your Burger On: Kid-Friendly Burgers to Kick Off Summer
By LilSugar | Parenting – Thu, Jun 3, 2010 5:24 AM EDT
Fire up the grill! Memorial Day is not only the unofficial start of Summer, it's the first day of grilling season. Families across the country are moving their meals outside and looking for grill marks on their favorite fare. To celebrate National Hamburger Month, we created some kid-friendly sliders that will have the lil ones hungry for seconds. As you plan your menu, try one of these kid-tested and mom-approved burger recipes or share your own in The Children's Table group over in the LilSugar Community!
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