Table of Contents

1. Eternal Maternal
Staff Writer, Jala Smith, explores the art of belly casting with Eternal Maternal.

2. Interview with a Cool Mom
Editor, Megan Grady, speaks with Liz Gumbinner, one of the cool moms behind Cool Mom Picks.

3. Stepping Out With Your Baby
Staff Writer, Mamie Cosentino, shares with us her picks for fashionable toddler footwear.

By Jala Smith

We at Peekaboo Picks love beautiful pregnant bellies. We really do! Their curvaceous, soft shape and symbol of what is to come is a memory fit for years of ogling over. And when we say ogling, we mean more than flipping through a photo album of pre-baby memories. This precious time deserves a commemoration like no other, and we’ve found a way to make it happen.

Eternal Maternal, owned and operated by Vancouver, Washington mom Karen DeSemple, provides a safe, fun, and easy way to preserve the memory of pregnancy far beyond birth. Eternal Maternal’s Belly Cast Kit includes everything needed to make a plaster mold of mom-to-be’s torso. A belly cast is a true, 3-dimensional replica of the miracle of pregnancy and the amazing transformation that a woman’s body goes through to bring a precious little one into the world. Moms have a great view of their belly from above, or looking at it straight into a mirror, but a belly cast allows mom to see her body from every angle.

We especially like this belly cast kit because it’s simple, with great instructions, and contains just the materials needed to make a belly cast at home. Its contents include four rolls of medical grade plaster gauze, a drop cloth to aid in easy clean-up, natural belly lubricant rather than a messy petroleum-based product, and hanging equipment. All of these supplies are bundled in a natural kraft box and ready for gift giving. Most of all, we love the packaging! The box is adorned with a lovely illustration of Mom and baby and was drawn by Portland, Oregon artist, Mom and entrepreneur Karyn Servin.

Wonder how it all works? We found out and would love to tell you. Plaster is cut into strips, dipped in lukewarm water, and laid piece by piece over Mom’s torso. Some Moms prefer to just have their belly cast, but others cast from their neck down. We think the full torso effect is just to die for! The entire process takes about an hour, and the results — precious.

“When I was pregnant, I couldn’t remember being otherwise. But as soon as our baby was born, it was so hard to remember what it was like to carry her. The belly cast is a truly tangible memory of our baby’s life in the womb,” says new mom, and Eternal Maternal Belly Cast Kit fan, Doe Hatfield. Doe looks forward to the day she can show baby Hannah the cast and tell her more about what those months carrying her were like. “We’ve shared the belly cast with friends and family who weren’t here during my pregnancy,” says Doe.

So the cast is made — what next? Karen says a belly cast can be hung the day after it’s made, it doesn’t even need to be decorated. On the other hand, decorating a belly cast can be just as fun as creating it. Paint, feathers, sequins, and buttons — the embellishment possibilities are endless! Set it on a shelf in a nursery or hang it on the wall.

Karen’s passion for pregnancy and babies stretches far beyond her belly cast kit. “I love being involved in the maternity industry because there is so much positive energy surrounding it. The whole journey of pregnancy is such a miracle and I can’t help but smile when I see a pregnant belly,” she says. Customer response to her kit, and company brand, has been so positive that she’s working on expanding her business to include other products. Keep your eyes on the lookout for the Eternal Maternal Pampering Kit, featuring all natural products to fully pamper and relax moms and moms-to-be.

We think the Eternal Maternal Belly Cast Kit makes a great baby shower gift or activity, or family project. A belly cast is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

If you’d like to read more about the Eternal Maternal Belly Cast Kit, or find out where you can purchase one, visit www.eternalmaternal.com.
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Interview with a Cool Mom
By Megan Grady

I had a chance to talk to Liz Gumbinner, one of the very cool moms behind the popular website, Cool Mom Picks. If you haven’t had a chance to check out their site, we at Peekaboo Picks would suggest clicking over there for a little look around. The Cool Moms know a thing or two about fun products and their writing is always fresh and entertaining. Liz graciously shared with me what Cool Mom Picks is all about, their tips for success in this industry, and of course, a few things just for fun. I can personally say, as a new mother just getting my feet wet with my own creative endeavor (this magazine), it’s nice to know there are other moms out there who are supportive of their peers. Liz is definitely one cool momma, and I think that definitely shines through in this interview. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together! -Megan

MG: I know many Peekaboo Picks readers are also fans of your fabulous site, Cool Mom Picks. For those who are not yet familiar, I’m sure they’re wondering: Who are these Cool Moms and what is your site all about?

LG: My co-editor Kristen Chase and I always say that we’re not cool, it’s the picks that are cool. In fact, I think one of the appealing things about our perspective is that we don’t claim to be fashion editors or style mavens. We’re just regular moms (with high standards) who spend time scouring the web for things we love.

Our focus is non-mainstream gifts and gear, especially those from emerging designers and mom-run businesses. We also feature helpful websites, great kids albums and books, artisan toys and accessories, and cool causes that we think more parents should know about. And we try to do it all with a cheeky tone that tells our readers we don’t take shopping too seriously. As we say on our site, we know that cool stuff doesn’t make the mom, although it does make life a bit more enjoyable at times.

MG: That definitely sounds like a fun online venue! Is it just the website or do you have a newsletter too?

LG: In addition to daily updates on the site, we have a monthly newsletter that’s a fun, easy read. We’ve just started adding fantastic new content including exclusive discounts, picks you won’t find on our site, recent staff favorites, and an interview with a momtrepreneur of the month – hey, kind of like this! I’d say it’s an enjoyable bit of fluff in your inbox every few weeks. Not that I’m biased.

MG: One thing I love about your site is that the Cool Moms seem to understand the importance of balancing motherhood with personal needs, especially when it comes to maintaining a personal sense of style. What advice can you offer other moms on finding this balance?

LG: I think a lot of marketers forget that moms are people too. We didn’t just lose our identities as women when we started spawning. We still want to look good and, more importantly, feel good about ourselves. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up a fabulous new pair of earrings or wearing something a bit racy (and lacy) under the yoga pants.

That said, it’s our belief that most mothers don’t want to be held to the same style standards as they had pre-kids. It’s just not realistic. So while we do offer some beauty and fashion picks, you’ll never see $500 handbags on our site or skinny maternity jeans that fit .0006% of the population. The world needs more happy, confident moms – not more muffin tops.

MG: As your fellow “pickers” in the baby and toddler editorial spectrum, we love to visit your site and see all of the unique products the Cool Moms are able to find. You certainly know how to pick them! What are the basic criteria for the products you choose to review on your site?

LG: At first we considered incorporating a very complex, 16-point process grounded in market research and consumer input. But in the end, we settled for a simpler system in which one of us emails the other with an idea and says, “hey, whaddya think?’

Also? You will never find diaper cakes on our site. Ever.

MG: Cool Mom Picks has been a leader in the industry for quite some time now. You’ve probably reviewed thousands of products. We’re dying to know, what is your all-time favorite find?

LG: (fyi – we’ve only been around for a year!) I couldn’t narrow it down to one find, but I am partial to companies that are run by parents themselves. I’m so impressed when I find that not only does a mom find time to create some amazing nursery art, record an album or stitch a gorgeous custom toddler coat, but that she manages to turn it into a thriving business.

MG: The writing on your site is so sharp and witty, despite showcasing amazing products; you are also a daily source of entertainment. Are there any other writing projects in the works for the ladies at Cool Mom Picks?

LG: Gee, thank you! I knew I liked you from the start, Megan.

We’re all writers first and foremost. Kristen and I are both published authors as well as parenting bloggers (find Kristen at motherhooduncensored.typepad.com and Liz at Mom-101.blogspot.com). Our invaluable staff is entirely comprised of bloggers as well, which is why their writing styles are so accessible and enjoyable for our readers.

You can find us all over the web from the Huffington Post to the Imperfect Parent, with some new projects coming soon. Plus CMP is about to embark on some really exciting on and offline media partnerships that will expose us to a wider audience. Keep an eye on our site for all the juicy details.

MG: For our readers who are not only moms but entrepreneurs in this industry as well, what advice can you share with them on building a successful company in this market?

LG: You have to love whatever you do. Really, really love it. Like you want to marry it. Simply wanting to make money isn’t motivating enough in the long run, particularly as you encounter the sacrifices you’ll be making. I’m like 5 weeks behind on “Lost” these days—how wrong is that.

However as much as you believe in your business you also have to determine that there will be a market for it. We get some submissions from people and think, “hoo boy, who would ever buy this?” So I suppose a trusted partner or friend who can give you a good, strong reality check is essential too. Yes-men (or yes- moms?) are your worst enemy.

MG: Okay, so we have to ask at least one “just for fun” question. If the Cool Mom Picks were to be made into a movie, who would you cast to play yourselves?

LG: I would clearly be played by Jessica Alba and Kristen by Phoebe Cates from her Ridgemont High days. Like you couldn’t tell from our photo? Pfft, we’re practically separated at birth.

MG: Once again, the Cool Moms never fail to entertain! Thanks so much for answering a few questions for our readers but before we let you off the hook, we have just one more. As experts in the subject, how would you describe a cool mom?

LG: A cool mom doesn’t necessarily have the latest diaper bag or the most expensive stroller or even the kid with the cleanest nose. She’s just a parent who’s confident in who she is and how she’s raising her children, and has a sense of awareness of the world around her. Plus she can laugh. A lot. Lord knows we all need it.

Get your daily dose of the Cool Moms and their Picks at




Stepping Out With Your Baby
By Mamie Cosentino

When you’re stepping out with your baby, you’ll want to make sure she’s putting her best foot forward. And if baby’s dressed in blue, he won’t go wrong in the right pair of shoes. Experts agree, the best thing for your toddler’s feet is going bare, but when protecting those twinkle toes from the elements is a necessity (or an adorable ensemble just screams for the perfect accessory), toddlers today have their pick of the litter when it comes to shoes that are light on support and big on style.

Mamas who want urban footwear for their baby’s first steps should take a stroll over to SeeKaiRun.com, where you’ll find more than a dozen bright, bold, dare-you-to-buy-just-one pair toddler shoes available in sizes 3-9. Graphic and modern with flexible rubber soles, your toddler’s sure to stand out when stepping into a crowd.We love the smart details, easy on-and-off Velcro straps, and even playing field of this line. See Kai Run is a family owned and operated business, and because the creators have a son of their own, they give the little guys as many chic choices as the gals. Fashionable and fun with grown-up sensibility, these shoes aren’t kidding around. The olive and black Ocean Sandal for boys is part camo, part cutie-pie, and an all around cool kick. And little ladies are sure to blaze a trail in the candy-colored Neo shoe, a dazzling new twist on an unbeatable classic. These seriously-soft leather shoes come equipped with an ultra-flexible sole constructed of TPR, a modern thermoplastic rubber created to offer extra durability, making these shoes the ultimate solution to the fashion and functionality dilemma.Because the preschool years are some of the most important for foot development, the folks at Preschoolians.com have created a line of footwear with an ample selection to choose from and a “Guaranteed Proper Fit” to boot. Named one of Time Magazine’s Coolest Inventions of the Year, the Visu Fit panel on the sole of each pair of Preschoolians is a clear window that gives parents a peek at baby’s foot, ensuring a more accurate fit. With choices galore for baby boys and girls alike, Preschoolians are available in Crawlers, Walkers, and Runners and offered in European sizes 17-27 (US 2.75-12.5). In addition to their double elastic straps and adjustable footbeds that accommodate narrow, medium, and wide widths, have we mentioned that these shoes are just plain adorable? The Shower Me With Flowers Mary Janes are as sweet as can be with their stitched floral detailing and are available in four color combinations (we love the tan and pink) in your choice of Nappa or Nubuck leather.(Here’s a tip: Individualist parents won’t want to miss the opportunity to design their own pair of Preschoolians. From soles to shoelaces, the impressive color pallet and your own unique sense of style guarantee you a pair of shoes as original as your wee little walker!) It’s hard to say what we love best about the darling collection at SoftStarShoes.com, a family-oriented company that prides itself in a wide selection of handcrafted shoes made of natural, non-toxic materials and wide, lightweight soles. From monogrammed leather moccasins to classic buckle shoes worthy of a nursery rhyme, this line is simple and sweet with a hint of nostalgic charm. With more than 20 styles to choose from, the “Design Your Own” option lets you create your dream pair of sandals, boots, moccasins, or Mary Janes. Just select the color, motif and width of your shoe (available in infant size 0 to a Youth 3), and then put your feet up as your design is stitched together and shipped out, all in 1-4 business days.Made of smooth grain leather, the Keepsake Shoe is particularly precious with customizable soles commemorating baby’s arrival or first birthday, and the creamy sage Nova sandal is both playful and practical–a must-have for spring. When it comes to simple designs, classic colors, and dedicated USA craftsmanship, Soft Star Shoes are a perfect fit.From slip-ons to lace-ups as comfortable as they are cute, today’s shoemakers prove that modern tots are no longer limited to those stiff-soled booties of yesteryear. With so many fabulous foot-friendly finds, fashion takes one giant step forward, and Mama walks proud knowing that when her baby’s little piggies go to market, they go in style.

Peekaboo Picks Readers enjoy 15% off your entire order at SoftStarShoes.com with coupon code Peekaboo (valid now thru the end of April 2007)

Want to win your own pair of Soft Star Shoe’s adorable Nova Sandal? This week we’re giving away a pair to one lucky Peekaboo Picks Reader. Sign-up for our FREE newsletter by April 5th to be eligible to win!