Diaper Bag Style Function for Today's Moms

Mama Trends

MBE partnered with Luli Bebé for this review, Post contains affiliate links

Not Your Mother's Diaper Bag

Millennial and Gen Z mamas with little ones want and expect much more than previous generations, especially when it comes to carrying bags suited to hauling around all the necessary baby and toddler gear. The modern mommy still seeks function, of course, but she also rightfully desires a stylish diaper bag which blends seamlessly with her busy on-the-go lifestyle. Designed by Arpi Khachatryan when she became a mother herself and couldn't find what she wanted, the chic, functional, vegan leather Monaco diaper bag collection from Luli Bebé checks off all the boxes, giving new meaning to the sentiment that necessity is the mother of invention.

Mom Rachel Marks with Luli Bebé Monaco Diaper Bag

Must-Have Accessory for Real Moms on the Go

Already being styled by celebrity moms Irina Shayk, Natalie Portman, and Anna Kournikova, the Luli Bebé Monaco diaper bag is also being embraced by influential mamas like Tara Henderson @taralynnn who recently collaborated with the brand with her own original design, Madison Fisher @madisonbontempo who is a mom of twins plus one, and, most recently, mother of a toddler and baby Rachel Marks here @mommyblogexpert.

"This is my new favorite diaper bag," says Rachel, a Southern California millennial mother of two sons including a 3-month old and a 3-year old. "The Monaco full-size diaper bag is absolutely stunning both in style and functionality. I just love the overall trendy luxe look and feel of the faux vegan leather as well as the many beautiful exterior details such as the large quilted front flap magnetic pouch and the gold tone hardware accents, closures, and the knob feet on the bag's bottom.

When Mommy is happy, so is 3-Month Old Baby Marks

"The Luli Bebé Monaco isn't just another pretty diaper bag, either, its beauty is matched with hard-working functionality that goes above and beyond. Like most smartphone-carrying moms these days, I've found having two hands free isn't always easy or even possible. That's why, especially with two young children, I fully appreciate this bag's brilliant strap design which offers three options for hands-free holding: as a shoulder bag, as a backpack, or as a clip-on to our umbrella stroller or baby carriage. 

"Also worthy of note is the thoughtfully-designed elegant satin-lined interior of this bag. Thanks to four generously-sized, strategically located inner pockets (with nine storage spaces in total), I feel so much more organized. Everything I need -- from diapers, wipes, and hand sanitizer, to bottles, juice boxes, spare changes of clothes and more -- is always easily within one-handed reach when I need it. What's more is this carrying bag is ideal for traveling, since there's plenty of room in the pockets to stow my breast pump, parts, and supplies, too.

Luli Bebé Monaco Faux Leather Diaper Bag in 6 colors

 

"Long story short is that the Luli Bebé Monaco diaper bag makes packing up and getting out of the house a breeze, no matter whether I'm heading to the office for work, doing errands, or venturing out on a day trip with one or both of my children. 

Now that travel is resuming both domestically and abroad, I can't imagine not bringing this bag along. In fact, I'm really looking forward to taking it with us soon on family vacations, road trips and long trans-Atlantic flights with my hubbie and kids." 

More about the Luli Bebé

Seen in Vogue and other media outlets, the stylish brand's easy-to-care-for diaper bag comes in two sizes: The Monaco with changing mat included ($159) and Petit Monaco ($129). Both textured vegan faux leather diaper bag styles can be carried three ways and are offered in a kaleidoscope of runway-ready colors ranging from Ebony Black, Pearl White, and Stone Grey, to Pastel Pink, Latte Brown, and Caramel. The Luli Bebé Monaco collection, also features beautiful, matching insulated faux leather snack lunch bags and travel bags ($79-$219). 

Whether she works outside the house or stays home with the kids full-time, this is the summer's "it diaper bag" moms are talking about. To learn more visit the Luli Bebé site as well as follow the brand on Instagram; select pieces in the collection may be also purchased online at Amazon and Nordstrom.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Fathers Day Travel Theme Gift Guide

Fathers Day Gifts

Featured items gifted for review. However, as always, I've chosen things I think you'll appreciate. Post includes affiliate links. 

Travel Theme Guy Gifts Inspired by Family Trips

Daddies are often the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, far less appreciated by their children than they truly deserve. Fatherhood, of course isn't a one-day-a-year job. So, I've put together this gift guide of ideas perfect for giving to the dad or dad figure in your life, not only on Father's Day, but all year long for his birthday or even "just because" to show how much you love him. Read on for some good travel-themed gift ideas curated for that special Daddy no matter what his age.

Aloha California Cowboy Summer Shirt

The High Water Tropic Shirt is the unlined version of California Cowboy's signature High Water style. Here, my hubbie wears the Nightlife Palm Crockett Blue print. The all-new design has been reinvented as a classic short-sleeve Hawaiian shirt with some clever added perks modern men will appreciate. 

What sets this apart from all the other men's tropical-inspired shirts out there is that this one features contemporary, graphic custom-designed prints with a retro vibe, a front loop for sunglasses, pockets specifically for a smart phone and beverage, and other thoughtful details. As a bonus, like all California Cowboy shirts, this style also comes with a flat brass bottle opener as well as a drink holder which can be used to hold a soda can or beer bottle. From California Cowboy, $115

Around the World Spicy Nuts Sampler

From Sugar Plum mother-and-son Pennsylvania bakery and kitchen comes this delectable, spicy and savory manly gift of exotic peanuts which will take his taste buds to five ports-0f-call around the world. Just think, without even leaving the house, your father can escape on a culinary adventure to far away places like the jungles of Africa, islands of the Caribbean, Thailand, Mexico, or even imagine himself in Marrakech, Morocco. 

Beautifully packaged in a keepsake tin tied with a bow, this gift comes ready to give with generous pouches of five varieties of nuts: African Piri Piri, Caribbean Jerk, Coconut Curry Thai, Mexican Spiced Cocoa, and Moroccan Harissa Lime.  Not only are these crunchy morsels delicious, no passport is required, and they're certified kosher. Another great gift on offer: A Giant Chocolate Heart Pizza Smash, From Sugar Plum

The Scottish Grocer Father Kit

Just as thoughtful and adventurous to the mouth is this Father Kit from The Scottish Grocer which will have Dad imagining he's hiking over the velvet green, lush grassy highlands of Scotland on a summer afternoon. 

This true celebration of a gentleman's good taste features a curated trio of made in Scotland gifts: a tin of Jim Beam Bourbon Fudge individually-wrapped candies along with Whisky Flavored Ground Coffee and a full-size bottle of Highland Soap Company Whisky & Honey Lotion. Fun Fact: What's the difference between Whisky and Whiskey? The former relates to grain spirits distilled in Scotland, the latter refers to similar products made in Ireland or the USA.  From The Scottish Grocer, $38.39

The Monaco Diaper Bag

For the millennial or Gen Z new daddy or father-to-be, this Monaco Diaper Bag by Luli Bebé is just the thing for both enjoying day trips with kids and for traveling long distances for family vacations. Classically designed with an elegant tailored unisex look which dad and mom can use interchangeably, this vegan faux leather bag sports a generous amount of well-placed accessible storage pockets inside and outside to stow his smartphone as well as to carry everything he needs for his baby and/or toddler to be the best Dad ever. 

What's more is all the ways he can carry this diaper bag, choosing to wear it as a back pack or if he prefers, to attach it to his child's stroller. Either way, he'll have both hands free to tend to the baby or hold the hand of his on-the-move toddler. The Monaco with changing mat included ($159) is available in Ebony Black, Pearl White, and Stone Grey, to Pastel Pink, Latte Brown, Latte, and Caramel Brown. Available from  Luli Bebé, $159

Solo Roll-on Eco Friendly Travel Bag

Whether traveling for work on leisure post-pandemic, hopefully soon, every guy needs a good carryon roller bag for his jet set lifestyle. The Solo New York Re:Treat Carry On Rolling Bag is not only functional, lightweight, and stylish it is made with eco-friendly heather gray material repurposed from recycled PET bottles. 

Well-designed with ample interior/exterior storage pockets and easy to handle with compact telescoping handle  -- it's ideal to keep him organized on the go. When giving the 22-inch Solo Re:Treat Rolling Bag as a gift, here's an idea to make it even more special. Why not add a baggage tag with a handwritten note, surprising him with an all expenses paid trip to an exotic and beautiful place he's always wanted to go?

More Travel-Theme Gift Ideas for Dads

I wish I'd shown more gratitude to my own Daddy before he passed away some years ago. In fact, my inspiration for this year's father's gift roundup comes directly from childhood memories of my Dad planning amazing family road trip vacations. He's also the one who taught me to drive -- and after my parents became empty nesters -- they loved traveling abroad. No doubt wanderlust is in my DNA and I've passed that passion for travel, adventure and the open road on to my own kids. 

There's no better time than now to show the dad in your life some love and appreciation for all he's done for you. Need more inspiration? Check MBE's other year-round travel-themed gift picks for guys below.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (at no extra cost to consumers) for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Rugrats Complete Series DVD Review + Giveaway

Movies

MBE partnered with Paramount. Post includes affiliate links.

Rugrats: The Complete Series DVD Review and Giveaway

During the past 30 years multiple generations of kids and parents have laughed along at the wacky adventures of the long-running family-friendly animated Nickelodeon comedy Rugrats. To the delight of nostalgic fans who grew up on the series and well as today's modern day kids, the just-released Rugrats: The Complete Series DVD set (May 18, 2021) from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment is now available to own. 

 

That's right. Those infamous babies are on the loose again and more under their parents' radar than ever before! The new super-sized Rugrats: The Complete Series DVD collection, with 26 discs delivering 67+ hours of family-friendly home entertainment, is chock full of all the shows from Rugrats nine hilarious seasons. 

Fans will get in on the fun of seeing the entertaining antics of baby characters Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, Kimi, and Dil -- with toddlers Angelica and Susie glad to join in -- stirring up non-stop real and imaginary craziness right before the eyes and ears of naive parents and grandparents. Among the voice talent cast members are E.G. Daily (Tommy), Tara Strong (Dil), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil), Cree Summer (Susie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), and more.

 

Bonus Content Includes

• Runaway Reptar
• All Growed Up
• Babies in Toyland
• Tales from the Crib: "Snow White"
• Tales from the Crib: "Three Jacks & A Beanstalk"

GIVEAWAY

Rugrats: The Complete Series

DVD Set, ARV $55.99

MBE Giveaway

On Instagram

Thanks to Paramount Home Entertainment, ONE (1) MBE giveaway participant will win the new Rugrats: The Complete Series DVD Set to enjoy at home. To enter this movie giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random and must respond within 24 hours to claim prize. Hurry, this giveaway ends Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:59 pm  ET. Paramount Home Entertainment is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to the winner. 

Rugrats: The Complete Series 

DVD Collection

Buy it Now

More About Rugrats

Learn more about The Rugrats as well as keep up on all the news by following the franchise on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  

Also, in addition to the brand new, complete series DVD set, check out these fun Rugrats items you can buy for your child including party supplies, beach blankets, toys and more.

  

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Tom & Jerry Movie DVD Bluray Review Giveaway

Movies

MBE partnered with Warner Bros. Post contains affiliate links

Tom & Jerry Movie DVD Bluray Release + Giveaway

Who's feels like celebrating? Tom and Jerry (2021), the Warner Bros. Pictures big screen live-action/animated hybrid comedy family movie which enjoyed a blockbuster pandemic weekend opening with $13.7 million in box office receipts and is now on Premium View on Demand (PVOD), launches on DVD and Blu-ray on May 18th.

Tom & Jerry The Movie Wedding Cake Pinata

Tom and Jerry Movie Storyline, Cast & Crew

One of the most popular rivalries in animated history is back to entertain another generation of kids and families. This time Jerry moves into the poshest hotel in New York City ahead of the eve of what is being called "the wedding of the century." Upon learning of this new, unexpected hotel guest, the desperate wedding planner hires Tom to boot him out. As you can imagine, everything starts spinning out of control into hilarious cat-and-mouse chaos for the event planner, the wedding party -- even the hotel's reputation may be on the line. To make matters still worse, there's an evil force in the form of a wicked hotel staffer who jumps into the mix, conspiring against them all.

Directed by Tim Story (Fantastic Four, Think Like a Man, Barbershop) and written by Kevin Costello, Tom & Jerry: The Movie is based on the iconic cartoon characters created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The film's star-studded cast includes Chloe Grace Moretz, Michael Pena, Colin Jost, Rob Delaney, Pallavi Sharda, Jordan Bolger, Patsy Ferran, Nicky Jam, Bobby Cannavale, Lil Rel Howery, and Ken Jeong.

Check out the trailer...

 

The movie, with a run time of 101 minutes and rated PG for cartoon violence, is non-stop fun from start to end. The DVD features the full-length PG-rated film as well as a Gag Reel

Tom & Jerry Blu-ray Features

• Deleted Scenes 
• Gag Reel
• Bringing Tom & Jerry to Life
• Tom & Jerry's World
• The Feud: #TeamTom vs. #TeamJerry
• Jerry's "A House for a Mouse"
• The Tom & Jerry Guide to New York City Wildlife
• Inside the Wedding of Ben and Preeta
• A Scene Comes to Life: Scene #1 - Ben and Preeta's Wedding
• A Scene Comes to Life: Scene #2 - Animal Lock-up

GIVEAWAY

Tom & Jerry Blu-ray

MBE Giveaway

On Instagram

Thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures, ONE (1) MBE giveaway participant will win the new Tom & Jerry Movie Blu-ray to enjoy at home. To enter this movie giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random and must respond within 24 hours to claim prize. Hurry, this giveaway ends Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET. Warner Bros. is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to the winner.

Tom & Jerry Movie 

Order it Now 

on Blu-ray or DVD

About Tom and Jerry

To learn more about the movie and stay up on all the news and excitement, visit the official site and follow Tom and Jerry: The Movie on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Mothers Day Gift Guide Inspired by Flowers

Mother's Day

Featured items gifted for review except as noted. However, as always, I've chosen things I think you'll appreciate. Post includes affiliate links. 

Mom Gifts Inspired by Flowers

April showers bring May flowers as well as Mother's Day in the U.S., traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday of May, this year on May 9th. If you are blessed with a mom or mother figure in your life to honor and you're looking for the perfect present to give, check out the beautiful collection of thoughtful floral-themed gifts I've curated to show your love and appreciation for all she's done for you. After you've scrolled through all these wonderful gift ideas for mom be sure to check out MBE's Teleflora $100 Giftcard Giveaway  and find out how to enter for chance to win at the bottom of this story.

La Sirena Kimono Robe from California Cowboy

Gift Ideas to Make Mother Bloom 

There aren't many moms who don't love flowers, right? Inspired by spring blooms, I think you'll find one or more of these gift suggestions -- each available to order online and ship direct to Mom -- a present she will enjoy. Even if your mother is allergic to real flowers, you're bound to find something here that will make her smile and fill her heart with joy. 

Retro Spa and Beach Kimono

If your mom likes the retro luxury look and feel of sitting in the garden with her morning coffee, relaxing at the spa or reading beside the pool, the beautiful lady's La Sirena Kimono Robe ($148) from California Cowboy pictured at the top of this post against nature's backdrop of cherry blossoms reminiscent of Kyoto, Japan in full bloom, this gift may be just the ticket. With its fine workmanship and cotton terry lining, no fashion detail is overlooked -- from luxe features like a loop on the front neckline for securing reading or sunglasses, a dry pocket for stowing tech gadgets, a back pocket for champagne, and more -- this women's cover up has it all. In six different patterns, including the dusty pink rose Garibaldi Fish design I received which depicts the official State Marine Fish of California. 

Gemstone Orchids from Westerlay Orchids

Elegant Living Orchids

The wide selection Westerlay Orchids make a great choice for moms with green thumbs who enjoy nurturing beautiful indoor plants. The 4-plant box of Westerlay Gemstone Orchids I received arrived well packed and in excellent condition with each gorgeous blooming plant standing over 18 inches tall and set into a chic white contemporary glazed pot. You can order online, choosing from a range of exotic colors of blooming potted orchid varieties they'll ship direct to mom. Shopping last minute? Good thing potted Bramble Orchids by Westerlay also are available instore at all West Coast Kroger market locations. Either way, these beautiful orchid plants make a thoughtful gift and include easy care instructions so she may continue to enjoy her orchids for months to come.

iPhone Photography Book by Scott Kelby

Smartphone Photography Secrets

Is your mom a shutterbug? Always taking photos with her iPhone or other smartphone but rarely satisfied with the pictures she ends up with? Then consider buying her the new title iPhone Photography Book by renowned photographer Scott Kelby (available in paperback or for Kindle). This must-have book has insider's tips for capturing photos of just about any subject which will rival those you'd expect from a DSLR camera. Among the many things she'll learn: how to compose and shoot, as well as edit on her phone, the most magnificent landscape and close-up images of flowers. If you're experience is anything like mine, after reading this book you will want to read it cover to cover and go back to it often for simple smartphone photography tips to continue upping your photo safari snapping game. 

Painted Wood Earrings from Audra Style

Handmade Art Earrings

For the Boho, soulful one-of-a-kind mom who loves color and turns accessorizing in a true art, browse the eclectic artisan-made styles of whimsical and unique lightweight, nickel-free pierced earrings by Audra Style ($14 -$48). I just love wearing the pair of statement Instagram-worthy flower wood dangle earrings you see here, which go perfectly with my favorite spring dress and always get compliments. I'm also enjoying the fun pair of Audra Pink Flamingo Earrings I wore to my daughter's Elvis wedding in Las Vegas. What's more is  I just can't wear the brand's pretty, intricately designed Bunny Rabbit Post Earrings enough.

The North Carolina artist transforms wood, leather, acrylic, and brass cut shapes into conversation-starter earrings featuring a mix of signature prints and patterns from her original artwork as well as other pieces of fashion jewelry, art and home decor items. Set aside some time to look through the Audra Style Spring Collection, no two items are identical and you'll find what seems like an almost endless array of styles and designs to choose from. For even more style inspiration, be sure to follow Audra Style on Instagram.

Luxury CBD Bath Bombs from Life Elements

Natural Bath Bombs

Pamper a stressed out mama in need of some me-time with these aromatic Broad Spectrum Hemp-Derived CBD bath bombs from Life Elements. No need to doubt mom will revel in stealing away a well-deserved hour for herself to relax in a secluded hot bath tub with one of these, away from the usual family chaos. Both the Life Elements Mercury Retrograde Bath Bomb ($26) with 250 mg CBD and their Signature Bath Bomb ($20) with 200 mg CBD which I tried were studded with dry flowers and individually packaged in brown cardboard canisters in Martha and Curt, the entrepreneurial California married couple behind the brand, thrive on hunting for the most natural ingredients they can find when creating their unique bath, body and skincare products. Their formulas are ethically and sustainably sourced as well as not tested on animals. Refer to the FDA disclosure on the Life Elements site for more information and be aware that these CBD products are intended for customers 21+ only.

Re:Treat Carry On Luggage from Solo New York

Carry On Luggage

Every mom with travel lust who is looking forward to traveling again post-pandemic soon, needs a good carryon roller bag for her jetset lifestyle. The Solo New York Re:Treat Carry On Rolling Bag the brand sent me checks off all the boxes for frequent traveling moms. Made with eco-friendly heather gray material crafted from recycled PET bottles, it's well-designed, compact with telescoping handle, sturdy, lightweight and stylish. I also like that this affordable overnight bag has a generous number of interior and exterior storage pockets to help her stay organized on the go. If it's in your budget, here's another idea to take this gift to the next level. When you gift this bag to her, why not surprise mom and add a handwritten note offering her a dream trip of a lifetime to see the tulips bloom next spring in Amsterdam?

Asper Computer Glasses from Pixel Wear

Blue Light Filter Glasses

Moms who spend a lot of time looking at their desktop screen or mobile devices could use a boost to reduce stress on their eyes caused by harmful blue light. Pixel Eyewear has a stylish selection of peepers including stylish unisex Blue Light Eyeglasses ($75-$95) like the Asper Computer Glasses in Brandy Tortoise classic style I received. Comfortable to wear for adults and kids, these filter 50 percent of blue light and up to 95 percent at the strongest wavelengths without yellow tint. Featuring protective, anti-reflection coated lenses which also reduce smudges and repel water and dust. Your mother's eyesight is precious. Help her preserve it and check out the many blue light glasses available so she might see the beauty in the natural world which surrounds her as clearly as possible.

Revive Face Moisturizer from Hulsa Wellness

Organic Face Moisturizer With CBD 

Whether she's a new mother, a grandma or somewhere in between, every mom is beautiful. All the more reason for her to use a daily hydrating facial moisturizer to keep her face and neck looking as pliable and vibrant as fresh roses. As a mother of 20-something kids myself, keeping dryness, fine lines and crows feet at bay are a top priority. So I was glad to have an opportunity to try Hulsa Revive Face Moisturizer ($99) made with 500 mg Critical Cannabinoids CBD per bottle and scented with a refreshing, but light honey and cucumber aroma. This beauty product, as well as the brand's other plant-based offerings, are made with proprietary formulas using organic hemp and other organic ingredients grown in the USA; they're also cruelty-free with no animal testing. Refer to the Hulsa Wellness site for their FDA disclosure and more information. Also remember: CBD products are intended for customers ages 21+ only.

3D Popup Flower Cards

Shush... don't tell my Mom. I just ordered one of these lovely 3D flower popup card bouquet styles by Lovepop Cards. Starting at just $13 each these are an affordable flower gift which won't wilt, that she can look at and continue to enjoy long after Mother's Day is over. For an additional $5, do as I did and upload a personal message and family photo: they'll make a personalized card and snail mail it directly to your dear mother. Check out the entire Lovepop Mother's Day Card Collection

Daisy Cheesecake from Eli's Cheesecake Co.

Daisy Cheesecake

I've been a huge fan of Eli's Cheesecake Company desserts for years. Their Mother's Day Cheesecake ($51.95) comes bedazzled with edible daisy decorations and is even more delicious than it looks. Another pick for spring holidays is the Daisy Cuties Cheesecake Bites Box ($39.95). Whatever you choose, Eli's desserts are fresh baked, made in Chicago. Packed with dry ice and shipped to you ready to serve at the Mother's Day brunch you're hosting or for you to have delivered directly to Mom's doorstep. 

Fresh Flowers

For traditional and old-fashioned moms, one of the most popular gifts to give continues to be fresh flowers arrangements delivered to her door. Teleflora's Mother's Day floral collection is a must-see because their extensive selection offers lots of different types of flowers and a huge range of unique and collectible containers to match any mom's personality. If you love fresh flowers as much as I do, you're invited to enter our Teleflora Gift Card Giveaway going on now through Mother's Day.  

Enter to Win Now

MBE's Instagram Giveaway

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and its affiliates at no extra cost to you when making a purchase. Other referral links (also at no additional cost to you) point directly to some brand websites too.