Yes, we admit it, along with millions of other American Families, we bought, watched and enjoyed The Baby Einstein video collection.  We made dinner, folded laundry and emptied the dishwasher while our toddlers got a good, solid dose of brain-boosting TV-time…  or so we thought!

Well, as it turns out, these videos aren’t exactly “mensa-makers.”  Whether an interesting marketing ploy or genius move on their part, the makers of Baby Einstein have announced that they are offering refunds for their video collections…which seems like a no-brainer to us:)

We wanted to thank all of you who came out to the fabulous Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on Sunday for the Plan A Baby event!  Those in attendance were treated to amazing speakers including our friends, The MiGi Girls and the always fabulous founder of MD Mom’s,  Dr. JJ Levenstein, as well as great vendors, delicious food and lots of fun.

We loved having an opportunity to meet so many of you and share our thoughts on, what else?, planning for baby!

Just in time for the film release of Where the Wild Things Are, we’re partnering with our friends at Right Start for a fun giveaway!  The first ten people who email us will receive one copy of Maurice Sendak’s classic book “Where the Wild Things Are.”  Woo-hoo!

This story of how Max wears his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another…. definitely gets The Baby Planners Seal of Approval and we’re thrilled to share it with ten lucky winners.  Simply write WILD THINGS in the subject line and we’ll contact you to let you know if you’ve won!  We’re just wild about this promotion – thanks Right Start!

October is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month.  While this devastating and unexplained syndrome leaves many unanswered questions, here are some SIDS risk-reducing tips for parents to keep in mind:

* Always place baby on his or her back to sleep, even if it’s just for naps. * Use a safety approved crib with a firm and tight fitting mattress.* Remove all soft bedding and toys from  baby’s sleep area. * Use a wearable blanket to keep baby cozy, warm and safe.

To find out more about how you can help reduce the risk of SIDS, check out HaloSleep.com.   Knowledge is power!

We’re excited to tell you about Kimberley Clayton Blaine’s, (aka, the Go-To Mom) new book: “The Internet Mommy: Inspiring Interviews and Stories from Mothers Who Work and Play Online.”

Our friend and popular parenting expert-turned-author, is exploring how social networks influence the way online moms make money, view life, find friends and raise kids in today’s digital world.  The book features essays from more than 40 hip and well-known mom bloggers from around the country (including yours truly!), which she refers to as her “circle of moms” whom she found through social networking and blogging.

Kimberley’s hope is that her personal “circle of moms” will inspire other online moms to build a support-system that allows them to identify opportunities and thrive online.  All of which makes perfect sense to us!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a number of foundations, walks, and products devoted to raising money for breast cancer research, education and support.   Keep on the look out for “Pink Ribbon Items” that are sold to help support breast cancer research and who donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer charities.  Most items related to breast cancer awareness can be identified with a pink label or a pink ribbon, like Yoplait yogurt, Lean Cuisine, Fresh Express, thankfully, the list goes on!

While October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting the cause can be a year-round commitment. Whether you decide to participate in a sponsored walk, donate money to breast cancer charities, or invest in products that help support breast cancer research, your contribution will make a valuable difference…. which is why we say, think PINK!

We are thrilled to be featured speakers at a fabulous upcoming event.  Plan A Baby is an exclusive, afternoon that will be celebrating new and expectant moms.  A carefully curated, high-end collection of all the best baby products, services, and educational materials, presented with panache.

So if you’re in the Los Angeles area on Sunday, October 18th, stop by the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to get indulged, inspired, and in the know!