Your Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on February 14, 2019

Still scrambling for what to give your sweetheart today for Valentine’s Day?! Don’t panic! I racked my brain and came up with five last minute ideas that you can pull off today and at a cost of less than $50 total! And the other great things that they should take less than one hour to prep for presentation if you are focused on the task and get going!

Thank me later! Get busy! Here they are to choose from: onePlan a Romantic Casual Pizza Dinner and Movie Date Night In

Commitment Time: 1/2 hour to 45 minutes

Cost: $25-$30

Step 1: Pick up phone and order a Papa John’s heart pizza

Step 2: On the way to pick it up or while you wait for delivery, head to the local liquor store or grocers and pick up a bottle of wine and/or order or pick up take out Chinese for two and some flowers for the table.

Step 3: Order a movie or two on DVR or from Netflix or Redbox and have a romantic casual dinner in.Two:Have Your Love Star in a Social Media meme

Commitment Time: 10 minutes

Cost: $0Step 1: Pull up the WHO DO YOU XO? website. Step 2: Add a photo, add big bold x & o’s with a description of the person and post in social media. Very cute! It is the brainchild of Robert Appelblatt and Tim Crean, who came up with the idea after updating and completely revolutionizing the old tic-tac-toe game by creatingTIC STAC TOE. three

Present a Personalized Photo Wall

Commitment Time: 20 minutes to 45 minutes

Cost: $10-$25

Step 1: Use the CVS Facebook Order function to order photos of you and your honey from Facebook and pick up the prints the same day. There is even a mobile App which makes the process 2x faster!

Step 2: While you’re there to pick up your pics, grab some tape.

Step 3: Pick a blank wall in the bedroom or living room and arrange the photos in the shape of a heart above your bed.

Step 4: Have movies and/or take out nearby and make it a movie night.

four

Send Personalized Balloons.

Valentines-Day-Balloon-Tattoos-7-550x367

Commitment Time: 20-45 minutes

Cost: $10-25

Supplies:

Balloon Time Helium Tank
Mylar heart balloons
Ribbon
InkJet tattoo paper
Printable Valentine’s Day messages
Damp paper towel or rag

Step 1: Print out the messages from the website here on the tattoo paper and adhere the clear liner on top according to the instructions on the package.

Step 2: Trim each message as close to the letters as possible

Step 3: Peel off the clear liner from one of the messages and lay it face down on top of the balloon, wherever you would like it. NOTE: We recommend not putting your letters within three inches of the edge of the balloon, to ensure they are legible once inflated.

Step 4: Use a damp paper towel to moisten the tattoo paper completely and then peel it away, leaving the tattoo behind. Repeat as desired.

Step 5: Inflate the balloon(s) with helium and tie with ribbon.fiveHave A Romantic Indoor Picnic

Commitment Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Cost: up to $50

Step 1: Order Take out

Step 2: Pick up cupcakes at local bakery, wine and scented candles

Step 3: Arrange a blanket with all items on the floor in the basement or living roomsixCapture Your Relationship in a Personalized Photo Book

Commitment Time: 20 minutes to 45 minutes

Cost: $10-$25

Step 1: Go to the CVS Photobook order page to order photos of you and your honey from social media or your hard drive. Use Coupon code: Save30 to get 30% off today and pick up the prints the same day. There is even a mobile App which makes the process 2x faster!

Step 2: While you’re there to pick up a bag, tissue paper, a card and candy.

Step 3: Arrange book, candy and card in bag and present over dinner!sevenPresent a Personalized Digital Video

Commitment Time: 20 minutes to 45 minutes

Cost: $0

Step 1: Go to SoundCloud and pick a Valentine Mix to download, depending on the genre of music you or your sweetheart likes.

Step 2: Upload a video on your smartphone app (I like MixBit )

Step 3: Pick your fave videos and photos from your phone’s photo album or social media accounts, then upload and use the valentine mix as the background.

Step 4: Give your phone with the finished project to your sweetheart to look at it and put the headphones over their ears so they can focus on that and not other distractions of TV, social media alerts, other people around etc

Eight

Make Homemade Cookies for partner With Dietary Restrictions

For your sweetheart who has dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance, or is vegan, why not make these yummy Kick-Ass Carrot Cookies, featured in a new book, Dr. Koufman’s Acid Reflux Diet: With 111 All New Recipes Including Vegan & Gluten-Free? Dr. Jamie Koufman collaborated with Chef Philip Gelb for this recipe, perfect for Vegans.

Makes 3 dozen cookies | 65 calories per cookie

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup white flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup maple syrup

½ cup grapeseed oil

1 cup grated carrot

½ cup dried cherries

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In one bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the syrup and oil.
Add the carrots and dried cherries to the wet mixture and mix well.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and gently combine. Do NOT overmix, or the cookies will be rubbery.
Drop 1-teaspoon portions of the mixture on a grapeseed-oiled baking sheet, 2 inches apart. (These cookies only bake well if they are small.)
Bake for 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as they burn easily.

Notes: For the picky eaters in your home, sneak a little carrot into their diet with this amazing cookie recipe. For a fun variation, dried cherries can be replaced by currants, raisins, dried blueberries, or dried cranberries, or a combination. – Chef Philip

Nine

Gift a Plush Gift that Gives Back to the Community

Give a gift and do good.

If you live near a Kohl‘s department store, you can pick up a Leo Lionni soft toy or other gift that are part of the Kohl’s Cares collection for just $5 each, and let your honey know that 100% of the net proceeds will benefit children’s health initiatives nationwide. The collection is available at Kohls.com now through early April.

Books and accessories featured in the Kohl’s Cares collection this spring include:

Frederick book and mouse soft toy
A Color of His Own book and chameleon soft toy
It’s Mine! Book and frog soft toy
Cornelius book and crocodile soft toy
Swimmy book
Tote bag
101 Kids Activities book

Good luck lovers and friends!

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Celebrity

First Public Photos of Kerry Washington’s Family Emerge

Posted on February 13, 2019

A family photo of Kerry Washington has surfaced which is a big deal because Washington is among those super private celebrities who have been able to shield their children from celebrity life altogether, and managed to have zero photos online or anywhere of them publicly.

Madame Noire, then TV One cited a tweet that featured a photo of Washington posed alongside other members of her former NFL player husband Nnamdi Asomugha‘s family as part of a feature inside a Nigerian magazine celebrating the life and work of the family matriarch, Dr. Lilian Asomugha.

BCK Online posted a link to the digital version of the magazine called Life & Times which published a full cover feature and interview in its Summer 2018 edition but apparently it slipped through the cracks of celeb stalkers and sleuths until recently.

It was awesome to finally get to see the offspring of the actress and her hubby, 2-year old son Caleb and 4-year old daughter Isabella, all dressed in traditional Igbo tribe clothing while posing alongside a massive family that included Washington’s 12-year old stepson with Nnamdi.

The couple married in Idaho in 2014 in a very private ceremony officiated by Nnamdi’s sister, Chisaraokwu Asomugha, a Silver Spring, MD minister.

But it was equally satisfying to me to read during this Black History Month about Dr. Asomugha’s immigrant story which is very similar to the story of my parents.

Nnamdi’s dad immigrated first to America in the early 1970s before sending for his wife. They worked hard jobs while attending school and welcomed their first child before dad got a Chemistry and Petroleum Engineering degree and mom a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Texas and later a PhD in Naturopathy.

(So my story because I was born before my dad completed his Bachelor’s and Masters at University of Maryland at College Park and after he sent for my mom )

Sadly, Nnamdi’s dad passed away after growing a small family of four children leaving mom to raise four kids on her own, and not only did she do it, but she eventually gave back to the kids in her adopted land,America, with her son’s Asomugha Foundation which takes at-risk children on college tours including to Ivy League schools among other philanthropic efforts.

Dr. Asomugha has penned 5 inspirational books including a parenting book, and started her own charity that has helped over 20,000 orphans and widows, built classrooms and schools, educated girls through college and runs an annual global female empowerment, leadership and entrepreneurial summit in their native Nigeria, West Africa. Phew!

I also dug the part of the interview when she was asked to give advice to other Nigerian families that were considering immigrating to America.

Dr. Asomugha gave a response my immigrant African parents often tell me, “Cut your coat according to your size” — in other words, take it slow, don’t take shortcuts, play by the rules and don’t get caught up in debt and credit cards!

Sage advice! Read more and see the photos in the digital version of the magazine below:

https://issuu.com/lifetimesmagazine/docs/summer_2018_life___times_magazine_s/1?ff

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Tips

Spring Cleaning Tips For Picking the Best Vacuum

Posted on February 13, 2019

Spring Cleaning season is around the corner.

Your vacuum is probably something you don’t think about that much. Vacuums tend to get shoved to the back of the closet, only to be retrieved when we absolutely need them.

You may not realize it, but a good vacuum is something that every home should be equipped with. Even if you can’t see any dust or dirt on your floors, regular vacuuming should still be part of your household cleaning routine to ensure your floors stay spick and span. Picking out the perfect vacuum, however, can be a challenge. How can you tell which is the best one just by looking at it? To make your search a little easier, here are some of the most reliable vacuums on the market today!

SharkNinja Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501PR) Upright

The SharkNinja Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away is one of the best upright vacuums on the market today. With an exceptionally large dirt holder and a long cord, this vacuum is perfect for large areas that would otherwise be hard to navigate. This model is also ideal for homeowners, as you’ll want a quality vacuum if you’re purchasing one of the Columbus houses for sale. The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away has received rave reviews from fans, who praise the model for being able to pick up dust, hair, and smaller particles that can be hard to get.

Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner 1831

The Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is one of the most affordable and reliable vacuums out there. Bissell is a brand that people have been relying on for years, so you know you’re getting a quality product when you purchase a Bissell vacuum. Fans of this model rave about its ability to make carpets look brand new, and the vacuum is especially helpful for people with pets that shed. The Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum is a must-have for anyone who wants a quality vacuum without having to drop a ton of money.

Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122

If you’re in the market for a lightweight, compact vacuum cleaner that still gets the job done, you’ll love the Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum. This model is both fashionable and functional, and people who own the product praise it for being able to navigate even the tightest of spaces. This vacuum is perfect for small apartments, as it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up much space. The Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum is an attractive, quality machine that’s worth a try if you’re in the market for a new vacuum.

Roomba i7+

While this next model may be a bit of a splurge, the Roomba i7+ is definitely worth the money. If the idea of using a robot vacuum to clean your house seems strange, head to your local appliance store and check it out for yourself! The Roomba i7+ makes cleaning your floors incredibly easy- just turn it on and let it do the work for you! The Roomba i7+ is the most high-tech vacuum on the market right now and worth looking into if you want a product that is going to make your life easier!

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Black History Month: This is My All Time Children’s Storytime Book Featuring Black Characters

Posted on February 12, 2019

Since we are currently in the midst of Black History Month, you may have come across quite a few sites and blogs sharing lists of books about Black History or featuring black characters in case a parent is looking to diversify his or her child’s library to include all races of characters….or if you are a black or brown parent and want a book that represents your child.

I like the list that Scott Woods Makes List created last year of 28 More Black Picture Books That Are Not About Buses, Boycotts or Basketball because while there have been a lot more books out, the subject ranges have been limited to the aforementioned topics. Phew!

And as most parents who have small children know by now, books are important and being read to in early child development is just as if not more important!

Somewhere between 12 and 18 months, your child will realize that those sounds he’s been hearing you read — words — actually mean something.

The more you talk and read aloud to a child at this time (and from the start, for that matter), the better her vocabulary will be.

Look for books with a wide variety of visuals, words that repeat often, and clearly labeled objects, both common and unfamiliar.

When you read aloud, pause frequently to ask your child questions about the objects you see, answer her questions, and talk through the book’s action and images.

You don’t need a big book budget for this age group.

Hearing three or four titles over and over is better for a child than trying to introduce lots of new books.

When my children were little we discovered a wonderful book called “So Much” by British author of Dominica, Caribbean-parentage Trish Cooke and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury who is most well known for illustrating Tickle Tickle, All Fall Down and her own books.

Children will appreciate ethnic diversity and the fun story about the anticipation of arrival of guests at a party for a young baby’s dad.

I love this book so much, I buy it for friends I know who have kids. I have shipped off several copies. See proof below the number of times I personally ordered and purchased it for friends:

My fave part about this book is the playful language uses repetition and I could read it in a different accent each time to make it fun.

The author was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire in the UK and comes from a large family, with six sisters, three brothers, eight nephews, six nieces, three great-nieces and one great-nephew, all of whom provide her with the inspiration for her picture books as the publisher notes Cooke has said.

“There’s always some conversation or other going on somewhere that I can eavesdrop on – language is very important to me. I love music and rhythms and when people talk, it is as if sometimes they are actually singing. I remember Sunday mornings, the smell of saltfish and johnny cakes wafting up the stairs, Mum singing and Dad telling stories that were always ‘true’.”

The kids loved it and enjoyed seeing me pull it off the bookshelf each time.

They are a lot more treat books out there featuring black characters nowadays compared to year’s past.

If you are looking for a fun book to add to your child’s library to diversify the images they see in books or to present a reflection of your brown or black child, I highly recommend So Much!

If you get it, I recommend purchasing the Hardback version because you’ll be using it so much and can get it starting at $3 on Amazon.

If you get the paperback version, it’s a good bet too and much lower now that the title is older.

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2019 Grammy Awards Recap {PHOTOS}

Posted on February 11, 2019

The 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards went down last night February 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Congrats to a couple of our “Bellyitch Bumpwatch” alums who took home awards: Cardi B for the Best Rap Album for her project “Invasion of Privacy” and muva Beyonce who won Best Urban Contemporary Album for her album collaboration project with her husband, Jay Z, “Everything Is Love” — The Carters.

Rashida Jones won an award for Best Music Film for their documentary Quincy about her dad music icon Quincy Jones.

On stage, our other blog alum Alicia Keys kept the attendees entertained while fulfilling her hosting duties and doing an amazing job singing some hits old and new while playing not one, but two pianos!

Besides her on-stage performance outfit, a black leotard and shimmery black tuxedo pants and a chic black fedora, the “Empire State of Mind” performer had four outfit changes if you count the fitted red tea-length Giorgio Armani button-up gown with a plunging neckline.

She also donned a green Palazzo leg jumsuit with a green print head scarf, a black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and my fave, a red deep v jumpsuit with collar cape draping.

Jennifer Lopez also performed a tribute to Motown and showed up on the red carpet and during the intro, joined Keyes alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Lady Gaga and former First Lady Michelle Obama, in a white Ralph & Russo pantsuit.

Cardi did a showstopping Burlesque’ish routine to her hit song “Money” but before that worked the red carpet in an elegant and avant garde vintage dress from the Mugler 1995 fall couture collection.

It looks like big and bold looks was the thing this year because Kylie Jenner showed up and out in a very structured blush pink Balmain Couture pants suit to cheer on her beau Travis Scott who was nominated for a few awards last night.

Not everyone went way out. New mom Jones did a nice conservative look in a long Ralph Lauren dress with Cartier jewels and Brian Atwood heels and I loved the elaborate yet simplicity of Pinkett Smith’s 20s feel feathered gown.

My fave dress was Bebe Rexha, whose not a mom, but rocked it in a gorgeous red layered Monsoori dress.

Photos: Getty

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Celebrity

‘LHH Atlanta’ Alum Erica Dixon is Pregnant with Identical Twin Girls

Posted on February 10, 2019

Congratulations to former Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta star Erica Dixon who is expecting twin girls in May this year.

Dixon, who already has one daughter, Emani, with ex castmate Lil Scrappy, announced the news of the identical twin pregnancy when she launched a pregnancy Vlog on her YouTube channel last week on February 9. (WATCH BELOW)

In the candid video, Dixon shares that the pregnancy was unexpected, that she was hoping for twin boys and had been experiencing extreme morning sickness.

She learned that the twins are girls along with close family and friends during a “gender reveal party”. Pink fireworks exploded in the sky among the event venue.

She talked about the journey and shared photos from the gender reveal on her Instagram account yesterday.

“Blessed beyond what I deserve. ?? Thank you all for keeping this private until we were ready to share,” she captioned the slideshow. “Thank you to @hopedahairologist who set up an amazing reveal and my closest friends and family who have been on this journey with me. The love and support has been more than appreciated.”This has been a difficult yet rewarding journey for me with the sickness and scares but we’ve conquered and will continue to. “

View this post on Instagram
Blessed beyond what I deserve. ?? Thank you all for keeping this private until we were ready to share. Thank you to @hopedahairologist who set up an amazing reveal and my closest friends and family who have been on this journey with me. The love and support has been more than appreciated. This has been a difficult yet rewarding journey for me with the sickness and scares but we’ve conquered and will continue to. Prayers up and if you want to follow my journey or more details click the link in my bio. ?? #Maybabiesontheway
A post shared by msericadixon (@msericadixon) on Feb 8, 2019 at 12:11pm PST

She continued: “This has been a difficult yet rewarding journey for me with the sickness and scares but we’ve conquered and will continue to. Prayers up and if you want to follow my journey or more details click the link in my bio. #Maybabiesontheway”

She has not revealed who is the dad to the twins but there is rumors that she is engaged to him.

Congrats!

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America’s Fave RomCom by State

Posted on February 9, 2019

Valentine’s Day is next week and to commemorate the impending Holiday, which is somewhat scrutinized by singles as a Hallmark holiday, the analysts at CableTV.com created a national report revealing each state’s favorite romantic comedy film.

Report highlights include:

Over one in every four states chooses Pretty in Pink as their rom-com top choice! All hail, John Hughes.
Everyone likes a movie that hails from their hometown: every one in seven states most enjoys movies filmed in their state the most.
We found predictable patterns of viewing behavior — clusters of romantic comedies dominate certain areas of the country.
Some popular favorites by state enforce regional clichés that are just too good to pass up commenting on:
- Maine, which has the oldest median age in the United States, goes old school with It Happened One Night.
- Oregon keeps it weird with Amélie, a quirky French film about an off-beat romance.
- South Dakota, which rates in the top five highest birth rates in the U.S., gets Knocked Up a little more often.

To determine each state’s favorite romantic comedy film, the Cable TV analyst team used a Google-generated list of top rom-coms and ran them through Google Trends to find out which movies see the most love from state to state.

Check out the complete report here: https://www.cabletv.com/blog/states-favorite-romcom-movie-map/

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Inside Kehlani’s Showers for Baby Adeya Nomi {PHOTOS}

Posted on February 8, 2019

Singer Kehlani celebrated the impending arrival of her first child, a daughter she will name Adeya Nomi at two baby showers recently.

The first which took place in Bel Air and was thrown by her manager featured celebrity guests Zendaya, Sza and others.

During the outdoor event, the “Good Life” singer officially identified who the father of her child is, boyfriend Javie Young White.

She also had wood blocks with the name they selected in a festive tropical pink, peach and neutral brown decorated event that included a decadent dessert table and specialty cocktails with fun names like “Mommy mocktail” and “Maternitni”!

Vendors Bree’s Cakes, Nicky Parks, Michelle Rogers Event Styling, Tess Made posted photos online as well and can be credited to the fabulous event.

Later, the 23-year old first-time mom-to-be replied to a tweet from a fan asking her what was her fave gift during the shower by sharing that Grammy and Oscar-nominated phenom Sza gifted her a year supply of diapers! Wow! Now That’s special!

She had a second baby shower with close family in her native Oakland and shared photos of that event which looked mad fun and included kids, and lots of love.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtcNik7Hmym/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtcO_AYnH87/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtcRNe6HCDk/

And she is also practicing to become a doula and is hosting a retreat for others in May after baby is born, presumably.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Btgk3Y7Hlxf/

Pregnancy must be stimulating her creative juices because on top of it all, she announced on Instagram this week that a Mix Tap will be released this month as well! Phew! Hard working mama!

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The ‘It’ Posh Moms Strollers List of 2019

Posted on February 7, 2019

It has been 10 years since I last posted the annual Bellyitch Most Expensive Strollers post. It was a yearly blog post staple and used to get tons of traffic because, honestly, I think people, generally, are obsessed with knowing what baby items are used and coveted by the super wealthy and celebrities.

Since the last post, a few stroller companies have gone out of business. RIP to Orbit, Maclaren and newer brands 4Moms and iCandy, which were once considered “it” strollers in their day but no longer manufacture luxury strollers.

In 2013, I published the list as part of the Bellyitch 100, a book of the top crib makers, maternity wear designers, stroller makers and baby clothes brands.

You can get your Free Copy of The Bellyitch 100 here!

Anyway, so I used to publish the Most Expensive Strollers list at a time when I was raising a young family and brands would boast that they were on the list.

My social circle at the time included professional working women, stay-at-home moms, and mom bloggers, several who were affluent and looked at the stroller as a status symbol.

Here is another secret about what happens among moms at the park, at the school pick up lot, in the mall and other social places where mommies congregate. They check out what strollers they’re pushing a baby or child in and make judgments.

Yes, there is a definite hierarchy in quality of strollers and believe me when I tell you that certainly check out what stroller another mom’s child is being pushed in and make judgments.

When I was raising my children as a young lawyer, I went through 6 strollers, which is a low number considering many of my friends at the tiem had way more.

Our first stroller was a Peg Perego which converts from a baby carriage or pram to a push stroller. At the time, it was among the best. Then, when my first born turned into a toddler, we ordered the Inglesina Swift umbrella stroller from the Italian stroller manufacturer. It had a great run!

To pair with the Inglesina, a sturdy Italian brand, we got a lower cost Combi umbrella stroller for travel, a stroller we could beat up which was so much less that so that we wouldn’t mind if it got lost by the airline or damaged during travel.

Then, when I was expecting baby #2, I got as an amazing shower gift from my co-workers at my old job: a Peg Prerego Aria double stroller!

By the time baby number 3 rolled around, the Inglesina had hit the dirt, we left the Combi on some island we visited for vacation once and we had loaned out the Peg Perego Buggy to relatives who didn’t take good care of it.

The wheels on the double gave out and we opted to give to Goodwill rather than try to fix it or get the company to repair it.

B.O.B.

We opted for a lesss expensive Graco Snug Ride for Baby #3 and a B.OB. jogging stroller (the air-filled jogger stroller with hand activated rear wheel brakes that can ride smooth on any terrain) when I was ready to get back in shape.

Now, while we didn’t get any of them to make a statement, I have had many moms and dads comment on the pricier high end ones while walking in the parks, malls etc. People are always looking for a status symbol and there is a preconception that most expensive means the best!

It’s no wonder, you can see celebrities strolling their children in many of those on this list. The celebrities know that too. That is why Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony sued Silver Cross from publishing on their website an unauthorized endorsement which featured a People magazine photo of them pushing their twins in two Silver Cross prams.

People flock to buy whatever celebrities purchase and that stroller companies know that endorsement mean lots for their bottom line.

Anyhoo, on to the list. Of course, as a disclaimer, this list is not exhaustive. As usual, this list is based on my own personal research and I urge readers to point out other vehicles that should grace this list. Certainly, I would amend the post to reflect corrections.

In the meantime, check out this year’s list of “it” strollers pushed by the most Poshest of moms and celebs out there (I’m updating this list with a few more after the initial post so come back and ping me on Twitter if you don’t see one you think should be on this list)

SILVER CROSS

DESCRIPTION: For over 128 years, Silver Cross has been handcrafting traditional prams in Northern England. This hallmark company is known for being pushed by Royals in the UK and across Europe and beyond.

The Silver Cross Balmoral Pram model boasts three coats of high shine lacquer, English leather and is painted by hand and individually numbered.

GET IT FOR: $5,000 at the company website

There is another less expensive line you can get for $4,025 from an exclusive line of Aston Martin Silver Cross strollers.

If you like the look of a British pram but not the funds to shell out $5,000, you can still get the Limited Edition Doll Pram from Harrod’s for just $902

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Geri Halliwell Horner (“Ginger Spice”), Nicky Hilton

MIMA

DESCRIPTION: Mima® is an established Dutch designer and manufacturer of strollers and high chairs and a favorite brand for European new parents that want high-end design, functionality and a very chic aesthetic.

This relatively new entrant to the market makes a very functional and innovative stroller that features a patented “carrycot inside” system.

The popular Xari Black Chassis Stroller can be used as a carrycot or as a stroller and comes with a reversible seat that allows your baby to face you or the world ahead. It has one of those super fancy simple fold mechanism. It is very stylish and chic and has a design that grows with your child and provides enhanced convenience for parents.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Kourtney Kardashian, Alex Curran Gerard

CYBEX

DESCRIPTION: CYBEX delivers Versatile, elegant and convenient line of top-notched quality strollers, many that features a reversible seat, one-hand seat recline, and a quick-fold chassis usually in an ultra premium, lightweight design that adapts to your growing family’s changing needs. This American-made Massachusetts company makes renowned products.

The Cybex Priam Cherub Stroller is part of the Cybex Platinum Priam range in collaboration with renowned designer Jeremy Scott, this 3-in-1 stroller has been made from high-quality fabrics with a smart, luxe appearance. Its flexible frame can be turned into a travel system with matching carry cot, combined with one of the brand’s award-winning infant car seats, or transformed into a luxurious stroller sporting a reversible seat unit. A vibrant cherub print and golden wing attachments offer a heavenly touch to suit your little angel.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Serena Williams, Rosamund Pike, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Wilde, Irina Shayk

STOKKE

DESCRIPTION: The StokkE brand of stroller is an “it” stroller indeed. And about a decade ago, this Norweigian company’s strollers slowly replaced the Bugaboo as the favorite or wannabes, posers and the nouveau riche. The babies inside these strollers are decked out in mini-adult Designer clothes. The diamonds on the hands of the moms pushing these things can put your eye out, I mean the shine is that bright. And they are being folded and thrown in the back of Land Rovers. Pretentious? Naaaah! Their owners just appreciate a gorgeous quality crafted stroller, that’s all (wink).

The Stokke™ Xplory® Complete baby stroller is the only stroller you’ll ever need to buy! The Stokke Xplory Complete is an innovative urban stroller that adapts to your changing needs.

CELEBRITY OWNER: Chris Hemsworth, Sienna Miller, Stacey Keibler

BUGABOO

DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company has had a major mark in the business since the early 1990s. The strollers Bugaboo manufacture guarantee a full of smooth ride, no matter the surface, city street or bumpy park. The brand has long been considered a posh status symbol and continues.

The classic Donkey buggy is fully loaded with push handle to shift the wheels to tackle any terrain, 5 harness straps, multiple recline position, a spacious under carriage bassinet, as well as a reversible, fully reclining seat.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Leelee Sobieski, Amy Poehler, Julianna Marguiles, Jon Stewart, Matthew McConaughey and Gwen Stefani

PHIL & TED’S

DESCRIPTION: Phil & Ted’s is a small New Zealand company that has made children’s products for over 20 years and about a decade ago was known for its super sturdy brand of tough terrain buggies and strollers for the rugged athletic and sports enthusiast parent who takes baby out on jobs and mountain hikes. It is still the market but has retreated to a smaller share given new competitors on the market.

Its Sport Stroller line feature a smart handle with one touch brake, smart fold, aluminum frame, and top quality tough, washable cloth.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts

JOOLZ

DESCRIPTION: Joolz is a very new entrant to the market. This Australian company hinges its products on sustainable and eco-friendly renewable design and materials.

The Joolz Geo² Studio Complete Stroller features a modular design that offers 3 different configurations that make it the ultimate stroller for any family adventure. The award-winning design captures ergonomic comfort, ease, style, and maneuverability. It can be used as a toddler stroller, a modern pram for newborns, and an infant car seat carrier

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Harry Judd, Carey Mulligan

UPPA BABY

DESCRIPTION:

Another American company is Boston, Massachussets-based UPPAbaby which makes innovative, high-quality strollers and car seats that fit the needs of parents, while appealing to the sense of style they’ve always had.

The VISTA convertible stroller allows for multiple configurations to transport up to three children, making it a great choice for growing families. The included bassinet features a longer, ventilated mattress, while the toddler seat is perfect as your little one grows. It has a telescoping handlebar and a large, easy-access under-seat basket that holds up to 30 lb. make the VISTA fuss-free for parents.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, Katherine Heigl

PEG PEREGO

DESCRIPTION: When I started having a family, the Peg Perego was the it stroller. It is an Italian family-owned brand which makes baby strollers, car seats, high chairs and kid-sized riding toys for children and babies all over the world.

The versatile and agile Duette Piroet inline double stroller by Peg Perego can easily pass through narrow places, folds compactly, and is travel system ready. Comes with two independent adjustable seats with reclining backrests and two-position footrests. Peg Perego Duette Piroet features a versatile and extremely agile Italian inline double stroller design that can easily go through narrow pathways and allows various seating configurations for twins or different age siblings

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Rachel Zoe, Minnie Driver, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum

BABYZEN

DESCRIPTION: This is another relatively new arrival for city dwellers and traveling families. Babyzen manufactures and markets baby products and designs, produces, and sells collapsible baby strollers. Babyzen offers its produces to retailers throughout Europe and internationally.

The BABYZEN YOYO+ comes ready to roll, complete with the YOYO Newborn and Seat Color Pack Fabric Sets. The YOYO+ is an incredibly lightweight, compact stroller and steers easily even with one hand, allowing you to navigate corners and tight spaces. An underseat storage basket makes a convenient spot for on-the-go items, and an included travel bag is perfect for storage.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried , Justin Timberlake, Keira Knightly

QUINNY

DESCRIPTION: Yet another Dutch stroller manufacturer whose name has been synonymous with top quality is Quinny. This company is among Europe’s most respected stroller brand and set the standard for engineering, design and trendsetting style.The Quinny line offers clever solutions for the confident parent of today; solutions that are made with parents and their lifestyles in mind. Stroll with ease and in stylish comfort with the rugged and innovative

The Quinny Mood Stroller features a unique hydraulic system that automatically unfolds stroller, plus never-flat, all-terrain tires that allow you and baby to conquer any terrain.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Allyson Hannigan, Ali Landry

AUSTLEN

DESCRIPTION: This is another American baby product company. The Austin, Texas company boasts a staff of in-house engineers, mostly made up of parents, that make products to accommodate the daily lives and frustrations of new moms and dads. They’ve stopped at nothing to create intuitive, purpose-driven, well-made products that make family life easier and more fun — giving parents more freedom to live in the moment without being overwhelmed by more and more.

The flagship model, the Entourage, is perfect for families on-the-go. This one-handed expandable frame has three positions, 5 recline positions, a market tote and expandable lower storage area, giving you the freedom to travel anywhere in comfort.

THULE

DESCRIPTION

Thule is an established Swedish outdoors and transportation products manufacturer that is a leader in cargo carriers for automobiles. It recently expanded to get into the stroller biz.

The Thule Sleek is a stylish stroller for on-the-go travel adventures with the ever-innovative, marvelously multifunctional which features a ventilated canopy, a convenient window, a reversible seat, generous seating options and more.

MAXI-COSI

DESCRIPTION: Another Dutch company is Maxi-Cosi which started in the 1980s as one of Europe’s first permiere car seat manufacturers. It has since expanded and updated its quality of strollers to the point that is competes with the other exquisite brands out here.

Travel everywhere with ease with the Lila Modular Stroller is a convenient, compact and extra comfortable, making it great for dining out, shopping or vacation that is good with maneuverability and can accommodate an infant seat. It’s perfect for a growing family because it can easily turn into a dual stroller.

BABY JOGGER

DESCRIPTION This Richmond, Virginia-based company launched one of the first jogging strollers in the 1980s. It designs and manufactures jogging strollers and all-terrain strollers and offers strollers and joggers, such as urban use and three wheeled all-terrain strollers; and accessories. The company also provides dependable push chairs for children and adults with physical disabilities.

The City Select LUX is a rugged yet streamlined stroller features an extra seat with a telescoping handlebar adjusts to just the right height, while the hand-operated decelerating and parking brake provides additional peace of mind.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Toby McGuire, Ellen Pompeo, Elizabeth Banks, Miranda Kerr

NUNA

DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company started out as a baby furniture maker and expanded to strollers. Today, it is a premiere must-have stroller for the upper echelon. I love the logo.

The Nuna MIXX Travel System includes a stroller and the company’s featherlight PIPA Lite LX Car Seat which makes one superb travel system. An ideal set for you, but especially for your little one.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Gwen Stefani, Molly Sims, Jaime King

There you have it! Good luck stroller shop or social climbing, whatever floats your boat!

cover photo Cella Jane, Pinterest

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B.O.B.

SILVER CROSS

DESCRIPTION: For over 128 years, Silver Cross has been handcrafting traditional prams in Northern England. This hallmark company is known for being pushed by Royals in the UK and across Europe and beyond.

The Silver Cross Balmoral Pram model boasts three coats of high shine lacquer, English leather and is painted by hand and individually numbered.

GET IT FOR: $5,000 at the company website

There is another less expensive line you can get for $4,025 from an exclusive line of Aston Martin Silver Cross strollers.

If you like the look of a British pram but not the funds to shell out $5,000, you can still get the Limited Edition Doll Pram from Harrod’s for just $902

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Geri Halliwell Horner (“Ginger Spice”), Nicky Hilton

MIMA

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Kourtney Kardashian, Alex Curran Gerard

CYBEX

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Serena Williams, Rosamund Pike, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Wilde, Irina Shayk

STOKKE

The Stokke™ Xplory® Complete baby stroller is the only stroller you’ll ever need to buy! The Stokke Xplory Complete is an innovative urban stroller that adapts to your changing needs.

CELEBRITY OWNER: Chris Hemsworth, Sienna Miller, Stacey Keibler

BUGABOO

DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company has had a major mark in the business since the early 1990s. The strollers Bugaboo manufacture guarantee a full of smooth ride, no matter the surface, city street or bumpy park. The brand has long been considered a posh status symbol and continues.

The classic Donkey buggy is fully loaded with push handle to shift the wheels to tackle any terrain, 5 harness straps, multiple recline position, a spacious under carriage bassinet, as well as a reversible, fully reclining seat.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Leelee Sobieski, Amy Poehler, Julianna Marguiles, Jon Stewart, Matthew McConaughey and Gwen Stefani

PHIL & TED’S

Its Sport Stroller line feature a smart handle with one touch brake, smart fold, aluminum frame, and top quality tough, washable cloth.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts

JOOLZ

DESCRIPTION: Joolz is a very new entrant to the market. This Australian company hinges its products on sustainable and eco-friendly renewable design and materials.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Harry Judd, Carey Mulligan

UPPA BABY

DESCRIPTION:

Another American company is Boston, Massachussets-based UPPAbaby which makes innovative, high-quality strollers and car seats that fit the needs of parents, while appealing to the sense of style they’ve always had.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, Katherine Heigl

PEG PEREGO

DESCRIPTION: When I started having a family, the Peg Perego was the it stroller. It is an Italian family-owned brand which makes baby strollers, car seats, high chairs and kid-sized riding toys for children and babies all over the world.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Rachel Zoe, Minnie Driver, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum

BABYZEN

DESCRIPTION: This is another relatively new arrival for city dwellers and traveling families. Babyzen manufactures and markets baby products and designs, produces, and sells collapsible baby strollers. Babyzen offers its produces to retailers throughout Europe and internationally.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried , Justin Timberlake, Keira Knightly

QUINNY

The Quinny Mood Stroller features a unique hydraulic system that automatically unfolds stroller, plus never-flat, all-terrain tires that allow you and baby to conquer any terrain.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Allyson Hannigan, Ali Landry

AUSTLEN

The flagship model, the Entourage, is perfect for families on-the-go. This one-handed expandable frame has three positions, 5 recline positions, a market tote and expandable lower storage area, giving you the freedom to travel anywhere in comfort.

THULE

DESCRIPTION

Thule is an established Swedish outdoors and transportation products manufacturer that is a leader in cargo carriers for automobiles. It recently expanded to get into the stroller biz.

The Thule Sleek is a stylish stroller for on-the-go travel adventures with the ever-innovative, marvelously multifunctional which features a ventilated canopy, a convenient window, a reversible seat, generous seating options and more.

MAXI-COSI

DESCRIPTION: Another Dutch company is Maxi-Cosi which started in the 1980s as one of Europe’s first permiere car seat manufacturers. It has since expanded and updated its quality of strollers to the point that is competes with the other exquisite brands out here.

BABY JOGGER

The City Select LUX is a rugged yet streamlined stroller features an extra seat with a telescoping handlebar adjusts to just the right height, while the hand-operated decelerating and parking brake provides additional peace of mind.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Toby McGuire, Ellen Pompeo, Elizabeth Banks, Miranda Kerr

NUNA

DESCRIPTION: This Dutch company started out as a baby furniture maker and expanded to strollers. Today, it is a premiere must-have stroller for the upper echelon. I love the logo.

The Nuna MIXX Travel System includes a stroller and the company’s featherlight PIPA Lite LX Car Seat which makes one superb travel system. An ideal set for you, but especially for your little one.

CELEBRITY OWNERS: Gwen Stefani, Molly Sims, Jaime King

There you have it! Good luck stroller shop or social climbing, whatever floats your boat!