I’m not a mother. But as the writer for Magic Beans, it’s my job to think like one. And despite not having kids, there are several products we sell that I absolutely love. My new favorite? The Glass Beverage Bottle from Lifefactory. This adult bottle is made by the same people who brought us the popular Babylife Weego, a wonderful ... Read More »

In the middle of everything else that is hectic in our lives, we’re also doing some work on our house. Which means that in addition to obsessively researching baby gear and toys, I’m also a newly minted expert in tiles, faucets and countertop surfaces. The biggest challenge is actually my kids’ rooms, though. By now, I understand the parameters. Kids’ ... Read More »

Last week, Consumer Reports published a report calling the Valco Trimode stroller a “Safety Risk.” I have a history of skepticism with regards to similar claims Consumer Reports has made about other products, but in this case they appear to have done a little more homework. The issue here is the bumper bar. There is an ASTM voluntary standard that ... Read More »

What follows is a departure from my usual subject matter. But writing about it made me feel better, so I thought I’d share. It was almost exactly 12 years ago that I managed to secure off-campus housing for my senior year of college. Seeing as how the landlord was dog-friendly, getting a dog was an inevitable next step. I loved ... Read More »