Website We Love: Offbeat Bride

Do you feel different because you don't want the traditional white dress, cookie-cutter wedding? Well, there are other cool chicks out there like you, and they're all checking out Offbeatbride.com! Based on the book Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides by Ariel Meadow Stallings, comes a website brimming with attitude, humor, and a serious dose of creativity. Featuring advice you can actually use (including "how to tell family you're keeping your name" and "how to get your groom involved" to "how to plan a theatrical wedding"), real wedding photos and stories, and resources for the big day, Offbeat Bride is about celebrating your love and embracing your creativity within a very supportive community. Don't forget to order a copy of the book while you're there. All the mamas out there should also check out their sister site, Offbeat Mamas, with more advice and fun for moms and moms-to-be.

Photo courtesy of Offbeat Bride.

A Controversial Toy Hits the Shelves

People have quite conflicting views regarding breast-feeding. Personally, I think it is a wonderful, natural thing that makes for healthier babies (sorry, Facebook). It's what breasts are intended for! However, is a toy for little girls (or boys) crossing the line? Bebe Gloton is a Spanish doll that actually "nurses." The girl wears the daisy top, and when the baby gets near the daisy, it starts making sucking noises. When she takes it away from the daisy (nipple), it starts to cry until she burps it. Some individuals think that it will help make people a little more comfortable with the oddly controversial issue of breast-feeding. Others have argued that it will encourage girls to get pregnant earlier, although mommies have noted that girls already mimic their breast-feeding and don't need a toy when they have their imagination. Strange or acceptable? Would you buy the doll for a little one in your life? What do you think?