Andrea Sherr finds being a mother of three kids under age 10 means she’s outsmarted on a daily basis — a relatable feeling for any parent left speechless at what comes out of the mouths of babes. Last year, Sherr began compiling “kiddisms” from her own children and others on her website www.heardontheplayground.com. At first, it was simply a labor of love, with Sherr working late into the night reading and laughing. Other than selling some T-shirts with the quotes, she didn’t have a long-term revenue strategy. Then she decided to turn it into a book called Heard on the Playground – Funny Things Kids Say.

While many manufacturers generate waste, here is one that heads in the opposite direction, keeping zillions of pieces of paper out of our landfills. Notebagz transforms this detritus into edgy handbags, cosmetic cases and other accessories. The style alone is enough to recommend Notebagz, even if they didn’t make right-on-the-money bags of all kinds made entirely out of recycled publications, magazines and posters. American-made Notebagz lean on nostalgic icons and vintage books as well as images from television, movie and music artists. All bags feature snappy designs whether shoppers’ tastes run to music, magazine covers, peace signs, travel posters or other icons of times gone by.

This fall, stylish mothers-to-be can seize the season dressed in ultra-chic duds from the Pour Deux, Maternity for Two collection. Aware that expectant moms want to look fab throughout pregnancy, this company offers numerous options for work through weekend. Fall’s neutral and noteworthy color palette in black, many shades of grey and antique white is accented with pale pop colors such as purple haze and opal. Other items in warm camel are accented in softly becoming tones of henna and pale copper.

Parents know all too well the familiar struggle of getting kids to sit and eat a healthy lunch. That struggle is intensified when one adds picky eaters to the mix. It’s hard enough at home, but when their little one starts packing a lunch for school mom and dad are not there to monitor, and are left to wonder if their child is just dumping that sandwich. One innovative mom took matters into her own hands and invented The Lunch Punch to encourage her three, energetic young boys to sit down and eat a healthy meal.