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The founders of Mama Mio admit there's a selfish element to their brand. The good news is, that works not just in their favor, but in yours.

You see, Sian Sutherland, Kathy Miller, and Tanya Kazeminy Mackay, who collectively have 7 kids between them, created their signature skincare line based on what they couldn't find as young, active, modern pregnant women -  skincare solutions that made them feel good inside and out.  So what did they do? They essentially created a company that produces the effective, custom products they themselves wanted to use but couldn't find.

They saw a void in eco-aware lotions and potions that could safely help pregnant women reduce stretch marks, soothe overly dry skin, and help new moms bounce back while feeling pampered, glowing, and just plain good about themselves.  And once they succeeded there, they branched out to create skincare lines that could help all women - moms or otherwise - look and feel their best.

Mama Mio products - from stretch mark prophylactics to skin firmers, scrubs, and body-softening oils - are intended to keep your skin elastic, fit and healthy. They're made from more natural ingredients, which allows the packaging to tout ingredients that contain  "no nasties," so you feel good about using them. And yes, they do smell light, feminine and like you just stepped out of a relaxing spa treatment. Ahhhhhh.

But beyond that, what adds to this company's following is the playful but straightforward approach to the realities of skincare, aging and being a woman trying to balance it all. You need to look no further than the product names: Boob Tube Firming Cream, Shrink to Fit Cellulite Cream, Get Waisted Body Shaper, Bootcamp for Tummies Skincare and Exercise Kit, to get a taste.

It's this "we're women just like you" approach that frankly makes you wish you could invite the founders to join your mom's group, playdate circle, or next girls' night out event. (Sadly, unless you live in the UK where the company is based, that probably won't happen.) But you can benefit from their light, and fun perspectives and products.

Mama Mio's growing popularity is living proof you don't have to lose yourself as a woman, or a businesswoman, once you become a mom. It's proof you can succeed (and have fun while doing so) if you don't take yourself too seriously. It's proof you can balance family, job, friends and personal pursuits. And it's certainly proof that sometimes necessity truly is the mother, or in this case, the "mama," of invention.

Special Mama Mio Discount Offer

In honor of upcoming Mother's Day, Mama Mio wants you to try their products at a discount! Glam readers can sign up here to receive $10 off any Mama Mio purchase. Just be sure to sign up by May 10, 2009.

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You know the old saying, "mother knows best."

And increasingly, moms around the world are turning their well-founded ideas into growing businesses. Which is why we've started a series to salute them - and to get them on your radar.

While attending her sister-in-law's baby shower, Robbie Mahlman noticed a glaring gap in the baby product presents - the organic gifts (meant to treat Mother Earth and babies gently) were bland, while the stylish, vibrant gifts weren't committed to natural manufacturing or preserving resources.

What would happen, Mahlman mused,  if she started producing quality, organic products in the US that had a fun, stylish flair? She teamed up with Susan Doris to produce their first baby blankets and they found the answer: Robbie Adrian Luxury Organics.

But it's not just the cute colors or playful trims that draw parents to the signature, ruffled wraps - it's the growing awareness of organic and low-impact products that make them such a hit.

In addition to being made from 100% US certified organic cotton fleece or velour,  these comforting cuddlies are produced with environmentally sound dyes that make parents - from starlets to stay-at-home caregivers - feel like they're starting their babies off on the right, Earth-friendly foot.

So next time you swaddle your baby, think about what it is you're putting next to their delicate skin, and how that product was produced. And remember it's never too early (or late) to start living green. After all, you know what the bumper sticker says: "We didn't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we're borrowing it from our children."

You can find Robbie Adrian products on their website or at various baby boutique stores in a city near you.

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If you haven't run into Serena & Lily bedding and children's accessories, you probably will soon. What's so great about them? Serena (Dugan) and Lily (Kanter) help you create everything from stylish accents to complete looks for your little ones' living (and sleeping) spaces.

Whether you're a novice or already have a strong eye for design, their sweet, stylish, modern prints and mix-and-match palette will add a sense of fun to any peanut's pad.

So how did this independent design force come into being? Happenstance, talent, and the fact that two women were willing to take a risk by following their instincts.

Dugan, a textile designer and artist wandered into Kanter's Mill Valley, CA. baby boutique one day. They bonded over the idea that children's spaces could enjoy a clean aesthetic that goes beyond the stereotypical (and sometimes stifling) pink and blue bunnies and duckies. The next day, after Dugan dropped off her portfolio, the seeds for Serena & Lily were sown. With Dugan's drive for design and Kanter's business savvy, they released their first collection just eight months later.

Now, between the two of them, these mom-trepreneurs are enjoying 4 children, a fantastic partnership, and a thriving catalogue, retail and online business. And it's clear that Serena & Lily, the creation of two self-proclaimed "type A, go-getter, scatterbrains," is anything but scattered.

So whether you're hoping to create a fresh space for your kids, or looking for fun baby shower gifts, see what they have for you at serenaandlily.com.

Check out their bedding and coordinating wall paint colors to bring out your child's personality. You can find Serena & Lily products online or at Bloomingdale's, boutiques and children's specialty stores like Giggle.

Or, to stay on top of their latest designs, click here to receive theirclassy catalogue.