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Apparently, these aren't new - last season, maybe? But, they were new to me and had such the "awwwwww!" factor that I couldn't help posting about them. My husband's comment - "So, if it's cold enough outside for an adult to be wearing mittens, shouldn't a little kid have their own pair on?" Yeah, but I'd be tempted to buy these just to hang from the hooks in my entryway to remind me of the preciousness of holding little hands.
I have long been a fan of Burt's Bees chapstick...oh how I love that minty goodness! As a result, I've tried every other Burt's Bees lip care product available. Some have been winners and others not so much - BUT, now I have a new fave! I'm much more of a lip gloss girl than a lip stick girl, so you know I had to give their new Super Shiny Lip Gloss a try and now I'm a fan. The "Nectar Nude" shade offers tons of shine, a hint of natural color, and a subtle citrus fragrance and flavor. I'm ditching the five other glosses I've collected in my purse for this one and reapplying frequently.
I love when necessity breeds a simple and useful design. For example, these Secure2Me
blankets....basically lovely and cozy baby blankets with a small metal clip at each corner. The blanket will stay put whether your child is in an infant carseat, a baby carrier, a stroller, bouncy seat/swing or being nursed by mom. It's designed to work with infants through preschoolers. No more need to worry about the blanket being kicked off and landing in the dust. The blankets are stylish, soft, cuddly, and good quality. The one that was given to me is a beautiful velvety-soft chocolate brown on the underside while the upper side is a silky chocolate brown embroidered with a lovely design in turquoise and gold. I didn't see that one for sale on the site anymore, but I did see some really cute other ones in their "confections" line.
First, I have to apologize to my friend Ruthie for my procrastination with this one. You see, she was kind
enough to let me download Menu In A Box for free to give it a try....like back in May! and here I am finally getting around to saying anything about it. And, I definitely think it is worth saying something about - so you should know that there is this great resource available to anyone who is looking to save time and money, get organized, and provide some new, very easy, friendly meals to their family. Go check it out - it's a 100 day meal-planning kit that includes everything listed in the picture here and it is all so extremely neat and organized and accessible. We've tried some of the recipes and they were easy and tasty. The entire program will cost you less than $20 and is downloadable, so you don't have to wait for the mail to come...you can have it today.
I adore these nightlight lamps from White Rabbit
I think I have the strange potential to become a collector of unique and antique little lamps and lights. My girls have a lamp in their room which was my grandmother's. The base is a porcelain girl in a full dress, that I think my grandmother may have painted. Now it is chipped and worn, which gives it that much more appeal. Another friend of mine told me of an antique table lamp found by her friend that has a little cottage at the base with a separate built-in nightlight and is being used in a nursery. I wonder, do you own or remember any unique lamps/nightlights...or know of any other places to go for unique and cute ones like White Rabbit?
Looks like Pottery Barn will have some competition as Restoration Hardware unveils it's own Baby and Child store. More cute stuff for all those fabulous nurseries being put together out there! More expensive stuff to ogle over. Sweet!
I think that the buffalo print and picnic canvas print in these tiny TOMS shoes are adorable, but I must say that the pink camo is probably my favorite (as are all things pink). The thing I love the most about these shoes? That for every pair you buy, they will give a free pair to a child in need. They come in pre-walker and toddler sizes...and because we like to wear cute things too - adult sizes. 
Okay, I can't help but think these soapsicles are cute! I'm just so sure that most kids would immediately
put these into their mouths - but I guess after one try they'd get the point. Here's another mom-confession that you are probably totally going to give me dirty looks for - but, honestly, I don't use soap or body cleanser of any kind on my children (we do use shampoo on their hair, of course). Why? I just don't find it necessary yet unless they happen to have gotten into something really gross or are covered in paint or something like that. We do use washcloths and plenty of fresh water in regular baths and showers, and I do teach them about proper hygiene. I have very dry skin and so I've always been wary of soaps myself anyway. Still, if I handed my kids a real popsicle they'd have a sticky mess all over them anyway, so why not hand them a sugar-free one that by rubbing all over will do the opposite and result in being more clean?
I can't help but adore the simplified design of these paper cuts from Emily at Papers' Edge. Share the colors of your child's room and a little bit of information, and she'll create an original one of these super cute and modern personalized images of your child/baby. I would love to have one of these for each of my two girls hanging side by side on their currently blank bedroom wall - when they are grown, I would hang them in my own space to remind me of the preciousness of their childhood. 
I love the idea of graphics for the walls and I've looked at several sites and companies that offer a range of ideas and products. There has been a lot I liked, and a lot I didn't. I loved some of the things (pictured here) that I saw at WallCandyArts.com. I especially adore this chalkboard - I totally want it and can think of a ton of places I
could put it! If we ever have another baby, maybe I'll consider some graphics for the nursery.
Saw this on another blog and thought the ingenuity behind this Squid Soap was priceless! When you push the pump to release the soap, it marks your hand with a stamp made from vegetable dye. The dye takes about 20 seconds of thorough washing to remove - so when you and your child see that the stamp is washed away, you know that they have done a thorough job of washing away germs as well!
If you aren't familiar with lilaguide, you might find it a helpful resource. Self-tagged as the "word-of-mouth survival guide" it is chock full of information - baby gear, shops, activities, groups, services, restaurants and more are listed and then reviewed by real parents. It's available for tons of different cities nationwide, including several right here in Northern Va. Click here to see if there's one for your city.
We can't walk by the PB kids store at a mall without my kids squealing to go in and play with stuff. I can't complain, I like to look at all the uber cute goods too. While I'm still working on creating cute bedrooms for little girls, it has crossed my mind that eventually they will be teens and will likely request some redecorating. So, naturally, I was pleased to discover the PB teens line. Finding lasting cute items that will make the transition from little girl to little woman is that much easier. While many of the items gratefully retain a sweet, innocent appeal...even I can appreciate some of the fun accessories like the zebra striped towels and vintage iron jewelry holders and surfboard/skateboard shelves and magazine racks.
I was never a huge fan of the in-line style of Phil and Ted's e3 strollers...though admittedly, there hasn't been anything else that has really thrilled me either. However, I was really pleasantly surprised to see that Phil and Ted's has updated it's line to include some great variations on their "classic" e3. Especially noteworthy is the new Vibe...which has all the characteristics so many people have loved about the classic e3, but it includes features such as being even more lightweight, folds with the double-kit on, zip on storm and sun shields, slide and click addition of the double kit, and a much better platform for the child's feet.
Convenient, perhaps - but not only unhealthy for our planet, but unhealthy for our bodies as well in some
instances. I've been thinking more about plastics lately and thought I'd share some info. We've never been buyers of plastic water bottles or big users of plastic wrap and I don't use plastic in the microwave...but I did learn a few new things recently that are kind of disconcerting. Here are the numbers you need to watch out for (look for them inside the triangle marked on the bottom of containers) and a few common uses.
The risk with these plastics is that they either are carcinogenic, contain bisphenol-a (BPA) which mimics estrogen and therefore may induce hormonal responses or have other phthalates (used to make plastic flexible) which pose a similar risk. These plastics can leach into food products, etc...and are ingested or sometimes inhaled. The one I found most surprising was the metal can liners - that is if you buy canned goods, the lining meant to protect you and the food from the metal of the can is potentially dangerous - and it is present in nearly every can (not just the ones lined with white, but the coating is clear).
I confess that when I saw these, I felt a little funny about the idea of carrying around (or asking my sitter to use) a bottle that resembles a breast in the way these do. Nevertheless, I was really curious when I saw these and think they are a really impressive design over the typical bottle. The Adiri Natural Nurser bottles are made of soft, safe poly-carbonate free and bisphenol-A free material, provides the closest
mimic of actual breast-feeding, and has a unique venting system to prevent the nipple from collapsing and the baby from swallowing air. They are available in three flow stages/speeds, and the entire thing is easy to clean since it has a larger opening. I think I'd consider these should we ever have another baby - and as a bonus, one of the only two stores listed in Virginia for carrying these in stock is actually located right here in Reston - Right Start at Plaza America.
I recently saw this blanket from funkymoose - it has pockets on the side! I immediately got this - and I'm
sure you will too if you have the kind of child that must have a ton of stuffed animals, books, or other items accompany them to bed. Aside from the fact that these items inevitably end up all over the floor, under the bed, twisted in the covers, shoved between the wall and the mattress, or slept right on top of....I thought this would be a great incentive to limit the amount of items that could be brought into bed...three pockets? three items! And what kid doesn't like to hide things in pockets and pull them out over and over again? For a child who is slightly older, this would be a great idea for hiding a book and a flashlight or a journal. It makes me want to go and sew fun little pockets all over my girls' blankets!
I ran into a friend at the grocery store who was so excited about these No Slippy Hair Clippy barettes that she just had to tell me! Apparently they really do work great! I wish I had known about them when my girls were born with heads totally full of fine baby hair - even now, I continue to search for really great barettes. I have to say that these are so super cute too that it's really hard to choose! Here are a few of my faves - but there are a ton of styles to choose freom. My girls would go crazy over these and I'd go crazy over finally being able to keep their hair out of their faces!
Here's a novel idea for the coming warmer months.....flip n' flop flip-flops for ages 4 - 8 feature a book hidden inside the secret compartment of each sole. The books are designed to teach compassion and empathy "put yourself in my shoes." The books are tear resistant and water resistant and kids will love keeping the books or other small treasures tucked away in their secret compartments. You can also buy pairs of stories separately to keep the fun coming. The flip-flops come in four kid-friendly colors. I'm a sucker for creative ideas like this!
I'm always on the lookout for good snack options for my kids. Ideally, I'd have prepared fresh fruit or veggies always on hand...but in reality, I really need something that I can grab with no preparation, throw into the bottom of a bag somewhere and forget about for a couple of days. I recently picked up a box of these Back to Nature Bakery Squares and was instantly fond of them. The Banana Walnut squares taste nearly the same as the Banana Odwalla bars (which my kids already love) but they are about the size of one cookie - which makes them just right for little hands and tummies. Plus, they are fairly healthy with ingredients like organic oatmeal, organic dried bananas, organic whole wheat flour, organic wheat bran...and they don't have any High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated oils, or artificial flavors or preservatives. The only downfall is that there are only five per box - upside? The entire box is small enough to fit in your diaper bag and they also come in oatmeal raisin.
My sister-in-law, who is pregnant with her first baby, and I were recently discussing what kinds of things she
might register for regarding gifts from family and friends. There is so much stuff out there - babies have become big business - and it is difficult as a first time mother especially to know what you really need and will use and what you won't. Like almost everything else, a lot is dependent upon the particular characteristics of each child and your own preferences. However, I certainly found that there were some things I just couldn't do without and a lot of things that were never used and frankly, not worth spending money on. For example - one thing I loved was our portable baby swing....but personally I'd never recommend a Diaper Genie or one of those plastic infant bathtubs. Please share with us what things you couldn't live without and what you wouldn't have bothered with if you'd have known.
These topless undershirts have been gaining popularity and I can see why. They seem so comfortable, helpful, and convenient. Plus, I think they'd be helpful for nursing too - which I was doing alot in the winter when inevitably you have several layers of clothes to get through...try doing that discreetly in public! Anyway, if we were to have another baby - I'd want a couple of these in my collection, absolutely!
Hasbro has a new line of toothbrushes that play tunes - "two minutes of tunes for two minutes of
brushing" goes the ad. The great thing is that there is a large variety of popular tunes to choose from, from Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana - and Highschool Musical...to Smashmouth, Kiss, Black Eyed Peas, the Beach Boys, MC Hammer, Star Wars and the theme song from Transformers...and more. Okay, but here is the strange part that makes me want to try it out to see how it works: "as sound vibrations stream from the bristles through their teeth, they hear the music in their heads. But, when they take the bristles off their teeth, the music stops playing in their head." Okay....as far as techno gadgets go - musical toothbrushes, cool! But does anybody else get flashing visions of covert miliary propaganda being streamed into peoples heads? I find this also all just a little bit creepy - well, maybe it's just me :)
Through visiting with the cousins we encountered these Kellogg's cereal straws. I was both totally appalled and really intrigued. I grew up in a household free of sugary cereals, and to this day I really can't stand them. But, I'm a sucker for innovation and advertising - so I admit, I tried one out just for curiosity. While I would not buy these and try to avoid products that are devoid of natural nutrition (you do know that the vitamins are sprayed on, right?) and full of sugar - especially to start the day - it was sort of convenient and fun. But it is kind of sad too that so many kids these days aren't enjoying the benefits of slowing down for a good healthy breakfast - even the convenient bowl of cereal has become too much to ask - instead we must rush out of the house with our cup of milk and a cereal straw? We're sticking my girls' favorite - a warm bowl of oatmeal.
I've always liked the idea of "mother's jewelry" but I haven't found many pieces that I really liked. Here is one that I do. It is a simple and elegant way by Citrus Silver to display the names of your little gems without charms that clink like coins or get in the way or just look plain tacky. Plus, it's a little unusual...a diversion from the usual picture lockets, charm bracelets, or birthstone accessories. There are a variety of pendants in different shapes and options. I'd wear any of these and I'd give them as a gift too - the stamping is whatever you want, so these might be suitable for occasions other than just motherhood as well. 
I love these and think they would make fun gifts too! I saw them in a specialty store recently and now am surprised that I hadn't heard of them previously. TSP organic spices are pre-measured into always-fresh 1 teaspoon packets and come packaged in a cute little tin. It will be a snap to have your kids help add the spice ingredients to your recipes with no mess, or to top their oatmeal or toast, as an addition to cider or to make your tomato soup a bit more savory! 
If you know me or have been reading for a while, you are probably aware of my great affinity for books and a particular love for children's books. I began a collection of Little Golden Books for my children before I was even married, and while it isn't as huge as you might imagine, it does take up a full section of my daughters' bookshelf. So, of course I love these magnets from littlepearl's Etsy shop! How cute! I'm not a big fan of clutter on the fridge, so these really make me want to devise an appropriate setting just so I have an excuse to get them. But how would I choose? There are more than 30 to pick from.
Whole Foods will offer a new product early next year called Y Water - this vitamin-infused, flavored
organic water drink is aimed at children and comes in a fun Y-shaped bottle that doubles as a toy. The drink itself comes in four low-sugar flavor varieties aimed at different target areas of the body - bone, muscle, brain, and immunity. For example, Y Bone water has calcium and other vitamins mixed with organic black carrot juice, strawberry, banana, and a touch of spearmint oil while Y Brain water has zinc,
rosemary, lemon and caramel. The bottle can be reused as a toy as it has special connectors which allow kids to stick the bottles together to form "lego-like" constructions. The product, while innovative, has met with both enthusiasm and harsh criticism with discussion ranging from health benefits (or detriments like cane sugar) to whether reusable packaging offers a good "green" solution when perhaps it would be better if plastic bottles weren't being manufactured at all. Well, people will always have opinions about these things....but I think the design is really creative and it will be interesting to see whether it is worth it to parents and kids to spend a whopping $1.69 per bottle.
(ht: Business Week)
Gaze upon this new product and tell me you are not appalled! It's a powdery energy drink mix called "Blow" which promises "pure uncut energy" (equal to 3 cups of coffee), has the look of cocaine and appeals to teens. (not to mention the practically pornographic website) Um, who's brilliant idea was this? and why aren't they fired?
I've been wishing for a long time for a suitable storage solution for the stuffed animals that seem to just
keep adding up around here. We have a couple of tall collapsible mesh bins that work pretty well - especially since they are semi-transparent so we can still see what is in there to play with. I generally don't like this solution because it is bulky (like the stuffed animals themselves) and doesn't encourage playing with the toys that are contained there. I also don't like 
those toy hammocks that you can hang in a corner of a room and fill with stuffed animals for the same reasons and the fact that I just don't like how they look. A long while ago, I posted on this as a really fun and interesting alternative storage solution - but it has some of the same faults. But.....hooray!....this I like! A stuffed animal organizer tree, for just over $30 at organize.com. I really, really want this. There is also this chain option. And I must say, I love organize.com - it's a great and helpful site and like The Container Store, holds very strong attractions for my inner type-A organizational neediness.
We don't have one of these yet, but I hope that we will soon. In August, Gymboree opened it's first of a new chain of concept stores which offer those cool styles that have made Gymboree really popular, but at 30% of the price. For example, long sleeve T's start at 2 for $6. Crazy 8 outfits newborns to child size 14, both boys and girls. While they hope to have plenty of stores up and running soon, you'll have to shop online until then.
And, though the toys go on and on...and so does my fondness for them, I'm going to wrap up my little excursion and showcase with these by Deglingo. I love Molo the lobster. So cute in that quirky, offbeat kind of way - they just beg to be taken home with you! And you can find these and all the other toys I have highlighted this week at Oompa toys. I hope you have as much fun perusing as I did!
I'm not through with my big toy kick yet - I just couldn't leave these out! They are everything a basic block set is and so much more! Creative, fun, versatile and ultra cute! Haba Stacking Animals.
Okay, how can you resist these???? They are just too sweet! Utterly Irresistible!
Knitted donut assortment from Yellow Label Kids.
What I would get you for Valentine's Day, cont'd.
For all my friends who are such sweethearts:
cozy mom tee from PeaceLoveMom:
Vosges chocolates and Soy candle in exotic fragrances from Malie Kauai
And for your little sweethearts:
onesies from PeaceLoveMom:
Continuing my obsession this week with really cute toys and items for the kids, I have to include this. Love it! It would make such a great item in our play room to hang dress-up clothes on, or brilliant in the winter for all those hats,scarves, coats, snow gear and things that seem to be floating around the house, or just every day in the bedroom for miscellaneous apparel. Any little boys out there with growing ball cap collections? Totally cute! Clothes tree from P'kolino.
What I would give you for Valentine's Day, cont'd.
To all my friends who are domestic darlings:
Kitchen Aid artisan stand mixer
Animal Attraction throw pillows from Modern Dose
Sewing kit from Home Chic Home by Two's company
Numi flowering teas
terra cotta cookie stamps from Ingebretsen's or Rycraft
For your little darlings:
vintage print aprons by Williams Sonoma
"What I would give you for Valentine's Day" cont'd.
To all my "Athletic" friends:
Nike iPod sports kit:
Massaging Body Mat by Gaiam:
Goody Stay-Put collection:
Sports and Exercise Nutrition:
SIGG Lifestyle non-toxic water bottle:
for your tiny yogi:
Itsy Bitsy Yoga and Baby Legs 
I don't know how I missed this company! I simply adore everything! I spent a long time looking at toy after toy and more...every one I could find, just because it was so much fun! I liked everything I saw and couldn't help but wonder, why haven't I noticed this company before? I LOVE this town carpet...love, love, love it!!!! and check out the Fantasy Voyage Platform bed, both from Haba - obviously a new favorite company of mine, and of course, they do more than furniture and decor - the toys are superfabulous! I'm head over heels for their food for my kitchen/grocery store obsessed daughters. More to come from them soon!
"What I would give you for Valentine's Day" cont'd.
To all my "On-The-Go" mom friends (and readers, that's you too - you're my friend!):
Keurig coffee maker:
Sterling Silver Photo Charm Bracelet by Shiman:
computer bag by Cross:
All the Better To Kiss You With organic lip balm:
Peeled snacks gift basket:
and for your Little Princess On-The-Go:
Hearts doll pram by Haba:
and for your Little Prince On-The-Go:
I am a blue robot, from Jellycat: the most cuddly interpretation of a big, artificially intelligent hunk of metal I've ever seen! I'd love to make this a new bunk mate for my girls!
Adding to my list of super-cute toy finds, is this adorable mobile! I don't have little boys, so blue hasn't been the most abundant color here, but if I ever have another baby, I WANT this! - whether it is a girl or a boy. Hey, I'd love to wake up to this cheery little thing every morning myself! This Big Birds Mobile is made by Blabla, and each and every one of their knit toys are perfectly cute and cuddly!
