April Showers Be Gone

It's the last day of April and the weather is gorgeous here in New York, but just in case...here is a very stylish personalized umbrella from Neiman Marcus. Choose your initial and color (I, O, Q, U, X, Y, Z are not available). Matching case included. At just $26, I'm guessing it's one of the more affordable items at Neiman Marcus. Check them out here.

Baby's First Library

Each of my kids has one of these beautiful Striped Bookholders in his/her room. R's is pink, S's is blue. They were gifts from my sister, who in addition to being an extraordinary aunt to my kids, is an accomplished writer and historian (check out her own blog). She gives my kids wonderful books all the time, ranging from board books to award-winning picture books and storybooks for R. We keep current favorites in these striped bookholders next to their rocking chairs, ready for storytime each night. They are made of slightly-distressed wood and are a gorgeous addition to any nursery or child's room. They measure 10 1/2" tall by 15 1/2" wide by 9" deep and cost $68. Visit CCC Gifts for this and other treats including personalized kids' clothing and jewelry for mom.

CCC Gifts is offering MyMomShops readers a 10% discount on all orders. Enter code "MyMomShops10" at checkout.

Swim Sale at CWD Kids

I've posted before about the great Charlie Rocket clothing available at CWDKids.com. Right now they're having a sale on lots of summer items including these Hibiscus Swim Shorts reduced to $19.99 (from $34.00). The shorts have an elastic waist, mesh liner, and side pocket. There's a coordinating tee for boys, and skirt for girls, too. Hurry, limited sizes left! Check out all the sale items right now at CWDKids.com.

Life is Good

I know some people find mother/daughter clothing a little cheesy...but I think most would agree that these Mother + Daughter Hoodies from RedEnvelope.com are very cute. Made by the Life is Good apparel company, the matching light-blue sweatshirts are made of an ultra-soft cotton/poly blend with a zipper, hood and appliquéd letters. Women's sizes S-XL, girls' sizes small (6-8), Medium (10), or Large (12). Mother's hoodie costs $60, girl's hoodie costs $35, or buy the set on sale for $88. Visit RedEnvelope.com.

Pretty in Patchwork

My daughter R. is too big for this (it only comes in sizes up to 24 months), but I love this new Patchwork Halter Dress from Janie and Jack. It has floral, plaid, gingham and seersucker stripe prints, and matching bloomers. Perfect for summer outings. 100% cotton poplin and machine washable. $48 at JanieAndJack.com.

Tot Tower

One of R's absolute favorite toys is a gift I gave her when she was one year old; at 3 1/2 she still loves to find new ways to play with it. It's eeBoo's Things I Know Tot Tower Nesting Blocks ($19.99), available at BabyScholars.com. These nesting blocks are quite sturdy (2 1/2 years and going strong...) and beautifully illustrated with easily identifiable objects like mittens & sweaters. They definitely helped R. increase her vocabulary as a toddler. They are laminated and easy to clean. This is one of my "go-to" gifts for a child's 1st or 2nd birthday, though really any age child would enjoy them. And, they clean up very nicely- just nest 'em together again and stick them in the box- it's as compact a toy as you'll find (such a plus for apartment dwellers like myself). Check out this and other great toys at BabyScholars.com.

Enter code "mymomshops" (make sure it's all one word and all lowercase letters) at checkout for a 10% discount on all orders at BabyScholars.com.

Poufy Princesses

Are these delicious or what? These Party Petticoats from Room Service Home will please even the pickiest pink-loving princess. The "pettiskirt" is made of over 104 yards of super-soft flouncy tulle. Available in sizes XS(18"w), S(22"w), M(24"w), L(26"w) or XL(28"w). Coordinating tank and T-shirt, as shown at right, are available too. $68 at RoomServiceHome.com.

The Writing's on the Wall

I am always searching for the perfect wall art for my kids' rooms. I love writing and/or decals that can be applied to nursery walls, but I always worry I'll mess it up somehow (I can barely change a lightbulb. Really). But I have to say that the sample I received from Quote the Walls was truly easy to apply to the wall above Baby S's crib. Despite the poor photograph I've posted here (taken on one of our miserable rainy days last week), it really does look great. My friends thought it was done by a professional painter. Quote the Wall's adhesive wall letters, words and quotes all made of vinyl material and are much less expensive than hiring a painter and less time-consuming than do-it-yourself stencilling. For kids' rooms there are lots of designs including children's names or sayings like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Cute as a Bug." You choose the size, color and font for your order. They cost about $25.95- not bad at all! Check out the site's Ideas and Customer Photo Gallery to see lots more options available at QuoteTheWalls.com.

Babystyle Bargains

Here are some finds from Babystyle.com's sale which goes through Sunday, April 29th (free shipping and $15 off orders over $125 with code "SPRINGWOW"). First, this plush, snuggly hooded zip-front jacket is available in pink and blue, sizes 12-18mos or 18-24mos, and costs $19.99 (reduced from $44.00). It would make a great baby gift. Then, check out this Surf Legend Tee & Pant set for little boys. I love Babystyle's sets and often buy them on sale for Baby S. They are very soft and it's easy to pair the pants with other tops. This set is available in sizes 0-6 months through 18-24 months and costs $12.99 (reduced from $38). Check out all the spring and summer sale items at Babystyle.com.

If it's Good Enough for Tori...

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that my husband and I love to watch the Tori Spelling reality show, "Tori & Dean: Inn Love" on the Oxygen network. But I figure if two educated people enjoy this show, there must be something to it, right? Right? Anyway, recent photos of Tori, her husband Dean, and newborn son Liam have given lots of press to New For Baby, a clothing website that makes very cute, modern newborn-sized clothing that baby Liam wore in one of his first photo shoots (pictured on the New For Baby site). New For Baby has great gift sets (in pink, blue, or green) in all price ranges, starting at just $20 for a long-sleeve onesie and bib. Everything is size 0-3 months (i.e. teeny tiny) so Baby can wear it home from the hospital and in those first few weeks when all other garments (and baby gifts in sizes larger than 3 months) are swimming on him/her. So if you share Tori's sense of style (don't worry, we won't tell), check out NewForBaby.com.

Sweet Dreams

I'm not usually a fan of toddler beds, but this one caught my eye at Warm Biscuit Bedding Company. It's a custom toddler bed that is hand-painted, low to the ground, and has roll-out protection on all sides. It is made from pine and is available in your choice of color, trim, design, and initial (the one shown here is navy with white trim and pirate design). Surprisingly, it costs just $299 which I think is reasonable considering how much other (not-as-nice) toddler beds costs. Check it out at Warm Biscuit Bedding Company (a great site to browse, by the way, for vintage-style children's decor and accessories).

Stop Giggling

I am loving all the items in stock right now at our local Giggle store on Lexington Avenue (available online at Giggle). Here are two of my favorites. First, these soft leather Teddy Bear Bookends (in green, orange, pink, or red; $34 sold individually so you can mix-and-match) are some of the most modern & spare- yet fun & attractive- nursery bookends you'll find. Then, these New Baby Gift Sets (pink or blue, $40) are a groovy but sure-fire gift choice for hip new parents. Smart and stylish, the gift-ready packaged set includes a cotton bib, 2-ply cotton-flannel burp cloth, 100% cotton receiving blanket, and cushy fleece slippers with no-slip bottoms. Check out these and other finds for modern kids at Giggle and stay tuned for more Giggle finds soon.

Bellissimo! An Etsy Giveaway

Ah...monogrammed stationery, and pink & brown. Two of my favorite things. Look at this beautiful set of monogram letter note cards that I found at Etsy.com. The cards measure 5.75" x 4.375" and are letterpressed, which gives them a wonderful tactile quality and unique feel that is rare in today's world of digital copies. The cards are entirely hand-made from start to finish. One set of 6 cards costs $10.50 (matching envelopes included). Like this type of stationery? Then check out all the items at BellisStudios Etsy storefront.

MyMomShops giveaway! E-mail me by 12 noon on Thursday, April 26th with "notecards" in the subject line and you may win a set of these cards with the initial of your choice. One winner will be chosen at random.

UPDATE: We have a winner! Congratulations to Lacey (aunt of M & A) from Michigan who won the monogrammed notecards.

People in Your Neighborhood

It is a cliche that if you live in a NYC apartment building you don't know any of your neighbors, but I did happen to meet a woman in my building recently who owns a baby gift business called Purple Porpoise. She has some cute items for sale, including these "My First Wheels" car socks which make a sweet baby gift. Wrapped in a box modelled after a classic garage (I love gifts with packaging you can use again in the nursery!), the set consists of 3 pairs of baby booties, each with a classic car design. At $20, it's an affordable gift, too. Check out this and other goodies at Purple Porpoise.

Three-in-One Notepad

Somehow, despite the fact that I am a total stationery and paper junkie, I am always finding myself with nothing to write on besides extra computer paper. I am forever making lists, but they look more like unorganized scribbles. Maybe I should consider this handy 3-Way Pad (Home, Work, Play) by paper gift company KnockKnock.biz. It organizes your lists into useful thirds. The pads are bound under one cover with an elastic band for closure, making this a stylish and portable unit to pop into your pocketbook, diaper bag, or briefcase. 3 panels of 75 sheets each, microperforated at top, overall size 9 x 6 inches. $11 at KnockKnock.biz.

My Little Athlete

I've had my eye on this adorable outfit for Baby S. from HannaAndersson.com for quite some time now, and just saw that it was on sale, so of course I ordered it. The sporty hooded track jacket has been reduced to $32 (from $48) and the comfy wiggle pants (I love them in orange) have been reduced to $12 (from $16). I got some other great sale items, too...check out the entire sale collection at HannaAndersson.com.

P.S. It arrived! Baby S. wore this outfit today and looked scrumptious. Love it, love it, love it. Such great quality cotton, too. And I think I may even like the combo of blue & orange as much as my beloved blue & brown!

Bragging Rights

Just in time for Mother's Day (any dads out there reading this?), these pretty Mother's Day brag books from ExposuresOnline.com make a great, affordable gift for moms & grandmas. Available in sweet pastel pink or lavender, the books each have 20 pages that hold forty 4" x 6" photos. $19.95 at ExposuresOnline.com.

Picnic Plaid

The weather in New York City this weekend was spectacular, and hopefully will stay this way for awhile. I gleefully put away the kids' winter clothes and turned my thoughts towards summertime purchases- like this Throw-About Blanket by Tuffo available at Babycenter.com. Though the mother in this photo seems to have way more energy than I do (her kid must sleep normal hours...), this blanket seems to fit the bill for what I need when I take the kids to Central Park: it is big (54"L x 84"W), cushioned, has water-resistant nylon backing, folds easily, has shoulder straps for carrying, and is machine washable and dryable. I like this blue plaid pattern but several others are available, too. And the price is great- $35.99 (and there's free shipping for orders over $49...maybe you want to stock up on some Carter's clothing while you're there)? Check it out at BabyCenter.com.

I Am This Many

Check out these cool Age Tees at one of my favorite sites, ModMama.com. Designed by Appaman, the shirts are 100% cotton and are also available in pink for girls (limited ages/sizes in stock right now, but more are on the way). $33 at ModMama.com.

Paper Bag Memories

Many years ago B.C. (before children), I worked in the curatorial department of the Whitney Museum of American Art. My first ever business trip was a jaunt to Amsterdam to help install an exhibition. During my time traipsing around Amsterdam I discovered (no, not anything illegal) modern design and decor. Nothing too "out there", but just things that looked cool and were fun. During that trip I bought a Dutch version of this ceramic Paper Bag Vase that UncommonGoods.com now sells. Mine is actually less fancy than the one shown here, but still makes people do a double-take. It's a great conversation piece. And, for me, a special momento. They are handmade in Canada and available in two sizes, large ($70) and small ($35). Buy one for yourself, or as a gift, at UncommonGoods.

Don't Take It Seriously

One of the things I love about living in New York is wandering through new neighborhoods and finding new stores. A few weeks ago while in the East Village for dinner, my husband and I stopped into Exit 9, a funky gift boutique. They had lots of hipster baby gifts including this tongue-in-cheek Safe Baby Handling Tips book ($9.95). It is produced by WryBaby.com, a site I've mentioned before for their funny onesies with "do's and dont's" illustrations. We bought the book and it kept us hysterical throughout dinner (the illustrations shown aren't even the best ones). For experienced parents like ourselves (ha, ha) it provides a good laugh, and I think it would also make new parents chuckle as long as you tell them not to take it too seriously (new parents believe anything they read, right?) Best of all, Safe Baby Handling Tips includes a nifty Wheel of Responsibility to help mom and dad try to shirk baby duties whenever possible. Buy it (and browse around, too- they've got fun things there) at ShopExit9.com.

Teeny Bikini

It is finally a sunny, spring day here in New York and I am hopeful that summer will eventually arrive. I look forward to R. sporting her new floral-embroidered bikini from OldNavy.com (if you're not exactly thrilled for bikini season yourself, it's fun to buy stuff for your little girl, right?). In fact, she already loves wearing this bikini around the apartment. Embroidered with pretty flowers and accented wtih decorative ties and halter straps, this partially-lined, machine-washable 2-piece is super cute and a real steal at just $14.50 (sizes infant to 5T). Check out all of the girls' swimwear at OldNavy.com.

Monkey See, Monkey Eat

Sock monkeys are all the rage right now, and this sock monkey and tin lunch box makes a cool gift set for your favorite tot (remember how much you loved your own sock monkey as a child?). The monkey ($18.50) is pure classic and the tin lunch box ($16.95) features a collage of the lovable guy's dress-up pictures. Visit Bibelot for this and more nifty gifts.

Simply Silhouettes Giveaway!

I know your cuties are adorable from every angle, but get ready to pick which is their "better side." Once in a while a great new product for kids comes along and I know I will be hearing and reading lots more about it soon. This is how I feel about the nifty new online shop Simply Silhouettes, a collection of custom-designed silhouette products that offer you unique ways to help preserve some memories of your little ones' childhood. Their products- ranging from silhouette canvases to stationery to ornaments, have a classic style with a dash of whimsy, and are destined to become family heirlooms. My favorite items are the wall decor canvases pictured here. It doesn't get much more fun to decorate your kid's room, does it? I also love the other items on the site- ranging from notepads to paperweights to jewelry- all of which would make even the most discriminating grandma (or mom) smile (once again, some great Mother's Day finds here). And it's easy, too...you just send in a digital photo of your little Mona Lisa standing in profile (they give you some great tips on how to get the perfect silhouette-worthy photo, too). Grab your camera and start snapping! Visit SimplySilhouettes.com.

Win a free prize valued at $80! Simply Silhouettes is offering one MyMomShops readers their choice of a classic 8 x 10 canvas featuring a silhouette of their little one (or two...the canvas can accommodate two children's profiles if you'd like). E-mail me by 10PM on Friday, April 20th with "silhouette" in the subject line, and a winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!

UPDATE: We have a winner! Congratulations to Lesha (mom of Tilen) from Indiana!

Sleep Thief

I am posting this at 4:55 A.M., and I have been up for almost an hour. I love Baby S. dearly, but 8 months of sleep deprivation has not been fun. He sleeps through the night, sure, but his "night" ends anytime between 4 and 5am, when he is ready to wake up and plaaaaay! I like No Added Sugar's take on what to nickname such a night owl. Check out their Sleep Thief playsuit. It snaps inside the legs for fuss-free middle-of-the-night diaper changes. 100% cotton and machine washable, sizes 0-6 months and 6-12 months. $46 at CitySprouts.com.

Hush Little Baby

While browsing through the Giggle store on Lexington Avenue recently, I discovered a great new baby gift- these Music Box Blocks by Tree by Kerri Lee (not yet available on the Giggle website, but available directly from the designer). They are beautiful little felt blocks, about 4 inches square, that double as music boxes. Wind them up and they play either "Lullaby and Goodnight" (pink block), "Hush Little Baby" (green block), or "Rockabye Baby" (blue block). There is vintage style embroidery on all sides. Having seen them in person, I can tell you they would make a very sweet baby gift (and they are in a nicely boxed, too). Note, though, it is not a toy for children under age 3- just to decorate the little one's nursery! $36 at Tree by Kerri Lee.

Just Your Type

"Typewriter" jewelry is everywhere right now, and one of my favorite pieces is this simple but unique pendant from one of my fave sites, UncommonGoods.com. It features your choice of vintage typerwriter key (any letter you want) set in sterling silver on an 18-inch silver ball chain. Handmade in the USA and Mexico from authentic typewriter keys of the 1920s-40s. Any Dads reading? I think this makes a great Mother's Day gift. Other types (pun intended) of typewriter jewelry available too. Pendant is $46 at UncommonGoods.com.

Petite Treasures

Anne-Claire Petit is, in my opinion, one of the best children's toy designers out there. She lives in the Netherlands (though you can easily buy her items online in the USA at sites like ArtBebe.com) and designs these gorgeous hand-knit all-cotton toys including the airplane and duckies shown here. The toys are then hand-crafted in China by farmers who knit to supplement their income. Anne-Claire Petit toys make an unusual, beautiful, and treasured baby gift or birthday gift for a young child- and are unlikely to be tossed in the garbage with last year's Beanie Babies. The duckies measure 6" tall, and are available in yellow or red ($20 each) or natural with spots ($24). The airplane ($42) has 3 wheels for proper "landings" and is soft enough for a child of any age. Visit ArtBebe.com for their full selection of Anne-Claire Petit and other toys.

The Tulips Are Out

I've seen lots of bottle drying racks (ranging from the cheap plastic ones at BabiesRUs to more modern designs), but this Tulip Bottle Drier by Vice Versa is my favorite so far. And a perfect springtime accessory for your kitchen. The Italian-designed bottle drainer has an organic form that is compact and lightweight. A single "tulip" sprouts up from the green shoots that hold your bottles in place, and a drip tray catches run off water. It measures 9"l x 3.5" w x 8"h. $12.50 at PacifierOnline.com.

PacifierOnline.com is offering MyMomShops readers a 10% discount on all products except for strollers, furniture, and sale items. The discount expires on May 15th. Enter code "mymomshops10" at checkout.

Pee Wee Wear Giveaway!

I love this new site PeeWeeWear.com. Mom/owner Morissa Douglas creates personalized onesies using nicknames she found herself calling her own son and other "peewees", such as "Little Stinker," "Peanut" and "Sweetpea." Take a look at the designs- they are really adorable. You can personalize them with the baby's name, too. Prices start at $18, plus there are fun accessories like hats and blankets available too. And something- well, two things actually- that you will love about this site is that Morissa wraps each gift beautifully for free, and shipping is always free too (that's right, no matter what size the order). As a rabid online shopper myself, I know how those "extras" tend to add up (and often will deter me from buying from particular sites). So Morissa has got a really good thing going here. Cute, fun baby clothing...with free shipping and gift wrap too. Perfect for our little pee wees. Visit PeeWeeWear.com.

PeeWeeWear.com is offering one lucky MyMomShops reader a long-sleeve onesie of their choice (design plus personalization). E-mail me by Thursday, April 19th at 12 noon with "PeeWeeWear" in the subject line.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Gretchen, mom of Will & Lily, from Katonah, NY who won the PeeWeeWear.com giveaway!

Hair and Now

At age 3 1/2, R. still has short, "curly-wurly" hair which get messy. Sometimes all I can do to tame her tresses is to use cute little barrettes. I just received some lovely hand-made ones from Madison's Room, a mom-owned business, and R. and I both give them a thumbs-up. We got a Flip-Flop Barrette ($10) like the ones shown here and also a striped Abby Barrette($10). They are made of grosgrain ribbon topped with felt designs, and measure about 1.25" long. Many of the adorable novelty designs are adorned with little crystals or tiny beads, too. By the way, the barrettes also arrived wrapped very nicely (something which matters a lot to me). So if you're looking for some cute new barrettes with a little bit of flair- even for a girl with just a little bit of hair- try Madison's Room.

Hit the Track

Like many moms, I swoon over personalized baby clothing. If it's in my favorite baby color combos (pink & brown, or blue & brown) all the better! So I am in love with these new personalized baby tracksuits from MyMomShops affiliate GoToBaby.com. They are velour tracksuits with pink, blue, or white piping, matching gusset and interior hood lining, and are generously sized 6-12 months or 2T (so they make great baby gifts, 1st, or 2nd birthday gifts, even with "room to grow"). Cuffs are snug so the sleeves stay baggy and leg gussets zipper. Moms who receive this gift for their little ones are sure to love it. The tracksuit costs $69 plain, $75 personalized with one initial. Go to the GoToBaby.com's Baby Clothing section and click on the tracksuit.

My Own Mac

While researching which new lightweight umbrella stroller to get Baby S., I stumbled on this Maclaren Quest Toy Doll Stroller. Here in Manhattan where strollers are serious fashion statements, toddlers don't settle for cheap imitation toy strollers. Though I haven't seen a toy Bugaboo yet (I'm sure it's coming), this toy Mac is pretty upscale for a city kid. It comes in Quest Navy Check or Pale Blue (shown here) and would be equally loved by a toddler boy or girl. When Baby S. can walk, I think I will get him one. On sale for $22.99 at BestBuyBaby.com.

My Mom Shops for Herself!

One lovely day last week, my daughter R. was visiting with her grandparents and our wonderful babysitter was watching Baby S. So I took a badly-needed nap (heavenly), paid lots of bills (not heavenly), and went shopping by myself (the best!) I had a store credit at Coach so I headed over to Madison Avenue where I also did some expensive but fun window-shopping (more on that in another post). At Coach I used my store credit to buy myself this Signature Multi-Stripe Top-Handle Pouch ($138). Love it, love it, love it. It measures a dainty 7"L x 6"H x 3 3/4"W, has zip-top closure, 10" handle, and features Coach's signature jacquard and multi stripe fabric with patent leather trim. And boy, as much as I love my Skip Hop diaper bag, it is nice that, for a change, my accessories don't scream "Mommmmmmm!" Available at Coach.com.

Baby Alpha Frame

I am always looking for new ways to frame and display Baby S's baby photos. I really like this unique Baby Alpha Picture Frame at Wrapables.com. The stencils inside the pink or blue matted frame spell out the word "Baby" and provide four openings for 3.5 x 5" photos. The frame measures 14.5" x 8.5". And at $21.95, it makes an affordable shower or baby gift. Check it out at Wrapables.com.

Now through April 30th, MyMomShops readers enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases (except sale items) at Wrapables.com. Enter code "MOMSHOPS".

Mind the Gap

I have been a little disappointed in the stuff at Baby Gap over the past year or so, but I pleasantly surprised by what I saw when I visited the store this week. There were some really cute outfits for babies, like the one pictured here. I looked it up online though, and, sure enough, it must be popular because the pants are no longer available and the embroidered tunic ($24.50) is only left in size 5T- any takers? Check out some of the other brown-and-white girls' outfits from the "Safari Collection" at BabyGap.com while they last.

Old Fashioned Birthday Party

I've always admired these vintage-style children's birthday party invitations at The Warm Biscuit Bedding Company. For $30, you get a set of 15 personalized invitations which work equally well for birthday boys or girls. Pure retro perfection! Two sets for $55; allow 4 weeks for delivery. Visit The Warm Biscuit Bedding Company.

Stump Pond Woodworks

The more I learn about Etsy.com (and the talented craftspeople who sell their wares there), the more I am loving it. I recently noticed the work of 86-year-old Wyit Wright, a retired Marine Merchant who has been making beautiful, unique hardwood toys for the past 25 years (until the arrival of Ebay and Etsy, word of mouth and craft fairs were his only advertising). Take a look at some of his superb toys, including "Changeable Charlie" ($14.95, pictured above), a little man made of all-natural cherry and walnut blocks, joined by unbreakable cord. He has both a happy and sad face, and every one of his joints is moveable, including his head. Your child can use his imagination to turn Changeable Charlie into a dog, a spider, a turtle or a solid block. Wyit recommends the toy for ages 4 and up. It costs just $14.95 and he will reduce shipping costs if your order is combined with any of his other items [check out two other fantastic pieces I am considering buying for Baby S.- the Cherry Baby Rattle ($16.95) and the Handcrafted Wooden Toy Airplane ($18.95)]. At age 86, Wyit knows these toys have timeless appeal- and I know my kids will love them! Check out all of the handcrafted wooden toys at Wyit's Stump Pond Woodworks storefront at Etsy.com.

Late-Breaking Giveaway: Woof-Woof

It's an instant giveaway! E-mail me ASAP with the subject line "Woof Woof" if you'd like a free copy of the "Woof Woof" Baby Flip-A-Face book which I blogged about a few days ago. This soft, die-cut foam book is a big hit with babies and toddlers and sells for $8.95 at ModernTots.com. The first five people to e-mail me will win free copies from the publisher!

UPDATE: The 5 winners have all been notified. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

Little Boy Blue

Who says they don't make adorable things for new baby boys? I adore these hand crocheted baby shoes ($32) at Posie:RosyLittleThings.com. True, I probably would not want my son to wear these to the playground when he is a toddler, but for a special treat for a newborn boy, it just doesn't get any sweeter. Check out these booties plus a lot of other beautiful handmade items at Posie:RosyLittleThings.com.

So Savvy

I just received a whole bunch of great items from MyMomShops affiliate SavvyTot.com.. The package included the T-shirt version ($26) of the hilarious "Don't Blame Me...I can't vote until 2024" onesie shown here ($27), as well as matching infant cap ($8) & pants ($16) (when you have lots of funny onesies and T's like Baby S. does, it's nice to have some pants to match). Savvy Tot has a lot of clever designs, but "Don't Blame Me.." is, I think, the perfect juvenile political statement!

All of Savvy Tot's clothing is made of substantial 100% interlock USA cotton. An added bonus- the shirts are tagless. I also love their great gift packaging. My items arrived neatly arranged in a nifty box with vellum gift note. And, if you send in a picture of your little one wearing Savvy Tot threads, the company will send you a coupon for $5 off your next order.

Even if you're not happy about today's political landscape, Savvy Tot gives you something to smile about. Visit SavvyTot.com.

Just like Mom's

As you may have noticed I love shirtdresses (whether for myself or my daughter) so I have to thank my friend R. (mom of A. and J.) for telling me about this cotton girl's shirtdress on sale at Crewcuts (the kids' division of J. Crew). It's comfortable and classic with point collar, three-quarter sleeves, chest flap patch pockets, and removable tie belt. It's on sale for $34.99 (reduced from $54.00), PLUS through 9:59pm on Sunday, April 15th, you will get an extra 20% off on top of that. Sizes XS-XL in guava (shown) or butter. Check out all the CrewCuts threads on sale at JCrew.com.

Lock Box

I was surprised to learn that Bombay Company makes home decor items for kids, including this fun Baseball Locker which would look cute in a boy's room. Crafted in steel and aluminum and coated with a chip-resistant white enamel paint, the locker can be mounted on a wall and could store knick-knacks or toys. It measures 7"l x 10"w x 24"h and is on sale for $39.99 (reduced from $69). Visit BombayKids.com.

Un-Hallmark Moments

Oh boy can I think of a million uses for these hilarious satirical greeting cards at the Etsy storefront of Carol Lee Designs. The card pictured here ($3) is lovingly scripted, "You're a special kind of crazy" and embellished with a four-petal flower. Check out some of the other faux-caring cards I think are funniest, including "We'll look back on this one day...and I'll say 'I Told You So'" and the succinct "They Make a Pill for That". Love these, love these, love these. Just think carefully before mailing, OK? Visit Etsy.com.

That's My Lunch

Here's a very cute idea- if you send in your favorite photo(s) to OggStudio.com, they can make you a fun Classic Metal Lunchbox. You can use a digital image, print, slide or even artwork. See their site for more examples. Makes a great gift, or a handy little treasure chest for your own child's trinkets. Prices start at $35 for a single photo. Visit OggStudio.com.

Call Me Old Fashioned...

Last week I went to a "private sale" at Bloomingdale's on 59th St. (not sure why it was called that since they were handing out invitations on the street). Armed with my coupons plus $200 in store credit, I thought I'd buy some new spring clothes for my 3 1/2 year old daughter. Wrong. I could barely find one item of size 4-6X clothing that I would feel comfortable seeing my daughter wear. If the clothing I saw (very low-rise jeans, halter tops with deep V-necks, and shirts emblazoned with "Hot Chick" in rhinestones) is what is considered trendy for today's little girls, I guess I am hopelessly old-fashioned. And what about this new trend of kids' clothing with a skull and cross bones pattern? Am I the only one who finds this a little creepy? When I jokingly complained to the sales associate about not being able to find anything to buy for my daughter, she looked at me like I had 3 heads. "Lots of New York moms love this stuff," she said. Whoops. Maybe I should think about the 'burbs after all!

Snanimals

A while back I received an e-mail from a mom who hand-paints these adorable children's sneakers and Mary Janes at Snanimals.com. They feature animals, insects, and more; and there are designs for both boys and girls (some girls' designs are available as Mary Janes, too). Two of my favorites are shown here- the "Zebra Blues" sneakers and "Don't Ladybug Me!" Mary Janes. Each pair costs $25, and sizes run from newborn (size 1) up to big kids' size 3. Check out all the goodies at Snanimals.com.

Also, if you're looking for a special gift for a baby shower or a new baby, be sure to check out this lovely Snanimals.com gift basket ($40), consisting of a cute pair of cow sneakers (size 1), cow onesie, and white bootie socks, in either pink, blue, yellow, or green.


The founder of Snanimals.com, Jane Perillo, says that her work is inspired by her daughter Emma. Take a moment to read the story of this very courageous little girl. Snanimals.com donates 5% of its online sales to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association in Emma's memory.

Woof Woof

My eight-month old son, who has discriminating taste in books (he likes those that not only sound good but taste good, too) loves this "Woof "Woof" Baby Flip-A-Face book available at ModernTots.com. Flip the foam-filled pages and one animal face changes to another, from cat to dog, to lamb to mouse, and finally to BABY! The soft, die-cut foam makes the book easy for Baby S. to hold onto, and even his 3 1/2 year old big sister loves the book, too. The Japanese author, SAMi, is well-known for delightful graphics that appeal to children of all ages. The book measures 7" x 7", has 12 pages (perfect for a baby's attention span) and costs $8.95 at ModernTots.com.

Winter Water Factory

Winter is over in name only, so I thought I'd post about this new designer called Winter Water Factory. They sell gorgeous, hip, boutique-ish stuff for women and kids. I love their women's dresses like this Wildflower Nellie Shirtdress ($216). Not ready to splurge (or at least not on yourself?) Check out their fun kidswear, including Count-Up T-shirt or onesies (sizes up to 4T, $22). Browse their site some more to see other clothing, accessories, and decor. Mark my words, spring may be coming, but you'll be seeing much more of Winter Water Factory in the months to come. Visit Winter Water Factory.

Hug it Out

My husband and I are so excited that Sopranos and Entourage return to HBO tonight. In a lucky coincidence, I just received this "Hug it Out" T-shirt for Baby S. from new designer SaltyBaby.com. With apologies to those who are unfamiliar with Jeremy Piven's character on Entourage, I have to say that I love the sight of my little guy happily wearing his "Hug it Out" shirt. The long-sleeve T ($28) is made from 100% baby rib cotton and is available in sizes 12-18m through 4T in either pink or chocolate brown. An infant onesie ($25) is available too. Kudos to designer/owner Anna Fabian for her other great inspirations including "Low Rider" and "Slacker". Check them out at SaltyBaby.com.

April Showers

I love cute rainboots but refuse to spend a lot of money on them (I'm frugal when buying everyday shoes, so why should I pay more for shoes I only wear occasionally?). So I was happy to find these very cute Cherry Print Rain Boots at Tarjay. They look adorable, cost hardly anything, and will keep your feet dry, to boot (sorry, couldn't resist). There are lots of other fun patterns too- take a look (I like "Comic Town" and "Dots Spots"). Whole sizes 6-10, $19.99 at Target.com.

Isa Booties- Easy Gift Giving

I need to buy several new baby gifts and first birthday gifts over the next few weeks and I'm leaning towards shoes from MyMomShops affiliate Isa Booties (particularly because, like me, the parents of the gift recipients are cramped for space and appreciate cute gifts that come in small packages!) Isa Booties are the brilliant invention of a couple of moms who were dissatisfied with the selection of baby shoes out there. They are ultra suede, no slip, no fall-off, machine washable AND dryable...and they will look just as good even after several washes, I promise (no cracking leather here). And the designs- for both boys and girls- are winning. Each pair costs $26, making this an affordable gift. Standard gift wrap is included (I hate when gift wrap costs extra). Even better, the site offers "add-on" books as gifts (so if you are ordering these as a new baby gift- as I will be doing soon- you can do one-stop shopping and add a book for the big brother or sister. Easy peasy!) Go ahead and take care of some easy gift-giving at Isa Booties.

Goody Gumballs

Here is another fun find from Etsy.com, the online marketplace of handcrafted goodies. This bright and colorful Gumballs Baby Bib has a blue fleece lining in back to provide extra absorbency, and is machine washable. It costs just $5 and shipping can be combined with other items from its designer/seller. Want to see more handcrafted items for baby? Visit Etsy.com.


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Schlepping All Over

Turned off by pastel diaper bags that perfectly match your little bambino's pink or blue ensembles? Looking for a bag with more oomph? Consider these fun Boy" or "Girl" Schlepp Bags (love the name) by Trumpette (yes, the same people who make the Mary Jane socks). These roomy, shiny patent leather bags are available from the children's store LOVE in tony Greenwich, Connecticut. LOVE, which has some fabulous finds on its website, was founded by a mom and former personal shopper who has great taste. The Schlepp Bags ($85) are a surefire hit for a mod new mom. Check it out at Shop-With-Love.net.

Stylish Sparewear

What a terrific idea. This 3-piece Mix & Match Set by Baby Sparewear is just the thing you'll reach for when you're out and about with baby and...uh-oh! Where are those extra clothes? Reach for Baby Sparewear. Each set includes two comfy tees and a pair of pants, neatly packaged in a chic travel case with a back pocket where you can store a diaper, wipes or items to be washed. Finally, the "emergency outfit" has gone stylish. Now if they could do something about all the spit-up on mom's shirt...Available in blue, green, or pink; size 0-6 months, $39.95 at BunnyBuryBaby.com.

MyMomShops readers receive a 10% discount on all orders at BunnyBuryBaby.com with code "BLOG".

Just in Case

Since my cell phone is always getting lost in the jumble of heap that is called the inside of my purse, I was very happy to receive this Zebra Cell Phone Case from a funky little shop called Firefly Boutique. I got the one with pink trim and besides looking great, it is keeping my cell phone easy-to-find. Sized to fit most mobile devices, the case measures 4"L x 3"W x 1"H and includes a removable wrist strap and a belt clip. Available in Zebra w/Black, Green or Pink trim. $26 (shipping is free!) at FireflyBoutique.com.

Now through April 30th, Firefly Boutiqe is offering MyMomShops readers 10% off any cell phone case with code "mymomshops".

Little Man

Now that the weather is a bit warmer, Baby S. has been sporting this cute "Little Man" cotton knit cap from MyMomShops affiliate Tricky & Titch. Trying to peer out of his stroller wearing this cap ($16, sizes 0-6 mos or 6-12 mos), he looks like quite the little man indeed. Visit Tricky & Titch for lots more "cute, not cute-sy" baby and toddler clothing and accessories (for both boys and girls, by the way).

p.s. Tricky & Titchy is currently offering free expedited shipping on orders over $75, as well as 10% off your total order with offer code "SPRING".

My Mobile Home

New from the Netherlands, this kids' Mobile Home by Kids On Roof is easy to install and easy to carry. It's blue on the outside and red on the inside, with 8 rooms, stair openings, and an attic for storage. Let your kids' imaginations run wild as they fill this home with their own pirates, princesses, or whatever else tickles their modernist fancies. An extra bonus, Kids On Roof donates 5% of its profits to specific Unicef projects. The Mobile Home measures 8.75W x 14D x 18H and is available for $40 at ModernKids.com.

Lite Brite

Here is a great deal on a sporty, fun outfit for a baby. This "Lite Bright" set by modern kids' designer Pixel includes top, pants, and matching cap, all on sale for $25.19 (reduced from $41.99). Sizes 0/3 months, 3/6 months, or 6/12 months at Spoil-Me-Rotten.net. Check out the site for other bright goodies, including clothing and accessories, by Pixel.

Basket Case

Hard to believe that I've been blogging for several months without mentioning one of my all-time favorite stores, Container Store. Nothing beats an in-person trip to this Type-A shopping mecca, but its website is pretty good, too. They actually have some pretty original and funky things which I'll post over time, but let me start with a simple item that I love- these Basic Stack Baskets. I use them for toy storage in R's room and they look great (and at $5.99 a piece, what a deal!), though they would work equally well in lots of other places in your house (bathroom, den, laundry room, you name it..). Lots of fun colors, too. They measure 17 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 10 inches. Buy them online at ContainerStore.com.

My Paperweight

I've flipped for these monogrammed paperweights at stationery site Iomoi.com. They are so stylish and would make a wonderful personalized gift for a sister, mother, friend, or yourself. They are available in round or oval shapes in tons of designs; one of my favorites is the sky floral pictured here (though pity the poor gal who has those initials). They cost $40 apiece and come wrapped in Iomoi's signature brown gift box. Visit Iomoi.com.

Lazy Days

These "Lazy Day" pillows at Garnet Hill caught my eye in the catalog. They artfully display the names of endearments in vintage fabric letters, and would make a great addition to a nursery, bedroom, living room, or den. They are made of 100% cotton with a center back closure, measure 12" x 16" and have a removable 100% polyester insert. Your choice of "Pumpkin," "Sunshine," "Sweet Pea," or "Peanut." $40 each at GarnetHill.com.

Surf's Up

Wow, I think Babystyle.com is doing a brisk business this Spring. I see they are already sold out of the Madras Dress I posted about a while back (glad I bought one for R.) I also bought both kids these Wetsuit Sets which are wayyyyy too cute (and, oddly, seem to run bigger than Babystyle's clothes- don't bathing suits usually run small?) In any event, I can't wait for R. and S. to hit the beach this summer wearing these. I can barely dog paddle, but my kids are ready for Baywatch. Baby sizes cost $30, kid sizes cost $32. (By the way, elsewhere on the site there's a big Spring Sale with 30% off select items, plus free shipping on orders over $50 with code "EASYFREE".)

Mahar Dry Goods Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Kerri (mom to 15-month-old twin girls K and K, and proud stepmom to S,17 and P,14) who won the Lilly Bean play set from MaharDryGoods.com. Stay tuned for more MyMomShops giveaways!

Beve Ravi

A few weeks ago at the park, my friends and I spotted a baby girl wearing the most gorgeous hand-knit pink sweater and hat. This being New York City where you can ask anyone anything, we had no problem going up to the little girls' caregiver and asking who made this beautiful sweater (we figured it was made by the baby's grandma or something like that). She let us check the label and we discovered it was by Bebe Ravi, a line of beautiful hand-knit sweaters and accessories which can be found online at BebeRavi.com. What makes these sweaters extremely special is that they are handknit by local village women in Kenya, and proceeds from the sales go to support some of the 11 million children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. A portion of the proceeds from each Bebe Ravi item sold (including sweaters, shawls, hats, and booties) goes directly to help a family in need. It just doesn't get better than that. And trust us, the sweaters are simply sensational. Please visit BebeRavi.com.

The Wonderful World of Etsy

Have you heard of Etsy.com? If not, go check it out! It's an online marketplace for featuring absolutely delightful handmade goods made by ordinary folks like you and me (well, not me, since I can barely sew a button). On Etsy, you can find beautifully crocheted sweaters, intricately detailed jewelry, personalized stationery, and hand-sewn textiles for your home. And just about anything else you can imagine. You can search by category, keyword, or even your favorite color. I've found some really charming things for kids on Etsy.com and the custom girl's necklace ($16) pictured above is just one of them.

Stay tuned for lots more great finds from Etsy.com.

Sugar Free Tees

Does your toddler like to dress with moxie? Check out these shirts by hip designer No Added Sugar, available at TuttiBella.com, an upscale online boutique carrying brands like Charlie Rocket, Deux par Deux, and Zutano. The boys' Lock Up Your Daughters Tee in infant & toddler sizes costs $34.95; the World Peace Please in girls' sizes costs $42.95. Visit TuttiBella.com.

In the Garden

There are so many terrific choices out there now for crib bedding. Lots of fun modern stuff, like by designer dwellbaby. I adore their girls' Garden Crib Bedding. It ain't cheap, but it sure is mod, and pretty too with lots of flowers and vines. The $320 bedding set includes reversible bumper, reversible quilt, 1 fitted sheet, and crib skirt. Check it out at DesignPublic.com