Bubble NY: Part One

Real quick, here are photos I took of three fantastic collections at Bubble NY, the selective 70+ vendor trade show of designer kids' clothing, toys, and accessories held in a Chelsea loft here in NYC. Lots of the collections at Bubble are for Spring/Summer 2008, so you won't necessarily be able to purchase them yet, but nonetheless you should definitely check out the websites of these U.S. and international designers-on-the-rise. Have fun! From top to bottom, Simple Kids (Antwerp, Belgium), Kit + Lili (New York, NY), and Scout (Oakland, CA).





I have so many more great things to show you from both the ENK Children's Show and Bubble NY. Still sorting through it all! Hope you enjoy these so far.

Now He Knows His ABC's

I spotted this super-cool Alphabet Tee by designer Lissoos (I'd never heard of them before, either) at a local kids' shop recently and thought it totally rocked. I looked up Lissoos and it turns out they make a small but stellar line of funky retro-styled toddler tees. The tees are made of soft and supple cotton but tend to run a little small, so buy a size up. You can purchase several Lissoos designs (including the alphabet tee, on sale for $20.50), at Cute Little Clothes.

More Grocery Totes!

I promised you some more alternatives to the elusive Anya Hindmarch "I'm not a Plastic Bag" bag and I am delivering! Check out these totally cool Color Block Grocery Totes at Fred Flare. Designed by Susan Bijl, these totes are made of strong, water-repellent coated nylon and are sold in assorted colors (so you have to be OK with being surprised!) They measure 10.5" x 21.5" and cost $28 at FredFlare.com.

GrowthSprouts Snapsuit Set Winner

Congratulations to Dawn, who wrote, "What a great idea! Totally love it!" Dawn, please e-mail me with your full name and address to claim your prize.

Everyone else, thanks for entering the contest and check back tomorrow, Wednesday August 1st, to enter another giveaway with THREE winners!

Welcome Apartment Therapy Readers!

Welcome to readers who arrived here via a wonderful mention at apartment therapy: the nursery. Hope you have fun browsing MyMomShops! Be sure to check out today's giveaway (two posts below) and also remember to sign up for our free newsletter by e-mailing me with "newsletter" in the subject line. Enjoy your visit!

Join the Club

To whet your appetite, here are just a few of the great designers I enjoyed seeing at the ENK Children's Show yesterday:

"C" is for Charlie (Chaplin) and "D" is for Dizzy (Gillespie) shirts from Infinitee Apparel:


Raspberry Hoodie Pullover in cashmere from eyeSpy Baby:

Saxon zip-up and pants from Childish Clothing:

More to come this week! Plus, I just came back from a few hours at the Bubble NY trade show. Wow is about all I can say. Brand spanking new hip kids' clothes by just about the most talented emerging designers out there. I took lots of photos which I will try to upload later. I think you will likey a lot.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Grow Baby Grow!

I am a very sentimental mom and I faithfully photographed each of my children on their monthly "birthdays" during their first year. So I was very excited to hear about a mom (and former Martha Stewart magazine editor) who has started a line of handmade onesies specifically for this purpose! Her new shop, GrowthSprouts, sells these very sweet Grow Baby Grow snap tee sets ($65). They're perfect for your little one to wear for a monthly photograph (click on the photo gallery to see how it works). Each of the 12 snap tees is handmade with a heat transfer process on 100% cotton Gerber Onesies and has the month on the front (they are sized using manufacturer's guidelines for age and weight, so months 1, 2, and 3 are on 0-3 month onesies, and so on). There is a choice of two fonts/styles, and photo tips are included on packaging (you can even sign up for monthly reminders to photograph your child- so even the most absentminded mom can make this idea work) What a fun idea this would be for a baby shower or new baby gift! Check out all the fun baby clothes at Growth Sprouts.

Win a set of Grow Baby Grow snapsuits! Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please make a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm tonight, Monday, July 30th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced tomorrow morning, Tuesday, July 31st.
4) You MUST check the site tomorrow to see if you won. The winner will NOT be e-mailed. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited if not claimed within 24 hours.

GOOD LUCK!

Clothes, Clothes & More Clothes!

I am excited beyond words to attend my first ENK Children's Club Show at the Javits Center in Manhattan today. Check out the mammoth list of exhibitors, including Tea, Room Seven, Small Paul, Floriane, Harajuku Lovers, Baby Lulu, Paulina Quintana, Little Me, Mulberribush, Oeuf, and Zutano. I will be at the show ALL DAY today, so stay tuned this week to read about my fabulous new finds in the world of kids' clothing and accessories!

UPDATE: It was amazing. And today I am going to another show called Bubble which showcases more indie-type kids' stuff. Hopefully tonight will have time to sort through all the great stuff I've seen and post my finds! Stay tuned!

Guy Smiley

Baby S.- though a terrible sleeper- smiles all day long. He looks especially cute in his adorable new Piles of Smiles Tee by Pluto. This designer of soft, hip onesies and tees has hit the jackpot with a playful expression of Junior's sunny disposition. 100% cotton (and machine washable) with orange, blue, yellow and green happy faces on navy blue background. Perfect for picture-taking! Just reduced to $17.25 from $23.00 at Chittypulga.com.

Bamboo to You

Here is a very cool-looking new toy from European toy site Moolka.com. Bamboo Art by Beleduc ($39.99) is a set consisting of 36 bamboo pieces. It offers endless possibilities for play, from comparing and sorting pieces to creating simple or complex surfaces and structures. Beleduc toys, by the way, are made in Belgium and all are tested in preschools before their development. Visit Moolka.com.

Hostess with the Mostess

Speaking of cupcakes, look at this delicious Hostess Cupcake Lunchbox from funky gift & novelty site Fred Flare. It's just $12 and would make such a cute gift for a school-age little girl (preferably one who still agrees to eat fruits & veggies from time to time). And it would even match the Liliputians Lil Cupcake Faux-Suede Mini Dress I posted about a while ago! Too cute.

How Old Are They Now?

I am so thrilled with the birthday outfits by Liliputians NYC which I bought for R. and S. from Little Boy Blue Boutique (which also sells some girls' clothes). I bought both outfits pictured here- the Birthday Cupcakes & Dots 2-Piece Skirt Set ($89.95) for 4-year-old R. and the Mod Birthday Numbers 2-piece set (also $89.95) for 1-year-old S. The outfits look even better in person. They have charming detail work and are sooo soft and comfy. Unlike many other "special" birthday outfits, these are machine washable, too! I am so excited for my little munchkins to wear these to their joint birthday party. Visit Little Blue Boy Boutique for more birthday ensembles by Liliputians NYC.

Work It, Baby

Parenthood is a tough job. Let expectant or new parents (well, those with a sense of humor) think that their bundle of joy might actually help them by giving them this "Baby Be of Use" 4-Book Bundle from The McSweeney's Store. It covers all the bases of what you can teach your little protege, from car repair to breakfast preparation to drink-mixing to banking. Through basic shapes and colors, these colorful, sturdy board books teach the little ones so much more than Goodnight Moon. Let the new parents think that Junior may actually help out around the house beefore he/she turns 18. The 4-book bundle costs $24 at The McSweeney's Store.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Bella Bliss

Like dressing your kids in beautiful classic clothing? Then you'll love clothes designed by our latest sponsor, Bella Bliss. I first spotted Bella Bliss clothing while browsing the tony stores on Madison Avenue. Founded by two creative moms, Bella Bliss offers clothing that is "pretty enough for the holidays and enduring enough for the playground." And believe it or not, the clothing is easy to care for, too. Though the clothing is not sold at the actual Bella Bliss site, you can shop at other fine online retailers like The Magic Wardrobe. Feast your eyes on these:

Gingham Quilted Jackets, 100% cotton with corduroy trim and 3-snap closure, in pink or pale blue ($68, size 12mos through 6):


And these gingham dresses with peter pan collar(sorry, I'm a gingham addict). This dress has three-button closure and a tie sash in back. ($54, size 6mos through 8). Available in pink, blue, or red. In my opinion, this is the quintessential girls' "dress-up" dress.


Ready to see more beautiful things? Visit Bella Bliss.

Purple Princess Dress

This Purple Princess Dress by Riiminka Design is a winner. The two-tone dress with princess print is perfect whether for birthday parties or just to liven up any old day. It's handmade of 100% poplin cotton in Finland, and has one button in the back. European sizes 110 (4T) through 140 (10). And...it's on sale, big time, reduced from $59.99 to just $29.99 at Skimbaco.com. (Sorry, it looks like the green and blue dresses are no longer available).

Barrette Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to the 3 winners of the barrette sets by artist Debbie Jewesson:

Naomi, who wrote, "These are so cute...now if you could just get my 3-year-old to actually keep them in her mess of curls."

Jill, who wrote, "So cute, and so different than other hair accessories out there."

Christina, who wrote, "Those would look great in any litttle girl's hair!"

Winners, please e-mail me with your name, mailing address and barrette color choice (pink, lavender, or yellow).

More contests coming soon!

Political Commentary

About two weeks ago Baby S. "watched" President Bush's daytime press conference on TV with me and I swear he (Baby S.) was grimacing the whole time. It reminded me to check one of my favorite politico-baby sites, Lower Case Tees. They are promising new designs soon (hopefully well in advance of the '08 election) but in the meantime check out the "Mommy Wants a New President" tee shown here. Toddler sizes 2-6, $17 at Lower Case Tees.

p.s. While I disagree with our President, I strongly support our troops. Please visit Any Soldier (a site I learned about on Goodyblog.com), to find out how you can personally help the men and women serving in Iraq and elsewhere.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Barrettes by Branching Out

A while ago I posted about the lovely felt decorative pillows by artist Debby Jewesson. Turns out Debby also makes the sweetest handcrafted wool felt barrettes and has offered a Trio of Lavender Felt Wood Barrettes ($16 value) to each of 3 lucky MyMomShops readers! If you win, you can also choose the set in yellow or pink. Not only are these adorable in your little girl's hair (whether thick or thin), but they work great as stylish paper clips too- no joke! Check out all the items at Debby's brand-new "Branching Out" Etsy storefront, where shipping is free on ALL items!

Win it! We have THREE sets of barrettes (your choice of pink, lavender, or yellow) to give away. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please make a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, 7/25. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) Three winners will be chosen at random and announced tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, 7/25. You MUST check the site tomorrow to see if you won. Winners will NOT be e-mailed. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited if not claimed within 24 hours.

GOOD LUCK!

I Love Trash

I've used these Animal Swing-Lid Cans in both my kids' rooms and while I can't say they made Clean Up Time go much more smoothly, they do look awfully cute. Available in pig, frog, tiger, or panda, these 12.7 quart receptables with swing-lid top do double duty not only as trashcans in a kid's room, bathroom, or playroom, but also work very nicely for toy storage. Just $9.99 at The Container Store.

Little Lions

I have two feisty August-born babes so this sunny Leo Toddler Tee from Etsy.com caught my eye. Leos, who are born between July 23rd and August 23rd, are known for being generous and warm-hearted, but also pompous and bossy. Sound like your own little lion? Then you too might enjoy this pale lemon yellow long-sleeved cotton tee from American Apparel, featuring a cotton applique handsewn onto the front, and a wee little red bird swen onto the back. $18.00 (various sizes available) at the Etsy storefront of Doodlebugfinery.

Time to Play with the Donuts

Play food has become so beautiful, hasn't it? Take this scrumptious Donut Box Set from Mahar Drygoods, a charming site I've written about before which sells vintage and artisan-crafted items for kids. Owner Robert Mahar has an impeccable eye for superb children's toys (and they are photographed so beautifully, too). This donut set by Yellow Label Kids contains an exclusive combination of five handknit play donuts in different "flavors," all housed in a gingham cloth box. Yellow Label Kids works with a collective of women artisans in Bangladesh, mostly mothers themselves, who earn wages from the handcrafts they make including this set. The donuts are safe for all ages and cost $35 at Mahar Drygoods.

Isa Booties Sale

I've bought IsaBooties as baby gifts and birthday gifts for several friends. The super-soft ultrasuede baby shoes are adorable, the price is reasonable, and they even conveniently sell books as big sibling gifts. Plus, gift wrap is free. All over, a pretty good deal. Now the deal is even sweeter with a summer sale of 15% off all purchases including discontinued styles already marked down. The "Rosey Tosies" pair shown here is so cute and costs just $22 in sizes 3-6mos through 18-24mos (and then there's the additional 15% discount). Go ahead and stock up on gifts at IsaBooties.com.


Use coupon code "Summer" today (July 23rd) and tomorrow (July 24th) only for 15% off your purchase at IsaBooties.com!

They Do Come with Instructions

This Baby Owner's Starter Kit makes a funny gift for new or expecting parents. It's packaged in a deluxe keepsake box and includes the bestselling book, The Baby Owner's Manual, a growth chart, a diaper changing instructional poster, babysitter's memo pad and decorative magnet. A surefire hit at a baby shower. On sale for $16.97 (retails $24.95) at Amazon.com.

Baby You Can Drive My Car

I don't often find things I like (or can afford) at Neiman Marcus, but this Navy Car Blanket is a notable exception. On one side, it has a blue/red/white car motif on a navy background; the other side reverses to navy car on blue/red/white striped background. It's a generous 30" x 40" and made in the USA of machine-washable cotton. At $45, it's a thoughtful baby gift and is sure to stand out from the many light blue ones a baby boy will receive. Take a look at Neiman Marcus.

Try My Cell

No matter what, your baby may prefer the real thing, but nonetheless these design-friendly wooden Play Cell Phones by French toy company Vilac are a nice, quiet substitute for real ringers. Available in heart or ladybug designs, $19.50 at Sons & Daughters.

We All Scream

These new Ice Cream Cone Dishes and Spoons from Williams Sonoma are a fun way to enjoy one of summer's best pleasures. The stoneware pieces are hand-painted to resemble chocolate-dipped cones with festive pink, yellow, green and blue interiors. The coordinating spoons are polished stainless steel with stoneware handles. Both the bowls ($39) and spoons ($24) are sold in sets of four, one of each color. Terrific hostess gift for this time of year. Visit Williams Sonoma.

The Next Best Thing

Given all the hoopla over the Anya Hindmarch "I'm not a Plastic Bag" bag right now, it's a fairly safe bet that eco-friendly grocery totes are the Next Big Thing. I've found several sites carrying great alternatives (just in case you didn't have a spare 12 hours to wait in line at Whole Foods), but for now let me just share my top pick, the fashionable yet inexpensive totes by Envirosax USA. The ones pictured above cost just $7.95 (except for the one that says "organic" which costs $22). These reusable shopping bags are lightweight, portable, and waterproof, and each holds the equivalent of 2 supermarket plastic bags. Click here for the patterned ones and here for the organic hemp one shown at top. Who knows, maybe you'll lead the next trend (and you won't have to wait in line).

Galison.com File Tote Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to the following 3 readers who won William Morris File Totes from Galison.com:

Lori, who wrote, "You have no idea how much I need some organization!"
Anonymous, who wrote, "This is much more attractive than my piles!"
Melissa, who wrote, "I need all the organizational help I can get!"

Please e-mail me with your full name and mailing address to claim your prizes. Enjoy!

Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

Kinderware Yo Yo Dolls

Kinderware is another retailer I had the good fortune to meet at the National Stationery Show this past May. Kinderware's signature Yo Yo Dolls are a modern update of a classic quilter's doll made from scrap fabrics. I love their design- they are a surefire hit with babies and young kids (and are safe for them, too). Best of all, they are hand-made by artisans in Bolivia according to fair trade guidelines. Small dolls ($24) measure 8-10 inches tall; large dolls ($50) measure 16-18 inches. Browse all the lovely goods at Kinderware.

Enter code "2832" for a 10% discount off your order at Kinderware!

Pretty in Pink

If you're stationery-obessed like I am, and you love pink & frills for your little girl, consider these Pink Scalloped Edge notecards by Stacy Claire Boyd. I bought these for R's thank-you notes when she was born, and I still use them. I love the delicate design and hand-tied bow (included). Of course, perfection doesn't come cheap (if you've ordered Stacy Claire Boyd before, you know that). So it helps to find a discount online. Voila! Our sponsor Announcements Etc. offers 25% off all Stacy Claire Boyd stationery- and when you're spending this amount on stationery, every dollar counts. This card measures 3.5 x 5" and costs $180 for 50 cards, or $236 for 100 cards. If there is another Stacy Claire Boyd item you like that isn't on their site, just call and they will order it for you. Visit Announcements Etc.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Pretty File Totes from Galison

If your paper-cluttered desk could use some stylish organizing, look no further than these Pretty File Totes from one of my new fave sites, Galison.com. Galison's lovely file totes are a practical yet attractive way to store your papers (anything's gotta be better than the pile of loose papers sitting under a sippy cup on my desk). They measure 11-1/2 x 12-1/2 x 3-1/2" and have 8 interior dividers with 16 adhesive labels. The William Morris Clover Pretty File Tote shown here is my favorite one. The pattern is from a wallpaper sample book produced in London before 1917 and now in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum. Buy it for $19.50 at Galison.com.

Win it! Galison.com is giving away THREE of the William Morris Clover Pretty File Totes to lucky MyMomShops readers. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please make a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 10pm EST tonight. One entry per person, please.
3) Three winners will be chosen at random and announced tomorrow morning, Friday, July 20th. You MUST check the site tomorrow to see if you won. Winners will NOT be e-mailed. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited if not claimed within 24 hours.

GOOD LUCK!

Blueberry Babies Bibs

Blueberry Babies has always been a go-to site for me to purchase baby gifts (especially personalized ones) for my friends. I always check what's new there from time to time. Right now, it's these personalized baby bibs ($14 each, $2 extra for size large) in bright yummy colors like orange, fuschia, and lime green (for boys, I love the royal blue and red). A nice change from all the pastels a new baby will undoubtedly receive, and for sure a very practical gift, made even more special with a monogram. Check them out at BlueberryBabies.com.

p.s. Another lively evening in New York City. My husband just got home after walking over 50 blocks from his office, passing this on his way. R. and I were just 20 blocks away at a birthday party when the explosion happened. Fortunately, it appears not to be terrorism-related.

Welcome Goodyblog Readers!

A warm welcome to readers sent our way by Goodyblog, the must-read daily blog of Parents Magazine. Like what you see here at MyMomShops? Subscribe to our newsletter so you'll get advance notice of special giveaways (there's one tomorrow!), exclusive sales, and my top picks for what's hip, fun, and new in the world of "stuff" for kids (and their moms, too). Just e-mail me with "newsletter" in the subject line. Have fun and thanks for visiting MyMomShops!

Deal Alert- Modern Basics Baby Blanket at Amazon.com

You can get some incredible deals on very hip, trendy baby gifts on Amazon.com these days. Really! Remember the mod Modern Basics Blue Hippo Blanket that I posted about a while ago? It's an item you'll see on lots of boutique sites for at least $30 but a slightly different version, the Modern Basics Blue Frog Blanket (shown here) is on sale at Amazon for a mere $9.07. Oh, and here's one for girls, too- a Modern Basics Pink Dragon Fly Blanket on sale for $9.51. Stock up on both and you'll always have a fresh, hip baby gift ready for any new arrival- girl or boy.

p.s. If you have not yet joined Amazon.com Prime, let me make another pitch for it here. It is soooo worth the $79 yearly fee. You get unlimited free two-day shipping on a gazillion items, from books to DVDs to toys to groceries. Great when you're in a pinch. I've saved a small fortune on shipping fees (and stress over last-minute gifts) with Amazon.com. Try it, you'll like it.

Flip-A-Word Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the following 3 readers who won "Flip-A-Word" books:

Deborah, who wrote "I don't think you can every have too many books"
HomeMom3, who wrote "My three year old would love these"
Amy in FL, who wrote, "I'd love to have these books"

Please e-mail me with your full name and mailing address to claim your prizes. Enjoy!

Everyone else, check back tomorrow for another giveaway, from Galison.com.

Over the Moon

I love fashionable tracksuits for little boys. This Rabbit Moon tracksuit at ComfyKid.com happens to be in one of my favorite color combos- blue and brown with orange trim. Made of soft french terry, the tracksuit has a zip-front jacket and elastic waist pants with drawstring to ensure a play-friendly fit. It's available in sizes newborn, 0-3mos, 6-9mos, and 12-18mos. $48.50 at Comfy Kid.

p.s. I'm posting this tonight in honor of the fact that Baby S., age 11 months, pulled to standing position for the 1st time tonight. This is a huge deal since, like his big sister was, he has been delayed meeting motor milestones (pediatrician's diagnosis: they inherited mom's "klutz" gene) and receives physical therapy 3 times a week. Hooray for Baby S! And thanks, Alyssa.

Where's Binky?

"Where's the pacifier?" was a common refrain in our household during our kids' newborn days. We always had several in our possession, but could never locate them when time was of the essence. This Nassu 5-Face Pacifier Holder would have been helpful. It's made of painted/natural birch vaneer and holds 5 of Baby's prized binkies. Arrives in a fun, gift-ready cardboard box. $35.76 at Scandinavian Design Center.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Flip-A-Word

Almost 4 years old, my daughter R. is just learning to read and it can be hard to find the right books for her. She wants to read everything "MYSELF!!" but she is not quite ready for early reader books. But we found a winner in the Flip-A-Word titles like the "Pig Wig" Flip-a-Word book shown here. Simple and fun yet educational, each Flip-A-Word book focuses on three different word families. "Pig Wig" looks at words containing the combinations ig, ug, and at. Peek-through pages transform pictures to match the changing consonants (so pig becomes jig, and so on). With bold, colorful illustrations by young Japanese designer Yukiko Kido, these books do a fantastic job at introducing phonics to teach word recognition and rhyming patterns. Buy one ($10.36) for your budding reader at Amazon.com.

Win these books! Three lucky MyMomShops readers will receive two books each- "Pig Wig" and "Snake Cake" (another terrific book in the series). Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please make a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 10pm EST tonight. One entry per person, please.
3) Three winners will be chosen at random and announced tomorrow morning, Wednesday, July 18th. You MUST check the site tomorrow to see if you won. Winners will NOT be e-mailed. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited if not claimed within 24 hours.

GOOD LUCK!

Easy Bake

As my Blogger profile indicates, I don't cook. But I do like to bake sometimes. And I've recently found some very cute, clever cake pans.

Check out this brilliant idea for those who LOVE the well-done corner pieces of brownie. It's a baker's edge brownie pan ($36) to satisfy the fussiest brownie edge connoisseur:



Then, behold this Lego Brick Cake Mould ($12.99). Perfect pan for your little Lego enthusiast's birthday cake!
Maybe, just maybe, products like these will get me to use my kitchen more!

Once in a 2Moons

I'm not the biggest fan of "mommy jewelry" since it can be awfully expensive. But I fell immediately for this very pretty, reasonably-priced Mothers(Moons) Sterling Silver Handstamped Pendant at Etsy.com. The 1-inch pendant includes your child(ren)'s names and Swarovski crystal birthstones, and can be oxidized with polishing (as shown) or not. The price includes just the pendant but chains are sold here separately, too, with no extra shipping free. $16 at the 2Moons Etsy storefront.

Back to Boden

Returning to the topic of Boden's fall preview of kids' clothing, here are some other items I'm eyeing:

This amazing polka velvet coat ($74):


Various soft cotton jersey boys' logo tees ($24):


A super-cozy, colorful baby snowsuit ($58):


And, a funky applique "Peace and Love" T-shirt ($28):

Remember, if you buy at the Boden preview before July 27th, you get a 10% discount and free shipping and returns. Enjoy!

Playing House

Even though my kids are 3 years apart, they enjoy (i.e. fight over) several of the same toys. One is their new Play Town Family House by Learning Curve, which is designed for ages 1 and up. It is a colorful, compact house featuring 2 sides of play, a "growing garden," an attic storage area, and fun features like a doorbell and a free accompanying sound board book. The set is made of both plastic and wood, and includes a Mom, Dad and Baby, all chunky-sized and easy for small hands to grasp. This would make a fun gift for a first birthday, or (based on my preschooler's positive reaction) beyond. $34.99 at Learning Curve.

Birthday Boy

In just a few weeks we will celebrate Baby S's 1st birthday. We'll be on vacation, so I'm shipping supplies ahead to our destination including this too-cute 1st Birthday Boy party package from MyMomShops affiliate Birthday in a Box. If you're planning a party, check out this site- it makes it super easy and super fast to buy supplies (there is just about every theme imaginable, by the way). This basic 1st birthday boy package ($24.99) includes all you need for 8 guests, including cups, napkins, plates, cutlery, balloons, streamers, ribbon, candles & more. You can also order party favors, invitations, thank you notes, and even birthday apparel (should I admit I go totally overboard, and buy just about every add-on imaginable? I am a bit of a birthday fanatic). Birthday in a Box will spare you hours sifting through the wares at a party store, and will deliver the party goods right to your door. So you have energy left to enjoy the really important stuff. Like watching your 1-year-old smear cake everywhere. Visit Birthday in a Box for other First Birthday Party themes and supplies.

Colin Maguire

I love the boys' clothing at Colin Maguire. Each tee's design is one-of-a-kind, created by kids residing at The Children’s Inn at NIH (National Institutes of Health), a homey place for seriously ill children and their families. Colin Maguire helps support the Inn financially, and children at the Inn submit new designs regularly. The shirts themselves (which cost about $26) are 100% cotton with contrast stitching and distressed hemlines, and are available in sizes 18m-5T. All come with unique “About the Artist” hangtags. And, shipping is always free! Visit Colin Maguire.

Orange You Well-Dressed?

As you know I love shirtdresses and I stumbled on this terrific one at a little site called Orange Button. This Somerset Shirtwaist in Cherry is made of yarn-dyed cotton/spandex seersucker and is designed in a classic shirtwaist silhouette, accented with puff cap sleeves. It's available in sizes 12 months through 6, and is on sale for $59 at Orange Button.

Sunny Days Are Here Again

I've never posted before about skin care products but I'm so taken with these Baby Silk sunscreen towelette singles by MD Moms that I have to share. In the past, I've hated applying sunscreen to my kids (though I did). Hated the smell, hated the glop, hated everything. But I got some samples of these wipes from MD Moms at a parents' expo back in April, and I hit the jackpot. MD Mom's pediatrician-approved wipes contain soft, gentle, sweat-proof SPF 30+ sunscreen enriched with Vitamins E and B5. They are made in the USA with no animal testing. They smell GOOD, they go on QUICK, and they WORK! The price (deep breath) is $7.50 for 3 individually-wrapped wipes, or $26 for a pack of 15 wipes. Hey, shipping is free though. Enter code "MOMSUN" for free shipping. Enjoy the sun!

The Monkey & Me

I am so impressed with the gorgeous hand-sewn clothes at The Monkey & Me, a business owned by talented mom Beth Allums (I first saw her clothing listed on Etsy.com). Beth makes each of these outfits herself, with a great eye for design, colors, and patterns. Here are two of my favorite ensembles from her site.

This Black and White Custom Monogrammed Twirl Set ($85) features a tee with handcut initial applique patch plus a comfy, elastic waist full twirl skirt. It's 100% cotton, machine washable, and available in a color combination of your choice.



I adore the royal blue print of this Retro Blue A-Line Dress ($65). The dress has a sweet, retro feel with a portrait collar, 3/4 sleeves, and zippered back for an easy fit. A little bit of red rick rack trim is the finishing touch. This dress is a definite conversation piece.

As usual, I fell in love with the dresses first, but Beth also makes some great ensembles for boys, and her signature sock-monkey onesies and tees make a charming baby gift. Peruse all the goodies at The Monkey & Me.

"I'm Not a Plastic Bag" Bag

If you haven't already heard about the I'm Not a Plastic bag bag by Anya Hindmarch, keep listening...the buzz is growing louder. It's all the rage among the stylish enviro-conscious crowd. This fun yet modest cotton bag which originally retailed for about $6.75 is sold out everywhere worldwide and is fetching prices upwards of $300 on Ebay. Knock-offs are already in the works (yes, knockoffs of a $6.75 bag). If you see one, scoop it up! Read more about the bag (and how to snag one) here. In the meantime, I've found some other environmentally-friendly shopping totes which I'll post here soon.

CWD Kids Shopping Spree Winner

Congratulations to Nikki, who posted, "Absolutely adorable!" You are the lucky winner of the $150 shopping spree at CWD Kids. Please e-mail me with your name and address to claim your prize.

Thanks to all who entered this contest and stay tuned for more great giveaways at MyMomShops! Want to make sure you know about them ahead of time? E-mail me with "newsletter" in the subject line so you'll get advance notice of giveaways, special sales, and more.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Baby Bonkin

Here is another find from one of our current sponsors, BabyBonkin.com. This Classic Navy Set ($34.98) makes a great gift for a new baby boy. The set includes two footed pajamas- one solid, one striped. The coordinating blanket is solid navy on one side and striped on the other side. The sets are available in sizes 0-3mos, 3-6mos, or 6-9 mos. I love these coordinating colors, and since I remember receiving way too many light blue outfits for Baby S. when he was born, I can tell you that the mom will appreciate the different colors of this set! Visit Baby Bonkin for this and other reasonably-priced clothes for little ones.

Chew Your Veggies

Luckily, 11-month-old Baby S. does not (yet?) share his big sister's aversion to veggies, and happily eats whatever I put on his highchair tray. Let's hope that lasts. This Crate with Organic Veggies by Under the Nile is a great gift to start a baby on the road to healthy eating. Each crate contains four teething veggies, each stuffed with organic 100% Egyptian cotton so there is no fluff to inhale. The toys are machine washable and come packaged in this adorable crate. $25.99 at Harvest Moon Boutique.

British Humour

Are these clothes by British designer Snuglo terrific or what? I spotted them in Junior, a hip British parenting magazine I picked up at Barnes & Noble. I think you can order Snuglo pieces to be sent to the U.S., but with an exorbitant overseas shipping cost. Maybe I'll just browse instead. Nonetheless, love the typography and the sentiments!



Going to post these over at Stylehive now, where I post other irresistible European or hard-to-buy stuff, too.

Dillie Wear

Designer/mom Kate Boyle has just launched Dillie, a line of deliciously soft, eco-friendly Ts and onesies. Dillie clothing is made of 100% organic cotton and printed only with 100% natural, vegetable and plant–based inks. The graphics are simple and sweet, offering shapes and sounds that delight any child (check out the "Whoooo" owl shown here). I received sample tees for R & S and they are just heavenly (you know when your kids' shirts are so soft you want them for yourself?) S. has the "Tweet" organic lap tee and wears it several times a week. Dillie is now being sold at Sparrow and Bull and prices start at $30; click here for toddler sizes and here for baby sizes.

By Order of the Management

I found these "By Order of the Management" Signs at Etsy.com and I think they would be cute additions to a child's bedroom or bath or playroom. The set of 4 (each measures 2.625" x 4.5") is reproduced on enhanced matte paper and packaged in a cellophane bag with flawboard backing. Let everyone know the house rules in a playful way. $32 for the set at John W. Golden's Etsy storefront.

MyMomShops Giveaway: CWD Kids Shopping Spree

Though it's 90-something degrees here in New York City, it's time to start thinking about back-to-school clothes! Several of my favorite sites are already selling their autumn wares, including CWD Kids.com. I've shopped often from CWD Kids, whose slogan "dressing kids like kids" means fresh, fun, and trendy (but never trashy) clothes. They have generously offered one lucky MyMomShops reader a $150 shopping spree. Check out some of my fall picks at CWD Kids:

"Mod Squad" print dresses by Anita G (various patterns, $32 or 2 for $56):


Girls' Track Jacket by Puma ($36, sizes 4-6x; $38, sizes 7-16):


Cotton Camo PJ's by Sara's Prints (various patterns, $35, or 2 for $64)


Guitars Tee by Mis-Tee-V-Us ($32):


Pumpkin Pant Set by Pingorama ($44):

While you're browsing CWD Kids, be sure to also check out the great summer sale items, perfect for stocking up for next summer. They also have nice family clothing- I always check to see what's new in Brother/Sister outfits for R & S.

CWD Kids is offering 1 lucky MyMomShops reader a $150 shopping spree! Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please make a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) You must post your comment by 9pm EST on Wednesday, July 11th. MAKE SURE you check MyMomShops again on Thursday morning to see if you were picked. Unclaimed prizes will be given to the next winner after 24 hours.
3) 1 entry per person, please.
4) 1 winner will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday morning.

GOOD LUCK!

Wrap It Up

One of my favorite indulgences is beautiful gift wrap (you know, the kind that is nearly too nice to use). At the National Stationery Show last month, I saw some gorgeous wraps by Denise Lynn Studios. Here are some samples:






There are many great designs (including fun wrap for kids like this ice cream cone pattern). Check them all out (including info. on where to buy) at DeniseLynnStudios.com.

Cutie Pie Camo

This Pink Camo Baby Gift Set
makes a trendy baby gift or shower gift for a summer baby girl. It includes a bib, beanie cap, onesie (fits 13-18lbs), waffle weave baby blanket, and bootie set. Everything is made of 100% cotton. Totally adorable. And a great value at $44.95 (on sale, reduced from $59.95), with free shipping, at Bright and Bold.

Pillow Talk

I've mentioned The Succulent Wife (still don't get that name!) here before as an interesting giftware site I like to browse. I love these Wool Felt Pillows ($68 each) as a decor accent in a boy's room. Designed by artist Debbie Jeweson, they're made of un-pillable wool felt and contain cushy down inserts. They measure 12 x 16 inches and can be wiped clean. Check out these great pillows (including lovely designs for girls) and other crafty gifts by Debbie Jeweson at The Succulent Wife.

Charge It

I read about this Charger Bag by Built NY in a recent issue of Real Simple magazine and thought it was brilliant. Whenever I pack a bag for going away, I stuff a messy jumble of cords and chargers into a large ziploc bag. I think I should try this charger bag instead. It's a six-compartment tote with wetsuit grade neoprene core, fleece lining, and an industrial strength zipper. It's even machine washable. I love the colors and patterns, too, especially the Leaf Green shown here. By the way, I think this would make a great "husband gift" too. $24.99 at BuiltNY.com.

p.s. Speaking of traveling, my husband and I are leaving today for a 2-night beach getaway, sans kids. So I won't be posting again until Monday. Have a great weekend!

Where the Money Goes

Thanks to my friend S. (mom of R. & H.) for telling me about this Money Savvy Pig from Money Savvy Generation. This 21st-century version of a piggy bank starts teaching your little ones about sound financial choices early on. The bank has four chambers for each of the four money management choices a child can learn at a young age: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE, and INVEST. The coins exit each chamber through a different foot. The Money Savvy Pig is available in blue, pink, green, red, and clear/glitter, measures 8.5 inches long, and costs just $15.99. A great gift idea for a child (come to think of it, I know many adults who could use this one, too). Visit Money Savvy Generation.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Prophecy Wear

MyMomShops' newest sponsor is Prophecy Wear- "clothes for babies, toddlers and kids that express personality and promote achievement." Who can argue with that, right? Prophecy Wear makes soft, cozy bibs, onesies, and tees to remind your little one (and everyone who loves her...or him) of her greatest potential. The site has items for both boys and girls, but one of my favorite items is this "Future Team Owner" shirt ($19) for girls. A refreshing change from all the "Little Diva" and "Mommy's Little Shopper"-type girls' tees, isn't it? Onesies are available in sizes 6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, or 18-24 mos; tees start in size 2 and go all the way up to size 12. Check out all the options at Prophecy Wear.

Have a Nice Day

As a child of the 1970s, I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I see these yellow smiley faces. What a great idea for a diaper bag. Modern yet retro, and gender-neutral, too, this nylon Dante Beatrix Flower Child Diaper Bag is just the right size (18 x 12 x 6 inches); features roomy exterior pockets, zip closure with magnetic flap, and adjustable shoulder strap; and includes a changing pad and pouch. It costs $95 and shipping is free at 2Modern.com.

Thinking Ahead

It's not the season for cashmere yet, but if you want to plan ahead and get your baby (or someone else's) a really gorgeous sweater set for later this year, consider this monogrammed Baby Cashmere Sweater Set on sale at RedEnvelope.com. A great deal on sale for $39.99 (reduced from $85), it even includes matching hat and booties. Available in pink or blue, size 12-18 months.

I Heart Tiny Prints

Several of my mommy friends and I have ordered stationery (birth announcements, invitations, thank you notes, holiday cards, photo cards, party favors, gift tags, you name it...) from MyMomShops' affiliate Tiny Prints, one of my favorite online stationers. One look at Tiny Prints' hip, fun designs and you'll be hooked, too. Here are just a few of my favorite items from Tiny Prints (in fact, I came very close to choosing the blue teddy bear card for Baby S's birth announcements last summer):

(Click on the individual images for further details and pricing, and make sure you scroll down for a coupon code...)

Summer Discount! Enter code "SUMMER07" for a 5% discount on any order at TinyPrints.com through 9/30/07.

Zutano Summer Sale

Fabulous kids' clothing designer Zutano notified me about their summer sale, featuring a selection of summer favorites up to 25% off. Fill in the gaps of your kids' summer wardrobes with tops, bottoms, and more for both boys and girls (one of my favorite sale items- the cool boys' sunset origami sweater pictured here, $34.50). Also, for a limited time, if you participate in this summer sale you will receive an additional 10% off your order (see site for details). Shop early for the best selection! Visit Zutano.com.

Not your Regular Blocks

If you're tired of traditional baby blocks, check out these mod notNeutral wood blocks ($38) at Modern Seed. The blocks combine favorite retro and modern fonts as well as numbers and patterns. The possibilities for playing with these blocks are endless. A great gift for the modern baby who has seen it all. Visit ModernSeed.com.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Little Bow Peep Tails

Our latest sponsor is Little Bow Peep Tails. Not only does this little bow-tique (sorry, couldn't resist) sell the most charming handmade hair accessories for girls, but they also have superb customer service and personalized attention. The owner, Carol, made me the gorgeous monogrammed polka-dot barrette ($6.95) pictured above for my daughter R. and the compliments have been non-stop. Check out all of the other tuxedo barrettes (plain or personalized, your choice) here.

Little Bow Peep Tails has also recently introduced lovely headbands which stay in place thanks to a special velcro lining, which works with even the finest hair. Pictured here is a new Halloween headband ($7.95). (An aside- I am obsessed with Halloween. In fact, it is my birthday. So this will be just the first of many posts featuring items for Halloween...still over 3 months away!)

Whatever your (or your little girl's) fancy- stripes, polka dots, ginghams, or solids- as a barrette, headband, or ponytail streamer- you are sure to find it at Little Bow Peep Tails. Tell Carol that I sent you!

Galison Gifts Galore

I discovered Galison- a purveyor of fine stationery products- at the stationery show last month and just took a longer look at their products online. Love them, love them, love them. Pretty desk accessories always make me smile, even when I'm paying bills. So check out these delights from Galison.com. They all make great gifts (and they're inexpensive, too!):

Next Great Idea Journal Set ($12):


New York City Paperweight ($16):


Daily Organize Mag-note Set ($17):

What a Boon

Every mom knows how hard it is to keep the bath toys and supplies organized- not to mention clean and mildew-free. Boon Inc. has some great products to help. Their popular Frog Pod ($29.99) functions both as a drainable scoop for collecting toys and a wall-mounted base for storing bath products. It attaches to the bathtub wall by adhesive strips, suction cups, or screws- your choice, and measures 19" x 16 1/2" x 7". And if your bath toys are dirty beyond hope, how about treating your kids to these new Boon Inc Bath Goods: Designer Toys & Scrubbies ($13.99)? The fresh, modern collection of 15 bath appliqués, 3 balls, and 2 mini-scrubbies will keep your little ones happily occupied in the bath. And, they don't absorb water (thereby reducing mold & mildew). Together, I think these two products would make a great baby shower gift, new baby gift, or toddler birthday gift. Visit Boon Inc..

In Full Bloom

My little girl is past the age of wearing bloomers over a diaper, but if she weren't I'd love to buy these delicious Hot Pink Couture Bloomers by Hautie Pants, available at Polka Dot Whale. There's nothing cuter to cover her diaper. They're machine washable and available in sizes up to 24 months. $23.95 (includes pink padded satin hanger!) at Polka Dot Whale.

Initially Yours

I think these silkscreened Initial Pillows from Rare Device are just lovely. The letters are hand-drawn and then silkscreened onto bright, washable cotton canvas (removable for cleaning, cushion included). You choose your ink, fabric color, and letter of the alphabet. They are 16" square and would work equally well in a living room, bedroom, nursery, or playroom. $68 at RareDevice.net.