sTORI telling

I've mentioned (OK, confessed) here before that I am a fan of Tori Spelling's reality show on Oxygen, and now I am looking forward to reading her new book sTORI Telling. I read an excerpt in People Magazine (ugh, what you all must think of me by now...) and found it pretty interesting. She talks about everything from her bizarre, extravagant childhood to the abrupt ending of her 1st marriage (I have no sympathy for her here- she cheated on the poor guy) to her new-found happiness as a wife (again), new mother (now expecting baby #2), and woman. Come on, admit it, you're curious. sTORI telling costs $16.47 at Amazon.com.

Booties with Bling

Are these Metallic Party Booties from Estella (a NYC kids' shop I'd never heard of but must visit) cute or what? They're flying off the shelves and are only left in size large (12-18mos). Made of 100% leather with velcro closure, they're now on sale for $29 at Estella.

Crystal Leigh Baby

I stumbled onto Crystal Leigh Baby through another site, My Wares, which promotes women-owned shops. Crystal Leigh Baby has a nice selection of cozy baby gifts and I especially like their Baby Baskets. The "Welcome Baby Basket" shown here (don't you love the colors?) is packaged inside a handy SaraBear diaper caddy and includes changing pad, hanging door sign, two burpcloths, travel blankie, and onesie. Monogramming is available. The basic basket costs $135 at Crystal Leigh Baby.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Hicks Paper

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to Natalie, who wrote, "What a hard decision but I would have to go with the Urban Floral Twist Notecard! How cute!" Natalie, please e-mail me with your name, address, and personalization choice to claim your prize.

I'm a big fan of Whitney English stationery and I'm very excited about today's giveaway: a set of pretty personalized notecards from their newest line, Hicks Paper (because a girl can never have enough personalized stationery, right?) Started by Sara Hicks Malone, a former Martha Stewart art director, Hicks Paper offers social stationery, party invitations, and birth announcements in a brilliant assortment of vivid colors and pretty patterns.

Here are some of my top picks for Hicks Paper notecards:

Go East, Young Man

While browsing Forest & Zoe, I discovered Miki House, apparently the top kids' apparel line in Japan. They make bright, colorful playclothes that are fun to look at (but not easy on your wallet). I particularly like this boys' construction trucks sweatshirt, which on sale costs $69.95. Ask Grandma to treat!

Continental Breakfast

I saw these Sweet Pastries play food by Haba at the New York International Gift Fair and they looked quite tempting. Not that you should be encouraging your children to eat more sweets, but if they want to play with pretend bakery treats, what could be better than these beautiful European-designed ones? $11.99 for the set of three at Oompa.com. Mmmm, now I want a sticky bun.

p.s. It's my mom's birthday today. Happy Birthday "Grandma" and thanks for everything!

Practical Storage

There's toy storage that I dream about, and toy storage I can actually afford. This Whitmor Set of 2 Collapsible Cubes from Target clearly falls into the latter category. I ordered these as extra toy storage for my living room (as in most NYC apartments, the living room doubles as a playroom) that wouldn't scream "KIDS!!!" I must say I am very happy with my purchase. The 14" fabric cubes (just $12.99 for the pair) are reasonably sturdy, the java color is pretty and neutral, and, so far, the kids are (occasionally) putting toys back in them. They are available in other colors, too, at Target.

Luxe Giftwrap

I bought a small gift for a friend recently from Luxe Paperie and while I was browsing the site I saw this beautiful giftwrap by Jack & Lulu. The patterns shown here are named, respectively, Neopolitan, Zebra, and Popcorn, and cost $3 per roll. If you're placing an order at Luxe Paperie, by the way, try code "LUCKYBREAKS1" for 25% off- it worked for me the other day! Have fun browsing gift wrap, letterpress stationery, and more of my favorite things at Luxe Paperie.

Buh-Bye, Ba-Ba

I had to chuckle when I saw this "No Bottle" Onesie or Tee at Etsy.com. At 18 months, Baby S. is still somewhat attached to his "ba-ba" (he needs it for naptime and bedtime). I am doing my best to wean him from it completely, but it ain't easy. Maybe I will get him this T-shirt as a reward (for both of us, of course) when he's completely done with "ba-ba". It's available as a baby onesie, baby lap tee, or toddler tee for $24 at the Etsy.com storefront of UrbanCheek.

Tilly Jane

I've seen a lot of baby blankets and they start to blur together. Not so with these great-looking blankets at Tilly Jane, a site I stumbled upon. Besides some cool designs and funky colors ("Jonah" pictured here is my fave), these ultra-soft blankets actually arrive as TWO blankets- one small travel-sized "snuggly" (16" x 20") and one larger one (35" x 27"). They are handmade in Portland, Oregon in limited quantities (have I mentioned yet how many gorgeous, handmade baby products seem to come from the West Coast?). They cost $59 per set. Check them out at Tilly Jane.

Corkels

DCI (Decor Craft Inc.) is a leading gift manufacturer you may not have heard of (they only sell wholesale), but you're sure to recognize some of their most popular items (like happy birthday candles and heart calculators). Anyway, they have just introduced a line of green products including these fantastic "Corkels", little toys made of wood chip cork. The set of Circus Animals includes an elephant (4" x 6"), giraffe (2.75" x 6.25"), and lion (3.75" x 6"). You can't buy these online yet, but I'm sure they will be distributed to e-tailers soon, and, mark my words, they will be popping up in lots of places this year! Visit DCI for more cute-ness.

My Little Scribe

Looking for a fresh, new personalized gift for the preschool or kindergarten set? Marmalade Ink makes these fantastic kids' stationery pads complete with ruled lines (takes you back, doesn't it?) and your child's name and photo. R., who just turned 4 1/2, loves hers, even though she refuses to write when I ask her to ("Not now, Mommy," she says, though her preschool teacher insists she can indeed write). I've already put a few sheets aside for her keepsake box; that's how much I adore this gift. The 25-page pad measures a generous 8.5" x 11" (plenty of room for your little one's trials and errors) and costs $27.86 at Marmalade Ink.

New York International Gift Fair Wrap-Up

OK, this will be a long post (lots of photos) but I wanted to make sure I got to show you the rest of my favorite goodies from the New York International Gift Fair before I start preparing to visit another great show in a few more weeks. So without further ado:

The lovely folks at 3 Sprouts (remember they did a giveaway here last year?) have just designed these fab carseat/stroller covers (take that, Bundle Me!). 3 Sprouts is popping up everywhere these days- their line is carried at Giggle. Stay tuned for another 3 Sprouts giveaway...


If you're a fan of modern design for kids, you'll love everything by 10 grain, including this U Roll Scooter ($175), sold at Design Public. Love the Small Paul graphics.


Entertaining gift wrap (check out the text) by Bobs Your Uncle. Their wholesale site lists online retailers, but I don't think they carry these new items yet.


I met the designer of these Metrocard T-shirts (so cute for NYC kids like mine). They are not yet sold at the New York Transit Museum Store but check out that site anyway for other great subway-themed apparel including subway map hoodies and subway line tees for kids.


I had a long chat with the rep at the Hatley booth. I was curious whether their raincoats (pictured here) were PVC-free. They are! If, like me, you have been dismayed to find that most kids raincoats (including the popular Kidorable brand) contain PVC, this is good news indeed.


There were LOTS of tote bags to be found at the Gift Fair, but these organic cotton ones by Rock Scissor Paper stood out for their retro-yet-fresh designs.


Check out this clever Blanket + Poncho combo by Supernatural Baby- one great design, two functions! Check out the link to see how it works.


Last but not least, one of my favorite small finds from the Gift Show were these Funkie Baby monogrammed baby bibs with vintage fabric trim. Their website is not quite done. I like these so much I just may have to ask them if they'd like to do a giveaway here!


Hope you've enjoyed reading these Gift Fair reports as much as I loved being there! Stay tuned for reports from Bubble NY in March!

Come In. Go Away.

Here's a fun one. Take a close look at this Come In/Go Away Doormat from Unica Home. Get the optical illusion? If not, look at this next photo:



Voila! Turn around this "Come In" mat and it reads "Go Away." Some very clever designer gets kudos for this teaser (as a matter of fact, the mat was featured in The New York Times Design Issue). Besides being fun, this mat is functional and is made from all natural materials. Measures 25.6" x 15.7" and costs $27.50 at Unica Home.

Native Son

Since I am a native Brooklyn girl (and now live on the East Side of Manhattan) I am looking forward to Baby S. wearing his new "Brooklyn" T by Tailgate Clothing. It's got a cool vintage vibe and costs $32 at a new site called Food Fight. Food Fight carries top hipster lines including Appaman, Junk Food, Childish, Lissoos, and City Threads, and I think their selection is great (especially for little boys). They also have fun gift packaging- Baby S's tee arrived rolled in a faux hot dog container! Sample the grub at Food Fight.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Serena & Lily's Nursery Style

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to Vanessa, who wrote, "I hope they have some tips on combining boy and girl decor in one room!" Vanessa, please e-mail me with your name and address to claim your prize.

If you've browsed nursery bedding in the past few years, chances are you've already heard of- and swooned over- the luxury nursery decor by Serena & Lily. Founded in 2004 by Serena (Dugan) & Lily (Kanter), the company offers fresh, stylish children's decor (including crib and twin bedding, rugs, lamps, gliders and more) that is guaranteed to look both sophisticated yet classic. Everything they make is pure loveliness (even the background "wallpaper" on their website is beautiful- a textured chambray you can practically feel through the screen!).

Here are some of my favorite looks from Serena & Lily's current collection:




And now...Serena & Lily has just published its very own book, Nursery Style ($29.95). It's a guide to creating your little one's personalized, imaginative nursery- whether your own style runs modern or more traditional. Learn how to create a theme in your baby's room with color, fabrics, and accessories. The hardcover, fully illustrated book is 144 pages and makes a great gift for a new or expecting mom (or for yourself if you're in the nursery planning stage!)

Not Your Typical Toy Box

Oh my goodness, I love this beautiful wooden Owyn Toy Box I found at the Etsy storefront of ModMomFurniture. This modern storage unit has two inside compartments and two easy lift-off lids (safe for kids ages 2 and up). It's made with non-toxic materials, too...natch. Measures 30"w by 14"d x 15.5"h. It's not cheap ($275), but it's oh-so-lovely. Check out all the superb items at ModMomFurniture (amazing, this mom of two makes all this furniture herself- puts one to shame, doesn't it?)

J. Crew for Me

I hadn't shopped at J. Crew for ages until my dear friend N. gave me a generous gift certificate for my 35th birthday last October. I just used it, buying a few things for the kids on sale at CrewCuts, but also- and this is rare- things for myself! Here's what I got:

Medium Printed Amagansett Tote ($49.50). Printed cotton canvas. Isn't it great for spring?


Kelly solid 3/4 sleeve shirt (on sale for $39.50). A wardrobe staple- you can never have enough of these.


Check out the new Spring items at J. Crew.

Do the Wave

I know I keep gushing about Garnet Hill, but I just loooove their kids' clothing (though I usually have to wait for the sales). Check out these cool Natural Elements Tees ($38) for boys. They're eco-friendly, too, made from organic cotton and screen-printed using soy-based ink. Wave or Lightning designs, sizes 4-8 at Garnet Hill.

Be Prepared

Everyone could use a Fresh Style Card File like this one from Cecily Ink. You'll never have to run out and buy a last-minute card if you're prepared with this collection of 4 birthday cards, 4 thank-you cards, and 4 sentiment cards (sorry, get well, with love, miss you). Each card comes with matching colored envelope. This makes a great hostess gift, housewarming gift, or birthday gift for a friend. $25 at Cecily Ink.

Enjoy free shipping on orders of $50 or more at Cecily Ink with code "shipme".

MyMomShops Giveaway: RedSparks

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to Jennifer P., who wrote, "I really like the art cards--not sure if the original, jungle, or farm ones are my favorite!" Jennifer P., please e-mail me your name and address to claim your prize.
Happy Valentine's Day to all!

RedSparks is a new e-boutique founded by Matt and Aline Pfingsten, the parents of a 32-week preemie (now a healthy 3-year-old). Like other parents of preemies, Matt and Aline spent every waking moment in the NICU, and when they did managed to find time to outfit their 3-pound baby, they were disappointed by the clothing and accessories available online. With Matt and Aline's experience in mind, RedSparks attempts to provide a fun, vibrant selecton of clothing and accessories for preemies (and babies up to toddler age) as well as excellent customer service. They stand behind every product, noting "We understand that you have enough to worry about without worrying about whether your new baby’s clothes are the right clothes." Sure enough, their selection of goodies for the tiniest arrivals are superb (they even carry clothing for "micro" preemies under 3 lbs, with special velcro-closures for easy monitor access). Here are some of my favorite RedSparks items (I'm focusing on the stuff for little guys and girls here, but RedSparks also carries lines like Tea Collection for larger babies and toddlers):

Pink Owl Kimono Sack by Kumquat (preemie up to 6lbs, or newborn, $34). Love this pattern.


Blue Camo Cuffed Pants by Preemie Yums (preemie 4-6lbs, $9). So cute for the tiniest little boy. Available in pink for girls, too.


Kikkerland Mobile by Wee Gallery ($12 for mobile frame, cards sold separately at Red Sparks). No noise, no motor...just simple visual stimulation for little minds.


The arrival of any new baby is cause for celebration, but it is especially nice to see a site like RedSparks give parents of preemies even more to enjoy. Visit RedSparks. (By the way, Matt and Aline's story particularly touched me since both R. and S. were almost preemies, trying to arrive at 33 weeks and 30 weeks respectively. Thanks to meds, strict bedrest and an amazing ob/gyn, both my babies safely made it to exactly 37 weeks, and not a day goes by that I am not grateful for this).

MyMomShops readers enjoy free shipping at RedSparks through 2/29/08 (valid for standard ground shopping within continental US only). Enter code "mymomship08" at checkout.

Fun & Winding Road

My children just received a generous assortment of toys from FAO Schwarz from very special, thoughtful friends of my parents (thank you, Andrea & Jim!). Two huge shopping bags included My Giant Craft Party by Alex, as well as the Bellapista Ball Track Activity Toy pictured here. This charming, wooden toy is made in Germany and appeals to all ages (3 generations of us have been playing with it all week). Brightly colored discs wind their way down the zig-zagging path, making contact with other pieces to create jingling sounds. There is a great bell that "dings" at the end. There are also some cool optical effects, plus a different design on each side for double the fun. It measures 9"L x 3"W x 15"H and is on sale for $29.99 (reduced all the way from $70- stock up on them for birthday gifts!) at FAO Schwarz.

Baby's First Album

I love giving pretty photo albums as baby gifts (new moms need somewhere to put that first batch of photos right away). This Baby Photo Album by Elegant Baby not only looks sweet (sentimental but not cheesy), but it also is a great deal- currently on sale for $14.40 (reduced from $24) at Amazon.com. It holds 80 4" x 6" photos. Also available in a pink girls' version at Amazon.com.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Little Man Neckties

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to the 5 winners:

Paige, who wrote, "I like the #21 with the paisley print. My little guy is 4 and could use a tie."

Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings, who wrote, "My 2 year old son could use a tie considering he just cut his only one in two pieces. ARGH!! I like the Black and White Retro dots."

Charlie's Mom, who wrote, "Yeah...something for boys! I love the baseball pattern!"

"gd" who wrote, "How cute are those! Love Zebra #4, also #2, #13, #18...oh, they are all cute! Thx for the opportunity!"

"twi" who wrote, "I like the blue. blends in with the sky"

Winners, please e-mail me with your name, address, and tie choice to claim your prize. Everyone else, stay tuned for our next giveaway tomorrow- Valentine's Day!





If you have a little boy, I'm sure you delight in finding terrific boys-only clothing and accessories (it seems like girls have all the fun). So I was very happy when I was contacted by Dainty Couture, a lovely Etsy.com storefront. They make these super-cute little man neckties which make your little boy look like, well, the most adorable little man ever. I think their styling and patterns look terrific. And they have offered to send a tie (pattern of choice) to 5 lucky readers!

Check out the Little Man Neckties selection at Dainty Couture to see which pattern you'd like!

Your Own Eco-Friendly Towels

I'm considering getting these new monogrammed organic cotton towels I spotted in the newest West Elm catalog. First I was hooked by that awesome lowercase outline font, but I'm also impressed by the soft, 600-gram organic cotton fibers with earth-friendy dyes. Now through 2/25/08, you can get $5 off each monogrammed item, too. Washcloth for $6; hand towel for $12; and bath towel for $19 at West Elm. Perfect housewarming or newlywed gift!

Family Dressing

It'll cost you an arm and a leg to have this Paper Chain Family Dress shipped from Baobab.com in Australia, but isn't it lovely to admire? Reminds me of my funky new mommy calling cards. The 100% knit cotton A-line dress has gathered pleats at the shoulders and neck, and is available in green or red. $33.60 (Australian) plus shipping at Baobab.com.

Dwell on It

Tar-jay has done it again and just launched DwellStudio for Target, a superb line of affordable, hip, modern nursery decor and furniture designed by famous DwellStudio. The prices can't be beat, and the designs, to me, are just as nice as the "real" DwellStudio items you'd find at a much more expensive store like Giggle. There's bedding, furniture, and accessories, and they all look top-notch. I'm sure I'll post more from DwellStudio for Target, but for now take a look at this wonderful "Schoolbook" bedding collection. Can you spell p-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n? Love it, love it, love it.

3-piece Crib Bedding Set ($65)


Changing Pad Cover ($16.99)

School Book Pillow ($7.64)


Feast your eyes on all the DwellStudio for Target products.

Waffle House

Mmmmm....look at these delicious Waffle Soap Sandwiches. Mom/designer Debbie Chialtis has created perfect, sweet-smelling, calorie-free Valentine's treats. Each arrives packaged in a gift box. Enjoy without guilt! $6 at Mahar Dry Goods.

Springtime Sailor

I love the nautical styling and spring colors of this Striped Maddy Dress by Lilly Pulitzer. Great details including pleated skirt and adjustable rope belt at the waist. $68 in sizes 2-7 (runs small) at CWD Kids.

Valentine's Day Part Two: Etsy!

Not surprisingly, the goddess site of all things handmade- Etsy.com- has some truly amazing Valentine's Day items for you to peruse...

I Love You Soft Soled Baby Booties ($17). How cute are these??


Chocolates Notebook ($9). I am the lucky owner of one of these notebooks. So yummy and fun to use in February.


LOVE sterling cuff ($49). Great classic design, great sentiment.


Big Fat Heart Tote ($45) I love colorful multi-purpose totes and this one is perfect for the season.


Hurry and snatch these in time for February 14th!

New York International Gift Fair: Part Two

I am having a lot of fun sorting through my finds from last weekend's New York International Gift Fair. Here are photos from more of my favorite booths:

I had the pleasure of meeting Julie Klear, the founder of Zid Zid, a rising star in the kids' design world, with products designed and manufactured in Morrocco. Inside those fantastic elephant bookends is The Butter Man, a new book that Julie has illustrated.




Los-Angeles based design firm notNeutral never ceases to amaze me with their cool, design-inspired lifestyle products. Remember the wall decals I posted about this week? Here they are applied to furniture- fantastic! And how about those fantastic city plates?







I can always count on Fred & Friends for laugh-out-loud funny (yet entirely practical) home and kids' products. Love the "Xposed Xray" handbag, and the "yellow pages" booster seat!





I met the folks over at Dante Beatrix, who generously sponsored one of our blogiversary giveaways. They have these great kids' backpacks, plus, just about the cutest doggy-carrier I've ever seen (and I'm not even an animal lover).




I saw this modern kids' bedding by Bodalee in person for the first time and, wow, does it look cool. A really great modern choice for the elementary-age set (or older). I like the "space" design (middle bed) best.





More to come from NYIGF!

MyMomShops Giveaway: Write On and More

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to "Bakersdozen", who commented, "I like the wallet. Thanks for the giveaway." Please e-mail me with your name, address, and choice of Automoblox car or Penelope Peapod.

Write On and More is a high-end boutique in Sarasota, FL which has a super selection of "luxuries for everyday living and giving." There are hand-selected items for women, men, and children, with top brands including Riegel, Kate Spade, and Kaloo. They offer exactly the kind of things that bring a touch of elegance to your everyday life- fancy paper goods, sophisticated leathers, fine pens, and high-quality gifts. For Valentine's Day, they are offering one lucky MyMomShops reader a generous Ultimate Family Valentine’s Gift Package, valued at $105. Here's what's included:

For the hip dad: An innovative pocket-sized aluminum Silver Ogon Designs Wallet ($42)


For the chic Mom: A sophisticated and sparkly Stephanie Johnson Silver Cosmetic Case ($32)


And for a cool kid: A choice of either the very popular, imaginative Red Automoblox Sportscar ($35) or the plush, carry-along Penelope Peapod Pixie Pet ($30)



Go ahead and indulge in some treasures for yourself at Write On and More.

Mama's Boy

I just received a sweet Mommy Tattoo Tee from hipster onesie/tee site Trendy Tadpole (the onesie shown here goes up to size 6-12mos; I got the same design on a white tee with red raglan sleeves in a 2T for Baby S). I can't wait for him to wear it on Valentine's Day. While I definitely don't want to raise a "mama's boy", I do think it's cute for an 18-month-old to wear! On sale for $17 at Trendy Tadpole. Oh, and click here to view their bestsellers- there are some good finds.

p.s. A special Happy Half Birthday to my sweet Baby S., who turns 18 months old today. How the time is flying! At today's check-up, my big boy measured 35.5 inches tall and weighed 31 pounds (the size of the average 2 1/2 year old boy!) And the doctor is so pleased with Baby S's progress in Early Intervention. He is walking (make that running) all over the place, stacking blocks, and trying so hard to talk. I am so proud of him!

Quote Me

I love a great, inspiring quote, and, of course, I love letterpress, too. The combination of the two is irresistible to me. So I was overjoyed to receive my new cards from Letterary Press at Etsy.com. Aren't these quotes lovely (and so erudite, too)?

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)


"We are Always the Same Age Inside." (Gertrude Stein)


"We never know how high we are till we are called to rise." (Emily Dickinson)


Each card (4.25" x 5.25") is printed in soy ink on natural white/cream colored 100% post-consumer recycled cardstock. Matching envelope included. There are many quotes to choose from- ranging from poignant to funny- and I'm sure you'll find one you love. The illustrations are darling, too. $4 per card at Letterary Press.

Beep Beep

I am always imagining ways to re-do my kids' rooms (who doesn't, right?) and although redecorating is not in my budget these days, I still love to browse online. I really love this notNeutral Transportation Wall Candy by Wallcandy Arts. I've used decals by Wallcandy Arts before (for R's room) and they always look great. I think these transportation decals would look so cute in a little boy's room or a children's playroom. Each kit contains 40 vehicles in different shades of blue and green, measuring from 6" to 12" tall. $60 at Rosenberry Rooms.

MyMomShops Giveaway: "Loved" Gift Set

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to Tara (Isaac's mommy) who wrote, "I love it! It's absolutely adorable!" Tara, please e-mail me with your name, address, and size choice to claim your prize. Everyone else, be sure to check back tomorrow (Thursday) for another great giveaway!

Oh, this giveaway is going to make some new mom VERY happy come this Valentine's Day...and her little one is going to look too cute for words. Celeb boutique plain mary is offering us one of their "Loved" Gift Sets ($62 value) to give away. This gift is so fab that it was featured at the Golden Globes Style Lounge. Mere mortals like you and I are sure to enjoy it even more! The "Loved" gift set includes an adorable onesie with matching snap bib and burp cloth, all embroidered in red with "loved." It comes packaged in a sweet, signature plain mary suitcase. The onesie is available in sizes 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, or 6-12 mos. Check out all the "divine baby gifts for posh parents (and babies too!)" at the anything-but-plain shop plain mary.

Stroller Help

I generally don't post about these types of products (so that I won't become a "baby gear" review site), but I was favorably impressed with two products I received in the mail recently. First (at top) is this "No Throw" baby bottle and sippy cup holder. My 18-month-old son still uses bottles (I know, I know) and often tosses them onto the NYC streets. Not fun, and definitely not sanitary. The velcro-strap No Throw has worked well to keep his drink safely tethered to his stroller straps. Good deal. They cost $5 apiece at No Throw.

Then, I am enjoying a product (bottom photo) designed by a friend of a friend (thanks for the referral, Rosanne). The Think King Soft Buggy Cup is the solution when you're fed up with ruined, cracked buggy cup holders. Sturdy but soft (made of nylon and mesh), and easily attachable/detachable, the Soft Buggy Cup is a "third hand" which holds not just drinks but also your keys, wallet, cell phone,you name it...and unlike other cup holders, this one will last. $15.99 at Think King.

Super Duper Tuesday

I am a political news junkie and it seems to be rubbing off on my almost-4 1/2-year-old daughter R. She excitedly tells people that is "going with Mommy to vote on Super Duper Tuesday!" And, that she herself will "vote" for "'Rock Obama!" (I am still undecided). At NYIGF this weekend, I was thrilled to stumble on the booth for Wry Baby, one of my favorite go-to sites for funny onesies. They are celebrating election season in style with the great limited edition threads shown above ("Get Raucous at the Caucus," they urge).

I also saw Wry Baby's new "on/off duty" pillowcases (each is reversible) for adults, which are sure to make a great baby gift. They are not yet being sold online but, given the number of times I've heard newly-minted moms (and dads) complaining about how it is always "their turn", I think these will be popular indeed.

New York International Gift Fair: Part One

Oh, boy, did I see a lot in 5 hours at the New York International Gift Fair (NYGIF). And it was very exciting that some vendors I spoke to had heard of MyMomShops! Here is my first batch of finds:

Adorable handmade felt accessories and home decor by the talented young Jen Hopwood (a former NYC public schoolteacher) at My Perennial. Love the initial pillows, felt animals appliques that snap on and off of children's tees, and pretzel purses.




Gorgeous hand-knit toys by I golfini della Nonna (I have featured them before at the blog but never seen them up close and personal). Dig the play food and Tic Tac Toe Set! Handmade by women in Bolivia.




A feast for the eyes at colorful, non-toxic toy manufacturer Haba; one of my fave websites Oompa carries a great selection.




I was excited to visit Sozo, a brand I had recently stumbled upon. They made colorful infant/toddler clothing with thick yummy cotton. The clothes run nice and roomy, too.




Fun, tongue-in-cheek office supplies and books by Knock Knock. You can take a joke, can't you?




Cool threads by hip designer Appaman. Love the girls' tunic dresses and the number tees.




Like what you see? So did I! Stay tuned for more of my finds from NYIGF.

p.s. Speaking of New York, go Giants!!! There was cheering and yelling on the streets here almost all night long. I'm not a sports fan, but even I have to say it was very exciting.

CWD Kids Care

CWD Kids, one of my favorite kids' clothing site and a family-run business, has announced its CWD Kids Care contest. They will identify a girl or boy who makes a difference in the lives of others through volunteering or other charitable activities. If you know a child who set out to resolve a problem in the community and who inspires you with selfless acts, CWD Kids would like to hear about him or her! They will make a $5,000 donation to the charity of the winning child's choice. The winner will also receive a $500 CWDkids gift certificate and recognition in a future catalog.

Interested or know someone who might be? Visit CWD Kids for more information.

Gifts Galore

I won't be posting again till sometime on Monday because I will be busy drooling over everything I'm seeing at the New York International Gift Fair, a HUGE trade show that I have never attended before. To say I'm psyched would be an understatement. I've scoured the list of exhibitors and I will be visiting the booths of, among others, Marimekko, Serena & Lily, Blissliving, notNeutral, Haba Toys, Three Marthas, Barefoot Books, Egg by Susan Lazar, Galison/Mudpuppy, Skip Hop, Caspari, Dante Beatrix, 7am Enfant, French Bull, and oh, about a gazillion other merchants, ranging from babywear to tableware. I'll be seeing the newest and best products and I will duly report back next week! Have a great weekend, everyone!

p.s. Our next giveaway is coming up Tues. February 5th and it's a GREAT one, Valentine's themed, too....

Try Out Crazy 8

If you've been thinking of trying Crazy 8, the less-expensive sibling of Gymboree, now's a good time. Through February 5th, you can save 20% with code "SAVE20" (and automatic free shipping too). Here are some of their current looks. I haven't tried out their clothing yet, so if you do, let me know what you think. The stuff looks cute but I'm wondering about the quality....

Love is in the Air: Valentine's Day, part 1

Happy February! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and there are oodles of love-themed treats to be discovered and purchased. Here are a few, just for starters:

Eco-Friendly Wooden Valentine's Postcards by Night Owl Paper Goods ($6 apiece):


Heart Silicone Cupcake Molds by Williams Sonoma (set of 8 for $14.95)


Love Letters Cookies by Eleni's ($59.50 for box of 16)


Haba Doll Pram Hearts at Oompa.com ($154.99)


Lots more to come, so keep checking back!