L'Shanah Tovah

Yesterday, at my parents' house, my kids and their cousins celebrated Rosh Hashanah. Try to imagine seven children under the age of 8 blowing these toy shofars simultaneously. It was an Excedrin moment, but a mighty cute one. I love seeing the children enjoying the Jewish holidays together. Today we are celebrating some more, so this will be my only post today. Happy New Year!

Toy shofars($2.25 each) from The Jewish Museum.

Whoopdee Doo!

Hooray! Years ago, at a pumpkin farm in the Berkshires, I discovered this unique New England treat called "Pumpkin Whoopie Pies." They are best described as two large cakelike, pumpkin-flavored cookies sandwiched together with a layer of marshmallow frosting. I hadn't found them since, but now I've located them on...where else, Etsy! Turns out that there are some seriously talented bakers selling their delicacies at Etsy. Etsy seller Broken Road Farm makes Whoopie Pies in a bunch of different flavors including pumpkin (the ones shown here are chocolate). At just $7.25 for 6 fresh-baked pies, I may just have to treat myself and the kids. Visit Broken Road Farm.

Picture Me Having Trick or Treat Fun

My kids both have these Picture Me Having Trick or Treat Fun books. You just slip your babe's photo into the frame on the back page so he/she can see themselves in all of the fun costumes in this book. Babies and toddlers find this hysterical (actually so do older kids) and for a few years in a row I gave these out as favors at Halloween parties. They're hard to find now but I tracked them down at Purciful's Toys where each copy costs $4.99.

Still Puzzled

I've been noticing puzzle designs cropping up everywhere from stationery to clothing (I recently posted these Babystyle.com jigsaw swim trunks). I really like this Puzzle Piece Personalized Notecard Set from Etsy.com. Each set includes 10 bright red, aqua and kiwi puzzle-piece themed note cards with matching envelopes, all packaged in a clear, resealable cellophane envelope. Makes a great gift for kids, or kids at heart. $20 per set at the Etsy.com storefront of Inkspot Workshop.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Wonderboy at From Scratch Designs

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Our friends at From Scratch Designs- a boutique featuring high-end U.S. and European children's clothing boys'- are offering a giveaway from Wonderboy, one of my all-time favorite boys' clothing designers. Wonderboy specializes in "casual cool" button-up shirts that make any little boy look super trendy whether at school or play. They are a staple of my son S's wardrobe!

The winner of the giveaway will be able to choose from the following 3 shirts (please note ONLY the listed sizes are available!):

Wonderboy Americana Western Button-Down Shirt ($56). This shirt, with silver scroll pattern on front and "Young American" on back, is my favorite. Available in sizes 2T, 4/5, or 6/7.


Wonderboy Pool Shark Button-Up Shirt ($56) This crisp poplin shirt has a navy diamond and dash pattern, and a deep navy collaar stand, yoke, and under collar. Avaiable in sizes 6-12 or 12-18 mos only.


Wonderboy West Point Boy Button-Down Shirt ($56). A real grown-up, hipster look for a little boy, with fold-over collar and two snap pockets on chest. Available in sizes 4/5 or 6/7 only.


From Scratch Designs is also running a 50% off promotion for any items in the store that are not currently on sale, including clothing by "Paper Wings" (the Aussie costume designers of "Moulin Rouge"), Ferd, Black Rabbit, and Eye Spy. Enter promo code "41368" at checkout, and you will also enjoy free shipping!

Fast Food Family

My enthusiasm for my Halloween birthday seems to be rubbing off big-time on my 5-year-old daughter. She is really (I mean, really) into Halloween this year. After thumbing through a Pottery Barn Kids catalog recently, she swiftly chose Halloween costumes for our family (little S. and I had no say, but we happen to like what she picked...though I would've preferred cheaper duds!). R. will be the carton of french fries ($79), S. will be a hamburger ($89).....


And I will be.....


A bottle of ketchup (from Celebrate Express) ($39.99). Am I a good sport or what?

Need some more places to browse for costumes? You can't go wrong at Costume Express, Babystyle.com, and Pottery Barn Kids (I've purchased from each so I can vouch for them!)

p.s. I just snagged the kids' costumes on sale in-store at Pottery Barn Kids, and they're on sale online, too...hurry and get 20% off plus free shipping!

Little Pink Posies Playset Winner

Congratulations to Comeaux, who wrote, "Adorable. I would choose the blue mommy and little girls." Please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Baby Moo

Isn't this precious? I stumbled onto this Cow Print Sleeper at Elsa Belle. It's available in size 0-6 months for $30 and would make a great unisex baby shower gift or new baby gift. Browse this and other newborn clothing at Elsa Belle.

Charlie Brown Is Back in Town

It wouldn't be Halloween (or Thanksgiving, or Christmas) without Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and the gang, would it? I've caught those well-known Peanuts holiday specials on TV almost each of the past 30 years (good grief!) and now, I am indulging in a nostalgia-fest with my five-year-old daughter while we watch them together (her favorite scene: the popcorn Thanksgiving dinner). This brand new Peanuts Holiday Collection-Deluxe Edition DVD boxed set includes three of the most beoved Peanuts holiday TV specials : It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Thanksgving; and A Charlie Brown Christmas. All are digitally re-mastered and include special features like behind-the-scenes peeks, songs, and bonus episodes. It's a treat to watch- like a big ole dose of holiday-inspired TV nostalgia. Plus, I guarantee that you'll appreciate the subtle humor even more now than you did back in the Nixon era. Go ahead and treat yourself (I mean your kids) at Amazon.com (where it's on sale for about $33.99; regular retail price is $44.98).

Rock On

There is a little girl in S's toddler gym class who is soooo well dressed that I almost want to ask her nanny if I can peek at the labels of her clothes! I am always impressed with these mini-fashionistas (particularly since my own daughter prefers to dress tomboy-ish). Anyway, I think this cotton twill Gray Trench by Rocker Baby is one of the hippest designs I've seen recently for fashionable little girls. It's made-to-order in your choice of long-sleeves or short-sleeves, sizes 1T-4T, $48 at Rocker Baby.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Marmalade Ink

I'm very excited to introduce our newest sponsor, Marmalade Ink. A few months back I posted about their very gift-worthy kids' photo stationery pads- check them out! But that is just one of Marmalade Ink's winning products.

With the holidays coming up (hard to believe, isn't it?) it's time to start thinking about holiday photo cards. Marmalade Ink has a great selection of Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Cards...and if you want to test the waters first, how about Halloween cards? Take a peek at some of my favorites at Marmalade Ink (each costs about $2.27 per custom card, and both front and back of the cards are shown):

Boo Radley Halloween Cards. Perfect for presenting pumpkin patch photos.



Elaine Holiday Card. Love these colors and the mix of patterns along the bottom edge.





Jones New Year's Card. Give yourself the gift of time and instead of rushing to get your holiday cards out right after Thanksgiving (guilty here), send out these colorful New Year's cards!



Oh, and by the way, Marmalade Ink also does photo birth announcements and party invitations, too! See which designs strike your fancy at Marmalade Ink.

Browsing at Arte Bebe

Here are some goodies (including some on sale!) I spotted recently at one of my favorite kids' boutiques, Arte Bebe.

Argyle Dots Sweater by Sam's Friend (reduced to $57 from $64, sizes 2T-6). Is this adorable or what? And it's cotton, too.


Sea Scroll Button-Down Shirt by popular Wonderboy ($50, sizes 2T-6/7). Wonderboy makes the best button-down shirts for trendy little guys. Can't get enough of these.


Personalized Felt Boy Dog by Kata Gold. ($79, $87 with personalization). Handmade and one-of-a-kind, this would be a superb gift for a new baby boy.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Little Pink Posies

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.Even though I browse Etsy.com quite often, sometimes I miss some of its best items. So I was very glad when Leigh Houston, the designer/mom of 2 behind Etsy's Little Pink Posies shop, contacted me about her sweet "posy girl" playsets. They are absolutely darling!

Inspired by vintage peg and clothespin dolls, these "posy girls" have a sweet retro feel (they remind me a little of my old Fisher Price Little People from the 1970s, only much prettier). They are lovingly hand-painted in detail with a coat of non-toxic varnish for extra durability, and measure either 2 inches ("little girls") or 3.5 inches ("mommies"). Even though they are non-toxic, since they are small they are best for children ages 3 and up. Take a look at these cuties (a set of 3 costs about $24):

Spread the Love

My fellow blogger and UES mom of two, Kirsten who writes "What To Feed Your Kids" has given me an "I Heart Your Blog" award. Thank you, Kirsten! Over coffee this past summer, Kirsten and I talked blogs, kids, and nutrition. A chef by training, Kirsten has lots of great recipes and tips for kids' nutrition, particularly if you are following a gluten-free diet.

Since I've been asked to give this award to 7 other bloggers whose work I admire, here are some of the blogs I swing by in my free time (what's that??):

1) The Practicing Writer. Full disclosure, this is my sister's blog. Besides being the best sister and aunt ever, she is a accomplished writer and historian. Whether reviewing a book, recounting an event, or commenting on today's news, she is far more eloquent than I could ever aspire to be. And, if you are a "practicing writer" yourself, she has plenty of tips for how to get published.

2) So Close. Tertia Albertynn, a mom of two in Capetown, South Africa, writes one of the most popular parenting blogs in the world (she gets tens of thousands of visitors each week) and is one of the most genuine, clever, and honest mom bloggers I've read (not to mention, her own personal story is very interesting). Soon after I started MyMomShops, Tertia gave me a shout-out on her blog, and it resulted in tons of traffic to MyMomShops. Thank you, Tertia!

3) What Alan's Watching. This blog is a recent discovery. I read Alan's brilliant recaps and analyses of the latest Mad Men episodes (important stuff, right?). If you're a Mad Men addict like me, Alan's blog is a must to help you soak in the episode you have just watched.

4) Print and Pattern. There are hundreds of design blogs out there; I particularly like this one which focuses on interesting patterns that appear on surfaces ranging from wallpaper to notebooks to mugs. The blog is written by a UK design fanatic who, like me, loves to photograph what she sees in stores (and, unlike me, she travels to great places to do so!)

5) Mama on a Playdate. This blog, written by Texas mom Jenny Scott, started out several years ago as Scott Household where she told the very moving story of her infant daughter Allie's brave fight against leukemia. At Mama on a Playdate you can read about Jenny's family now, and her impressive work with the charity Heroes for Children.

6) 78th and 2nd. This is a neighborhood blog, that I hope will stay active (it hasn't been updated in a few weeks). It has some fun local interest stories and mentions various comings-and-goings in the nabe, including restaurants, shops, and more.

7) OK, this last one is a major major blog and they wouldn't care one bit that I am a loyal reader, but I'll mention anyway that I check Gawker daily to get my fill of political, media, and celeb gossip.

There's more that I'm forgetting, of course. But I hope that some of you may find these links interesting. And thanks again to Kirsten from What to Feed Your Kids.

He's Big for His Age

Since S. is very big for his age (at 25 months, he is the height of many 3 year old boys), people expect a lot of him. He can't really talk yet, so when well-meaning strangers ask "What's your name, little boy?" or "How old are you?" they are usually met with a stare or perhaps a smiley "Ahhhh....". He'll catch up, no worries (he has the most wonderful speech therapists out there). But in the meantime this "Don't Expect A Lot, I'm Big For My Age" T-shirt from Honest Baby may be quite appropriate for him! It's available in red/pink or black/green color combos in infant and toddler sizes; prices start at $28 at Honest Baby.

Timely Tees on Sale

If you are relatively new to the blog, I should tell you that I am lucky enough to have a Halloween birthday, and I will be posting LOTS of Halloween items for my kids (and me!) over the next month. And, election-inspired gear too...Election Day is only 4 days past Halloween this year!

I scooped up two fun graphic tees on sale at Children's Place for S. today. First up, this sweet "I Love My Mummy" long-sleeve tee (on sale for $6, sizes 6mos-4T):


And, looking a few days past Halloween, this "Vote for My Better Tomorrow" long-sleeve tee (on sale for $6, sizes 6mos-4T). Couldn't have said it better myself!


Browse more Children's Place graphic tees for little guys here.

Popular Sweater

Looks like I waited too long to post about this luscious, seasonally-appropriate Sassy Textured Cardigan ($108) from Boden. It is sold out in its best color (orange) and is not expected back in stock for 6 weeks (though several other colors are currently available). See if any of the other colors tickle your fancy in the meantime.

Halloween Entertaining: Part One

Since I usually entertain on Halloween (it's my birthday too, after all), I'm always on the look out for fun Halloween serveware. I discovered these two goodies while browsing online at Sur La Table.

Fred Bone Chillers ice trays ($7):


Halloween Ceramic Plates ($20 for a set of 4):


See all of Sur La Table's Halloween items.

I Can See Russia from my House

Did you catch the opening skit of Saturday Night Live last weekend, with Tina Fey playing her doppelganger Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler reprising her role as Hillary Clinton? Hysterical. And, sadly, dead-on. Watch it here.

Last weekend was a political one for us, with R. having the idea to have a cookie & juice stand outside our apartment building to raise money for Barack Obama's campaign ("I'm a member of the Democrack party!" is her latest adorable malaprop). In 2 hours last Saturday afternoon, we raised $28 to send to the Obama campaign (R. kept a couple of quarters for herself). For the most part, the passerbys were very amused by the sight of my civic-minded 5-year-old selling Pillsbury cookies and juiceboxes on the corner of 1st Avenue, and many stopped to engage in political discussions with us. I like that my daughter's first time having a lemonade stand took a political spin!

Just Vote

I'm a politically-minded person, so I love this "Vote" necklace by Brookadelphia. It's an eye-grabbing 2" x 5/8" laser-cut acrylic pendant hung from a 14" gold fill chain (silver available, too). $45 at the Etsy.com shop of Brookadelphia.

Have a Nice Day

One look at this Smiley Dishware and you'll be transported back to the days of disco and bellbottoms. This collection- inspired by the famous 1970s smiley design- includes a dessert/salad plate ($12), cereal bowl ($12), smiley mug ($10), and smiley/frown mug ($10). Available at Waechsterbach USA.

Fall Stationery Spruce-Up

Every mom deserves some new "school supplies" of her own this time of year, right? These are some new items from oGalison, one of my favorite shops, that are helping to make the piles of paperwork on my desk a bit less onerous.

Origami Lane File Folders ($8 for a set of 8)


Botanica Sticky Notes ($9.50 for a set of 8 sticky notepads in various sizes)


Pinwheel Floral Thank You Cards ($8.50 for a set of 12)


Each of the above items is available in various designs that you can mix and match; browse all of the pretty patterns available in Galison stationery items.

Cozy for Less

Each fall I stock up on Carter's winter sleepwear for my kids from Kohl's (yes, I am a proud Kohl's and Sears shopper). Kohl's has a great selection of Carter's sleepers, pjs, and nightgowns in infant through big kids sizes (though I've found that toddler sizes sell out more quickly). I bought this Carter's fleece Dinosaur Sleeper for S. for just $10 (regularly $20). When you shop at Kohl's, be sure to check for coupon codes at RetailMeNot first; I've saved bundles on Kohl's already inexpensive prices this way. Browse all the children's sleepwear at Kohl's.

Go Granny Go

Probably one of the more unusual wind-up toys you've seen, these racing grannies look like a lot of fun. These 3.5" tall wind-up seniors are sure to delight people of any age. Great gag gift for a grown-up birthday. $15 per pair at Unica.

Moey's Music Party

Here in NYC I have met some extraordinarily talented moms, like award-winning Off-Broadway songwriter/mom Melissa Levis. "Moey" has a cult following among the 5-and-under set in NYC, including my daughter, and at home we listen to Moey's Music Party CD ($15) quite often- our favorite songs are "I Always Sit When I Eat" and "I Gotta Go Potty". Trust me, you'll love 'em; this is some of the best kiddie rock I've heard so far. Moey is a gifted songwriter (she comes from a creative family- her aunt was the Wendy Wasserstein), an energetic performer, and, also a kind-hearted neighbor and friend to me and my children.

For you NYC readers, Moey's new interactive musical for children, Moey Live -- P is for Party!” debuts Off-Broadway at the DR2 Theatre (103 East 15th St.) this Sunday, September 21st through October 26th. Using words and props that start with P (think princess, puppets, and pizza) the audience helps Moey (the "Pied Piper in Pink") and her band plan the best party ever for...a very special surprise guest. Kids participate throughout the show- they dress up in costumes, shout out answers from the audience, and come on stage and dance. Moey says, "It’s like “Rocky Horror” for toddlers!”

Tickets are $25, and there are discounts for students and groups; inquire also about special birthday party packages.

Visit Moey's Music Party for more information.

Eric Carle & Kodak

Eric Carle, the author extraordinaire of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other children's classics, has just teamed up with Kodak Gallery to create a bevy of exclusive cards, invitations, and photo books featuring his most popular designs. I'm partial to these 5" x 7" Brown Bear Photo Cards (which you could easily use for either a birth announcement or party invitation). You could even turn this into a party theme- how about reading "Brown Bear Brown Bear" at your little one's fete and giving out Eric Carle books as favors? A set of 10 cards costs as little as $5.99. Visit Kodak Gallery.

Old Kid on the Block

Thankfully, I'll never need to buy R. a Cabbage Patch Kid since I saved the half-dozen or so "adoptees" that my parents bought me way back in the 1980s (thanks, Mom & Dad, for travelling the entire tri-state area to find me a coveted CPK during the Craze of '83). Nevertheless, I'm thrilled to find that 25th Anniversary Edition Cabbage Patch Kids (yikes, I'm old) are now for sale. Each costs $39.99 (a bargain compared to what people scalped them for 25 years ago...) and for an additional $3 you may choose the kid's own name and birthday. So you won't be stuck with a brood like "Lombardo Denton" and "Hans Jefferson" like I was. Adopt one for your little girl (or boy) today, and tell her about the 80s...visit the Cabbage Patch Kid site.

Puzzling

This is a great time of year to stock up on next summer's swimwear. I'm eyeing these Puzzle Camo Board Shorts for S. from Babystyle. The swim trunks have a comfortable elastic waist and a handy cargo pocket (perfect for collecting seashells). I like the jigsaw take on the traditional camo pattern (in fact, I think I've spotted it elsewhere...gonna write a post about it). It's currently on sale for just $16.98 (reduced from $32) at Babystyle.

Enjoy an extra 25% off all outlet items at Babystyle.com with coupon code "ALLOUT25".

Year by Year

This German-made Blue and Green Birthday Ring from Willow Tree Toys is a lovely birthday tradition. On your little one's first birthday, you place one candle in the ring and fill the remaining holes with decorative figures. Each year you add a candle to the ring until it is fully illuminated when your child turns 12. The candles, figures, and brass candle holders are sold separately so you can customize it as you wish. $22.95 at Willow Tree Toys.

One More Winter with One Kid

I'm a big fan of One Kid and R. wore one of their winter jackets practically every day last year. This winter, she'll need a longer coat to go over her school uniform so I'm considering this One Kid reversible down coat. The knee-length, down-filled coat is available in a choice of leopard cotton corduroy or rose poly microfiber (both reverse to brown poly microfiber), in sizes 2T-10. This coat works equally well for school or dressier occasions. And here's two more reasons to love it- it's on sale through September 30th (reduced to $108 from $118) and 15% of the proceeds are donated by Garnet Hill to K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations). Buy it at Garnet Hill.

P.S. The coat is already on sale, but you'll get an additional $10 off with code "C8KMENT" (it may not show up until final checkout page).

Violet's Peapod Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Nell, who wrote, "Pink Pixies!! About to have an October baby, so I'd love one!!" Nell, please e-mail me with your name, address, and size choice to claim your prize.

I'm the Map, I'm the Map

The NYC Subway Line shop- which I first discovered at a trade show, has just added some clever new products. Since I'm a New Yorker, I'm partial to all of these, but, frankly, I think they are cute to use no matter where you live!

Logo Snap Change Purse ($9.99)


Map Zip Pencil Case ($12.50)


Map Cosmetic Clutches ($16.99)


Browse more NYC subway-themed apparel, accessories, and gifts at NYC Subway Line.

9/11/08

Seventy years after my grandparents (R. and S.'s namesakes) arrived at Ellis Island, after fleeing Nazi Germany, it makes me very proud to say that I am a New Yorker. I am glad that my children are growing up in a city where they are surrounded by people of every race, religion, and nationality- the same city which welcomed their great-grandparents generations ago.

Later today, S. and I will continue what has become a 9/11 tradition for us- visiting our local firehouse, which lost 9 of their men that day. I hope that as my children grow older and learn more about 9/11 that, more than anything else, they will be inspired by the heroism of many, many New Yorkers that day.

View of the Statue of Liberty from New York Harbor, August 2008.

My Kids' Rooms

I recently had a few spare hours (a rare occurence) to clean out my kids' rooms and figured I'd take some pictures while things looked orderly, so I could show you some of the purchases I've mentioned. Here are some photos from their humble abodes (not quite Liam McDermott's room, but still nice, I think...):

First, my five-year-old daughter's room.



Shown above:
Pink Katie Polka Dot Duvet Cover & Sheets by Pottery Barn Kids:

Candy Pillow Chum ($41.95) by Bla Bla:

Love is a New Baby Girl pillow by Leyla's; they no longer carry this design but you can see their others here.

Linen Birth Announcement Pillow ($65) at A Gift Affair (in the photo it's inside the wicker basket, along with a beautiful mini-pillow R. received as a hand-made baby gift- thanks, Lindsay!)


Shown above:
First Year Frame by Pottery Barn Kids ($44). One of my all-time favorite baby gifts. Tip: order wallet size photos to fit the frame openings.

Personalized Photo Growth Chart ($29.99) from My Bambino.

White Gallery Frames (I used to frame R's birth announcement), currently on sale at Pottery Barn Kids.

And now my 2-year-old son's room:



Show above:
"Imagine Create Play Dream" vinyl adhesive wall quote ($20.95) by Quote the Walls.

Schoolbook Bedding Collection (3 piece crib set for $54.99) by Dwell Studio for Target.

Cozy Crib Tent ($79.95). Save your sanity- and sleep- when your toddler learns to climb out of his crib!


Schoolbook Bedding Changing Pad ($11.99) by Dwell Studio for Target.


And, again, the Pottery Barn First Year Frame ($44). They grow so fast...sniff. (Thanks, Rosanne for this gift!)

Black and White and Red All Over

It's too bad my youngest is now 2 since I can't really justify new diaper bags. I really like this Black and White Floral Messenger Bag by OiOi. It's sophisticated and stylish for mom (black and white and red are very hip right now, and great for Fall) with all the feaures she needs- lots of pockets and compartments, magnetic snap closure, changing mat and bottle holder, and more. And, don't they say newborns respond well to these colors, too? Good reason enough. Buy it for $120 at Lucie Claire.

Spooky Sibs

Halloween pajamas for R. and S. have become a tradition in our home; this year's pick are these Halloween Print Pajamas by Sara's Prints. Available as a puff sleeve gown ($39) or PJs ($36 or 2 for $64), the cotton sleepwear is perfect for relaxing after a long night of trick-or-treating (or, anytime this Fall!) See more Halloween apparel at CWD Kids.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Violet's Peapod

When I had my first baby five years ago, new moms had a choice of basically two sleepsacks- plain pink fleece or plain blue fleece. Sleepsacks have come a long way since then, with a plethora of trendier-looking options. The latest entry in the sleepsack market is Violet's Peapod, started by San Francisco Bay Area mom Lennore Merz. Inspired by her baby girl Violet, Lennore has created a unique line of adorable, reversible peapod-shaped baby sleepsacks. They are American-made of hand-picked fabrics that are 100% natural (cotton and wool). Even the product packaging is entirely non-synthetic. Violet's Peapod retails for about $53.85 each and come in four sizes, ranging from 0-24 months. See all the adorable designs (including some gender-neutral ones, making them a perfect baby shower gift) at Violet's Peapod.

Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will a Violet's Peapod (design and size of choice). Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating which design you'd choose (click here to see all available designs).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Thursday, September 11th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, September 12th.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be contacted by e-mail if you win, please include your e-mail address in your comment. Otherwise you must check back on Friday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

Petit Playmobil

I just discovered these Playmobil Micro Sets ($9.99) thanks to a birthday package R. received from her cousins (thank you A, Z, and J!) She got the fairy tale micro world pictured here, but there are 3 other versions (pirate, Noah's Ark, or Knights' Castle) available. Each one includes a bunch of miniature (reeeeeally miniature- be careful around babies!) magnetic figures, two standard non-magnetic figures (compatible with all Playmobil playsets), and a handy pocket box with magnetic interior (which seems to miraculously keep the little pieces from getting lost). This is a great travel toy. Check them out at Playmobil.

Speak Softly

This handcut and sanded Red Wooden Toy Cell Phone from Etsy.com just might keep a toddler away from your real phone. Refreshingly simple, it's made of one solid piece of wood with a light wash of non-toxic paint. It arrives in a natural cotton gift pouch, making it a perfect, noise-free 1st birthday gift for a child. $15 at the Etsy.com shop of Woodmouse Loves Wood.

My Mom Votes

With apologies to any Republican readers, I just got this My Mama Votes Obama shirt for S. to sport over the next 2 months. It's available in white, blue, pink, or yellow in sizes 6mos through 4T for just $11.99 at Cafe Press.

Long Day's Journey into Knights

Family and friends kindly gave knight-obsessed R. these gifts, among others, for her 5th birthday last month. Conveniently, her two-year-old brother loves these as well! Consider these if you, too, have a knight-loving little one in your house (and thanks, Grandma & Grandpa, and Auntie "H"):

Knight of the Dragon Toddler Costume ($26.99)


48-piece Middle Age Puzzle by Vilac ($22)


Knights Castle by I-Play ($28.99)

First Day of School

It's a bittersweet day here...my daughter's first day of kindergarten (falling on the exact 5th anniversary of her due date...I will always remember September 5th!) Starting kindergarten (heck, just getting into kindergarten) is a big deal in NYC for anyone, even more so for my R. And though I probably could have chosen any of a dozen of hip, trendy, sophisticated kids' backpacks for her to embark on this journey, as I've said before I'm no style snob and neither is she. She has taken, I mean borrowed, this Plush-Face Elmo Mini Backpack ($7.79 at Toys R Us) from her little brother (who received it as part of a birthday gift package from his cousins- thanks, A & E!). Come on, you have to admit it's pretty darn cute, right? Elmo's arms move and R. puts him in "thinking" and "waving" poses. She is bringing it empty to school ("I don't want any school surprise yet," she adorably says, meaning "school supplies") but I look forward to seeing what comes home in this bag over the next 9 months. Good luck today, my sweet little girl!

Update: Despite ditching the Elmo backpack at the last minute (she's fickle), R. had a great time at her first day of K! Thanks everyone for the good wishes.

3 Designing Women Stationery Winner

Congrats to "M", who wrote, "These looks great. I like the Cs-3301 stamp, the oxford navy paper, and the chocolate ink. This is something that I would love to use." Please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Can't Get Enough

Monogrammed rollneck sweaters are a favorite indulgence of mine. Our sponsor Smarty Pants has just added these new 100% cotton hand knit personalized sweaters to its collection. They are not yet shown on their site but are available for pre-order; a single initial sweater costs $84 and custom names cost $94. These make fantastic photo ops for kids, by the way,and it's not too early to start thinking holiday cards! Order by contacting owner Jennifer here.

Bubble Summer '08: Part Two

Here is my round-up of new designers from last month's Bubble New York trade show:

And the Little Dog Laughed, launched this year by Australian designer Kylie Platt, offers "gorgeous shabby chic style clothing for babies" as well as vintage-inspired hand-knitted 100% cotton animals.




Hanging up clothes would be much more fun with these cute Ape Hangers ($20) by Our Children's Gorilla.


Folksy yet modern wood collages by Petit Collage ($140), designed by Argentinian-born Lorena Siminovich.


Awwww..."Love Birds" digital print canvas by U.K.-based Petra Boase.

Up, Up and Away

If your baby is a frequent flyer, check out this new site Planewear. Created by a former flight attendant and mom of twins, Planewear offers cheeky threads for jet-setting toddlers, featuring embroidery like "First Class" and "Precious Cargo." Everything is soft, comfy machine washable Pima cotton (and, assume you'll need to wash them!) Onesies cost about $26. Their website is cute, too. Visit Planewear.

Let it Neige

If you like to splurge (a little) on your daughters' clothing, but prefer a refined, elegant look to frills & fuss, you should check out California-based designer Neige, available at one of my favorite sites, Arte Bebe. Neige (the French word for snow) was founded by Adrienne Catrina, a former Vera Wang designer, and the same level of quality and style shows in Neige's designs. This fall, one of their best looks is this "Eva" dress ($98, sizes 2 to 7). Made of soft, fluid French viscose jersey with a subtle plum dot pattern, the dress has wonderful "little girl" lines with a gentle ruffled necklace and softly gathered yoke. Pair it with Neige's ribbed charcoal tights ($20, sizes 2/3, 4/5, and 6/8) and she's all set for the day. Visit Arte Bebe for more boutique fall clothing.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Three Designing Women

Welcome to September! The summer is (unofficially) over, and I'm guessing that many of you- like me- are busy with the back-to-school frenzy. So I think it's an excellent time for a giveaway just for mom. Our friends at The Paper Cafe have put together this generous gift package of items by Three Designing Women (total value $83) for one lucky reader:

Custom Ink Stamper ($39.95, black ink included). Tons of designs available, including monograms, addresses, gift messages, just about anything you'd like! Use it on envelopes, notepads, books, gift wrap, and much more....


Notepaper with holder ($30). Again, many designs available...I love this blue and chocolate brown one. You'll reach for this 5" x 8" notepaper throughout the day!


Colored Ink Sets ($13) let you switch things up with your custom stamper. Choose from an array of colors shown here (perhaps to coordinate with your notepaper?)


Pretty great, huh? Browse around these and other products by Three Designing Women at The Paper Cafe.


Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win a custom a custom ink stamper, notepaper with holder, and colored ink set (an $83 value) from The Paper Cafe. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating which designs and colors you'd choose (click here to see all available designs).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Thursday, September 4th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, September 5th.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be contacted by e-mail if you win, please include your e-mail address in your comment. Otherwise you must check back on Thursday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

For Your Junior Annie Liebowitz

As an amateur photographer, I'm always on the lookout for cool cameras for kids (I mean, besides the ubiquitous Fisher Price kids' digital camera). I recently spied this cool Kids Fisheye 2 Lens Camera in the "new arrivals" section at The Land of Nod. I think that for an older child (say kindergarten or up), this would make a great birthday gift. Fisheye photography- originally used in astronomy or meteorology- produces a funky, disorted spherical image that kids will love. It's just become available in compact cameras like this one, which unlike most cameras kids use nowadays, actually uses 35mm film (remember that?). It has a built-in electronic flash and comes with a wrist strap and, of course, instructions. It costs $70 at The Land of Nod.
Happy Snapping!

Wee Wagon

Two Tinas has been making lovely personalized baby blankets for several years; sky blue wagon blanket is a new design for little boys. The soft 100% cotton blanket is machine washable and will get softer with each washing; the baby's name appears in washable chocolate ultrasuede. The blanket measures 36" x 30" and can be personalized with up to 10 letters. $42 at Blueberry Babies.

Enter code "PLAY08" for free ground shipping until midnight tonight- Monday, September 1st- at Blueberry Babies.