Gorgeous Dresses & Prizes at Craftsbury Kids

Just got an e-mail from indie fave shop Craftsbury Kids about their new shipment of dresses by Kiki Fluhr (top photo). Are these gorgeous or what? The elephant patch design ($48) is my top pick. If you order one of these dresses by Friday, April 3rd, you'll also receive a complimentary bracelet kit and be entered to win a set of ten letterpress greeting cards (bottom photo, shown framed as nursery art) by one of my favorite letterpress shops- Sweetbeets. This prize has a $55 value. Just mention "giveaway" in your order notes at checkout. Get shopping at Craftsbury Kids

Mom's Make Up

I like these chocolate brown Initial Make-Up Bags on clearance at Exposures. They arrive in a set with coordinating chocolate and cream ribbons attached to the zipper of each bag (largest measures 7" x 10 1/2"). They're padded on the inside and wipe clean. The set of 3 (available in all letters except I, O, Q, U, V, and X-Z) costs $16.99 (reduced from $24.95) at Exposures. Keep them in mind for Mother's Day!

Are You Sitting Down?

I've posted about these Kids Cardboard Chairs (Set of 2) from The Land of Nod before; I think they are terrific and they are finally priced at a reasonable $19.95 (originally $69). Let the kids go wild decorating them, and then fold 'em up when you want the extra space back. Buy them at The Land of Nod.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Cookie Tin Set from Sara Langley

This week's giveaway is from Sara Langley, a boutique that sells everything from handbags to stationery to baby bibs, and bills itself as "unapologetically preppy." Love it! The item up for grabs is Sara Langley's attractive Cookie Tin Kitchen Kit for Kids ($55). The kit includes one adjustable kids' apron (fits up to age 9) and matching baker's hat, beautifully packaged in a re-usable cookie tin. The winner chooses from five different fabrics (chocolate sunflower, magenta floral, sherbet paisley, watermelon stripe, or kiwi paisley). The items are not personalized and the bowl, spatula, and (cooperative-looking) child are not included. Add your own ingredients, get messy, and have fun!

Win it! One lucky reader will win a $55 Cookie Tin Kitchen Kit for Kids (you choose from the 5 available fabrics) from Sara Langley. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please leave a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST, Thursday, April 2nd. US addresses only. One entry per person, please. Duplicate entries will be discarded.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, April 3rd.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be notified 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!

1000 Markets

First, a warning. If you are already addicted to buying handmade products from Etsy.com, you may not want to read any further about 1000 Markets. Or your wallet will be in serious trouble.

Want to read on? 1000 Markets is currently in preview/beta mode (it will have a grand opening later this spring) but you can start shopping now. Like Etsy, 1000 Markets is a place where you can browse hundreds of beautiful handcrafted goods by talented artists. It's a bit different than Etsy, though. 1000 Markets' founder Matthew Trifiro says his goal is to have a more personalized online marketplace where "markets" are based by theme, locale, process, or medium, to make for easier browsing. Each "market" also has detailed stories about the craftspeople themselves (sometimes including their own blogs). Sellers must go through a rigorous filtering system, so there is less "junk" than you might find occasionally at Etsy. Like Etsy, you can also search by keyword ("letterpress", anyone?) And, like at Etsy, you will find way too many things that you just must buy. Now. It's another indie-shopping-lover's paradise.

Here's just a sampling of items from 1000 Markets that I thought you might enjoy:

Seersucker for Sammy overalls ($32) by Figgys. Nothing sweeter than a baby boy in seersucker!

Mahogany Bunny Room Decor ($35) by Greco Woodcrafting. Unique nursery accent.

Chocolate Marshmallows ($4.95) by Jake Bakes. An allergy-friendly bake shop at 1000 Wares...mmm.

Circle of Love Necklace ($40) by Jewelry by Natsuko. Love the rustic look of these charms.


Gift Set: 1 Clip and 1 Clip-and-Carry ($12.50) by Cutesie Clips. Pretty fabric pouches to store all of your daughter's barrettes. This seller has some very cute clip designs.


Hooked yet? Let the browsing (and buying) begin. Visit 1000 Markets.

Time for a New Watch

Warm Biscuit has some colorful new arrivals for spring including this girls' ribbon watch which would be a popular birthday gift for any girl who's reached the "accessorizing" stage. Packaged in a cute stainless steel pink case, each watch set includes eleven different tie-on grosgrain ribbon straps in bright pastel colors and patterns. $24 for the set at Warm Biscuit.

Enjoy 15% off all full-price items at Warm Biscuit with code "WB3269ESR."

Bus With Bells & Whistles

It's not quite the quaint, retro-style 50th Anniversary Fisher Price playsets I posted about recently, but FP's current Little People Lil Movers Bus sure is making my 2-year-old son very happy these days. Apparently he really enjoys toys with lights and sounds best...who knew? This set includes the bus plus 3 Little People figures: Carlos the Bus Driver, Michael, and Maggie, plus a wheelchair accessory piece. I found the best price for it at All Aboard Toys, where it cost just $17.97 (reduced from $24) and there is flat rate shipping of $5.95 (or free shipping over $67). While you're there, you may find some other deals from brands like Melissa & Doug, Lego, and Learning Curve. Take a peek around All Aboard Toys.

Dwell Studio for Target

I think that Dwell Studio for Target is one of Tar-jay's best designers ever. I am a big fan of this lower-cost version of Dwell's stylish, modern bedding (in fact, my son has their "Storybook" crib bedding). Here are some of my current favorites from the Dwell Studio for Target adult and baby bedding lines (clockwise from top left: Olivia Crib Bedding, Foliage Bedding Collection, Zoo Crib Bedding, and Pansy Comforter Set). Crib sets start at just $39.99 and adult bedding sets start at $79.99. The quality is surprisingly good for the price, too.

Sunny Chic

This double-strap knit dress from Garnet Hill has a cool, chic vibe for summer. It's made of a cotton/modal blend and available in black or pewter (I like the pewter) for $68 at Garnet Hill.

A Full Plate

If you're looking for child-safe but stylish plates, check out LA Plates, a small company started by a clever mom (and former teacher). The lightweight but durable melamine plates appeal both to kids and grown-ups. They are available in lots of patterns (bamboos, ginghams, paisleys, etc.) and can be personalized, too, making them a perfect gift (customize with a child's name for a birthday gift, or with a family initial for a matched set to use when you entertain). Each one costs $22. The pink with white polka dots is my favorite:

While you're at the site, also check out these retro-style handwriting placemats ($18). The 12 x 18" laminated placemat is customized by you on one side (you choose color and text), and has a proper handwriting alphabet on the other. Cute sibling gift or birthday gift!



Visit LA Plates.

First Adventures of the Incredible You Book Winner

Congratulations to Taryn, who wrote, "What a fantastic giveaway! My little girl is a total bookworm already." Please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Save Some For Me

R. is very excited to wear her new "Save Some for Me" tee from just-launched Playground Stylings. This new California-based shop offers 100% organic cotton and totally phthalate-free tees for babies, kids, and grown-ups. The eco-friendly messages are sweet and simple (and, being a kindergartner of the 21st century, R. instantly understood the "Save Some for Me" message when she read it). The shirt feels sooooo soft. Just might have to get one for myself. Browse the selection at Playground Stylings. Kids' tees cost $22 and are available in sizes up to 6T.

p.s. Some cool trivia- One of the two moms who co-founded Playground Stylings also runs the Etsy.com shop Fox Parlor, whose gift wrap I featured last year around holiday time. Aren't all of these multi-tasking moms amazing?

Bargain Alert: Bella Tunno 3 Piece Sets

We're all on very tight budgets these days, so I'm glad to present the first of a series of "Bargain Alerts" where I'll point you to great deals on products for babies & kids (or moms). These items will be either under $25 and/or reduced more than 50% of their original price. The first is a Bella Tunno Buttie Bundle 3 Piece Set from Amazon.com. This stylish gift set, which is always a hit at baby showers, includes a bib, changing pad, and pacifier holder. The fabrics have colorful patterns and are backed in soft terry velour. The original price is $44 but depending which pattern you choose, the price may be as low as $15. Shown at left is the Floral Wonder/Flower Bubbles set, which costs about $20; check out the different patterns to find those that cost even less. And stay tuned for more bargain alerts!

p.s. I may send one of these to our beautiful new baby cousin in Colorado. Welcome to the World, Annabelle, and congratulations to your parents and big brothers!

Very Comfy Caterpillar

Speaking of caterpillars, I love this Caterpillar Romper by Egg by Susan Lazar. It's made of a nice, lightweight knit for Spring/Summer and I think the blue/green color combo works well for both boys and girls. Sizes 3-6m or 6-12m, $59 at Arte Bebe.

Ladies Who Lunch With Lilly

Attention Lilly Pulitzer fans! This month LP introduces festive new stationery & party goods based on some if its top-selling designs. Traylor Papers is selling lots of them, including paper goods from the ultra-preppy pink-and-green "Taboo" collection (sets of 8: invitations $14, juice bar drink umbrellas $7, place cards $6, beverage tumblers $15). So you will have a super-easy time coordinating tableware for your girls' luncheon, or bridal shower, or baby shower. Some patterns even have been turned into desk supplies ranging from file folders to sticky notes. Visit Traylor Papers for more Lilly Pulitzer eye candy!

Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake

This playful Caterpillar Cakelette Pan with Decoration Kit has arrived in time for Spring at Williams-Sonoma. Isn't it adorable? It's actually a pan that bakes eight miniature cakes that you put together to form a friendly caterpillar (instructions and recipe included). The decorating kit includes icings, sprinkles, sanding sugars, and even red licorice strands for antennae. If you think you can't manage it, there's even an instructional video at the website. Go ahead, give it a whirl for your next party. It'll be a hit! The set retails for $45 at Williams Sonoma.

p.s. Thanks to my sister, ever the observant author and historian, for informing me that the children's classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" celebrates its 40th Anniversary this month. Which may explain Williams Sonoma's timing!

While You're Gone...

I received an e-mail about Goods for Goodness Sake, a new paper-focused e-boutique that donates 100% of profits to customer-selected charities through the sale of products created by small businesses (including Rock Scissor Paper, Paperluxe Studio, and Hen & Barley Press). One of the founders is my friend Cathe from Feterie (one of my favorite "paperies"), who has excellent taste, so I'm not surprised that the products at Goods for Goodness Sake are all quite charming. For example, this babysitter notepad ($7.50) covers just about everything you'll need to explain when you go out for the night (sure beats what I do- quickly scribbed notes on a sheet of computer paper). When you purchase this or any other item, you'll get to choose from six carefully selected charities that your purchase will support. Everyone wins. Visit Goods for Goodness Sake.

Keep to the Write

I'm running out of S's personalized stationery by Boatman Geller (the ones I used as thank you notes for his baby gifts). And since his favorite thing is cars, cars, cars, I thought I'd look for something appropriate for his next set of cards. I'm trying to choose among the following 3 designs. Which do you like best?

"Primary Car" Flat Card by Robyn Miller Designs at Fine Stationery:

"Cars Cars Cars" Flat Card by Robyn Miller Designs at Fine Stationery:


"Beep Beep'" cards by Dwell Studio at Tiny Prints:

MyMomShops Giveaway: "The First Adventures of the Incredible You"

One of my two year old's favorite bedtime books is The First Adventures of the Incredible You, an award-winning personalized children's book from Custom Made for Kids. Unlike other personalized books which robotically insert your child's name every few pages, this book is customized with lots of details unique to your child, such as his or her favorite foods, activities, and places to play. You supply the details online (and a personalized dedication page), and Custom Made for Kids delivers a beautifully illustrated keepsake book to you (this is one you won't be donating after it gets worn out). The story, by the way, is in rhyme and so far has managed to hold my 2 year old's attention all the way through. Buy one for your child for $32.95 at Custom Made for Kids.

Win it! One lucky reader will win a personalized copy of The First Adventures of the Incredible You. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please leave a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST, Thursday, March 26th. US addresses only. One entry per person, please. Duplicate entries will be discarded.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, March 27th.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be notified 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!

Kids' Clothes by Tori Spelling

I stopped by another trade show recently, ENK Children's, and was very excited to stumble onto this booth for Tori Spelling's upcoming "Little Maven" kids' clothing line (no website yet). Regular readers of this blog know I am a fan of Tori's decorating style, and I think she dresses her kids Liam and Stella very well, too. Her reps told me she is "heavily involved" in the design of the clothing you see above (how cute are those suspenders??). I think the results are great, and I can't wait to see them in stores. Will keep you posted when they're available!

p.s. Also keep an eye out next month for Tori's 2nd book, "Mommywood".I'll post a review here.

Psst! Did you arrive here via Celebrity Baby Blog? If so, welcome to MyMomShops! Sign up for our free e-newsletter to learn about our spectacular giveaways, special sales, and more! Just e-mail me with "newsletter" in the subject line. You can also follow me on Twitter. Thanks for stopping by!

Friends Forever Girls Doll winner

Congratulations to The Wehrungs, who wrote, "Would love to win this for my niece." Please e-mail me with your name, address, and choice of doll to claim your prize.

Everyone else, stay tuned for another giveaway coming up later today!

Mary Jurek Design

I was recenty introduced to Mary Jurek Design, an artist/jewelry designer who makes modern, elegant handcrafted stainless steel tableware and home accessories. Her products are enjoyed by celebs like Posh Spice, but are sold at prices that are reasonable for mere mortals like us, starting at $40 and going up past $200. The designs include hammered-style bowls and utensils, salad tongs, and serving trays. I think they'd make unique, high-end hostess, engagement, or wedding gifts. They're not sold online, but you can find the nearest retailer at Mary Jurek Design.

The Heat is On

I don't often review baby gear here (strollers, nursery essentials, baby care products, etc.) but I'm making an exception to tell you about something that has made life much easier around here- our new Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer. I was having a very tricky time taking temperatures for both of my kids (ages 2 and 5); they aren't great at keeping a thermometer in their mouth, and as for the "other end", well, we can just about forget that. Exergen is a super gentle wand-like thermometer that measures temperature with a quick scan across the forehead. When S. was hospitalized for strep and dehydration last December, they actually used this at the hospital. One warning- even if your kids aren't sick, they will enjoy playing with this thermometer. My kids are constantly "scanning" themselves and asking me if they're "normal"! Buy one for $49.99 at Babies R Us.

Spring Designs by Boatman Geller

Via Twitter, I learned about the lovely new stationery designs by chic stationery designer Boatman Geller. Take a look:



All are available at Lemontree Paperie.

PB Teen Preview

I had the pleasure of previewing the new 1600 sq ft PB Teen store at 1451 Second Avenue (76th St.) in New York yesterday. I even got to bring R. along who was quite taken with the "teen" looks considering she is only five (her favorite item: this "Furlicious" Beanbag). The new store looks terrific and is ready for its celebratory opening at 10am sharp on Saturday, March 21st. The first 100 people to walk in will receive a cool backpack as a gift, and will have the chance to win a $1,000 room makeover. Don't miss it!

Here are some of shots from inside the store:

Girls' Blue Bubble Bedding, Girls' Soccer Decal, and Beadboard Collection Super Bed Set. The Bubble bedding set is one of their top-sellers, and the modular bed/shelving "superset" is a very smart space-saver (lots more storage under and around the bed, too):


Boys' Henley Stripe Quilt & Sham, Ultimate Dresser Storage Bed Set, and Rush the Field wall mural. This bed/shelving unit is another smart choice for smaller spaces:


Tropical totes. Aren't these pretty? Pop a changing pad inside and you can use it as a diaper bag:


Skateboard Shelves. I love these shelves for a boys' room:


Bubble Dot Mirror Set and Bubble Dot Decals. I featured these mirrors here at the blog once before; I really like them paired with the removable decals, too. Also check out the "Crinkle Puff" monogram pillow- another favorite.


Lots of the above items happen to be on sale right now; check out the Spring Sweet Steals (including affordable gifts for 'tweens and teens) at PB Teen.

Super Silhouettes

I am absolutely smitten with the new Falling Leaves Digital Silhouette Print ($20) I just bought from one of my favorite Etsy shops, Le Papier Studio. Though I've posted about the silhouette craze several times before, I was never able to make up my mind and purchase something. Now that I'm decorating the wall of my kids' "play area" (in a New York City apartment, this is a small area off of the living room!), I've chosen this as the first artwork to go up. Designer Vana Chupp makes these 8 x 10" digital prints using your choice of template, background color, silhouettes, and font. For just $5 extra per figure, she will customize a silhouette based on a photo of your children, creating a wonderful keepsake. This is what she did for my kids and I am thrilled with the result. Not only is this fantastic and affordable wall art for your own home, but it also makes a lovely gift for friends with kids. Check out the personalized prints, stationery, and more at Le Papier Studio.

PB Teen's Arrival

I walked by the almost-ready PB Teen store in my neighborhood this week. It opens on March 21st and I am very curious to check it out. It is only the 2nd freestanding PB Teen store the company has opened thus far. I will try to sneak in some photos inside the store, too! NYC moms...the store is at the corner of 76th St. and 2nd Ave. Check it out!

Junior Handyman

Green Toys has received a lot of well-deserved press in the past year for its recycled, American-made toys for kids. The latest addition to its toy selection is this Tool Set which I would love to get for my 2-year-old son. The set (which is made from recycled milk jugs!) includes screwdriver, hammer, saw, wrench, pliers, hole connectors, nails, bolts, and nuts. Everything your little handyman needs. And Green Toys packages its products minimally in 100% recycled cardboard. So you won't spend hours untwisting little plastic ties. Buy the set for $19.95 (it will be back in stock soon) at Green National Gardens.

La Cuisine Francaise

Feast your eyes on this modular kitchen set by Nathan, available at Oompa.com. Nathan is a French company and you'll spot lots of their toys and play furniture in European preschools. Affordable? No way. Each component (clockwise from top left: sink, storage unit, oven, and washing machine) costs over $200. If you've got generous grandparents hankering to spoil your little one, that's the best way to go!

p.s. If you're in the market for a toy kitchen and want less expensive options, check out this past "Ask MyMomShops" post.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Friends Forever Girls

My 5 1/2 year old daughter was thrilled (and so was I) to receive a new doll (courtesy of Mom Blog Marketing) from Friends Forever Girls, a new mom-launched company. Friends Forever Girls sells six different, ethnically diverse dolls that come to life with accompanying books that address 'tween topics like self-respect, friendship, and responsibility. The 18" dolls are nicely made (and appropriately dressed- no Bratz styles here) and live up to their "huggable" description- the arms really do "give" enough to embrace your child. R. received the "Nika" doll who arrives with a a description of herself including, "Some of my favorite things in the whole wide world are books, books, and more books... Even better, I love making up my own stories to tell my friends...I am so proud of my ethnic background. My mom is European and my dad is African American." The book that accompanied Nika is a chapter book, a bit too beyond my kindergartner's reading level, but I'll save it for later. In the meantime, R. enjoys dressing Nika, playing with her, and nodding her own head as I read the list of qualities that the Friends Forever Girls share ("I tell the truth all the time, too, Mommy!" R claims. Ha!) And while I'm not sure how much this concept overlaps with American Girl dolls (we have mercifully not reached that consumer stage yet), I appreciate the fact that R. now has a doll that inspires good values, and we didn't even have to travel to any flagship store in midtown Manhattan!

Want to learn more? Visit Friends Forever Girls. Enjoy coupon code "Spring" and you will receive a free Girls Friends Forever T-shirt ($14.99 value) with any doll purchase. Offer expires April 20, 2009.

Win it! One lucky reader will win a a Friends Forever Doll ($59 value, you choose the doll you wanted from this selection). Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please leave a comment- any comment- on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST, Sunday, March 22nd. Continental US addresses only. One entry only per person, please. Multiple entries will be discarded.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, March 23rd here at the blog.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be notified by e-mail if you win, please include your e-mail address in your comment. Otherwise you must check back on Monday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!