Hippie Chic

Tie-dye is totally "in" this summer and I love the fun designs by mom-owned shop Fliggity. Last year, S. got so many compliments on his custom-designed Fliggity "Grateful Dude" shirt. This summer, I'm eyeing this Hippie Chic shirt ($29.95) for my five-year-old daughter. Besides tie-dye shirts, you should also check out Fliggity's How Old Am I? tees.

Through midnight tonight only! Get 25% off your order at Fliggity.com with code "fliggitySP".

Good Clean Fun

I'm impressed with the new Eco-Friendly Children's Aprons by Mimi the Sardine that have just arrived at one of my fave upscale toys sites, Oompa. The aprons are made in San Francisco from imported Swedish fabric that is PVC-free (so they won't have toxic smells like some of those plastic art aprons you've had to use before). You can wipe it clean or throw it in the washing machine. And the designs are totally adorable- my favorite is the Hybrid Cards Apron. A great gift for just $17.99 at Oompa.com.

Last Chance to Enter Purple Alex Hat Giveaway

There's still time to enter our giveaway for one of these adorable, practical brimmed cotton hats ($35) by Purple Alex. Click here to leave your comment at the original post. Entry deadline is midnight EST tonight.

And, tune in next week...starting on Monday morning, May 4th, we are having an entire week of Mother's Day Giveaways that you won't want to miss. Need a reminder? e-mail me with "newsletter" in the subject line.

Twinkle Toes

I'm a big fan of Geox shoes and now my daughter is too (and so are her friends). R. is now one of four girls in her kindergarten class who sport these Geox Kids Tokio Lights Sneaks. They look pretty in the picture, but they are even more fun in person- they have little lights that flash when she walks. And, they are very comfortable since they are made with Geox's patented breathable exterior. They're on sale for $71.10 (reduced from $79) in sizes 11-3 at Zappos.

Mother's Day Jewelry Sale for NYC Moms

Attention fellow New York City moms! Want to buy some new jewelry but have to watch your wallet these days? Our friends at New York Family Magazine are about to host HUSH- "The Mom's Jewelry Sale of the Year." It's taking place at Lighthouse International (110 East 60th St) next Thurs. May 7th through Sun. May 9th, 9am to 6pm daily. Leading brands in jewelry, watches, and giftware will be selling goods at discounts of up to 80%. There is also a "first dibs" Private Showing on Wed. May 6th from 5-8pm for Lighthouse, a wonderful NYC non-profit which since 1905 has served people with vision impairment (in my former non-profit career, I visited Lighthouse and they do amazing work). At the benefit, you can also register for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to buy the baubles of your choice. Treat yourself for Mother's Day (or have someone else treat you...) and know you are helping a great cause. Visit HUSH- "The Mom's Jewelry Sale of the Year."

30% off at Ann Taylor Loft

Ann Taylor Loft is my go-to store whenever I need a new dress; I love their styles and it's a good value (it's inexpensive but doesn't look cheaply made). Right now they're offering a Friends & Family discount of 30% off any order (plus free shipping on orders over $100) with code "FRIENDS" through Sunday, May 3rd. I'm eyeing this deep blue Pleated Scoopneck Jersey Dress ($69 before discount) for myself. It looks stylish but comfortable- the type of dress that could take you from day into evening this summer (without wrinkling, to boot). Check out this and other new summer arrivals at Ann Taylor Loft.

Get 30% off any order, plus free shipping on orders over $100, now through Sunday, May 3rd at Ann Taylor Loft with code "FRIENDS".

First Year Frame

My kids each have an old version of a Pottery Barn First Year Frame hanging in their rooms (check out the finished products here, and don't hate me for being so organized. . . I actually finished them way after their 1st birthdays). Anyway, the white oval frame has been discontinued, but I really love one of their newer versions, this Silver Leaf First Year Frame. It has small wallet-size spaces for each of baby's first 12 months, plus one larger 4 x 6" opening (for a newborn or 1st birthday party photo, perhaps?) You can personalize it for an extra $6.50, which I highly recommend- it makes this a perfect gift. $59 at Pottery Barn Kids.

Tray Bien

I love these fun, speckled Recycled Melamine Tray Sets by one of my favorite manufacturers of kids' products, ORE Originals. The retro cafeteria-style divided food tray will satisfy your picky kids (my kids, for example, do not ever ever want one dinner food touching another dinner food). It is made entirely of non-toxic, post-industrial recycled melamine, and is packaged in an eco-friendly PVC-free pouch. While they're not microwave safe, you can put them in the dishwasher. Phew. Sets include a 6-ounce cup, fork and spoon, along with the tray. Love the colors, too. Super, eco-friendly birthday gift, sibling gift, or treat for your own kids. $18 per set at ORE Originals.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Purple Alex

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.



After a very cool and reluctant spring here in New York City, the weather has turned downright summery. Hooray! My thoughts are turning to all things warm- including the right summer clothing and gear for my kids.

So I am very happy that today's giveaway is a seasonally-appropriate one. Purple Alex is an e-boutique selling high-quality cotton brim hats for babies, toddlers, and little kids. I love the bright, colorful patterns (particularly the "Positive Vibe" one shown above). The hats are made here in the U..S.A. and are fully-lined, durable, and easy to care for. They are machine washable, too (you know I probably wouldn't recommend them if they weren't. . . I pretty much toss all of my kids' playground clothes right in the washing machine in summer weather).

The hats ($35 apiece) are available in five different sizes, and an optional Velcro strap can be added free of charge (great for a squirmy infant). You can even place a special order for "Mommy & Me" coordinating hats. Visit Purple Alex.

Springtime in New York

The weather in New York right now is pretty much perfect- 70s, sunny, no humidity. Doesn't get much better than this! S. and I took a delicious long walk this morning to see his favorite things (cars, cars, and cars) and mine (tulips, tulips, and tulips). And to buy him some car-themed underwear (more on that exciting development soon). Our shopping was unsuccessful, but the scenery was sublime (even prettier in the park, but my camera battery died).

Check back later this afternoon, by the way, for a summery giveaway!

Meet Mr. Milkman

Some of my favorite shirts for my son have come from NYC boutique Arte Bebe. A fab new addition to his spring/summer wardrobe is this supremely soft organic Mr. Milkman Tee by City Threads. I love the retro-style illustration and typeface, and the pale orange color. It costs $31 in sizes 2T-4T and $33 in sizes 5-7; browse this and other brand new City Threads clothes for boys at Arte Bebe.

Ask MyMomShops: Mongrammed Girls' Tees

This shopping question was posed to me by one of my best friends, Lauren (that is how I started this blog anyway...because I was answering my friends' shopping questions so often). She has a gorgeous little 3-year-old girl who turns 3 today. Lauren is searching for just the right monogrammed T-shirt for her. I gladly accepted the challenge.

Dear Lauren,

Oh, you know how I love searches like these...particularly for personalized items. There's lots out there- here are some of my top picks:

"P" is for "Personality" Baseball Tees by City Threads, exclusively for The Red Balloon ($35)

Monogrammed Tees by Monograms by So Pretty ($28, available in long sleeves, too)

Red & Pink Damask Monogram Toddler Tee by Oliver Lane ($18)

Scalloped Circle Tees by Em Tanner Designs ($34)

"Totally You" Custom Tee by Plain Jane Baby ($18)


Girls Monogrammed Tee from Mark it with a B ($22)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SYDNEY!

Love and hugs,
Joanna


Psst! Got a shopping conundrum for me? E-mail me with "Ask MyMomShops" in the subject line and you may find the answer posted here!

Safer Shower Curtains

Without driving myself nuts, I am trying to replace as many household items as possible with eco-friendly alternatives. I'm particularly interested in replacing those products with which my children have close daily contact. I heard about the possible dangers of PVC shower curtains and liners (you know, the ones with the really strong smell when you open the package), so I did some research and was pleased to find there are much safer options out there (that are totally affordable, too). I will be replacing the liner in my kids' bathroom with this plain one (not pictured) from Ikea for under $2- it's made of PEVA, an eco-friendly, chlorine-free alternative to PVC. I'm also admiring Ikea's PEVA-made Iggy Shower Curtain shown here, which costs $9.99. Affordable and healthy for my kids? I'll take that.

Class with the Countess

Do you watch The Real Housewives of New York City on Bravo? I'll admit that I do. And this week my sister and I, out of curiousity, attended a local book signing/reading (top photo) by "Countess" LuAnn de Lesseps of her new book Class with the Countess: How to Live with Elegance and Flair.The event (much like the Bravo show) felt half-real, half-parody; there is something intrinsically entertaining about the star of a Bravo reality TV show telling an audience that it is not classy to talk about oneself too much! I haven't read the book (yet) but I'm sure it is just as entertaining (in an ironic way) as the Countess herself. $16.32 at Amazon.com.

Bargain Alert: Exposures Roundabout Frame

As promised, I am finding more bargain-priced gifts for you to scoop up. I just bought several of these beautiful Roundabout Glass Block Frames from Exposures. It spins to display 4 x 6" photos on both sides (perfect for indecisive types). It is a perfect gift for just about any occasion (birthdays, holidays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, you name it...). Best of all, it is at the rock bottom price of $5.99 (originally $24). Grab some now at Exposures.

Trinkets for Mom

If you are spending carefully this Mother's Day, here are some sweet gift ideas that won't break the bank. I'll post some more soon, and be sure to check back here starting Monday, May 4th for an entire week of super Mother's Day Giveaways!

Metalsgirl Mom Bangle ($36) from Give Simple:


Initial Mug ($10) by Natural Life:


Snow & Graham Signature Boxed Notes ($17) from Luxe Paperie:


Bling Frames ($29.95-$39.95) from Z Gallerie:


Need more Mother's Day gift ideas? Click on the labels below for "mother's day" and "just for mom".

Have Kids, Will Travel

With summer travel season approaching, it's a great time to visit this new website I learned about- Little Jet Set. They carry lots products to make kids' travel easier, more fun, and dare, I say, even stylish (check out all of the funky kids' luggage). We got this handy Car Valet by Alex ($30) recently for roadtrips. It's a colorful carrying case that attaches to the back of the front seats so your kids can access it easily on their own; it has numerous pouches and pockets for everything from crayons to wipes, and it can be wiped clean (important for car trips, right?) Art supplies are not included. Check out this and other helpful kids' travel gear at Little Jet Set.

20% off at Bloomingdale's

I received a Friends & Family coupon for Bloomingdale's yesterday; enter code "SPRINGFF" at checkout for 20% off. I took a quick peek around my kids' sizes and found these:

Splendid Littles Girls' Rayon Stripe Crossover Dress ($57 before discount, size 6x left)


Mini Fine Toddler Boys "Conserve Water" Polo Shirt ($39 before discount, sizes 2T-4T)

Go shopping quickly at Bloomingdales- I'm not sure when the coupon expires.

Happy Earth Day!

R. Nichols is one of my favorite stationers and gift-makers and today only their chic grocery totes are on sale; they are reduced to $15 from regular prices of $24-$28. In keeping with R. Nichols' responsibility to the environment (they print their stationery on partially recycled paper and minimize all of their shipping materials), these roomy (18" wide by 17" tall), foldable totes are made of 80% post-industrial recycled cotton and 20% post-consumer recycled plastic. And they are of course machine washable. My favorite design is the appropriately named Shopper Tote. Scoop one up this Earth Day (prices valid today only) at R. Nichols.

Keyed In

I was just introduced to Sonny Boutique, a new online shop that offers a small but superbly curated selection of children's gifts. Many items were created by independent artisans. If you are the type of person who'd rather buy a child a hand-carved wooden toy than something from Toys R Us, this is your place. I'm admiring this maple wood teething toy set . Handmade by Little Alouette, the set of three maple 5" keys is safe for baby and toddlers, and finished with organic seed oil. Much prettier than grown-ups' real keys, and much less troublesome if baby hides them! $22 at Sonny Boutique.

AskMyMomShops: Hooded Towels

Dear MyMomShops: Just wondering if you have ever found a great hooded towel for toddlers. I know Pottery Barn Kids has them but I am looking for something soft & cozy, not just cute. Thanks. You always find the best stuff! Susan, mom to Jake (3 years)




Dear Susan,

Thanks for writing. Yes, I have the perfect recommendation for you! When my daughter R. was born, her great-uncle gave her the most beautiful, soft, thick hooded bath towel. She used it day after day...and she still does (and she's nearly 6 years old now!) It is made by a small company in New Jersey called Tickle Toes. It is the only towel I have ever found that not only is supremely luscious, but also is sized generously enough (30 x 52 inches) to last through the toddler and preschool years (and even beyond). They are made of high-quality cotton here in the U.S.A. I love to give them as gifts, especially since there is a great variety of both girls', boys', and unisex patterns. The basic towel costs $40; you can add a monogram for an additional $5 and a coordinating washcloth for just $1. Check them all out at Tickle Toes.

Cheers and Happy Bathtime!
MyMomShops


Psst! Got a shopping conundrum for me? E-mail me with "Ask MyMomShops" in the subject line and you may find the answer posted here.

Two Good Causes

I hope you'll allow me to take a brief detour from posts about shopping. As we all know, many worthy charities and non-profit organizations are suffering because of today's economy. As a New Yorker, I want to bring two local ones to your attention:


First, I received an e-mail from The Fresh Air Fund asking me to get the word out that they are in serious need of more host families this summer. For those of you who are not familiar with The Fresh Air Fund, it is a stellar organization that signs up host families who volunteer to open up their hearts and homes to children from New York City, to give them a "Fresh Air" experience they would never otherwise have. The Fresh Air Fund is a New York institution in greater need than ever, and summer is rapidly approaching. Please click on the links if you are interested in hosting a child or making a donation.



Second, it is that time of year again. . . my children and I are raising money for YAI's Central Park Challenge, to be held here in New York City on June 6th. YAI is an amazing NYC organization that provides a vast array of programs to people with disabilities and developmental delays. I have served as a board member since 2003, and, coincidentally, both my children have received Early Intervention services through YAI (you can read a little about that here). So, I can personally attest to the extraordinary skills, diligence, and compassion of YAI trustees, staff, employees, and therapists. If you would like to help me and my children towards our fundraising goal of $1000 this year to support people with disabilities and their families, click here; if you would like more information about the Centarl Park Challenge, please click here.

Thank you for your support!

Sister Sam on Sale

It's out of our price range (even on sale), but boy do I love this Dame Lorraine Pink and Orange Dress by Sister Sam (a designer I discovered at our neighborhood store Lester's). Love the color combo, love the weaving on the bodice, love the skirt pleats, love everything about it. It's reduced to $132 (originally $154) in sizes 4/5 through 10 at Ginger Snap Kids.

Bargain Alert: Right Start Going-out-of-Business Sale

The deals just keep coming...yet another children's retailer is going out of business. The Right Start has put all of its merchandise on sale, and you can get an extra 20% off with code "BEST20". Hurry because inventory is selling fast, and the sale ends on midnight, April 22nd. At the moment, there is still some great crib bedding and stroller accessories available, including these:

MiGi Classic 6 Piece Crib Set (reduced to $107 from $179.99):


JJ Cole Infant Bundle Me (reduced to $29.99 from $49.99)



Click here for all remaining inventory still on sale. Farewell to The Right Start!

Bargain Alert: IKEA

I went to the Ikea store in Red Hook, Brooklyn recently and picked up a ton of cute, cheap stuff (I think I bought about 15 things and spent less than $100). Among them is this adorable Elephant-Pattern Busig Tray for just $5.99. It feels like melamine but is actually laminated cardboard. Perfect for serving treats on playdates. Unfortunately it's not available online- you'll have to visit Ikea to buy it. There are matching plates and glasses, too. More of my Ikea finds to come soon!

No Mess with Nomie Baby

Falling into the category of "why didn't I buy this sooner?" is the uber-useful, affordable car seat cover by Nomie Baby. I've learned the hard way that cleaning a Britax seat cover after a bout of carsickness ain't no picnic, so before we took a roadtrip recently I searched for something to protective. I actually found several very stylish options, but they were quite expensive ($150 for something that will be subjected to that? No way!). Then I found Nomie Baby, where I purchased this toddler car seat cover for just $34. It reminds me of those terry changing pad covers- it has elastic edges for an easy fit, and openings where you just slip the straps right through. It is padded and waterproof underneath, of course, and machine washable. So whether there is a spill of apple juice or something less appetizing, you will be able to remove it quickly and easily for washing. Of course, wouldn't you know, now that I have this, my kids stayed "clean" the entire trip. But that's a good thing. Check out the different colors and sizes (infant or toddler) at Nomie Baby.

Enter code "TWEET" at checkout for 10% off of your order at Nomie Baby.

Pop Quiz

I recently had brunch with a friend in the West Village and took these snaps- for those of you not from here, the West Village is one of the most beautiful (and expensive) neighborhoods in the Big Apple, with homes that do not look like what you expect in NYC . We were at a particular street corner that attracts a LOT of attention...can you guess why? (Hint: does the building in the top left corner look familiar?)

On the Flip Side

My current videocamera is an old clunker from 2003; I decided this Mother's Day would be a good time to upgrade to the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorderthat my friends keep raving about. I have lots of great occasions coming up- including my sister's birthday and my daughter's kindergarten "graduation," and I am so excited to use my new Flip. The pocket-sized, one-touch camera records 60 minutes of digital video. I bought it in pink, of course. Can't wait to try it out. It currently retails for $115 at Amazon.com.In my opinion, it is a fantastic Mother's Day gift for yourself or anyone else!

p.s. Speaking of Mother's Day, are you stumped for more gift ideas for a mom or grandma? Click on the "mother's day" or "just for mom" tags below and you will find dozens of recommendations. And, of course, I will be posting many more ideas in the next few weeks.

My Little Princess

We have a big family party coming up and R., to my delight, has chosen this hot pink taffeta Julia dress for the occasion. Given that barely one year ago my daughter refused to wear any dress, much less a "girly" one, this is quite an exciting development. It's also a great deal- the dress costs just $43.95 though it normally retails for about $100-$150. Sizes 2-12 at My Sweet Dress.

Little Daisies Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Jackie, who wrote, "So cute. My little monkey would be adorable in the Cheeky Monkey design." Please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Bargain Alert: Kodak Gallery Free Mother's Day Card

I just made a free Mother's Day photo card from Kodak Gallery for my mom (from my kids). It turned out great and it's a good deal- the card is free- so you just pay shipping (which is about $2.49). Since you don't often get the chance to order just one card from photo sites, this is a fun opportunity. Grandma will love it, I guarantee. Choose your design at Kodak Gallery.