School Memories

Chronicle Kids is having a summer sale with a generous 30% off purchases plus free shipping, now through September 2nd, with code "BACKTOSCHOOL". So this might be a good time to stock up on their excellent collection of books and gifts for kids- and even some items for yourself. What Mom wouldn't love to make keepsake-ing a bit easier this school year with this handy School Years family keepsake album? It's something parents and kids can fill out together, noting special milestones, achievements, friends, and hobbies. There's plenty of pockets (one for each year K through 12) to stock report cards, art projects, and other momentos. At this price ($16.95 before the discount) you can get one for each child. Grab 'em fast...those school papers will be coming home in backpacks before you know it. Visit Chronicle Kids.

Enjoy 30% off plus free shipping at ChronicleKids.com with code "BACKTOSCHOOL" now through September 2nd.

Electro Man

I chuckled when I saw this Electro Man Multi Outlet at my local Sam Flax store. Electro Man gives you four separate grounded sockets, each with an on/off switch. The red power light is located over his heart. Too cute. Better hide this one from crawling babies, though. $21 at Moxie.

Chunky Crayons

I'm mostly focused on buying school supplies for my first-grader (I can't believe how much stuff a first grader needs these days) but I might also treat my son- who is starting preschool- to this Set of 9 Hexagon Crayons by Pkolino. Sized just right for little hands, these chunky hexagonal crayons come in the usual colors plus shimmery silver and gold. At $2.50 per set, these also would make a great party favor for preschool birthdays. Buy them at one of my all-time favorite toys sites, Oompa.com.

Easily Ruffled

Grab one of these flouncy, 100% cotton jersey Ruffle Dresses at Baby Eggi before they sell out. They're available in turquoise, fuschia, or kelly green in sizes 18 months through 4T- wish they made them bigger for my daughter! On sale for $24 (originally $34) at Baby Eggi.

Hip Littles

I love this new "Circle Z" lunchbox stationery set ($65) from Hip Littles, a brand new boutique launched by mom Allison Friedland, who formerly owned one of my favorite sites for funny baby tees & onesies, Uncommonly Cute. From the looks of Hip Littles, Allison has a great eye for baby and kids' gifts across many categories, including personalized gifts. This stationery set is a personalized metal lunchbox packed full with trendy custom stationery, including notecards, foldover cards, gift tags, and luggage tags. Envelopes are included for all of the stationery, too. It's a generous but practical gift (but if you're looking for gifts that are easier on the wallet, check out HIp Littles' "Under $50" category. Visit Hip Littles.

Bill at the Beach

I was at the beach last weekend in East Hampton, New York, but there was no swimming allowed due to Hurricane Bill. The waves were very strong and the water covered almost the entire beach all the way up to the dunes- it was surreal. But beautiful to photograph!

Barn Raising

Having been priced out of some higher-end barn jackets by Polo and Crewcuts, I opted for this quilted barn jacket by Gap Kids for my son so he could coordinate this Fall with his sister in her new "Swilty" jacket from Old Navy. For $44.50, this barn jacket is high on style with hip pockets and corduroy trim including elbow patches. Boys sizes XS (4/5) through XXL (13/14) at Gap Kids.

"Tenk-Oo Gamma"

S. got many wonderful gifts for his 3rd birthday (thank you everyone!) but the most meaningful one (to me) was the completed copy of The Grandmother Book that my mother made him. I gave her a copy for her birthday this past February and she worked diligently on it before presenting it to S. and me on his birthday a few weeks ago (she created a similar book for my older child for her 1st birthday). Though he is too young to read it now, S. will, I'm sure, treasure this for decades to come. My mom had a difficult but inspiring childhood/young adulthood and she provides details with grace, dignity, and humor. And I love all the wonderful stories she has to tell about my father (they started dating as teenagers and are married 43 years today!) In the picture above you can see she pasted some photos of them on their honeymoon in Bermuda. It was the first time either of them had been on an airplane. And, of course, she waxes poetic about her two greatest gifts- her granddaughter and grandson. I love that she took the time to create this keepsake for S. (who, incidentally, is finally starting to talk); he gave her a huge gift back with an intelligible "Tenk-oo, Gamma" and big hug. That was a memory, too! The Grandmother Book is an exceptional gift for any grandma (provided she has the inclination to complete it...) Buy it at Amazon.com.

Happy 43rd Anniversary to my amazing parents! As my daughter said this morning, "They go so well together!"

Keeping up with the Drapers

I won't bore you with more gushing about Mad Men (best. show. ever), but I just wanted to alert those of you who want to catch up on it that Season Oneand Season 2are both now available at Amazon.com. Season 1 costs $16.99 and Season 2 costs $32.99. Getting caught up in this fantastic series= priceless!

Photo courtesy of AMC.

Modern Dose

I am newly in love with the site Modern Dose. Its tagline, "Your affordable remedy for modern design" totally speaks to me and I'm guessing it does to many of you, too. Check out these cool products that will give a modern flair to your digs (no, they're still not cheap, but they are more affordable than most modern decor out there).

Elephant Clock ($68). Elephants are the "it" animal in this year's nursery decor. It doesn't have a ticking sound, so you don't have to worry about it waking baby.

Link Needlepoint Pillow (on sale for $49.95, reduced from $67, other colors available). This is not your grandma's needlepoint.

Aubrey Tea Table ($390). Yet another mirrored table I covet. Also check out this one.

Mustache Chalkboard Napkin Rings ($24 for a set of 4). A surefire conversation piece at your next dinner party- and, come to think of it, kids will love them, too.


Abigail Lamp ($438). This has an iron finish that goes with any decor. Not necessarily kid friendly, but maybe when you're out of the babyproofing years...

Like what you see? Check out more mordern home finds at Modern Dose.

Stand-Out School Supplies

Our affiliate Frecklebox.com has become an increasingly popular go-to site for personalized kids gifts, with good reasons (their best-selling storybooks and puzzles make truly unique gifts). Now, just in time for Back-to-School season, they have rolled out a bunch of products to make your kids' school supplies stand out. And, as I learned first-hand taking my almost-first-grader for school supplies, no kid wants a plain old notebook. Try these festive goodies instead.

Busy Bees Personalized Notebook ($9.95 each)

Zoo Animals Personalized Lunch Box ($26.95 each)

Giraffe Personalized School Folder ($4.95 each)


As you see, animal prints are on-trend again this Fall, but there are dozens of other designs available (both girls', boys' and unisex) if these particular ones don't appeal to you. Visit Frecklebox.com.

Now through August 31st, enter code "FBSCHOOL" at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order.

Back to School Sale at Lands End

Unfortunately, I had already ordered all of my daughter's Peter-Pan collared uniform shirts from Lands End, but those of you who still have to order school uniforms will be interested in the Back to School Sale with last-minute savings up to 50%. The shirt shown here is a comfortable staple of my daughter's first-grade wardrobe, and the price cut (regularly $18, now on sale for $11.50) makes a big difference when you have to order a bunch of them (not to mention those pricey school logos which are an additional cost per shirt). Check out all of the sale items (it's not just uniform clothing) at Lands End today and tomorrow only (ends Thurs. August 27th).

An eBeanstalk Coupon Code for You

I have a coupon code for eBeanStalk.com that I am not using; I'm not sure how many times it will work for other people, but it's worth a try! It's "THANKYOU15%" and it saves you 15% on an order before September 1, 2009. Wondering what you'd buy? Here are two ideas:

I just spotted eBeanstalk's Pushing Car ($159.95) by Haba. How much fun is this?? If you've got two kids, one can push and one can enjoy the ride, then they can switch (yeah, right). There's a two-position adjustable handle, seat cushion and removable fabric pockets for toting little treasures, too. And the rubber wheels won't destroy your floors!

Setting your sights a bit (s)lower? How about this super-cool, eco-friendly Pirate Ship by Plan Toys ($54.95)>? My sister gave this to S. for his birthday and it is a hit with both of my kids (in fact, I like playing with it too).


Visit eBeanStalk.com and try out coupon code "THANKYOU15%" for 15% off orders placed by September 1, 2009. Enjoy!

Beep Beep Redux

A while back I asked you all to help me choose which car-themed thank you notes to buy for my son. I ended up choosing these Beep Beep: Turquoise Thank You Cards ($.96 per card) by Dwell Studio at Tiny Prints and they look terrific. If you're in the market for new personalized thank-you notes for your kids (or birth announcements, party invitations, address labels, or gift tags), Tiny Prints is having a special Sitewide Sale where you save 10% and get free shipping on orders $75 or more with code "AUGEMAIL". So now's a good time to buy. Browse around at Tiny Prints.

Use code "AUGEMAIL" to get 10% off your order at Tiny Prints, plus free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Valid now through 8/31/09.

Tea for Big Girls

Ever since I bought R. a kimono-style tunic and leggings by Tea Collection when she was 2 years old, I have been hooked on this company's internationally-inspired, comfy apparel. I was happy to hear that they now go up to size 8, since R. is now wearing 6X and it is getting harder to find age-appropriate clothing for her. From Tea's new Fall Collection, I'm admiring this 5-piece Finley Set which includes a "double decker" cherry blossom dress, stripe leggings, drop-waist dress, tunic, and solid bootcut leggings. The set is available in sizes 3-6 months all the way up to girls' 8 (hooray!) for $105 at Tea Collection.

Pencils Smencils

It's not on any back-to-school supplies lists, but Smencils make an awfully nice treat for any student this time of year (R's cousins gave her one along with her 6th birthday gift and she loves it) . If you haven't already heard of them, Smencils are scented pencils made from recycled materials- each has a light fragrance that keeps its scent for up to 2 years if you keep it in its original tube (good luck with that, right?) This Set of 10 Gourmet Scented Pencils includes bubble gum, cherry, grape, tropical blast, chocolate, cotton candy, watermelon, orange, very berry and root beer scents with corresponding colors. $14.95 for the set at Target.

Eye Candy

My daughter had her 6th birthday party at Dylan's Candy Bar in NYC last week. It was a splurge but it was worth it. She had the best time. Who wouldn't in a setting like this?

thirtysomething now that I'm Thirtysomething

Last week I found out that one of my favorite television shows of all time, thirtysomething, is finally coming out on DVD (took long enough...the show's last episode was in 1991). This is big news for thirtysomething devotees/television historians like me (you'll remember I also worked at The Museum of Televison & Radio back in my pre-kids life). And Ken Olin (who played yuppie hubby Michael Steadman) was my first major celeb crush in high school (my equivalent tall/dark/handsome crush now is Jon Hamm on Mad Men). For most of thirtysomething's four seasons between 1987 and 1991, the show didn't actually have a huge audience (it never cracked the Nielsen top 20) but it was discussed ad nauseum by people who either loved or hated its portrayal of Philadelphia yuppies. The main characters- Michael and Hope Steadman and their circle of married and single friends- were either considered to be wonderfully self-aware or pathetically self-absorbed. It also was one of the keenest television portrayals of SAHM anxiety (Hope Steadman always seemed disillusioned with taking care of baby Janey all day). If thirtysomething were on today, you can be sure Moms would dissect it non-stop on Urban Baby. Anyway, if you love thirtysomething as much as I did, you will definitely want to nab the first season on DVD which is being released on August 25th. Buy it for $38.99 here.

Candyland Meets Charades

R. is enjoying this game Kids on Stage which she received from a friend as a 6th birthday gift (apparently they played it at camp sometimes, too). It's sort of like Candyland meets Charades for kids. Each player gets to act out items like "riding a bike" or "blowing bubbles" as they move along the game board. Even young kids can play because there is no reading required. It's a great birthday gift for the preschool-and-up set. I don't find it half-bad either (and I am quite tired of Chutes & Ladders...). Buy it for $17.95 at Growing Tree Toys.

Little Maven in Person at Bloomingdale's

I was in Bloomingdale's a few days ago and stumbled right into the display of Tori Spelling's new children's clothing line Little Maven. I managed to take a few photographs before the salespeople started giving me funny looks. I really, really like these clothes, which (if you watch Tori's show on Oxygen), she was very involved with designing. And I think the boys' clothing is even cuter than the girls' pieces- which moms of boys know is a rare thing. You can browse (and purchase) all of the Little Maven designs online here at Bloomingdale's.com. The prices are on the high side but not outrageous (boys' "Liam" jeans cost $40). I'm curious to hear what you all think!

A Penguin for Preschool

I'm on a penguin kick today, I guess. One of S's favorite birthday gifts is this penguin Zoo Backpack, a brand-new product by Skip Hop . Sized for preschoolers, the backpack is BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and PVC-free, but full of modern style. Four designs are available- dog, monkey, mouse or penguin. Each costs a cool $20 at Skip Hop. A great summer or autumn birthday gift for preschoolers (thanks, Ben & family- S. is wearing his around the apartment all the time!).

Is it Warm in Here?

It is in the 90s and humid in NYC as I write this, so it's a little weird to be telling you about this adorable Crane Penguin Cool Mist Humidifier before winter arrives, but what the heck. I've gotten a lot of use out of Crane's animal-shaped humidifiers in my kids' rooms these past few winters, and I think the penguin design is my new favorite. This whisper-quiet humidifier holds 1 gallon of water and can be used in rooms up to 500 square feet (if you're in NYC, that's about half of your apartment). It costs $34.99 at Target.

Just What I've Been Looking For

I've found it! The perfect mirrored bedside table to help me turn my humdrum bedroom into one that looks like Tori Spelling's powder blue, retro-Hollywood-vibe master suite (want to see my popular post about how to copy Tori's decor? Read it here). I was really excited to find this new Park Mirrored Bedside Table at Pottery Barn for $399 (I've looked around and this is a decent price). It adds just the right "flash" to a bedroom set without having to buy all new furniture. Next up- I'm searching for a great, custom-upholstered headboard. Stay tuned.

Bubble Newcomers

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to the Bubble kids' trade show here in NYC a few weeks ago, but I checked out the websites of some of the first-time exhibitors. The exhibitor list was leaner this year (a sign of the times) but I did find several stand-outs including many eco-friendly clothing and toy lines. Here's a look:

Cute 100% organic croquet pants for your little mister by Little Eesop, a new shop that updates vintage looks with organic fabrics.


Organic cotton onesies (love this blue swirl design) by Barley & Birch, a company I first learned about on Twitter.


Handmade dolls by Jess Brown Design, a California mom who makes dolls from primarily recycled cotton muslin and linen.

Adooka Organics is another mom-launched business featuring organic baby clothes; "Adooka" was the founder's son's first word for "duck."


Not organic, but I love this Hana Dress ($66) by Benny & Moon, a new Chicago-based clothing line for children ages 2 to 7.


For more Bubble exhibitors, click here.