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.

Six Years

Six years ago tonight, I became a mother. That night, I never would have predicted the challenges (or joys) that lay ahead of my daughter and me. I am so proud of how far she has come- particularly this past year- and so thrilled to see her enjoying all of life's pleasures. Many times in the past I could not have pictured my daughter squealing with glee as she danced across a beach...but, here it is. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I could listen to this one over and over. Happy 6th Birthday to my unique and beautiful R....I love you so much!

I'll be celebrating with R. today and posting again tomorrow.

Inkspot Workshop

One of my favorite Etsy shops for personalized stationery is Inkspot Workshop and now it has own spiffy online shop here, featuring "hand crafted paper goodies that make you smile." Not surprisingly, the new site is pure eye candy and I'm sure you will love almost everything you see there. I sure do. Here are some of my favorite new items. The designs are so fresh and playful!

Pinwheel Calling Cards (set of 24 with a tin for $18)


Airplane Gift Tags (set of 12 for $9)


Ansley Initial Folio Set (18 cards plus folio for $36)


Birdie Baby Shower Invites( set of 12 for $23.50)

For a limited time only, use code "0809" to enjoy a 25% discount on your order at Inkspot Workshop. Valid on orders of $15 or more only.

Little Monkeys

Looking for a hip but affordable baby shower gift? Check out this mod Paul Frank Julius Cap and Bootie Set at Buy Buy Baby. I love Paul Frank's "Julius" line for kids and it doesn't get cuter than this tiny 100% cotton cap and booties which fit sizes 0-12 months. Machine washable and available in pink, too. Just $17.99 per set at Buy Buy Baby.

Blues Clues Party Favors

Just wanted to show you a picture of how S's birthday favors turned out- I taped the Blues Clues chocolate lollipops ($12.50 for 10) I ordered from Etsy onto these Blue Goes to School paperback books ($3.99 each). They went over well with S's 3-year-old pals (and the moms, too) and were very affordable. I think they looked cute, too!

Sweet Barrettes on Sale

I got an e-mail recently about these pretty barrettes at Etsy.com shop Sweet Babykins. They look cute and while I can't vouch for the quality (haven't seen them in person), they seem like a good deal- this Pink Cupcake set of 3 alligator clips costs just $4.50 and you will get an additional 10% off (refunded through Paypal) after you make your purchase. Visit Sweet Babykins.

What I Bought on My Vacation

My daughter (who turns 6 on Wednesday) is finally choosing "girly" clothing and I am having so much fun shopping for (and with) her. On vacation last week in Spring Lake, NJ we visited this shop Teddy Bears by the Seashore, which despite its too-cutesy name, has a fantastic great selection of both boys and girls clothing, including dressy clothes. Almost everything in the store is discounted year round, so I got some great deals on clothing for this Fall and also next Summer. Here's what we snagged:

This girls' sailor dress by Carriage Boutique (on sale for $35) is just like the one that R. wore on her 2nd birthday, by the same brand. If you like smocked dresses for girls but don't want to pay high prices, Carriage Boutique is a brand you should definitely check out.


This cotton pique long-sleeved polo by Lilypod (on sale for $20) is dressed up a bit with its "diamond" (according to R.- I didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise) placket buttons.


We'll pair the pink shirt with this chocolate brown fine-wale corduroy skirt from K & L (on sale for $28). Note the preppy pink whale pattern- it'll be a nice reminder of our warm beach trip when it turns chilly this Fall.


Finally, a purchase for next summer- this cute dress/beach cover-up by U.S.-made Flap Happy (on sale for $15). I think she'll be wearing this a lot in the summer of '10.

If any of these items interest you, contact Teddy Bears by the Seashore to place an order. And stay tuned for some more cute girls' outfits I found on my trip...

Back Home

Hey, I'm back from vacation. It was wonderful but not exactly restful. S., who now sleeps in a big boy bed, was up at 4:30am nearly every day. Yes, I said 4:30am. BUT, the trip was blissful anyway. My kids were soooo relaxed and happy. They really played together nicely for the first time. I'm thrilled to report that S. had a sudden spurt of language, so even though one of his first three-word sentences was "Wake up Mama!" whispered mischievously into my ear at 4:30am, I was still so excited to hear real, intelligible words coming out of my son's mouth! R. loved the beach and wrote me a special message in the sand (see above). I have bags under my eyes from exhaustion, but I've also got a little bit of a tan and a grin from ear to ear after having so much fun with my kids. Overall, a great trip.

I was only gone one week but I came home to about a bazillion e-mails, so I apologize to those of you are waiting for a reply. I'll get to all of them at some point, I promise!

In the meantime, I am readying a bunch of new posts about cool new products including toys, decor (I got hooked on HGTV on this trip thanks to my sister), and, of course, back-to-school clothes. First up today will be some of my shopping finds from my vacation (I was tired, but I still did some shopping. Of course). Check back soon.

Gone to the Beach- Back on August 17th

We're about to leave on our long-awaited beach vacation and I can not wait. Believe it or not, I will be disconnecting from the computer, Twitter, Facebook, etc. while we are gone. Just going to breathe in that sea air. So please understand if I don't respond to e-mails until I'm back. I'll be posting again on Monday, August 17th. Until then, enjoy these beautiful summer days!

Photo courtesy of The New York City Traveler.

Happy 3rd Birthday to My Little Boy

My delectable little boy turns 3 years old today. What a ride it has been these past 3 years. I am so proud of all that he accomplished and overcome- as many of you know, it has not been an easy road for us. And while I miss those cute newborn moments (this photo was taken when he was 3 days old), I have been rewarded aplenty with a 3-year-old boy who is (almost) always giggling, smiling, and showering his Mommy with hugs and kisses. And, most recently, who says, "Ah Wuh Oo Doo (I Love You, Too)" every day. I love you, "Baby S."!

p.s. My sister, an accomplished writer who is much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be, wrote a beautiful post about S. and his journey at her own blog today; you can read it here.

Birthday Tee Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to ReggieMan, who wrote, "My favorite item is the Girl's 3rd Birthday tee." Please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Memorable Moments

I sat down today to write S. his annual birthday letter, an idea I got from Making Memories- Creating Memories for Your Family that Last a Lifetime, a book by Josie Bissett (yes, the actress from Melrose Place). I received this book as a gift from my cousin Cheryl when my first child was just an infant, and I've been using the ideas inside of it ever since. As a sentimental mom who loves celebrating all the sweet moments in her kids' lives, I've enjoyed tips like writing the annual birthday letter (sealed for them to read when the are older) or taking them for a special meal after their 1st or last day of school. It's a great way to remember to savor the little moments, and to preserve the big ones, too. This makes a lovely gift for a new or expecting mom (or dad)! $11.96 at a Amazon.com.

Personalized Pillows

I've been looking into personalized throw pillows for my kids' beds and have found some really charming ones at Etsy. These all each available in other letters, designs, and color palettes, too:
Letter Pillows ($59.50).

My Monogram Pillow ($24.95) by Jane Says.


Sweet Letter "L" Pillow Monogrammed with Pink Buttons ($36) by Letter Perfect Designs.


Orange/Blue Custom Letter Pillow Cover ($18 without pillow inside) at So Bright Designs.


Custom Letter Pillow ($25) by Laura's Left Hook.

Newly Minted

There are lots of photo stationery sites out there, but Minted is unique in that it offers many exclusive designs by top independent designers like Egg Press, Elum, Dauphine, and Wiley Valentine (don't worry, I'd never heard of any of these either until I went to my 1st National Stationery Show, but now- as an experienced paper-phile- they are household names to me). These designers compete to have their top products offered at Minted. The cards, including birth announcements, birthday invitations, and personal stationery, are fresh and fun.

I am very impressed with Minted's photo birth announcements- again, this is a glutted market but Minted's announcements stand out for particularly eye-catching cropping (or bleeding) of the photo images. The prices are competitive for cards of this caliber- about $119 for 50 cards. Take a look:

Garden Feast Announcements by Helena Seo Deo Designs


Belle Memoire Announcements by Helena Seo Deo Designs


Scrolls Announcements by Duval Invites

Check out announcements, invitations, notecards and more at Minted.


Note: You can order a sample of any card at Minted for $7 and it will be credited towards a future purchase. Also, if you take a short customer survey you will receive a 10% discount! Definitely worth a few minutes! Visit Minted.

Young Artist at Work

I stumbled onto this Little Artist Frame Kit at cute boutique Munchkin Designs. It's a fun activity for kids which they can then display in their rooms, or I think it would also make a sweet grandparent gift (let your child decorate the frame and choose a picture, then present it to Grandma or Grandpa). Each kit contains a 5 x 5 frame, paints, and crayons, packaged in a reusable clear paint can. Available in 5 designs- airplanes, cars, circles, crown, simply dots, or "I heart U." $20 apiece at Munchkin Designs.

"Swilty"

For the past few seasons, R. has gotten lots of mileage from a pink quilted jacket I bought her in 2007 from Talbots Kids (R.I.P.) Boy, how I miss that store- not only did I depend on it for a good portion of both kids' wardrobes, but it also was just a block away from my home, and the storefront remains empty today (sign of the times, I guess). Anyway, R. called her quilty pink coat "Swilty" (a 4-year-old's take on "Quilty") and sadly it is now too small on her. She is very particular about her next version of "Swilty" (and I could not find the original on Ebay), but luckily she gave a thumbs-up to the cute (and affordable) Girls Quilted Jacket shown here from Old Navy. For this good price ($34.50), is has cute details like corduroy trim and front patch pockets. And by ordering a size up, it will hopefully stay her favorite "Swilty" for another year or too. Available in "Aphrodite Pink" or black at Old Navy.

p.s. The runner up was a Girls' Dory Jacket ($49.50) from Lands End. I also glanced at the Kids' Quilted Jacket ($65) by J. Crew and even Melanie Barn Jacket ($100) by Ralph Lauren but those were getting too pricey.

The Second Time Around

There are so many fun party supplies for first birthdays, but what about the following year? Two new 2nd birthday party themes at Celebrate Express are now available for sentimental moms like me. For girls, there's 'Lil Cupcake 2nd Birthday Party Supplies (deluxe pack for 8 guests costs $31.99) and for boys (I actually like this theme better and thinks it works fine for girls, too) there's the Mod Monkey 2nd Party Supplies (shown above) for the same price. Add-ons (extra plates, balloons, favor boxes, etc.) are available at additional cost. Now I just wish they went up to age 6! Visit Celebrate Express.

Fill in the Blankie: Now for Big Kids

I have been meaning to post for a long time about R's new blanket from Fill in the Blankie, which longtime readers know is one of my favorite places to buy a personalized baby gift. Now, Fill in the Blankie makes toddler/child sized blankies (prices vary) which are generous keepsake gifts for older "babies." R. has one in pink that, believe it or not, has replaced her beloved "Blankee" and "Hockie" which were two plush animals she slept with every night from infancy through age 4. When she saw her new pink blanket from Fill in the Blankie, she shunned those and has been sleeping with this ever since. It was a little tricky picking out just the rights words to personalize a blanket for a 5-year-old, but I settled on one of my favorite quotes, which I first read when I was pregnant with her- "People search and search for the meaning of life/Until they hold a baby/Then they know it." This covers 3 sides of the blanket, and on the fourth side I put her name and birthhdate. If you like it, feel free to borrow the idea. Any blanket, really, from Fill in the Blanket is sure to be a hit. I've given these as gifts and people save them forever. Visit Fill in the Blankie.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Custom Birthday Shirts by Sew Silly Designs

Our festive August birthday month has arrived- S. turns 3 this Friday and R. turns 6 twelve days later. As promised, this week's giveaway (the last giveaway before I leave for vacation) is a hand-sewn birthday tee by the Etsy shop Sew Silly Designs. I purchased one of these shirts for S. already and am so pleased with it (especially considering the price- $12!). The vintage fabrics are adorable and you can work with the designer to mix-and-match the color, fabric, and age that you'd like for your boy or girl. The designs shown above are just two possibilities. Check out all the options at Sew Silly Designs.

Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win their choice of customized birthday tee from Sew Silly Designs (retail value $12). Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating what your favorite item at Sew Silly Designs is (click here for all of the products- please note you do not have to name the birthday tee as your favorite item in order to win the contest).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Thursday, August 6th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, August 7th.
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!

Little Maven Now at Bloomingdale's

According to the web page for Tori Spelling's new "Little Maven" clothing line, the 90210 star's designer threads for kids are starting to appear at select Bloomingdale's stores nationwide. Can't wait to check them out for myself at 59th and Lex. If you're not able to stop by in person, you can check out some of the clothing online (so far, only the girls' collection has been posted) at Bloomingdales.com. I love the styling and deep teal, fuschia, and purple Fall colors of this infant girls' knit tunic with printed leggings. $70 for the set (sizes 6-9 months through 24 months) at Bloomingdale's. I'll let you know more about the clothes when I see them in person.

p.s. Other Tori fans out there? Catch the season finale of Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood on Oxygen at 10pm tomorrow night.

Bargain Hunting for Magna-Tiles

One of my kids' favorite toys is Clear Magna-Tiles. If you're not familiar with these yet, you should be. Kids use them to construct 3-D objects (most frequently, garages for S. and doll beds for R.) while learning about geometry, symmetry, and magnetism (they attract on all sides, however you turn them). They are made of bright translucent colors. My biggest gripe about this winner of a toy is that it is sooo expensive. I have been hunting around for an extra set for us (since my kids are always fighting over them) and finally found a 32-piece set for $49.99 at ZeeBop (to compare, a neighborhood store here sells them for closer to $60). They're still not cheap, but they're worth it. Buy a set- you won't regret it!

Before You Walk Out The Door

If I had more space for this near our apartment's front door, I'd consider grabbing this Windsor organizer and shelf on sale at The Company Store. There's a small chalkboard area for each day of the week where you can jot down meetings, playdates, and more, plus a ledge for keys and other small items, plus 6 hooks for coats or scarves. It measures 45x5¼x13"h and is on clearance for $46.99 (originally $119.00) at The Company Store. Check our their other clearance items, too.

Want 36 Free Books?

I just volunteered to participate in one of those chain letter book exchanges- you know, where you send 1 book to 1 child, pass along the letter (with your own info. added) to 6 of your friends who do the same, and, like magic, you will receive 36 free books. I've done this twice and while I never received 36 books, I did get as many as 12. So, it does work if people follow through. I thought I'd widen the circle this time by inviting blog readers to participate. The first 6 readers who e-mail me with "book exchange" in the subject line will receive the chain letter from me and can participate (and expect lots of free books for their child!) Please be sure to include your full name and mailing address in your e-mail. It's really easy, I promise (I usually just send a board book or paperback for under $10 through Amazon.com). I've just sent a lucky little 8-month-old girl a copy of one of our favorite board books, I Like It When...($6.95). I hope she gets 35 other good ones, too! Ready to play? E-mail me and get ready to build your little one's library.