Ginger Louise Clothing

I received an e-mail awhile back from a reader who recommended I check out Ginger Louise Clothing, an Etsy shop selling beautiful girls' clothing handmade by a NYC mom like myself. The new Song Bird Collection for spring has such pretty designs- my favorite is this 100% cotton, elastic neck and sleeve daisy-printed swing top ($32) which you can pair with ruffled leggings or any other cotton/lycra basics available at the same shop, to make it easy to complete an outfit. Visit Ginger Louise Clothing.

My Friend Kathy

I went to see Kathy Griffin perform at Madison Square Garden last weekend. She was absolutely hysterical. My face hurt for days from laughing so hard. I would love to tell you some of her best jokes, but this is a PG-rated blog. So I'll refer you to her latest book, Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin ("Did you know there were 5000 people here at my show last night, and I sold exactly 43 books?") Make the girl happy and buy a copy. If it is even half as funny as she is in person, you will get your money's worth of good laughs. Buy it for $16.50 Amazon.com.

Special Needs Toy Shopping in NYC

My guest post on NYC site Mommy Poppins just went live- it's an article about toy shopping in NYC for special needs kids. And it's inspired by my own experiences with special needs parenting (and shopping). I've included some of my favorite local shops, plus general gift-buying tips. I'll be writing more special needs posts in the future- both here and at other sites/blogs- so I've added a "special needs" label to this blog. Stay tuned!

Ball Track Roll 'n Roll ($100) by Haba, available at Kidding Around. A fantastic cause-and-effect toy that will last kids- special needs or not- for several years.

Here We Snow Again

Our 2nd snow day this winter (props to Mayor Bloomberg for keeping the schools open yesterday...I don't think many of us could handle two days of the "I'm bored's" right before a weekend). The kids are eagerly waiting for the snow and wind to quiet down so they can go outside and play....me, too!

Gallery Talk

I'm working on a long-delayed project-- setting up a wall gallery of family photos. It just got easier (and more affordable) with these Wood Gallery Multiple Opening Frames from Pottery Barn which are on sale, plus there's free shipping. The 9-opening multisize frame is reduced to $64 from $79; the 4 x 6" triple frames and 5 x 7" double frames are both reduced from $23 from $29. I've tried using cheaper frames, and they don't work or look good...so I'm hoping these will be worth it. Also, if you're in a Pottery Barn Kids store, check out their pastel colored solid or gingham gallery mats (not available online) which fit inside some of these frames- they will make a nursery wall gallery look extra special. Visit Pottery Barn.

You're Beautiful

Know someone who could use a compliment these days? Scoop up a few of these You Look Beautiful Today Notecards ($3.75 apiece, including envelope) by The Beautiful Project at Etsy. They're blank on the inside so you can use them for birthdays, baby showers, or just about anytime. Guaranteed to make someone smile...how could they not?

Introducing Johnnie B.

In another example of marketing to 'tweens and teens, Boden has introduced Johnnie b, their new line of clothing and accessories for kids who are, I guess, too old for Mini Boden. I have to say I'm not so crazy about it. The clothing looks like a flimsy halfway point between the kids and adult lines, but without most of Boden's fun signature appliques and accents. A lot of the designs look like things I've seen before at Gap or Old Navy. Another problem is sizing. The girls' sizes, for example, are listed as XS-L, but aren't given corresponding numbers (I'm guessing it's approximately sizes 7-14). Even though my daughter now wears a 7, I think she is just as happy (me, too) to stick with Mini Boden. Visit Johnnie b, browse around, and tell me in the comments what you think.

At left: Floaty Cami Tee by Johnnie b., girls' sizes XS-L, $36.

p.s. Did you hear that you can now buy select Boden Kids clothing online or in-store at Nordstrom's?

Smitty Baby

I've seen a lot of personalized baby gifts, and some of them start to blur together. But this Girly Gift Set by Smitty Baby is one that will stand out, I think. It's a handmade initial onesie, coordinating burp cloth, and felt flower clip, all neatly packaged in a clear package with twine bow- no gift wrap necessary. I love the idea that there's something the baby can use immediately (the burp cloth), something to save for photo ops (the initial onesie), and something to save for MUCH later (the clip) if your daughter- like mine- is born with just a sprinkling of hair on her head. And, something else that makes this set unique...no pink. There are 3 color combos available- my favorite is the green/gray shown here. Can't go wrong with this gift. $32 for the set (or $34 for long-sleeve onesie set) in sizes up to 18 months at Smitty Baby.

You Were Here

I just got this "Brooklyn's Finest" screenprint ($27) from Ork Posters that I'd been eyeing for a long time. As a native Brooklynite (I lived there up till age 6), I love seeing this hanging in my Manhattan apartment. Our old 'hood, Sheepshead Bay, is towards the bottom- just north of Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach. "Those were the days" indeed! Buy this (or other city screenprints and posters, from Boston to Washington) at Ork Posters.

Black 18 x 24" frame from Target (set of 2 for $15.99). Not the greatest frame (maybe you can see why), but good enough.

LOFT's Best Dressed

I spotted this Dot Print Dress with Appliqued Corsage in-store at LOFT recently. It is so pretty- click on the product link and zoom in so you can see for yourself. It has a delicate white polka dot pattern on slightly shimmery gray cotton. The styling (scoop neckline, cap sleeves, pleats, and self-waist tie) and detail work (the ruffled corsage applique) are beautiful for a "mid-tier" brand like LOFT. It's on sale for $69.99 (was $89) at LOFT.

American Girl Does Good

Next Monday, March 1st from 6-8pm, The Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation (CCBF) is hosting an exclusive party at American Girl Place here in NYC. The store will be closed to everyone but the young party guests (and their parents) and the kids will enjoy American Girls' most popular activities-- photos with their dolls, a special hairdo at the hair salon, food and beverage, a dessert bar, and a CreativiTee doll tee. American Girl is generously underwriting the cost of the entire event, so 100% of ticket sales will go directly to support children with cancer and blood diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Each year, the hospital treats 1,000 children through more than 10,000 inpatient and outpatient visits- no child is ever turned away regardless of ability to pay.

If you live in NYC- or nearby- and know a child who would love to go to American Girl Place off-hours (who wouldn't?), please buy tickets.

I get lots of e-mails about these types of events- this particular one caught my eye because of my own history with the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital network. I had scoliosis surgery (twice- at ages 12 and 13) at its Hospital for Special Surgery. I got very sick after the 2nd operation and was transferred to pediatric intensive care at NY Hospital. To this day I am so grateful for the care I received there. Twenty-two years later, my own child was admitted to NY Hospital for strep and dehydration. He was two years old and recovered quickly, and I realized how lucky I was- his roommate was a 6-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with leukemia just days before and was very ill. I'll never forget him or his parents. I wrote about it here. I hope he is OK. Please support this event to help him and other pediatric cancer patients.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Custom Tees from Psycho Baby

Cool kids' clothing site Psycho Baby, in addition to carrying trendy designers like Appaman, Hi Ho Batik, and Knuckleheads, has its own line of winning Personalized Baby and Kids Tees. Psycho Baby's custom shop makes these tees to order- they are 100% cotton, machine washable, and very comfortable (my daughter had one of the non-personalized versions last year). I adore all of the designs, and my four favorite ones are shown above- clockwise from top left, Monster Name Tee ($26-$28, onesie, short sleeve tee, or long sleeve tee); Cupcake Long Sleeve Tee ($28, long sleeve tee); Red Superstar Tee ($28, onesie or long sleeve tee); and pink flame monogram tee ($28, long sleeve tee). Most are available up to size 6. These are so much fun and are perfect for birthday gifts, sibling gifts, or just for everyday. I think it would be hard to pick just one! Visit Psycho Baby's custom shop.


Win it! One reader will win a Personalized Baby or Kids Tee ($28 value) from Psycho Baby's custom shop. Here are the contest rules:

1) Visit Psycho Baby's Custom Shop and tell us what your favorite item is. Leave your comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST, Sunday, February 28th. You may earn 1 extra entry by linking to this giveaway via Twitter and 1 extra entry by linking to this giveaway at your own blog. Please leave one separate comment per extra entry and please provide Twitter name or blog link.
3) Up to 3 entries per person, as described above. US addresses only.
4) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, March 1st.
5) 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 Monday, March 1st to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

GOOD LUCK!!

Play It Fair

I got an e-mail about Play It Fair, a new online shop featuring handmade objects (gifts, housewares, women's and kids' items) by indie designers. Much of it is eco-friendly and/or fair trade. These Handprinted Wall Charts by Blink Designs are available in vintage alphabet, animals or "things" designs and roll down, just like those charts you had in elementary school in the 1970s (well, at least I did). Each one costs $55 at Play It Fair.

Win Customized Stationery at Sarah + Abraham

Sarah + Abraham is a fun personalized stationery site that I have posted about several times before (check them out here and here). Owner Sarah Tams has just launched a blog called oh my! handmade goodness that is pure eye candy. And to celebrate she's collaborating with one of her favorite illustrators, Meg from Olliegraphic, and offering a Olliegraphic and Sarah + Abraham Giveaway which will give over $250 worth of prizes to 5 winners. Four winners will get to choose a customized 8×10 art print, 11×14 poster, 20 calling cards, 20 gift labels and 24 return address labels. And one grand prize winner will get a custom stationery package where Meg designs a likeness of your own child (!) and then prints your choice of 3 of these items: 12 party invitations, 12 party favor stickers, 24 address labels, 12 flat note cards, or 12 folded notecards. How cool of this? Perfect if your child has a birthday coming up.

Click here to enter at the oh my! handmade goodness blog. Good luck!


p.s. Also, if you're in the market for calling cards, gift stickers, or notecards, Sarah + Abraham is offering DOUBLE your order for free if you order by February 28th. No coupon code is needed - bonus items will automatically be shipped with your order. This offer applies to select products ONLY so be sure to check their website for details.

Fresh Brewed Tea

I got a Tea Collection catalog in the mail with their latest spring arrivals to the "City Seoul" Korean-inspired collection, and I am in love. There are fresh patterns and some brand new silhouettes that look great. Shown at top: patchwork Pojagi dress ($59, sizes infant through 8); Shown at bottom: Solid Gypsy Capri Pants ($21, sizes infant through 8). Visit Tea Collection.

Safe & Stylish Snacking

I was browsing what's new at Oompa and saw these snazzy Snack Bags by Itzy Rity. They put the little ziploc bags I use to shame on many levels. The 7" x 7" zippered bags are FDA-approved for food safety- they are made of 100% cotton designer fabric on the outside, and have PVC-free waterproof linings and lead-free zippered tops. It's shown here in Perfect Princess Pink and is also available in Rocket Man Blue or Striped Pink for $9.99 at Oompa.

Baby Got Black

I used to be against the idea of babies wearing black, but after living in New York City for 15 years, I've softened my position. It's fine once in a while, and sometimes (like underneath a Halloween costume) it is essential. At Pokkadots, you can buy a bunch of basics in black. There's everything you might need for layering baby top to bottom, from a basic black bodysuit ($16, up to 24 months) to black pants ($12, up to size 6T) to classic tees ($12, up to 24 months), as well as more trendy stand-alones like a black racerback dress ($13, sizes up to 6T). Everything is versatile and very affordable. Take it from this New York mom- even babies need some basic black in their wardrobes. Visit Pokkadots.

Check Mate

Looking for cool boys' clothes? I think you'll like Bobinette, a trendy line of boys-only clothing designed by a Parisian-born mom. Their Buckaroo Turquoise Gingham shirt is on sale at Lil Swanky, where it's reduced from $54 to $34 (sizes 5 and 6 still available). A fun dress-up shirt for spring and summer. Buy it here.

Bark My Words

Personalized stationery for guys can be tricky to find (unless you go the classic route). I stumbled onto these BARK personalized notes at Etsy and think they'd make a great guys' gift (if you know a guy who writes actual letters). They're printed on 100% recycled brown kraft paper with wood grain imaging and rounded edges. Matching brown envelopes are included. $20 for the set (10 notes with envelopes) at the Etsy storefront of Earmark.

Introducing little bg by Bergdorf Goodman

Luxury NYC department store Bergdorf Goodman has just introduced little bg, its new collection of kiddie clothing, accessories, and gifts. Like most everything else in this vaulted store, the goods in the little bg section are high-end; designers include Gucci, Juicy Couture, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and True Religion. I don't really purchase this kind of stuff for my kids (the clothing tends to be too sophisticated, not to mention too pricey) but if you're in the market for super-luxe kids' clothing or gifts, this is a place you should stop by- either in person or online. Visit little bg.

Shown in photo: Between the Lines Dress by Florence Eiseman, sizes 2T-4T ($92) or 4-6x ($96). Now *this* is a dress I like!

Go Tutu Bed

I like how Garnet Hill describes this brand new Pink Tulle Bedskirt as "tutu for the bed". If you've got a girl who can't get enough of pink and frills, this bedskirt is the way to go. Or if her bedding is a bit drab, use this to instantly dress things up. It's available in twin ($119) or double ($129) sizes at Garnet Hill.

He's Growing Up

Remember the Baby Print Art handprint/footprint art ($79) I posted recently? Here's a photo of how it looks in my son's room (I apologize for the shadows- the print is one uniform background color, not two shades as the photo turned out). His photo growth chart ($29.99)- which I searched for high and low- is from My Bambino.

More from Canada

Here's another great item from Canada (the Olympics have inspired me) which you can buy in the U.S. I bought a pair of Hatley pajamas for my daughter when she was 3 years old, and have been a fan of this Canadian brand ever since. This season, I particularly like these unisex Farmer Jack Pasture Bedtime Kids Pajama Set. Part of the new "Farmer Jack" collection (my son has the PVC-free raingear), this is a snug-fitting set made of 100% cotton. It's available in sizes 2-7 for $27.99 (US dollars) at Hatley.

On Canadian Time

This is a quintessential Etsy find- handmade, eco-friendly, unique, and perfect for gift-giving. It's a Children's Felt Wall Clock made from felt derived from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles (this always amazes me). It's 9.5 inches in diameter and requires just 1 AA battery. The designer can customize the colors as you'd like. It costs $50 at the Etsy site of Ontario-based shop Play to Learn.

Rug Time

I've spotted some cute kids' rugs recently. Too bad my kids' rooms are carpeted!

Hopscotch Rug ($199) by CB2

Constellation Rug ($99-$399) by Pottery Barn Kids


Puzzle Piece Rug ($99-$289) by Company Kids

Sparking Sandals

My daughter went wild for these Twinkle Gladiator Sandals that I bought her from The Children's Place. "They're just like yours!" she gushed. She wears them around our apartment and wants to know when it will be warm enough for her to wear them outside (here in NYC, that seems a long way off). They're available in three colors (aqua, silver, or fuschia) in sizes 11-4 for just $19.50 at The Children's Place.

Spring Dressy at Olive Juice

I got a mailer with a coupon code for spring clothing at Olive Juice. I love their spring/Easter looks for siblings like the blue-tone outfits shown at left: Boys' vest ($46.50), gingham camp shirt ($42.50), pants ($48.50) and T-strap shoes ($78.50); Girls' Millie dress ($54.50), heart anklet socks ($14), and (how cute are these?) Jazmin two-tone Mary Janes ($82.50). Click here for all the Easter looks.

Save $10 on a purchase of $100; $20 on a purchase of $175; and $30 on a purchase of $275 with code "EARLYBIRD" now through February 28th at Olive JuiceKids.

A Little Bird Told Me

I forgot to mention that when I went to the New York International Gift Fair earlier this month, I met the husband/wife duo behind Figs & Ginger. I posted their popular "Nestlings Necklace" a while ago. I happen to own this necklace myself, too, and it gets so many compliments. It is a very different-looking type of "mommy jewelry." My necklace has two birds to represent my daughter and son, but they make versions with lots more (got a whole brood? not to worry). The jewelry is hand-made from eco-friendly sterling silver, and besides the necklaces there are a bunch of other goodies including rings, earrings and brooches. Check it all out at Figs & Ginger.

Note: the prices shown in the photo above were wholesale prices at the Gift Fair. Check the website for retail prices.

Bargain Alert: Nursery Bookholder

This painted wooden Once Upon a Time bookholder is a sweet nursery accessory that lasts for many years. My sister gave one to each of my kids when they were born (the pink and blue versions you'll see here) and we still use them to house a small selection of their favorite books. These bookholders usually cost $89, but the pale green one shown here costs just $24.99 at Target. Bonus- the unisex color means that you keep it for your next child's nursery as well. Or, this makes an amazing- and affordable- baby shower gift if you fill it with some classic board books.

President's Day Deals

You can score some good deals on kids' clothing today with President's Day coupon codes. Below are some discounts that expire at midnight tonight. Follow me on Twitter today for more late-breaking coupons.

little maven by Tori Spelling. 25% off all orders plus free shipping (no minimum) and free gift with code "LOVE". Shown here: Little boys' Medallion Printed Shirt ($44 before the discount, sizes up to 7)


Small Concept. 15% off all new Spring wear with code "LOVE". Shown here: Daily Tea Iris Flutter Banded Dress ($27 before the discount, sizes 3-6mos through 8)

Lands End. 20% off all full-priced merchandise with code "SAVE20" and pin "3059". Shown here: Boys Floral Rashguard Shirt ($25.50, sizes 2T-20) and matching board shorts.

Smug Baby. 10% off sitewide with code "PRES10". Shown here: Luna Luna Copenhagen Lily Dress ($114 before the discount, sizes 2T-5T)

Eggpress Gets Personal

Letterpress cards are already pricey, but personalized letterpress stationery is pretty much in the stratosphere (I know, I've researched it). Too bad. It is so beautiful. One of my favorite letterpress shops, Egg Press, has just introduced personalized letterpress stationery including notecards and calling cards in several different designs and colors (shown here, the Seedling stationery set in Tomato and Gray). Ready for the price? For the smallest order (50 personalized notecards with envelopes, plus 50 calling cards), you'll pay $475- though you should note that for larger orders, the price per set goes down considerably. Of course, you're paying for the labor of letterpress design- and the result is spectacular. If you're one of the lucky ones who can swing this, note that you can get 20% off your order throughout February with code "stationery-now" at checkout. Every little bit counts. Visit Egg Press.

Happy Hearts

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

I'll be posting again tomorrow. Have a great holiday!

Set of 10 Upcycled Heart Crayons ($5.50) by Chase Dreams.

Think Summer

It's hard not to dream of summer when the winter has been cold, cold, cold (well, at least here in New York). I think this Reversible Cotton Quilted Mat from Lillian Vernon looks great to use at the beach or park. It's 100% cotton and machine washable, and rolls and buttons up (shoulder strap included) for easy toting. It is a generous 50" x 70" and is available in four color combos- I like the blue/green best. One for $26.98, or two for $49.96 (a $4 savings) at Lillian Vernon.

Organic Hanna PJs

I'm so glad I just spotted these brand-new Organic Cotton Long Johns in the "Roadster" pattern at Hanna Andersson. I love Hanna pj's for my kids, especially when there are coordinating patterns for opposite-gender siblings (a cupcake pattern is available for girls). Sizes 80 (10-24mos) through 160 (120-teen) for $42 at Hanna Andersson. Don't buy a size up- I can attest these fit true to size!

Like a Kabbalah Bracelet. But Prettier.

I have the most thoughtful friends ever. Really. They have given my kids and me so much support over the past two years, not to mention some really meaningful gifts. Recently, my college friend Jenna sent me this beautiful Blue Lace Agate Lotus Bracelet from Satya Jewelry. Years ago, I probably would have laughed at its description- it helps "realize your highest spiritual potential" thanks to the burnished Lotus flower (a symbol of potential) and blue agate stones (a symbol of awareness). And you know what? It's working. Know someone who'd like it? Order one $38 (or any other of Satya Jewelry's inspirational pieces) at Satya Jewelry.

Join the Club

I got an e-mail from Sensational Beginnings about their new personalized gifts including this chic Personalized Laguna Chair. It's a club-style, wood-framed chair suitable for ages 3-5. The personalized back cushion is removable. Choose from block or script font (there is only one color combo available- navy with white piping). It costs $119.95 at Sensational Beginnings. Makes a great birthday gift from the grandparents.

From Bus to Bed

I got an e-mail from the Etsy shop "My Sweet Prints" asking me to check out the artwork there, and I was immediately hooked on this Bedtime Bus Roll Poster. Inspired by the trend of vintage transportation signage, this 11 1/2 x 15 1 4" poster can be ordered just as you see here, or tweaked with your child's own particular bedtime routine (how about, "Line up stuffed animals just so"?). It's reasonably priced, too; just $18 for an unframed poster. Browse this and other children's wall art at My Sweet Prints.

Through February 15th, 10% of all profits from My Sweet Prints will go to Medecins Sans Frontieres Australia to help their teams care for the sick and injured in Haiti.

Night Owl Paper Goods Sale

Night Owl Paper Goods is having a sale (25%-80% off original prices) on its holiday card and gifts. If you're a stationery-phile, you may recognize their very distinctive wooden postcards which are just as much fun to give as to receive. You can view the entire sale here. These letterpressed "Country Kelly" thank-you cards are on sale for just $4 (originally $14) for a set of 6 cards with coordinating sour-apple colored envelopes. Buy them at Night Owl Paper Goods.

52 Cent Snow Day

The view out our window this morning- it actually wasn't as bad as it looked. I think the predictions of a "blizzard" here in Manhattan were highly exaggerated.


This is what it looks like when city kids try to build a snowman:


And when there are no carrots or buttons handy:


Hope everyone had a warm and cozy snow day!

Snow Day Fun

If you're part of the East Coast snow day, I'm guessing there's a good chance you'll get some Nick Jr. songs stuck in your head at some point today. Here is one that my kids really enjoy- and I think the melody is so pretty. It has a sweet message about the family relationships. It's called "You're the One Who's Made For Me and I was Made for You" and it's sung by the Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players. It's a little trippy (it reminds me of Flight of the Conchords) but it sure does grow on you.


There's another Nick Jr. song/video that I really want to write about for multiple reasons, but I'll put it in a separate post. Stay tuned.

Wordless Wednesday

It's gonna be a long day stuck indoors.

NYIGF Part 7: Jonathan Adler Nifty Gifties

For my last post about the Gift Fair...more Jonathan Adler goodies! Besides the new Jonathan Adler Junior line, Adler is about to launch (this Spring) "Nifty Gifties", a line of stationery products and gifts including notecubes, gift wrap, pencils, party goods, and more. I just adore the candy colors, modern designs, and "gift-worthiness" of every piece in this line. I don't know yet where they'll be sold, but I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, check out my amateur photos below (or view beautiful professional product photos at Lifeguard Press or photographer Edyta Szyszlo's blog).