Personalized Pencil Pouch

I know it's a little late for back-to-school, but I love this "Elephant Pouch" Pencil Case I found at Etsy (it is also described as a possible EpiPen carrier, which I guess is a sign of the times). For just $10 this makes a very sweet handmade gift for a young (or even not-so-young) student. The entire A.E. Wilder Etsy shop is full of delightful hand-embroidered items, so check it out.

Halloween Costume Picks for Babies

In my opinion, there is nothing cuter than baby Halloween costumes, particularly those darling buntings. My own kids were about 2 months old for their first Halloweens and I dressed them to the max. Take a look:

R. as peapod, 10 weeks old, Halloween 2003.


S. as Superman, 12 weeks old, Halloween 2006.


Sadly, they have long outgrown these cutie patootie styles (this year's choices? Sleeping Beauty and Yo Gabba Gabba's Plex). But here are my top picks for this year's crop of infant-sized Halloween threads:

Stinger Bee Infant/Toddler Costume ($34.99, 6-12mos-2T) at Costume Express


Sock Monkey Set ($88, 12-24mos to size 4) at Chasing Fireflies


Baby Bat ($38, one size fits 0-6mos) at Chasing Fireflies


Crayola Cuties Costumes ($29.98; size 18m-4T) at Lillian Vernon


Tootsie Roll Baby Bunting Infant Costume (one size, $21.24) at Meijer

Banana Infant Bunting ($15, 0-6mos) at Target

MyMomShops Giveaway: Brag About It

One of my best friends just celebrated her 40th birthday and I wanted to send her something special but within my budget. It also needed to ship to Canada, so I used the "shop local" feature on Etsy to find a shop in the Toronto area. I stumbled onto Brag About It, a storefront featuring sweet hand-stamped jewelry, and chose this 2-Disc Hand-Stamped and Bubbled-Up Sterling Silver Custom Name Necklace ($30). My friend has 2 beautiful boys and though the necklace arrived a tad late for her own birthday (mea culpa) it happened to be delivered on her younger son's 1st birthday. She said she's getting many compliments, and that it arrived beautifully wrapped, too. The necklace can be made wtih a 16" or 18" chain and each 5/8" disc is personalized with funky lower-case typewriter font. You can also choose Swarovski crystals or pearls for added bling. At $30, it's a very affordable piece of jewelry to buy a friend (or yourself). Visit Brag About It.

Win it! After I placed my order at Brag About It, the shop generously offered to give one of my readers the same necklace ($30 value) with 2 personalized discs and Swarovski crystals or pearls. This contest is open to BOTH U.S. and Canadian readers. Here are the contest rules:

1) Visit Brag About It and tell us what your favorite item is (it does not have to be the giveaway item). Leave your comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST on Sunday, October 3rd.
3) You may leave up to 3 separate entries- 1 entry with a comment as described in #1, 1 entry with a link to where you have blogged about this giveaway, 1 entry with your Twitter name if you have tweeted about this giveaway.
4) One winner will be chosen at random (using Random.org) and announced on Monday morning, October 4th.
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 morning, October 4th. If the prize is NOT claimed within 48 hours, the next random winner (using Random.org) will be contacted.

GOOD LUCK!

Bargain Alert: 20% Additional Discount at The Mini Social

I have a fantastic Friends & Family discount code to pass along to you for The Mini Social, the members-only flash sale site of designer children's clothing and gear. I assume most of you are members at this point, but if you're not, you can join through this link and scoop up extra discounts on already-reduced items like this week's colorful Scandanivan bodysuits and tops by Ittikid (shown above), sensory-friendly Soft Clothing, and organic layette by Under the Nile. See below for the coupon code and feel free to share with friends.

Enjoy an additional 20% off already-reduced prices at The Mini Social with Friends & Family code "FF20" now through Sunday, October 3rd.

Wordless Wednesday

Where am I?

Seventh Birthday Gifts

R., who sometimes reads this blog over my shoulder, has been asking me every day when I am going to write a post about her birthday gifts, since I wrote about some of S's favorite 4th birthday gifts. So, even though it's over a month late, here are some of the presents that made her smile most as she turned 7.

Pink Pig Pillow Pet ($19.99). Apparently thousands of other 7-year-olds needed to have this immediately after seeing the TV commercial; they are sold out. Try Ebay instead. (Thanks, Aunt E.).


Shrinky Dinks Friends, Fashion & Fun ($12.10 at Amazon.com). This is one of those retro toys that you love to introduce to your kids because secretly you can't wait to play with it yourself. R. and I had so much fun coloring these together and then watching them curl up and "cook" in the oven. A great gift for the 7 and up crowd. (Thanks, Chavie!)

Alex Toys Slip 'Em On Decorate-Your-Own Sneakers ($16.99). R. must have 5 pairs of slippers at this point, but these are now her favorite. (Thanks, Mia!)


Spunky The Extra Large Pink Puppy Dog by Gund ($52.99 at ToyShelf.com). No matter how old my baby girl gets, she loves her stuffed animals, which I think is very sweet. She begged for this one last year during a visit to FAO Schwarz with Grandma and Grandpa, and they gave it to her for her birthday (Thanks, G & G!)


Who else has a child who turned 7 recently? What were his/her favorite gifts?

Another Winter for One Kid

Speaking of kids' outerwear (oh boy did that new raingear get good use during yesterday's deluge), I also swear by winter coats by One Kid, a brand I first discovered in 2007. For this winter, I bought S. this One Kid Ink Plaid Reversible Down Coat, which you can buy online for $99.95 in sizes 2T-6X at Tutti Bella. I usually buy one size up so that the coat will last two winters. The coats wash well, and since they are reversible you can avoid having either side get too dirty. They are super warm, too. A matching girls' coat in scarlet red is available, too. Check out the other One Kid offerings at Tutti Bella.

Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids

I've been meaning to write since August about Toys "R" Us's new 2010 edition of its Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, a user-friendly booklet that helps parents of children with special needs select toys that develop skills through different types of play. This year, actress and philanthropist (and parent of a child with autism) Holly Robinson Peete appears on the cover of the guide along with Tommy Austing, a 6-year-old boy from Los Angeles, CA. The guide is the largest edition ever (60 pages) and is available in both Spanish and English. It provides specific toy recommendations based on research that Toys "R" Us conducts in association with the National Lekotek Center to find out which toys provide the best play value during therapeutic play sessions for children with special needs. As a result, the guide can tell you, for example, that fine motor skills are honed through play with theMelissa & Doug Magnetic Number Maze ($16.99), or that tactile/sensory issues are addressed with Crayola Presto Dots ($9.99). These are just a sampling of some ideas that will be invaluable for teachers, parents, relatives, and friends of children with special needs. As a parent of children with special needs, I applaud Toys "R" Us for this effort. The guide is available in-store, and if you are shopping online you can access it through a dedicated website here, where you can also search by skill, price and age range.

Bargain Alert: Halloween Notecards

Halloween notecards are one of my favorite (calorie-free) seasonal treats. I stumbled onto the Etsy shop Two Poodle Press which has some cool, vintage-y Halloween notecards at very low prices. I ordered the Vintage-Inspired Pumpkin Trick or Treat Halloween Greeting Cards- Charley (10 cards for $7.65) shown above for myself to use as birthday thank you notes. I asked Two Poodle Press to change the text from "trick or treat!" to "halloween, baby!" and they turned out adorable. These will actually make me look forward to writing thank-you notes. I also really like the Vintage-Inspired Pumpkin Trick-Or-Treat Halloween Greeting Cards (10 cards for just $6). If you love both Halloween and stationery as much as I do, how you can resist stationery this sweet at this cost? Browse some more at Two Poodle Press.

Bargain Alert: Woman's Day Magazine

I got this deal from one of my favorite Twitter feeds, Moms Who Save. It's a $4.39 one-year subscription to Woman's Day Magazine. I've sung the praises of this magazine before; while it's a publication I probably would have scoffed at 10 years ago (my tastes ran more Cosmo than Woman's Day at that time), I now enjoy reading it for helpful tips on parenting, working, decorating and more. The current issue (shown at right) has some terrific, easy Halloween decor ideas (way easier than Martha Stewart). Woman's Day is a bit like Real Simple but without the perfectionism (I cancelled my subscription to Real Simple when I felt too stressed that I did not have the 10 "must have" wardrobe staples they listed each year). I highly recommend Woman's Day and this is a great opportunity to buy a subscription for mere dollars (bonus- it is published 15, not 12, times a year). Visit this link to purchase a subscription, but hurry. The offer expires at midnight tonight.

Konichiwa, Cute Clothing

I haven't had a chance to check it out in person yet, but a Japanese children's clothing import called Bit'z Kids landed in New York City's Upper West Side during this past year. The brand is all over Japan with 130 stores nationwide, plus more in China, selling comfortable, cute playclothes for boys and girls ages newborn through 8. I actually like the newborn (up to size 24 months) clothing best, which is good news for my wallet (though the prices aren't bad at all). These Bottom Detailed Baby Pants ($25) are a winner. If you're in NYC to visit the Natural History Museum, you may want to pop in- the store is located nearby at 410 Columbus Avenue. Or shop online at Bit'z Kids.

Serena & Lily Goes Puffy

Please don't think that I am in any way, shape, or form recommending that you spend $118 on a child's backpack (I'm not), but speaking of the puffy coat trend, check out these cool new puffer backpacks by Serena & Lily. Serena & Lily, a company you may know better for exquisite crib bedding, has branched out into other areas of home decor and now, some very cool gift items including these mod backpacks. They're dreamy to look at in their rainbow of colors; check them out here.

Bargain Alert: Designer Watches at Totsy

Alert the media. I just bought myself my first new watch in ten years. And I got it for free (sort of). I bought it at a flash sale at Totsy, where I had earned enough referral credits to purchase this Invicta Wildflower Cystal Accent Two-Tone Watch (on sale at Totsy for $59, retails for $495) for absolutely nothing (well, just $7.95 shipping). How 'bout that? I can't do the math quickly, but that is, um, a huge discount. See, it pays to be an expert online shopper. I have very classic, simple taste when it comes to watches (most jewelry, in fact) so I am excited for my new watch- made of stainless steel with 18k gold-plated accents and white Austrian crystals- to arrive. The designer watch event actually ends today at Totsy so hurry over for more huge deals; if you aren't able to access Totsy through any of these links you probaby aren't a member yet; use this link for an instant invitation code to join and start shopping right away.

Trend Watch: Skeleton PJs

I really liked these Sleepy Skeleton Glow-in-the-Dark PJs in the Chasing Fireflies catalog, but at $38 per pair, the price was a little steep for me (and now they're not shipping till 10/13 anyway). Luckily, I snagged Gymboree's knock-off pairs (currently on sale for $10) a few weeks ago, before they sold out of most sizes big-kid sizes. R. and S. love their new glow-in-the-dark pink and black skeleton PJs and enjoy "Halloween dance parties" in their darkened rooms with "Monster Mash" playing in the background. I wonder if they will tire of this by Halloween? Anyway, if Gymboree doesn't have your kids' sizes, and you don't want to pay Chasing Fireflies prices (or wait till mid-October), try Ebay. Just type "skeleton pajamas" into the searchbox and you'll find plenty of the Gymboree pajamas in lots of sizes (such as NWT Boys' size 5 and NWT Girls' size 8), available right away.

Presenting Tallulah

I make no guarantees about the quality of Tori Spelling's new children's book Presenting . . . Tallulah, because I haven't seen it yet. But, yes, I will be buying it (did you really think I wouldn't)? After all, Tori herself just sent me a handwritten note- yippee!!! More on that another time. For now, I can tell you that the just-released book- which is about a little girl who discovers what she is good at after being told all the things she is NOT supposed to do- can be purchased for just $9.93 at our affiliate Amazon.com. I eagerly await my own copy and will tell you what I think of it.

Bargain Alert: 35% off at Shoestring Home

Home decor site Shoestring Home is, sadly, going out of business and is offering 35% off all remaining inventory. I've always admired these hand-silkscreened Modern Twist Placemats ($18 apiece before the discount). Also check out the cotton knit dolls by Blabla ($34 before the discount) and other treasures still remaining at Shoestring Home.

Enter promo code SAVE35 at checkout at Shoestring Home for a limited time only to receive a 35% discount on remaining inventory.

Lucky Little Monsters

It's true that Halloween has become more commercialized, and so, too, have Halloween birthdays (lucky me!). Have you noticed that there are plenty of Halloween birthday cards (you don't see 4th of July birthday cards, do you)? And I'm starting to notice more Halloween birthday invites, too. I wish they'd had these when I was younger, like this brand new offering by Inkspot Workshop, a Monster Mash Halloween Birthday Party Set. For a starting price of $23.50 for a set of 12, you get a custom printed, googly-eyed monster flat invite (including proof) with coordinating candy-and-popcorn-patterned, hand-lined purple envelopes. The matching thank-you notes (12 for $18.50) are adorable, too, and you can even purchase matching Monster Cookies ($40 per dozen) from a partnering Etsy shop to complete your theme. It's a bit Yo Gabba Gabba meets Monster Mash. Which would be perfect for my family. Visit Inkspot Workshop to browse the new Halloween collection.

Rainy Days Get Less Gloomy

Here in New York City where you walk your kids to school, there's nothing trickier than navigating a morning downpour while your four-year-old fiddles with a broken umbrella and complains that his/her boots are leaking. I've had a lot of success in the raingear department, though, with our affiliate Hatley, where I've bought my kids raincoats, boots, and umbrellas for the past two years. What first attracted me to Hatley was that their kids' raincoats are all PVC-free (while I like the cute Kidorable froggy designs and such, I don't know why they refuse to switch over to PVC-free). And I happen to like Hatley designs better for slightly older kids. Since S. outgrew last year's coat and boots, I just bought him one of Hatley's brand new designs for boys, this Rescue Animals Boys' Raincoat ($48.99, size 3T-7) along with coordinating Rescue Animals Kids' Rain Boots ($34.99, up to size 12) and Rescue Animals Kids' Umbrella ($19.99). Yes, it's a bit more than I usually spend, but it's well worth it. This is high-quality apparel; the rain jackets are lined and machine washable, the boots don't leak, and the umbrellas don't break like the latest Disney one (though, of course, you'll feel compelled to buy a new one if you change designs). Browse around the new fall designs at Hatley, and order fast if you see something you like- the popular sizes sell out quickly (also, a buying tip- if in doubt about boot sizes, go down a size; they tend to run big). It's a beautiful 80 degree here in NY today, but before you know it, the chilly fall days (and rain) will be upon us!

Psst! I have two ways for you to save money on your Hatley order. First, ALL orders of $50 or more automatically get free shipping (no code needed). Second, use code "RMN20" to get $20 taken off your order of $85 or more now through September 30th (thanks to RetailMeNot.com for this one).

Best Boy Wall Art

This personalized tricycle wall art by Hip Kid Art has been one of my favorite decor items for boys ever since I posted it at this blog over 3 years ago. So I was excited to spot it on sale at Zulily (a site I check every morning) in 2 sizes- 24 x 18 (on sale for $89.99; originally $125) or 12 x 12 (on sale for $49.99; originally $75). Each giclee-printed heavyweight canvas is gallery wrapped around a wooden frame, and ready to hang on the wall. And the light blue/navy/red color combo is one of my absolute favorites for little boys. Can't go wrong with these either for yourself or as an extra-special baby gift or birthday gift.

Having trouble clicking on the Zulily links because you're not a member yet? Click here for an invitation to join. It's an awesome site and I am somewhat obsessed with it, to say the least.

Wordless Wednesday

My kids love this. Park Avenue, Sept. 2010.

Introducing the Leapster Explorer

I was lucky to receive a sample Leapster Explorer Learning Game System recently for my young "product testers" to review. Since 7-year-old R. recently got a DS for her birthday (another story for another time), 4-year-old S. got to try out the new Leapster Explorer, which is designed for children ages 4-9. I wasn't sure how he'd take to it. These products promise the moon...the company calls the new Explorer an "extraordinary new learning experience that encourages children to discover something new every day with endless ways to play and learn." Supposedly there are 40+ games and activities including a camera/video recorder (we haven't quite figured that one out yet). We *have* figured out some of the basic included games (of course, the extra games you have to purchase cost a fortune and I am terrible at figuring out how to download the online games). And the thing seems to eat up batteries fairly quickly. Those are the downsides. The upside? My kid loves it. He is happy and triumphant when he succesfully completes a game ("I winned!!!"). While I wouldn't go so far as to call it an "extraordinary new learning experience," I do think he is actually is getting something out of the phonics and numbers games. And, he has something to play while his sister plugs away at her new DS. So if you are already desensitized to the concept (and high cost) of these handheld video games, then go ahead and check out the new Leapster Explorer ($64.99 at Amazon). Just buy some spare batteries while you're at it, and a few extra games. Have fun!

I received a product sample for this review, but the views expressed are entirely my own (and my children's!)

Shiny and Puffy: The New Black

When I posted about the Appaman Puffy Jacket from Arte Bebe, I mentioned how popular shiny/puffy coats are this season for kids (actually, for moms, too). Here are some other puffy options for your kids at various price points. What do you think of this look? Would you buy any of these (what about the first one with that price tag?!)

Moncler Boys' Shiny Hooded Puff Coat ($525, sizes 12-14) at Bloomingdales

Shiny Puffer Snowsuit (on sale for limited time for $68; normally $88; sizes 50-90) by Hanna Andersson


Girls' Cinched Waist Hooded Coat ($79, XS to XL) at CompanyKids


Boys' Puffer jacket ($39.50, 6-9mos to 4T) at The Children's Place

Lands End Friends & Family Discount

Still need some back-to-school clothes? Starting to stock up on winter gear for yourself or the kids? I just got a terrific Friends & Family coupon code from Lands End today. They actually left it on my answering machine- how quaint is that? Love their customer service.

Use code "SAVE" and Pin "7128" for 25% off (plus free shipping) on all regularly-priced merchandise now through September 27th at Lands End. Feel free to pass along to others, and enjoy!

Automoblox Cars on Sale

I've mentioned before how much S. loves his Automoblox cars, so I wanted to tell you that you can save some money on soon-to-be-retired Automoblox vehicles at GummyLump.com. For example, the Purple X9 Wooden SUV has been reduced to $29.97 from $37.95. Shipping at Gummy Lump is always free for orders over $75 so shop around for other wooden toys including Melissa & Doug, KidKraft, and Uncle Goose Wooden Blocks. Gummy Lump also earns kudos for paying extra attention to children with special needs and their parents, both on its site and on Twitter. Thanks, Gummy Lump!

Top photo: Automoblox cars (and what S. calls their "little guys") occupied us on rainy days during this year's beach vacation.

Bargain Alert: Amazon Mom

I've sung the praises of my Amazon Prime membership here many times before (a $79 yearly membership gives you unlimited free 2-day shipping on thousands of items), but I think the new Amazon Mom membership program may be an even better deal, particularly if your kids are still in diapers. Basically, Amazon Mom is a free 3-month trial of Amazon Prime (well-timed for holiday shopping), aimed at families with babies and toddlers (you don't actually have to be a mom to join). If you join the program (remember, it's free), you'll get free two-day shipping and up to 30% off diapers and wipes, which if I remember correctly are the most frequent and costly purchase during those first few years. So that will add up to lots of savings over three months. And if free two-day shipping isn't fast enough for you, you can upgrade to one-day shipping for $3.99 a purchase. Amazon Mom members will also get exclusive discounts tailored to their family if they choose to provide their child's name, gender and birthday, though this is entirely optional. And what happens when those 3 free months are up? Well, for each $25 you've spent within a single order from Amazon's Baby Store, you'll get an additional month Amazon Prime shipping benefits for up to one year. It's as pretty good deal. Interested? Sign up for a free Amazon Mom membership here; you can cancel or opt-out at any time. If you sign up, let me know how it goes.

Bubbles, Blankets and Bibs

Swaddle Designs has expanded its baby apparel and accessory collection with more items to coordinate with its ultra-popular blankets (when I had my 2nd baby, in 2006, Swaddle Designs was pretty much only known for blankets). Now you can get coordinating bodysuits, knotted hats, sleepsacks, bibs, and even crib sheets in the signature circles, paisleys and polka dot pastel prints. My favorite is the light blue mod circle sleepsack ($36). A cozy and practical gift for a fall/winter baby boy. Browse all the new items at Swaddle Designs.

I Love My Mums

If you're new to reading this blog, you may not know that I am also a "semi-amateur" photographer. I sell some of my original work at my Etsy shop Brown Eye Blue. This weekend, I got an e-mail notification that one of my photo notecards, "Orange Mums" ($3.95, free shipping) has been featured at an Etsy "Treasury" called Autumn Flowers. I've had several photos selected for Treasuries before and it is always very flattering. My latest shop news: I've just posted a bunch of new autumn photo cards including everyone's favorite mini pumpkins card. I've priced them reasonably ($3.95 plus free shipping) and you can also buy any 3 cards in the shop for just $10.50. So if you love fall foliage, pumpkins, and autumn colors as much as I do, please check them out. Thanks!

p.s. I can also create this (or any other photo in my shop) as a frameable 4 x 6, 5 x 7, or 8 x 10 print...just e-mail me.

Piggy Paint

My 7-year-old daughter loves painting her nails but I'm not thrilled about the chemicals that exist in many brands of nail polish. So I made a mental note when I read about all natural Piggy Paint in Earnshaw's trade magazine a few months ago, and I was happy to spot it in a neighborhood store recently. Billing itself a "natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed for fancy girls", it has a non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula that will let moms rest a little easier when their girls (or boys) make a mess painting their nails (and then bite on those nails). There is also low odor Piggy Paint nail polish remover, and an assortment of gift sets for holidays, birthdays and other occasions (slumber parties, anyone?) If you've got a 'tween (or a precocious preschooler) in your house, check out Piggy Paint.

Models on Paper

Despite living in NYC for 16 years now, the closest I've ever been to Fashion Week is reading about it in the newspaper (and now blogs). And I just spotted these timely new Runway Model Note Cards by one of favorite illustrators, R-Nichols. If you've got a friend who rivals Carrie Bradshaw in passion for fashion (and is a paperphile, too), this is the perfect gift for her. A box of 10 flat notecards with envelopes costs $20, but I suggest you spend an extra $2 and buy them personalized for $22. Check out this and other new arrivals at R-Nichols.

Mama, It's Cold Outside

It's starting to get a little chilly, and if past winters are any indication, by Thanksgiving my children will be fully outfitted in new winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, while I will be shivering in an old jacket and mismatched mittens from the drugstore. But I've taken a step towards taking care of myself, too, by purchasing some winter accessories from Zulily today, where there's a super sale of women's winter gear by San Diego Hat Company (I hadn't heard of them either). These cute knit beanies, berets, and scarves add a punch of color to your winter wardrobe, and ensure that your kids aren't the only ones staying warm in style. Shown above: the Multi-color red pom-pom beanie ($9.99; retails for $25). I'm pairing it with the Berry Knit Scarf ($11.99; retails for $30). Maybe for once, my daughter will wish something of mine comes in her size. Check out the San Diego Hat Company sale for moms at Zulily.

Haven't joined members-only Zulily yet? Don't worry- you can click on this link for an invitation and start scooping up their killer sales right away. Plus, you'll get a $10 credit for each friend you refer who makes a purchase. Win-win for everyone!

How To Have Your Second Child First

I haven't seen this book in person but, my gosh, it sounds like a great idea. "How to Have Your Second Child First" is destined to be a hit at baby showers everywhere, instructing moms-to-be on how they can relax about fraught topics from birthplans to breastfeeding. As my best friend told me when I had my first baby (she already had two), "When your 1st child picks up a knife, you gasp and grab it from her hand. When your 2nd child picks up a knife, you ask, 'How sharp is it?'" I assume you will read similar wisdom and experience in this book, too (for example, as shown above, no, you do NOT need to wash the baby's clothing separately. Throw all the family's laundry in the same wash. Really, it's OK). Buy the book for a worried mom-to-be for $18.95 from Spoon Sisters.