Happy Halloween Weekend

I'm off for the weekend, since I'll be celebrating my birthday with family and friends. Check out this photo I just unearthed, taken on my 3rd birthday (Halloween 1975). Do you dig my crazy skirt or what? And check out my gorgeous mom. She was just 29 years old!

Happy Halloween to you and your own little goblins. I have some fun news to share next week...see you Monday!

Whoopie Time

My kids have basically taken over my Halloween birthday party (including the guest list), but I insist on supervising the menu, including "whoopie pies." And since I didn't get around to making these confections myself using Crate & Barrel's ingredients, I placed an order from the aptly-named Etsy shop "Yummy". I got a half-order of regular pumpkin whoopie pies plus a half-order of the "whoopie bliss" pies shown above, which are soft chocolate cakes filled with gobs of creamy peanut butter and marshmallow filling. How yummy does that sound? It's too late for Halloween orders, but consider bringing them for Thanksgiving; a dozen Whoopie Pies costs $18 and makes a great gift that will be polished off quickly. In the meantime, I promise that I'll save you some crumbs.

Bargain Alert: Amazon Toy Outlet

I always check in at Amazon's Toy Outlet to stock up on toys as birthday gifts. And with Hanukkah and Christmas just around the corner, now's a good time to bookmark the Toy Outlet homepage for yourself. Here are some popular toys you can snatch right now at big discounts (most are more than 50% off).

K'Nex Kid Sesame Street Cookie Monster and Hooper's Store Building Set (reduced to $14.95 from $32.99)


Girl Tech Stylin Studio (reduced to $21.99 from $59.99)


Toy Story 3 I Dance Buzz Lightyear (reduced to $14 from $32.99)


Fisher-Price TRIO Fire Station (reduced to $15.38 from $24.99)

Wordless Wednesday

Around the neighborhood this week.

I Love Finding Stuff Like This

Oooh, you are going to love what I just found. Absolutely love it.

I checked in at JHill Design, a site I had mentioned a long time ago, and totally fell in love with the new products that I saw.

First, check out these Map Prints. Quirky prints, inspired by vintage flashcards, that provide latitude and longitude, and tell little tidbits about a place's history. They're available in various sizes, framed or unframed, and you can even order them personalized ("A Toast To...") to commemorate a special event like a wedding, honeymoon, or memorable vacation). Prices start at $34. Fantastic wedding gift, housewarming gift, or anniversary gift.



Want something city-specific? The colorful city prints are richly-patterned odes to over 40 specific locales, from Albuquerque to Wellfleet, with plenty of international destinations thrown in. New York? Too boring. These are much cooler (shown below: Portland). Available in 3 sizes, starting at $25. Again, the fun factoids are included.

OK, I saved the best for last. Consider these exquisite customized family tree prints- a collaboration between JHill Design and illustrator Marisa Green of Studio Danae- for a special holiday gift, anniversary gift, wedding gift, or even a new baby gift. Choose from a "fall" or "summer" color palette, and with the boxes either blank ($50) or filled in ($85). Just beautiful, aren't they?

For Messy Eaters

I don't usually review these types of products, but I was curious when a friend of my best friend sent me her new product, a SmartSeat Chair Protector, to try out. Or, more specifically, for my parents to try out, since they have "nice" upholstered dining chairs whereas mine are (already ruined) Pottery Barn chairs. The SmartSeat chair protectors are clever waterproof, stain resistant, and (of course) washable chair covers designed to look neutral and blend in with your decor (no tacky plastic covers here). It's a simple design using adjustable straps which securely fit chairs ranging from 18" to 25" wide, which means pretty much most any dining chair. My mom used it when giving S. mac 'n cheese for lunch at her apartment last week, and said it worked out very nicely, since a fair amount of his lunch ended up falling onto (or wiped onto) the seat of the chair. So it gets a Grandma seal of approval. It's available in two colors right now- sandstone tan or midnight blue- for $19.99 each at SmartSeat Chair Protector. Buy some for home...and some for visit to Grandma's, too.

Freshly Minted

It's late October...time to start talking holiday cards! One of the first sites I always look at is Minted, a company which just launched in 2008 but already has taken the stationery world by storm with its luxe paper and fresh, modern styles by indie designers who compete to have their stationery featured. This holiday season, Minted introduces over 200 new Christmas cards and holiday cards. Here are a few of my favorites (please note that each is available in several colors and the text can be adapted, too):

Note: Each of these cards starts as low as $1.51 per card. But check out the "extras" you might want to add on, like "backers", liners, skinny wrap-around address labels, or "yearline" fold-out designs. They're pretty cool. When you click on the link for each card, you'll see how each option and finished "package" could look.

making spirits bright holiday card by annie clark (San Francisco, California).


gallery peace holiday photo card by sydney newsom (Dothan, Alabama).


float + cheers to you holiday photo cards by floate paperie (Chicago, Illinois).


p.s. While you're at Minted, check out one of their newest products, a line of photo calendars which will launch on November 1st. It seems that almost every stationery company is introducing its own photo calendar- these look like stand-outs, though.

Halloween DYI Fun: Part Two

I told you I did some other (easy) Halloween crafting. I read this idea in a magazine too (Woman's Day? Better Homes & Garden? I can't remember which one...it was one of those magazines I couldn't have pictured myself reading 10 years ago). It's very simple- just painting pumpkins (real or craft) with metallic spray paint. I used this Krylon Brushed Metallic Paint from Michael's and painted some real pumpkins and some craft pumpkins after the kids went to sleep (this aerosol spray paint smells strong...no wonder they keep it locked up at the store, seriously). There's one of each in these daytime/nighttime photos- can you tell which pumpkin is real? By the way, I think metallic is the new black when it comes to Halloween decor...

Trend Watch: Girls' Tutu Skirts

I've noticed more tutus-as-skirts (as opposed to ballet outfits or costumes) in girls' clothing this Fall, both online and in-stores (I saw a particularly cute one at H&M). And why not? Carrie Bradshaw gave tutus street cred, after all. So surely little girls can walk city streets, too, wearing (appropriate) tutus paired with long-sleeve tees, turtlenecks, or cardigans as the weather turns cooler. Here are some fun ones I've spotted online:

Tutu Skirt ($48, sizes 2/3 years-13/14 years; other colors available) by Boden


Navy and White Stripe Top and Pink Tutu Set ($28-$31 for the set, sizes 3-6mos to 5/6 years) by Next


Girls' Tulle Skirt ($32.50, sizes 2-14; other colors available) by CrewCuts


Girls' Tutu Skirt (on sale for $14.62; reduced from $19.50; sizes 4-14, other colors available) at The Children's Place

He's Baaaaack

Note: This is a repost from 2008. Of course, Charlie Brown never goes out of style, and these Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas specials just get better year after year. Our Holiday Collection DVDs have seen lots and lots of use since I first posted this. The price on Amazon.com, by the way, has gone down to about $30.00.

It wouldn't be Halloween (or Thanksgiving, or Christmas) without Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and the gang, would it? I've caught those well-known Peanuts holiday specials on TV almost each of the past 30 years (good grief!) and now, I am indulging in a nostalgia-fest with my five-year-old daughter while we watch them together (her favorite scene: the popcorn Thanksgiving dinner). This brand new Peanuts Holiday Collection-Deluxe Edition DVD boxed set includes three of the most beoved Peanuts holiday TV specials : It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Thanksgving; and A Charlie Brown Christmas. All are digitally re-mastered and include special features like behind-the-scenes peeks, songs, and bonus episodes. It's a treat to watch- like a big ole dose of holiday-inspired TV nostalgia. Plus, I guarantee that you'll appreciate the subtle humor even more now than you did back in the Nixon era. Go ahead and treat yourself (I mean your kids) at Amazon.com (where it's on sale for about $33.99; regular retail price is $44.98).

Highlighting by Lilly

Hands down, these are the prettiest highlighters I've ever seen. They're by Lilly Pulitzer, of course. No doubt they'd make some of my most tedious paperwork much more pleasant. Keep them in mind as a cute stocking stuffer (or teacher gift) this holiday season. A set of 5 costs $10 (not so bad) at See Jane Work.

Janie and Jack Bedding

Janie and Jack has introduced a very small line of crib bedding (one set each of pink, blue and green). I'm a little confused why they did this since the crib bedding market is already saturated, and these designs don't particularly stand out to me (they're kind of Shabby Chic-esque). Plus, they're pricey- $328 for a four-piece crib set. I'm curious how long this will last. Remember when Gap introduced Baby Gap Home including crib bedding? It's still around, but I don't know how well it sells. We'll see what happens to Janie and Jack's new line, too.

TJ Maxx Joins My Neighborhood

Good news for bargain-hunters on Manhattan's Upper East Side (yes, we do exist). TJ Maxx is opening tomorrow, October 24th, at last in the former Conran Shop space underneath the 59th Street Bridge, just off 1st Avenue. This is the fourth Manhattan location for T.J. Maxx, and paired with the Bed Bath and Beyond store just up the block, it makes for some pretty good shopping on that stretch of First Avenue.

Photo courtesy of Racked.com.

UPS Guy Toddler Costume

I think I showed you this Halloween costume last year, too, but it's so cute it bears re-posting. It's a UPS Guy Toddler Costume and if you're a regular reader of this blog, I am guessing it is an apt costume for your household. It's on sale, too (reduced to $24.99 from $36.99) in sizes 3/4 or 4-6 at Costume Express. But order fast...Halloween is only 10 days away.

Need more last-minute costume ideas? Check out my costume picks for babies or for bigger kids.

Congratulations to Chase's Treasures

Congratulations to our sponsor Chase's Treasures, which was just selected by WhatToExpect.com (yes, the authors of that book) as one of their newest partners. WhatToExpect.com gave Chase's Treasures six brand new copies of their best-selling book to give away; it is just about the perfect gift (or must-have reading for yourself) for any expectant mom. You can enter to win by commenting at the Chase's Treasures blog and by signing up as a Chase's Treasures fan on Facebook. And while you're over at Chase's Treasures, check out some of their newest products:

Twin "Peas in a Pod" Organic Gift Set ($39.95)

Bird Trio Mobile ($68)


Personalized Scallop Circle shirt ($28)


Follow Chase's Treasures on Facebook and Chase's Treasures to get the latest coupon codes.

Bargain Alert: 40% off at Kinderbliss

I stumbled onto this great site Kinderbliss and was excited to see their current deal for 40% off site-wide (see coupon code below). So you'll score huge discounts on trendy maternity wear, accessories, and kids' clothing like these pieces:

Ruffle Dress with Piping Flower by Halabaloo ($60 before the discount; sizes 2T-6X)


I am the Future Tee by Tiny Revolutionary ($26 before the discount; sizes 6-9mos through 4T)

Silver Diaper Bag by Baby Kaed ($358 before the discount)



Enjoy 40% off site-wide at Kinderbliss with code "FALL40". I don't know when this one expires, so act fast.

Bargain Alert: GigglyGear Photo Tote

I'm a big fan of canvas photo totes (like one from Red Envelope that I've had for years but costs about $50). So I was intrigued by the similar bags by Gigglygear (a brand I hadn't heard of) that I spotted on sale at Zulily. These colorful, durable canvas bags have leather details and protective metal feet, plus three photo windows to highlight your cuties. The khaki color (my favorite) is sold out already, but I think this fuschia one is pretty, too, especially to save for Spring (makes a great Mother's Day gift for yourself or for Grandma). Normally they cost $49, but Zulily's got them for just $16.99. Check out this sale at Zulily.

Holiday Sponsor: Cattiwampus

Although Halloween hasn't passed yet, the aisles of the stores are filled with holiday decorations, and that means one thing...holiday shopping! This is actually not a bad reminder for me, since we celebrate Hanukkah which falls very early this year- the week after Thanksgiving. So I know that at least some of you have to shop early this year. Which brings me to our first holiday sponsor, Cattiwampus, a site I stumbled onto myself early on when writing this blog (it launched in 2007, same as MyMomShops). Cattiwampus, which means "askew, awry, off-kilter, topsy-turvy" , is a carefully curated selection of favorite family toys, accessories, and clothing, the majority of which is creative, imaginative, and eco-friendly. Here are my top picks for holiday gifts from their current offerings:

"Stitch-It" Flowery Handbag Kit ($20). We've had great success with "The Little Experience" kits in our household, and this one looks so pretty and fun for girls.


Calafant Dragonrock Castle Kit ($18) Another easy do-it-yourself project for those long winter days, this kit is made from recycled cardboard and includes 12 non-toxic markers (washable, of course). Add your own soldiers.

Vehicles Stamp Set ($10). My four-year-old is stamp crazy right now; he'd love this vehicle stamp set which comes with 10 stampers and a handy pad. Great stocking stuffer.


Farm Soft Blocks ($26). Got a baby on your gift list? You can't go wrong with these six cuddly textured cubes, safe even for newborns.




Enjoy a generous 20% discount on your order at Cattiwampus with code "MOM20".

Please note this is a sponsored post. All views expressed here are exclusively those of MyMomShops.

Waiting for Superman

I don't get to the movies as often as I'd like to, plus I am a major documentary-phile (yes, I am a geek). So I jumped at the chance when Ellen Seidman- a wonderful new friend I met at BlogHer last summer and the author of the blog Love That Max- invited me to go see "Waiting for Superman" with her. In case you haven't already heard of it, Waiting for Superman is an extraordinary documentary by Davis Guggenheim (Academy Award-winning director of An Inconvenient Truth) that explores the current state of public education in the U.S. through the very personal, moving stories of five unforgettable children across the country. What you see is that these eager children (and their hardworking parents) are being failed by a system that includes tenured teachers who can't be fired no matter how atrocious their conduct, "dropout factory" schools where hardly anyone graduates, and schools so overcrowded that children cry when they do not win lotteries to attend. As a New York City mom, I thought I knew all of the cliches already about how bad public school systems could be...the overcrowding (there is a waitlist for our zoned public school), the rundown buildings, and the budget cuts. But I didn't realize just how bad it really was, or the various forces that fight each other and keep the system from getting fixed. If you have any interest in public education at all (and as a parent reading this blog, I assume that is, well, pretty much all of you), I urge you to watch this stirring film and then to take action to help these kids. Also, please read Ellen's excellent post about the documentary as well.


K12.com- a leader in nationwide online education for grades K-12- provided Ellen and me tickets to see Waiting for Superman free of charge. Learn more about K12.com by visiting its Facebook, Twitter, or blog pages.

Wordless Wednesday

Halloween at Dylan's Candy Bar, 2010.