Travel Like a Duchess

In case you hadn't heard, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka William and Kate) arrived in Canada today for their first official overseas trip. Naturally, the media is abuzz about Kate's clothing, and even her luggage which was spotted on the tarmac. Turns out that Kate has "normal" taste meaning that while she doesn't exactly shop at Target, she totes her necessities in some reasonably-priced bags. The polka-dotted Spot Day Bag is from the Classic Bag Collection of our affiliate Cath Kidston, and costs the non-princely sum of $75. Expect it to sell out soon, of course. The other bag appears to be Longchamps's classic Le Pliage Large Totebag in deep red, and is pricier at $145. The next question...I wonder what's inside those bags? Do you think she travels with In Style and People magazine like the rest of us???

Bargain Alert: Monogrammed Baby Shortalls by Mudpie

Need a baby gift for a newborn boy this summer? Scoop up one of these too-cute-for-words Blue Gingham Monogrammed Shortalls by Mudpie at Zulily now through July 3rd. I am a big fan of shortalls on baby boys (they can only carry these off when they are very young...by age 2 they start to look like Little Lord Fauntleroy). These are available in most letters of the alphabet in size 0-6mos only, for just $11.99 (regularly $27). Check out the cute contrasing green gingham buttons, too. Adorable. Buy them at Zulily.

Go the F*** To Sleep: Not So Funny

I'm sure by now you've all heard about the book "Go the F*** to Sleep." I can't count the number of times people posted this on my Facebook wall telling me how "hilarious" this was and how I "must" watch the video of it.

I never found it very funny. I found it offensive.

I know, I know. It's meant to be a joke. I get that. But, in addition to not liking the language it uses (I don't believe in having any book with F*** in its title in my home, whether it's intended for children or adults), I found the premise offensive.

As a single mom of children with special needs, both of whom have struggled with sleep issues for a long time, believe me, there have been many times I would have let these same words slip from my mouth. But I haven't. Because for a sizable number of real-life children (like mine), sleep problems require parents' understanding and compassion, not expletives. I know the book is intended to empathize with (and entertain) those parents who are just at the end of their ropes. Believe me, I've been there. Many a night I have been trying to get both of my kids to go to bed (or to stay in bed at 5 in the morning). And it would be easy for me to yell and curse (or to write a snarky book like this one). But I haven't. Because that's not what my kids need. They need my love and empathy (along with sleep training....something I know quite a bit about now).

So while I know many parents have guffawed reading this book, and shared it enthusiastically with their Facebook friends, some of us won't be laughing. Personally, I'll be grabbing a 15-minute power nap instead. ;-)

p.s. One more thing. I don't espouse cursing at your kids, no matter how infuriating their behavior (sleep-related or not) may be. This is something else I have a lot of experience with. Trust me. And I fear this book, even subtly, condones thinly veiled verbal abuse. I'm not the only one, apparently. Read this article on CNN.com. What do you think?

MyMomShops Sponsor: Cattiwampus

Our latest sponsor happens to be one of my own favorite sites, Cattiwampus. This online boutique launched in 2007 (same year as this blog) and features carefully selected kids' toys, clothing, and accessories--all with an eye towards eco-friendly and creative products. I always discover some new brands here, too. Like me, the shop owners are budget-minded so you won't find outrageously priced products here. Which means it is a site to visit if you are looking for a top-notch but affordable baby gift, birthday gifts, or just a treat for your kids. Be sure to grab our exclusive coupon code at the end of the post, too! Here are my top picks from Cattiwampus right now.

Zoom to the Moon ($27). I've got my eye on this set for S., who is into all things outer space right now. It's a portable spaceship set which contains 7 hand-painted rubberwood figures along with a zippered tote so you don't lose any little astronauts. Great birthday gift.



Butterfly Garden Batik Dress (on sale for $24, regularly $36; sizes 2T, 6 and 8 remaining). This dress is by Melting Pot, a Brooklyn, NY brand I discovered via Cattiwampus. The site carries several Melting Pot dresses which are adorable and affordable. Check out other good deals on eco-friendly girls' dresses at Cattiwampus, too.



Hand Knit Guitar Rattles ($16 each). These irresistible baby rattles are made by Zubels (another brand that's new to me). Each one is made of 100% hand-knitted cotton and only eco-friendly dyes are used for coloring. They measure 6" and are available in your choice of blue or pink. Love 'em!



Book In a Box Kit ($25). My kids got to try out this kit and they loved it. It's great for siblings because there are enough materials to make a total of four accordian style books within little boxes (everything is supplied from the paper to the markers to the glue). This kit has won Creative Child Magazine Toy of the Year and it definitely gets a thumbs-up from me, too. Bonus: it's a nice quiet activity!


Enjoy a generous 25% off any purchase at Cattiwampus with code SHOP25 for a limited time only.

Please note this is a sponsored post, and I received one product sample to review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Wordless Wednesday

R. and I took several evening beach walks on our trip last week. Here she is taking my picture after she encouraged me to climb up to the top of the lifeguard chair (something I hadn't done in years).

Sensory Friendly Summer Clothing

S. got upset the other day that the "lines" (seams) on his socks were bothering him, so I took a look at Soft Clothing, a company which I've mentioned for its stylish, comfortable clothing for sensory-sensitive kids. They happen to make great seamless socks which should do the trick. While I was there I spotted these awesome new tie-dyed "Fade & Wash" wave tees. Combining tie-dye and stonewash dyeing techniques, each tee is manufactured with Soft Clothing's trademark flat seaming, wide fit collar, and printed label and care information (no tags!). And the price is gentle, too...just $17. Find these and other garments for kids with clothing sensitivities at Soft Clothing.

Psst! If you're looking for other clothing recommendations for sensory-sensitive kids, read my guest post over at the wonderful blog Love That Max.

Our Favorite Growth Chart

You can get 10% off right now at one of our affiliates, MyBambino.com (see end of the post for the coupon). So I wanted to re-recommend this photo growth chart that I've had in both my kids' rooms for years. Every few months (or when we remember) we mark their height and it has become a wonderful keepsake for both of them (I can't get over those low-to-the-ground markings from their toddler years...) I've bought these as gifts, too. I especially like that they have space for photos (my kids love choosing a new photo when they reach a new height) and that they go all the way up to 5'6"....not all growth charts do and this is great for taller-than-average kids like mine. It costs $29.99 (includes free personalization and choice of painted design) at MyBambino.com.

Enjoy 10% off any order (no minimum) at MyBambino.com now through Friday, July 1st with code "4th".

Kicks for Lego Fans

Have you seen these new Lego Sneakers yet? I spotted them in my last issue of Earnshaw's and thought they were so adorable. It can be tough to find cute (but not too babyish) kicks for little boys. These Lego Bleeker Preschool Sneakers are perfect for back-to-school and they're even on sale (reduced to $29.98 from $39.99). Buy them at Finish Line.

A Note to My Niece (Age 7)

Editor's note: This post is reprinted from my sister's Facebook page. Enjoy!

I've been quite moved by some recent essays on next-generation readers. See, for instance, Celeste Ng's "Battle Hymn of the Bookworm Mother" and Sara Lippmann's "On Legos & Monsters."

I don't have children of my own, but I do have many wonderful children in my life, including my niece, R, who just completed second grade. Though not the most avid reader in the world, she's a very capable one, and she recently shared with me her school's summer reading list. Even better, she asked me which titles listed there I would recommend. Here is the text of a note I left on her brand-new, "big-girl" desk, along with my own copy of one of the listed books.

One last comment: If you ask my niece to tell you the name of her "favorite book," she'll say "Quiet Americans." And I didn't even train her to do that! ;-)

June 25, 2011

Dearest R:

Since you very sweetly asked me which of the books on your summer reading list I would recommend, I’d like to suggest that you begin with Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was one of my favorite books when I was growing up. Every birthday and Chanukah for many years, Grandma and Grandpa bought me one of the “Little House” books—there’s a whole series, and Little House in the Big Woods is the first of all of them.

I still have my copy, and you can see that I brought it to school during first, second, AND third grades, because you can see my name and my classroom numbers written inside! Guess what year I was in first grade? 1976! That means that this copy of the book is 35 years old, and I am loaning it to you to read. I know that you will take very good care of it, and I hope that when you finish reading it, we can talk about your favorite parts of the story, your favorite characters, and anything else that you find interesting about it.

And then, R, I will be very happy to help you pick out other books from your school’s list. I will help you order books from the library and, if we can’t find the books at the library, I will help you find copies to buy. Does this sound good to you?

Wishing you a wonderful time with these wonderful books!

All my love,
Aunt Erika

The Desk Is Here

I'm sure you all remember my customer service problem with R's new Pottery Barn desk. Well, they have won me back as a customer. While I am still befuddled as to why I was sent a defective/wrong color piece of furniture in the first place, they have promptly shipped me a new white Thomas desk and hutch instead (plus a gift certificate for all the headaches). My parents (best grandparents in the world!) put it together while the kids and I were away last week and my mom even set it up "ready to go" for R. with her books, photos, and knick-knacks. She was sooooo happy to walk into her room and see her new "big girl" desk. What do you think of how it turned out???

Two-Tone Personalized Notecards

I had such a treat waiting in the mail when we came back--my new Two-Color Typography Notecards from Grace Hester Papers. I actually bought these via a Heartsy deal so I got about 50% off, but even the regular price ($20 for a box of 12 cards with coordinating colored envelopes) isn't bad at all. I love all of the color combinations but eventually chose the one shown here--blossom pink and chartreuse, with matching pink envelopes. These make great notecards for yourself, or a surefire hit as a gift. Buy them at Grace Hester Papers.

And. . . We're Back

We came home this weekend and though I'm glad to be back (I always love coming home to NYC) I am relishing the memories of fresh air, peace & quiet (mostly), and being "unplugged." Here is one vacation snap I wanted to share. I actually took it through the window of a ferry. Can I tell you how much I love Instagram? Who else here is addicted?

Gone Fishin': See You Next Week

I am headed out of town with my kids today for a couple of days of R&R (or, at least, a much-needed change of scenery). I'll resume posting here next Monday, June 27th. In the meantime, have a great week and WELCOME TO SUMMER!!

p.s Gotta find more cool stuff while I'm away? I always recommend a browse through our archives, including my favorite jewelry, wall art, clothing, baby gifts, sibling gifts, toys, decor, personalized gifts, and stationery. Enjoy!

Shop Report: London Candy Co.

I was excited to visit this brand new Upper East Side candy store, The London Candy Company, which features an exceptional array of British sweets (including chocolates, candies, and "biscuits") flown in directly from the U.K. As an Anglophile and Cadbury fan, I can say the inventory is quite impressive. And the store is just plain fun to visit. The decorations and displays are perfect and a dream to photograph. Take a look:

I love the shop's exposed brick walls and all the little Union Jack touches:






Most customers gravitate towards the chocolate bars. If you like Cadbury milk chocolate, this is your place.


I learned about Cadbury's top-selling "Flakes" and "Crunchies" years ago from my college boyfriend, who grew up in South Africa. "Flakes" are very good as a vanilla ice cream topping.


I was also happy to find Star Bars, a peanut-buttery candy bar I tasted in London in 1991 (same trip where I met Princess Diana). Hadn't seen these in 20 years.



Here's another Cadbury confection--this one I'd never seen before. Looks yummy.



And those famous Smarties...Britain's answer to M&Ms (personally I like M&Ms better...how about you?)



Wouldn't you LOVE to get a gift basket like this? I covet that gift pail, too. If you like Anglo-inspired decor, you can buy these empty at the store.



There's more than just chocolates, though. There's also a "biscuit" section (that's cookies), a collection of all favors of "crisps" (potato chips)...


...and even British breakfast cereals. Frosted Flakes are called "Frosties" in the U.K.



I was quite disciplined and left with just 2 treats-- a Star Bar for myself and a chocolate-covered "Curly Wurly" for my own curly-haired R.


The London Candy Company does not yet sell candy on its website, but it will soon. In the meantime, if you are in the neighborhood, stop by (it's on the corner of East 94th St. and Lexington Avenue, just two blocks north of the popular 92nd St. Y). They are available for birthday parties too (hmmmm.....).

Shop Report: Fantastic Kids Toys

We're in high season for birthday parties here in New York (what's with so many city kids being born in May, June & July?), so I was happy to learn about a new toy store in our neighborhood, Fantastic Kids Toys. The kids and I stumbled onto it recently and I snapped some pics on my Iphone (sorry they're a bit blurry). We give the store a thumbs up! Take a look:

The store is clean, well-lit, and (this is a rarity in New York City), the aisles are wide enough to walk through with a stroller.


The selection includes tons of educational and creative toys (think Melissa & Doug, Alex Toys, etc.) that you possibly have seen before, but I was also pleasantly by some more new-to-me finds including these Mets-themed toys.



For local shoppers, there's a helpful wall of party favors that you can pick and choose--the store will wrap these up and deliver them for you, too.



There's also a decent selection of personalized products like water bottles, wallets, etc. They're up front near the cash register...very smart for impulse purchasing (I was strong and resisted my kids' pleas).


Fantastic Kids Toys has not yet set up its website, but if you're in town you can visit the store on Third Avenue between East 84th and East 85th Streets.

Dad's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dads (and grandpas!) out there! Enjoy your special day!

Father's Day letterpress card by Printerette.

Bravo for Bandolino

I got 2 more pairs of sandals at Macy's recently, both on sale and both by Bandolino. I think this is actually a brand I wore back in junior high school! Thankfully, the styles have evolved. As a New Yorker who walks everywhere, I need low and comfortable sandals, and this were both extra cute to boot. Shown above: Jonika Kitten Heel Sandals ($49) and Quizzer Thong Sandals (on sale for $35.99, reduced from $49). Both are available in different colors, too. Browse dozens of other Bandolino shoes at Macy's (and always be sure to check out Macys.com deals and coupons page to save even more on your order).

Wordless Weekend: My Big Girl

Self-portrait by R. (now officially a third-grader!), June 2011.

Tea Collection Spring/Summer Sale

If you're a fan of Tea Collection, be sure to head to its site in the next few days for the best picks among its sale items (including a "Tea Liking Spree" where the clothing items that get the most "likes" are reduced to the lowest prices...as low as $8). Two top-selling Spring/Summer items that you can grab for less now: Tea Collection Goril Graphic Tee (reduced to $10 from $19; size 6-12mos through 12 years) and Tea Collection Campanillas Banded Dress (reduced to $21.50 from $27; sizes 6-12mos through 12 years). Head over to Tea Collection before sizes disappear.

Extra savings tip: Save an additional 10% on your order at Tea Collection if you sign up for its newsletter on the homepage. After you sign up, you'll receive an exclusive 10% discount code via e-mail.

Boumy Shoes Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Entry #27 (selected by Random.org), Julianne who wrote, "The star pink shoes would be perfect for my aunt's new baby girl." Julianne, please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Thanks everyone for entering the giveaway!

Erin Condren Photo Gift Labels

I just bought these awesome Picture This! Name in Lights Gift Labels from Erin Condren Designs using a gift voucher I purchased via Zulily. I am blown away by how great they turned out. I can't wait to use them for birthday gifts and holiday gifts from my kids this year. You can choose either a full photo option (your photo bleeds to the edges of the label) or the "cutout" option which really highlights the kiddos in your photo (this is what I chose). Prices start at $30 for 2 dozen labels. Visit Erin Condren Designs for these and other fun gift labels, address labels, and stationery products.

5 Board Books Your Toddler Will Love

My post about our family's favorite board books for boys still gets a lot of traffic, so I wanted to write one about board books that both my daughter and son enjoyed as toddlers. Each of these books is at least several years old (some are old classics and some have become new classics) and is available at Amazon.com. You can often get 4-for-3 deals on board books, so a stack of these tied with a ribbon makes an easy and affordable gift!

I Like It When . . . ($6.95) by Mary Murphy. A baby penguin enjoys favorite activities--holding hands, dancing, and even trying new foods--under the loving eye of his parent/caregiver.


Here Are My Hands ($7.95) by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. A sweet, simple book about a child's body parts (face, hands, feet, etc.) with delightful illustrations and gentle, rhyming text.


Let's Play ($6.99) by Leo Lionni. Always a favorite author, Lionni crafts a short, simple story about all the activities two little mice might enjoy, from climbing a tree to playing dress-up to reading a book.

Mama, Do You Love Me? ($6.99) by Barbara M. Joosse. A beautifully-illustrated telling of a classic message--that a mother will always love her child no matter what limits they push ("What if I put salmon in your parka ... and ermine in your mukluks?").


From Head to Toe ($7.99) by Eric Carle. You can't ever go wrong with Carle, but my kids particularly enjoyed watching (and mimicking) along the illustrated characters as they copy monkeys waving their arms, giraffes bending their necks, and more.

Bargain Alert: Glug Baby at The Mini Social

Items are selling out fast, but I highly recommend the Glug Baby clothing sale going on right now at The Mini Social. I especially love Glug's sibling tees (shown at left: Little Sister Tee, reduced to $16 from $32; sizes 12-18m, 18-24m, and 3T remaining). There are also shirts with designs ranging from bicycles to gorillas to lollipops to paper dolls. Find something you love at the Glug Baby sale.

Not a member of flash sale site The Mini Social yet? Use this invitation to join right away.