L'Shana Tovah

The kids and I are headed out of town today for the Jewish holiday. I'll be posting next on Monday, October 3rd. Follow me on Twitter in the meantime if you just can't wait. To all of those readers who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, have a sweet and happy New Year!

KidKraft Rosh Hashanah Set ($29.04) at Amazon.com.

Wordless Wednesday: Everywhere You Look

My most wonderful time of the year.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Me Giant

I'm proud to introduce you to MyMomShops's newest sponsor, Me Giant. Another inspiring boutique launched by a mom, Me Giant was founded this summer by Shelia Butler (a former decor/furniture business owner) after she adopted two little girls (within an 11 month period...quite impressive!). Me Giant offers "small things with giant style" including sweet graphic and slogan onesies, infant hats, baby bibs, and kids' tees. There are animal designs that "oink", "ribbit" and "moo", plus slogans like "Toothless Fairy" and "Twinkle Stinkle." Each garment is 100% cotton and tested to meet all CPSIA compliance for children's products. The Me Giant site is fun to look at, incorporating bits of kid-friendly trivia plus an entertaining blog. My favorite part: Each product arrives gift-ready in a retro metal lunch box. I don't know many other sites that provide an extra touch like this at no additional cost--at $25 per set, it's a great deal.

Here are some top picks:

"Bubba" Kids' Tee and Lunchbox ($25 for the set, sizes up to 4T)



"Chirp Chirp" Elephant Onesie and Lunchbox ($25 for the set, your choice of short or long-sleeve onesie in sizes up to 12-18mos)


Any of these sets makes a fun and generous new baby gift, birthday gift, or sibling gift at a deceptively low price. Visit Me Giant for more ideas, and look for two new upcoming Me Giant product lines coming soon--bedding and wall art.

My BabyCenter.com Post: 7 Ways to Help a Suddenly Single Mom

Sorry about the blurry screen shot, but I'd love for you all to check out my first guest post over at BabyCenter.com. It's called "7 Ways To Help a Suddenly Single Mom Friend" and I hope it gives some good advice to you or someone you know. Because, frankly, we all feel a bit clueless in these situations. If you like the article, I hope you'll recommend or share it (you can do so directly underneath the title of the article on its BabyCenter.com Page). Or feel free to leave a comment over at the post. Thanks!

Green Start Book Towers

At the Gift Fair this past summer, I admired these "Green Start" Book Towers (available in Nursery Rhymes or Little Vehicle Series). Each set of 10 "block books" features early learning concepts like counting, opposites, shapes, and more. Made from 98% post-consumer recycled materials and printed with eco-friendly ink, the books are safe for ages 2 and up (and are awfully fun to stack, too). A perfect toddler birthday gift. Buy a set for $14.99 at Innovative Kids.

Lil' Swanky: Trendy Kids' Clothing (plus 20% off)

A number of you have asked which websites offer the best selection of up-to-the-minute trendy kids' clothing. One of my favorites is Lil' Swanky, an online boutique owned by a NYC mom and fashion insider. She has great taste in kids' clothing and I often browse her shop to discover up-and-coming brands, as well as to browse the newest inventory from hip favorites like Appaman, Ella Moss Girl, and Trumpette. I am so excited that she has offered a 20% discount to MyMomShops readers on any order placed within the next two weeks (see end of post for coupon code). Here are some picks you might consider:

Fore! Axel & Hudson Argyle Polo Romper ($44, sizes 3-6mos to 9-12mos)


Anthem of the Ants Bon Voyage Dress ($69; size 18mos-8 years)

Scotch & Soda Shrunk Boys Vintage Tee ($44, sizes 4-10)


Rowdy Sprout Beatles PJ's ($46, sizes 3-6mos to 6 years)


There's lots more fantastic stuff--take a look around Lil' Swanky. And enjoy a generous 20% off discount now through Monday, October 10th with code "MYMOMSHOPS20".

Bargain Alert: Lands End Egyptian Towel Set

I told you a few days ago about the Lands End Family & Friends sale. I needed some new towels and snagged a great deal on this Egyptian Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set, which was already on sale for $49.99 (reduced from $99.50). The set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths. With the 25% off and free shipping, it cost just $37.50. If you opt to monogram it (I did) it costs an additional $10 and the coupon code might not apply properly; just place your oder via phone at Lands End and they'll apply it for you.

Today and tomorrow are the last days to use code "DISCOVER" and pin "6956" for 25% off plus free shipping on any order of $50 or more at Lands End.

Bargain Alert: Totsy Halloween

I know many of you have had customer service issues with Totsy. But the company--now under new leadership--has improved shipping time (I received a recent order much more promptly), and since I had some leftover store credit, I simply could not resist their current Halloween Sales. My favorite holiday (and my birthday) is just five weeks away and every year I like to add some more knick-knacks to my collection of pumpkin-themed decor. This is what I chose from Totsy today:

Large LIghted Traditional Pumpkin Head (on sale for $20; retails for $40)


Queen of Halloween box sign plaque (on sale for $2, retails for $4)


"There is Magic" Glow Box Sign (on sale for 6, retails for $14)

Plus, there are sales for cute Halloween photo frames and costumes. The sales last just 3 days each, so shop early at Totsy.

Wordless Weekend: Sibling Love

At last weekend's Fall Festival at the Queens County Farm Museum. Must show this photo to R. the next time she is screaming at her little "bother."

Baby's Little Black Book

Remember the cute "Little Pink Book" touch-and-feel board book that I posted earlier this year? Author/NYC mom Renee Khatami has released another title just in time for Halloween--baby's Little Black Book. A sure-to-standout volume in baby's pastel-hued library, the "Little Black Book" is chock full of gorgeous photos, textures, a lift-the-flap surprise, and a black-licorice scented patch (S: "I don't like that smell."). A fun, cute gift for a baby or toddler this Halloween season. Buy it for $8.99 at Amazon.com.

Penny Paper Co. $50 Gift Certificate Winners

Congratulations to the two winners selected by Random.org: #32 The Kingrea's, who wrote "love love love!! EVERYTHING! I would love a poster for my baby's room and i have been wanting a rubber stamp! Great give away---thanks" and #10 JenniferL who wrote, "LOVE the wall art. so modern and cool." Please e-mail me to claim your prizes. Thanks everyone for entering the giveaway!

Lands End Friends & Family

I seem to order something from Lands End every month or so for my kids--everything from swimwear to winter outwear to school uniforms. So I love when they offer their "Friends & Family" discount (see code below) which can help you save a lot of money. One item of kids' clothing I have my eye on is this Girls' Rain Trench Coat (on sale for $49.99; plus take an additional 25% off). I love the double breasted front and bubble hem. It's a good time to stock up on outerwear before it sells out (including lots of snow gear which has just gone online).

Use code "DISCOVER" and pin "6956" for 25% off plus free shipping on any order of $50 or more at Lands End, now through 9/27/11.

Where Are My Keys?

I'm a big believer in key hooks by the front door in a busy household. I like the Moroccan-inspired design of this new combo key hook/charging station by These Creatures. It's made in the USA of powder coated steel (your choice of 3 colors) and includes hardware to attach to the wall. Buy it for $48 at These Creatures.

Disney Pixar Forever Stamps

You know that I love to choose just the right stationery, cards, invitations, and envelopes. I also like to choose the perfect postage stamps as a finishing touch. If you're planning a child's birthday party soon, you may want to check out USPS's new Disney Pixar "Send a Hello" Forever Stamps. A pane of 20 self-adhesive stamps costs $8.80 and includes four each from the movies Cars, Ratatouille, Toy Story, Up, and Wall-E. Available at USPS.com.

Another Upholstered Headboard

Remember I told you I was researching upholstered headboards for my bedroom? Well, now that R's room and my room have both been destroyed by water damage, the first order of business is replacing our floors. But once the dust has (literally) settled and I've recouped some money, I'd like to return to this idea. I just found another beautiful option--Garnet Hill's Wingback Upholstered Bed. Unfortunately it's still a bit out of my price range (the king size headboard costs over $1000), but isn't it a lovely variation of the traditional nailhead headboard? The curved ends make it look even more dramatic, I think.

If any of you are especially pleased with upholstered headboards that you've purchased online, please leave a comment below. I'm collecting opinions.

Wordless Wednesday: No Boys Allowed

Does your daughter make signs like these, too?

Additional 10% off Sale Items at Layla Grayce

Have you visited our affiliate Layla Grayce yet? If you are a "girly girl" (or mom to one) and like to buy beautiful, high-end baby gifts, accessories, and home decor, then this is the site for you. It is pure eye candy. And this month is a good time to buy something there, since hundreds of items are on sale and I have a coupon code for you to use on top of the sale items (see end of post). Here are my top picks:

Plenty by Tracy Reese Sapphire Interlocking Tiles Smocked Peasant Dress (on sale for $72; originally $180; sizes small and medium remaining). Pretty and comfortable, too.

Jamie Young Jewelry Palace Earrings Purple Amethyst (on sale for $124.20; originally $132). These "palace drop" earrings are on-trend right now (thanks Kate Middleton) and matching ring and pendant are on sale, too.



Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag Boxy Backpack Daydreaming in Dresden (on sale for $108; originally $169). I love the feminine pattern combined with boxy backpack styling of this diaper bag. Petunia Pickle Bottom has been a top diaper bag brand for years with good reason; you will definitely get compliments on this one.


Kaiya Eve Pettiskirt Raspberry - Final Sale (on sale for $60; originally $80; size 2T remaining). Kaiya Eve has a cult following among the tutu-wearing set; these are just about the highest quality ones you can buy and become a wardrobe staple not only for dress-up, but also for special occasions or photographs.




Enjoy an additional 10% off all sale items at Layla Grayce with code "saleonsale" now through 9/30/11.

Carter's Baby Bedding

Longtime favorite baby brand Carter's has just introduced a complete line of nursery furniture and bedding (hard to believe they hadn't done bedding before; they've offered sheets for awhile but not coordinated crib ensembles). The crib bedding choices are a bit limited right now--I'd like to see them expand the offerings--but one that I like very much is the boys' Bumper-to-Bumper Collection. The simple car silhouettes and muted palette of blues, grays, and orange are very modern and remind me a bit of Dwell Studio. The price is right, too; a 4-piece Crib Set includes 1 fitted sheet, reversible quilt, dust ruffle and diaper stacker and is on sale for $135 right now. Browse the collection at Carter's.com.

Emmys Fashion Review

I didn't get to watch much of the red carpet arrivals at last night's Emmys, but I usually prefer the next-day fashion coverage anyway. I am curious to hear what the Fashion Police have to say about Gwyneth Paltrow's sheer two-piece Pucci ensemble. Did you like it? She certainly has the body to wear this (or pretty much anything), but I didn't care for it. It looks a little bit like Halloween dress-up to me. What do you think?

Photo courtesy of Just Jared.

MyMomShops Giveaway: $50 gift certificates to The Penny Paper Co.

I've got some exciting news. Designer Lindsay Stephenson of The Penny Paper Co. (formerly Penny People Designs) is working on some updates to MyMomShops (she created the logo and design you see here now, so obvoiusly I am a huge fan of her work). And she's giving two of our readers each a $50 gift certificate to her new shop, The Penny Paper Co..

Lindsay's work has been featured all over the blogosphere, so it may already look familiar to some of you, but, just in case, here are some of my favorite products, which include wall art, birth announcements, and personalized stationery.

"Big Deal" 8 x 10 Art Print ($15.99 unframed; you choose font color for name)


Preppy Stripe Birth Announcement ($25 for digital design; you print it yourself)


Personalized Photo Note Pad ($19.95 for 50-page notepad)



Flag Calling Card ($66 for 100 two-sided cards)


Bonus! The Penny Paper Co. is offering all MyMomShops readers 20% off any order with code "MYMOMSHOPS" now through September 24th.

Visit the site at The Penny Paper Co., follow its Twitter stream, and also check out Lindsay's lovely home decor blog for more inspiration.


Win it! Two MyMomShops readers will each win a $50 gift certificate for any purchase at The Penny Paper Co.. The winners will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Friday afternoon, September 23rd. Here are the contest rules.

1) Visit the The Penny Paper Co. and then leave a comment here about what you might buy with a $50 gift certificate. Leave your comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below).
2) NOTE: This contest is open to BOTH U.S. and Canadian readers! Hooray!
3) You may leave 2 extra entries, 1 if you follow MyMomShops on Twitter (please indicate your Twitter handle), and 1 if you are a subscriber to the MyMomShops newsletter (e-mail me to subscribe).
4) Post your entries by 12pm noon EST on Friday, September 23rd. U.S. and Canadian entries are acceptable.
5) Two winner will be chosen at random (using Random.org) and announced on Friday, September 23rd at 2pm.
6) 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, September 23rd after 2pm. If the prizes are NOT claimed within 48 hours, the next random winners (using Random.org) will be contacted.
7) Please note that the gift certificates are for one-time use and do not include shipping costs; however, if the order totals less than $50 your shipping costs will be covered.

GOOD LUCK!

Tiny Prints Halloween Invitations

Are any of you planning a Halloween party? My just kids told me they are throwing me a surprise Halloween birthday party. Apparently it's not a surprise anymore! If you are looking for fun Halloween invitations, go check Tiny Prints (and go to the end of the post for a coupon code). My favorite invite: Cute Costumes designed by Anne Kelle, shown at left (I always prefer sweet to scary for Halloween). Browse all of the Halloween party invitations here. Shopping tip: Tiny Prints now allows you to order smaller batches of invitations (as few as 10 cards)--so even if you're only having a few ghost or goblins over, you can send out cute customized invites.

Enjoy free shipping on Halloween cards & invitations orders of $75+ with code "freeship09". Expires 9/20/11.

One Kid Girls' Winter Coats

You know that I've bought my kids their reversible hooded winter coats by designer One Kid for a few years in a row. This year I'm switching over to Hanna Andersson for S's coat, but R. (who shows more brand loyalty than any other kid I know...) has once again opted for a One Kid coat. While I hoped to persuade her to choose this black and white polka dotted coat, I was not surprised she picked the more conventional plum and orchid one. It arrived and it looks super warm and comfy, plus I like that the sizes are cut generously (size 8 still has room for her to grow). I found the best selection of One Kid clothing and outerwear at Little Fashions Boutique. Tip: Subscribe to the boutique's newsletter and you may get a 15% off coupon code at some point (I did).

Wordless Weekend

Every morning we take a shortcut to S's new school through this pretty community garden. I call it the "secret garden" and he calls it the "shortcut garden." Either way, it's a reminder that even in this big, crazy city, you (and your kids) can find little gems of solitude and beauty.

On Sale: Brother/Sister Halloween

Today only, you can get 20% off sale items at CWD Kids, a site where I love to buy brother/sister and Halloween clothing. I bought these matching Halloween Tie-Dye Outfits for R. and S. to wear this year. With the 20% off the already reduced price, you can grab the dress for $28, and the boys' tee for $19. Lots of other great stuff on sale too, including cute boys' pajamas.

Enjoy 20% off your order (applies to sale items only) today at CWD Kids with code CHYTWY.

Let the Halloween Treats Begin

If you're someone who complains "Why is there Halloween stuff in stores already?", well, you should skip this post. And you might not enjoy many of my posts in the next few weeks. Because since I am a Halloween baby (yes, I was actually born on October 31st), I enjoy the holiday to its fullest. I love everythign about Halloween--the pumpkins, the decor, the parties, the costumes, and the treats. So I'll be sharing lots of them here. First up is a selection of goodies I spotted at Sur La Table:

Black Cat Measuring Spoons Set ($14.95). Way too cute!


Set of 3 Halloween Dishtowels ($12.95). Halloween dishtowels are a staple in my kitchen all Fall.


Wilton Assorted Halloween Cookies Pan ($12.95). You could fill these with pumpkin bread mix, too...

Browse the entire Halloween selection at Sur La Table.

Hurricane Damage? Pottery Barn Kids Will Help

I just opened up a nice e-mail from Pottery Barn Kids announcing that they are offering 15% off in-store purchases to families whose homes have suffered recent hurricane damage. That would include us. I'm leaning towards putting in laminate or hardwood floors in R's room instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, and one area rug I'm considering is this subtle pink trellis rug. A 15% discount would help quite a bit. Thanks, Pottery Barn Kids, for this offer!

p.s. I assume that the PBK stores will require some kind of documentation; since I am in nearly daily contact with State Farm at this point, this should not be a problem!

Queen for a Meal

I've always admired the lively themed tableware by Rosanna and was drawn immediately to its King's Road Redux set at last summer's New York International Gift Fair. Made of refined porcelain, this majestic set is decorated in 24k gold (not microwave safe- sorry!). But the prices are reasonable for mere mortals; a set of four dessert plates costs $40, while a large tray costs $55. Do you think newlyweds William and Kate use these? Visit Rosanna.

If I Could Keep You Little

I got a review copy of If I Could Keep You Little... at a trade show. I cried the first time I read it. It is right up there with books like You Are My I Love You and Someday as my favorite bedtime books to read to my kids on special occasions (the night before a birthday, or the night before a first day of school, for example). When I had a few moms and kids over for a playdate recently, I passed this book around and, shortly afterwards, a box of tissues. "Don't do this to me again!" one mom said. Seriously, it is a very sentimental book that highlights the fleeting moments of childhood in a sweet but un-cheesy way. It is beautifully illustrated and the verses rhyme, too, so your child will enjoy it too. Can't recommend it highly enough as a baby shower gift or a new baby gift. Check it out at Amazon.com (where it costs just $8.79, regularly $16) to take a peek inside.

Serena & Lily + Hanna Andersson = Sweet Dreams

I've told you before how much I adore bedding both for children and adults by Serena & Lily. The company's trademark patterns are subtle, elegant, and modern. Now, you can enjoy these same patterns in infant sleepwear designed exclusively by Serena & Lily by none other than Hanna Andersson. The luxurious organic cotton sleepers are available in sizes all the way from 0-6 mos to 24-36 months and cost $36 each. My favorite pattern: Orange Star (check out the star crib sheets, too).

Wordless Wednesday: Water Damage Part 2

You know how R's room was destroyed by Hurricane Irene a few weeks ago? Well, in a stroke of bad luck, about a week later our next-door-neighbor's hot water faucet exploded and flooded my own bedroom (see above). So now both Mommy and daughter have to get their rooms renovated. I have been learning about everything from broken flanges to engineered wood....all things that as a NYC apartment owner, I never really expected to learn about. We're awaiting insurance adjustments and when it's time to pick out new paint and floors, I'll update you!