So Long 2011

Check out this cake that R. made at Make today. We're serving it at our New Year's party tonight. She did a great job, right? Watch out, Next Great Baker!

Happy 2012 to you and yours! See you in January.

Graphic Pillows by Honey Pie Design

I love scouring Etsy for new finds. My latest pick is the handmade felt pillows by the shop Honey Pie Design. Wouldn't you love one of these in your home? The fabric is entirely made from recycled plastic bottles, by the way--this always amazes me.

Ampersand Pillow ($35)


Sleep Pillow ($39)

Je T'aime Pillow ($46)

MyMomShops's Favorite 20 Picks of 2011

I love to write this post every year. Out of the nearly 1000 (!!) products I've posted about in 2011, here are my absolute favorites. I hope you love them, too. And check out past yearly favorites from 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007. Many of these products are still available.

1. Favorite New Store: C. Wonder. I am still smiling from my visit to this new Soho shop last week; it is chock full of every gift and accessory that I love.


2. Favorite Baby Gift: Uncommon Goods Birth Announcement Pillow. The sentimental birth announcement pillow gets an update for the 2010's.


3. Favorite Toy (mom's opinion): Perler Beads. How did I not know about these before?


4. Favorite Kids' Toy (kids' opinion): Happy Nappers. Thanks to my sister, my kids both have favorite new bedtime buddies.


5. Favorite Letterpress Stationery: Pink Orchid Press. Thick cardstock + fun designs + pretty colors= one of my favorites.


6. Favorite Site for Kids' Clothing: Lil Swanky. I've bought my kids a bunch of great clothing--including Appaman and Ouch!--from this NYC mom-owned online boutique. Everything arrives beautifully wrapped, too.


7. Favorite Kids' Book: If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond (Peter Pauper Press). This one's a tearjerker. Have some Kleenex ready.


8. Favorite Personalized/Custom Gift: Silkscreened House Portrait Pillow by Not Without Merit. I gave this to my parents for their 45th wedding anniversary and it was a hit.



9. Favorite Photo Gift: Erin Condren Photo Gift Labels. These made our holiday gifts look fantastic this year.


10. Favorite Party Favor: Upcycled Crayon Party Favors by Etsy shop Zee Bree. Bye bye, cheap plastic toys. These crayons--made from discarded crayon fragments--will actually be used and enjoyed post-celebration. And they're affordable, too.


11. Favorite Stationery Newcomer: Double Bravo Designs. A newcomer at the National Stationery Show, Double Bravo Designs combines two of my favorite things--letterpress stationery & baby keepsakes.


12. Favorite Trend: The British Invasion Continues. Inspired by William & Kate, all things Anglophile make us happy.


13. Favorite NYC-themed gift: MTA Articulated Bus. My son's beloved NYC "fun bus" makes it to toy stores.

14. Favorite Gift for Mom: Red Envelope Jewelry Tree. Finally, my jewelry is untangled.


15. Favorite Personal Post: Little Swimmer. When your child has special needs, hitting a milestone is the Best. Feeling. Ever.


16. Favorite Trade Show: New York International Gift Fair. I was honored to be selected as a Judge of the 2011 Baby & Child division, and I'm happy to report I've been asked back as a Judge for this January as well. Stay tuned for my 2012 picks.


17. Favorite Post I Wrote Elsewhere: "Don't Sweat the Wedding; it's the Marriage That Counts". If I ever remarry, I'll do so at City Hall; this explains why.

18. Favorite Wall Art: "Man on the Moon" Upcycled Dictionary Art Print from Stay Gold Media. It's the perfect finishing touch in my son's space-themed room.


19. Favorite Blogger Event: Mastercard's "Priceless" Event at FAO Schwarz. Even without my kids in tow, visiting FAO Schwarz off-hours was a truly magical experience.

20. Favorite Shopping Tip: Join Amazon Prime. You'll read a lot of my other money-saving tips via that link, but by far I've saved the most money (both in lower prices and free shipping) with Amazon Prime. Trust me, it'll pay for itself.

Post-Holiday Sales: Layla Gayce

Here's another sale you should check out in the next few days. Our affiliate Layla Grayce is offering an additional 25% off all sale items today (it goes down to 15% off tomorrow through New Year's). This is a good chance to save extra bucks on bigger purchases like crib bedding or diaper bags. My pick: Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag Boxy Backpack in Auckland (already reduced to $108 from $169; additional 25% off coupon code below).

Save an extra 25% off all sale merchandise at Layla Grayce today only with code "YEARENDSALE"; after today, save an extra 15% off all sale merchandise with code "SALETWICE" now through 12/31.

Madame President

I'm a political news junkie, especially during election season (remember our lemonade stand from 2008?), and I'm hoping my interest will rub off on my kids. Especially my daughter. I'd love to get her this "Call Me President" tee from Handsome in Pink, a new site that is the perfect antidote to the "I'm a girly girl" and "Call Me Princess" shirts that make some of us wince. The tee is selling like hotcakes, but you can still grab one for $20 (sizes 2T-12) at Handsome in Pink. While you're there, check out other gifts/clothing like the "Girly Girl" onesie in blue (yes, blue). I like this thinking!

Wordless Wednesday: Fearless

Luckily, R. (age 8) has not inherited my fear of heights!

Post-Holiday Sales: Tea Collection

Our affiliate Tea Collection is having its semi-annual sale (more than 50% off some Fall/Winter merchandise), plus offering a limited-time deal (thru 12/28 only) of $10 boys' tees and $10 girls' leggings. Refresh your kids' winter wardrobes, or stock up for next Fall. My pick: Boys' Scribble Print Hoodie (reduced to $10 from $49--an 80% discount!).

Post-Holiday Sales: City Threads

City Threads has been a staple of my five-year-old son's wardrobe for a long time; I love their trendy two-fer tops, swimwear and PJs (and don't forget their awesome sibling apparel and city tees & hats). Right now at their twice-yearly sale you can get 50% off your entire order (even if it only includes items already on sale). My pick: Protect the Earth two-fer tee ($38.50 before the discount; sizes 3-6mos to 12).

Enjoy an extra 50% off any order at City Threads with code "NEWYEARS"

Post-Holiday Sales: Chasing Fireflies

I know that many of you are in constant search of deals at Chasing Fireflies, the gorgeous boutique catalog that features tons of pricey clothing, toys, and accessories for tots. They rarely offer coupon codes, so you have to grab onto the twice-yearly sales when you can. Right now at their winter sale, you can save on everything from kids' party clothing (buy ahead for next Christmas) and outwear to eco-friendly toys. My pick: Plaid Bubble Dress (reduced from $198 to $79.99; sizes 5, 6, and 12 left).

Happy Holidays! See You Next Week

I'm taking some time off with the kids starting today, and will be posting again on Wednesday, December 28th. When we're back you can look forward to reading about post-holiday bargains, "Best of The Year" posts, spring clothing previews (did someone say sun???), and preparations for this blog's 5th Birthday in January!.

(If you can't stay away, browse around here or follow me on Twitter for the occasional chirp).

I hope that you all have a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Xmas, and Wonderful Everything!

Photo by Randi Baird.

Shop Report: C. Wonder

Last week I paid my first visit to a marvelous new Soho store called C. Wonder. It's owned by Chris Burch, Tory Burch's ex-husband, and I must say that you will feel her influence here (there are lots of polished brass "C" emblems adorning everything from shoes to belt buckles). But this is a more affordable range of products. And while there is apparel and footwear in the area of $100, I gravitated towards the more affordable "goodies" ranging from personalized hostess gifts to shiny tabletop knickknacks. Really, there was very little in this store that I didn't love (anyone looking for a holiday gift for me? A gift card would be great..ahem). I'll show you more of my favorite products another time, but here are few that I snapped on my phone:

Girly trinket boxes including this small engraved heart box ($18) and round enamel boxes (various colors, $18):



Decorative metallic storage boxes (can't find on the C. Wonder website- sorry!):



I've always admired collections of blue-and-white vases; C. Wonder has an affordable selection of Classic Blue and White Ginger Boxes (starting at $58) and Ikat Blue and White Turtle Cylinder Ginger Jars (starting at $38):



There are lots of animal motifs throughout the store; bumblebees are one of my favorites: Busy Bee Cutting Board ($18):



This Monogram Cheese Board with spreader ($18) is a fantastic hostess gift at a low price:

Other easy-to-give goodies under $25 including must-have Alphabet Mugs ($8):


You can also set a very fancy-looking holiday table with tableware by C. Wonder. Dinner plates sell for as little as $12 each:


C. Wonder has just launched its e-commerce site, so even if you're not in New York to stop by, you can browse/shop away.

Four Seasons Card Set by Yours Truly

Readers who are new to this blog may not know that in my spare time (yeah right) I try to update Brown Eye Blue, my Etsy shop where I sell my custom photography as notecards and wall prints. Lots of my photos have been featured in Etsy treasuries and also on other blogs like Cuteable. I've just listed this 4 Seasons Photo Card Gift Set ($28.50 with free shipping). In each set you get 8 notecards- 2 each of Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter scenes. Or, you can pick and choose any 4 cards (2 of each) from my shop. Each card is individually wrapped and then I put them all in a gift box with a ribbon. Voila! Of course, I should have told you about this earlier in case any of you wanted to buy this as a holiday gifts. But I didn't get to it in time. No matter...it also makes a great birthday gifts, hostess gift, teacher's gift, or Mother's Day gift. So even if your holiday shopping is done, bookmark this one. And please tell me what you think of my photography and cards...I'd love some feedback.

Happy Hanukkah

I have at least a half dozen Menorahs in my home, most of which are encrusted with wax and falling apart (several were made in preschool). So I was mesmerized by this beautiful Botanical Leaf Menorah--by famed Judaica designer Michael Aram--which I spotted in the window of Gracious Home last night. It's much larger than our usual menorahs (it measures 12" x 4" x 13.5") and I love the foliage-inspired design. You can buy it for $199 at Gallery Judaica. As for us, we'll be scraping last year's wax off of the preschool menorahs up until sundown tonight!

Happy 1st Night of Hanukkah to all those celebrating!

Bargain Alert: Melissa & Doug Architectural Blocks

I'm always on the lookout for toys on sale at Amazon.com, and this Melissa & Doug Architectural Unit Block Set just dropped to its lowest price at just $28.79 (originally $70, which is a 60% discount). Can't go wrong with a gift like this for a child of any age. The set includes 44 smooth-sanded, hand-scrolled and turned hardwood blocks in 11 different shapes. It arrives in a wooden box which doubles as storage. Buy it while the price is low at Amazon.com.

Prettiest iPhone Cases

I keep seeing these Designer iPhone 4 Cases in Container Store holiday ads. Aren't they pretty? Each of the 4 four outer shell designs is inspired by a city (Bordeaux, Shanghai, New York, or Barcelona) and each includes two inner silicone wraps in contrasting colors. So you get lots of looks for the price of one. Bonus: the cases are on sale right now, too (sale price $16.49; regularly $32.99). I'm adding this one to my own holiday wish list. Browse other gifts ideas for women at The Container Store.

Our Favorite Dreidel

As a Jewish mom I've seen a variety of dreidels--from the cheap plastic ones at the drugstore to the giant wooden toys ones to (R's favorite) the transparent ones filled with chocolate "gelt." But I did not have a favorite until I saw these fantastic Personalized Wooden Family Dreidels ($24) at the Etsy shop of Charlotte & Mia. You may remember that I featured their personalized Passover seder plates earlier this year. But this is even better. These wooden dreidels feature your family's customized likenesses (you choose from lots of features like hair color and style, eye shape and color, skin tone, hair accessories, glasses, etc.) on up to four sides (you can do one family member per side, or you can substitute a Hanukkah-themed emblem like a menorah or Jewish star on one side). I chose R & S on two sides, me on one side, and a menorah on the fourth. This will be a hoot for the kids to play with, plus it is a keepsake I know we'll treasure for years. Check out this and other Chanukah items at Charlotte & Mia.

Lanz of Salzburg Nightgowns

If you're my age (late 30s), perhaps you remember those old-fashioned Lanz of Salzburg Tyrolean-style nightgowns. I wore these throughout my childhood...and even into my teen years (yeah, I wasn't too cool). They are so soft and comfortable and pretty. I hadn't seen them in years until today--I just snapped up this light blue and white nightgown ($17.99) for R. at Lanz's Zulily sale. I hope she loves it as much as I loved mine. Available in sizes XS (4/5) to L (12/14) at Zulily.