Almost A Toothless Grin

My daughter's first tooth is going to fall out any day now and I am nearly as excited as she is. We have a tooth fairy pillow on hand (thank you, Grandma) for the big moment, but I've also (natch) spotted some others one that I really like, like this personalized tooth fairy pillow from Modern Lola. It's a splurge for sure at $48, but isn't it a pretty keepsake? It's made of felt with a hand-stitched pocket, and measures 6.5 inches square. A boy version is available, too. Also check out the more gender-neutral, molar-shaped Oeuf Tooth Fairy Pillow ($28) I posted about a few months ago. It's another winner. I'll let you know when the big event happens!

p.s. It fell out at 8:30am today, 1 month and 1 day before her 6th birthday. She looks adorable!

Fall Preview: Tea Collection

Tea Collection, the fashionable designer of baby and children's clothing with an international flair, has just introduced its new "Street Style" collection inspired by the energy of Tokyo, Japan. There are a lot of rich reds, pinks, blues, and oranges, in styles and fabrics that are perfect for the transition to autumn. Here are some of my favorite picks:

Tsukiji Shirt ($48 sizes 6mos-8years)


Tokyo Hoodie ($39, sizes 6mos-8 years)

Mohri Floral Dress ($39, sizes 6mos-8years)


Little Citizens Hoodie ($35, sizes 6mos-8 years)


Check out all of the new arrivals at Tea Collection.

Bargain Alert: Patent Totes at Lands End

I've had my eye on these Canvas Totes with Patent Leather Trim all summer at Lands End, and they are now on sale for $19.99 (reduced from $49.50). A great way to spruce up your warm-weather handbag collection, these totes have hidden inside snap closure and three interior pockets. They can be monogrammed, too. Also check out the cute coordinating Patent Slide Shoes, also on sale (reduced to $12.99 from $29.50). Browse these and other summer sale items at Lands End.

Safer Sleep

I'm about to take the plunge and transition S. (who is turning 3 in a few weeks) from a crib to a big boy bed. I've been researching organic mattresses ever since I read this very informative New York Times article and chart on the subject last January. A month later, I heard about the CPSC banning the use of phthlates in crib mattresses. For S's new bed, I've decided to go with a popular brand called Naturepedic. I do not always "go green" when it comes to furniture or bedding, but given my son's developmental delay I figured it couldn't hurt to make sure that the place he rests his head every night is as free of toxins as possible. I'm springing (pun intended) for the Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe set which includes a twin mattress plus boxspring for $999. It's the most expensive purchase I've made in a long time, but if it gives my little boy sweet and safe dreams, it's worth it. I did find a free shipping coupon ("NOSTORE") at CouponChief.com, though, so that saves a bit of money. Check out all of the crib, toddler, and regular-sized mattresses at Naturepedic.com.

Bargain Alert: Boatman Geller Tent Sale

Fine stationery designer Boatman Geller is having a "tent sale" with rock-bottom prices on some of their preppy notecards, notepads, and gift cards. These sweet-for-summer Sailboat Gift Tags are regularly $45 for a package of 50; at the tent sale they are just $5 (yes, five dollars!) for the same 50 cards (if my math is correct, that's just 10 cents per card). Check out all the steals at Boatman Geller.

MyMomShops Giveaway: The Little Experience

My kids and I stayed with my best friend and her family (her husband and three children ages 4, 6, and 8) when we travelled to Boston last month for my college reunion. I wanted to bring some fun, crafty activities for our total of five kids to work on together, but one that would not make a total mess. I decided on the kits from The Little Experience which I had spotted at last spring's Bubble show. The Little Experience is British import (now available Stateside) offering a range of adorable all-inclusive craft kits for kids. Each package includes all you need (ex: paint brushes, fabric, scissors) to make the craft from start to finish. Some of them even have packaging that unfolds to become a backdrop or set for the craft. There are "girly" projects, boy-friendly projects, and projects that appeal to all (grown-ups, too...I kinda wished I had bought one for myself). Ideally, they are for children ages 5 and up, but younger kids can get crafty too with the help of a big sib or parent. These also make unique party favors, depending on your budget.

Cattiwampus, an online kids' boutique I've mentioned here before, sells some of The Little Experience's best-selling kits including Build Your Own Rocket ($7.50), Enchanted Castle ($15.00), and Stitch-It Dolly Kit ($15.00), all shown above.

Cattiwampus is giving away two kits by The Little Experience for this week's giveaway (each winner gets to pick their kit of choice). And everyone else will get to enjoy a 15% storewide discount with code "COOL" (the code does not apply to sale items, except summer dresses- hooray!)

Win it! 2 MyMomShops reader will each win a The Little Experience kit of choice (a $7.50 or $15 retail value) from Cattiwampus. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating which kit you'd choose (click here for all of the choices).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Sunday, July 19th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on Monday morning, July 20th.
4) 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 to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

Moving Sale at Craftsbury Kids

Craftsbury Kids, a charming shop featuring (you guessed it) hand-crafted toys, accessories, and decor for little ones, is having a moving sale and you can save big-time (up to 70%) on beautifully designed products like these:

Zid Zid Kids Lion Table Set (reduced to $227.50 from $325). I've seen this set in person and it is gorgeous (p.s. there is one set left in stock that has a slight imperfection, which accounts for the discount).


Classic Work Bench (reduced to $18.20 from $26). You can never go wrong with this toddler toy as a birthday or big sibling gift.


Sock Monkeys Birthday Skirt Outfit (reduced to $85 from $100). This outfit is by Liliputians, whose birthday outfits I have bought for my own kids each year!


Sweetbeets Four Dominoes Card (reduced to $2.75 from $5.50). I've long admired Sweetbeets' kid-themed letterpress cards; the number series works individually as birthday cards or together as framed nursery art.

Check out more goods on sale at Craftsbury Kids.

Sneak(er) Peek

My kids and I recently attended a preview for the upcoming New Balance kids' sneaker line featuring the Peanuts characters (many thanks to Isabel of Alpha Mom for inviting us). Available in October, these sneakers will bring to life some favorite Peanuts' stories, including "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," and "A Charlie Brown Christmas", all in time for the Peanuts' 60th Anniversary in 2010. Prices start at $38 for the infant sizes up to $60 for big kid sizes. I was impressed how they look (and though not shown here, the packaging is cute, too):



R. and S. were most impressed that they got face-time with their favorite Peanuts characters:


If you're into seasonal apparel for your kids (as a Halloween babe myself, I sure am) and/or are a Peanuts fan, you'll definitely want to check out these sneakers this Fall. I'll let you know when they become available.

p.s. Speaking of the Charlie Brown holiday TV classics, if you're a fan you should also check out the Charlie Brown Holiday Collection DVD gift set at Amazon.com.

Tane Organics

I'm starting to preview the websites of some of the exhibitors at next month's Bubble New York trade show, and I think I am already in love with Tane Organics if for no other reason than the gorgeous baby photography on their site. Don't you just want to eat these kids up? I'm guessing the clothing is a winner, too. TANE (which means "seed" in Japanese) offers a collection of 100% certified organic cotton layette items with modern, spare designs and practical details. It ain't cheap (a kimono-style long-sleeved onesie will set you back $46), but would make a mighty thoughtful baby gift for an eco-minded mom. I'll check it out in person at the Bubble show next month. In the meantime, ooh and aah at Tane Organics.

I Wanna Be a Pirate

My little boy's 3rd birthday is just a few weeks away and I am starting to buy him some gifts. One item I have my eye on is this Pirate Ship by my favorite wooden toy designer, Plan Toys. I spotted it in a local toy shop and it looked fantastic. The set includes the ship, cannon, barrels, anchor, treasure chests, sails, crew, raft, and, of course, the obligatory gangplank. I included the detail photos because I think you can tell the quality of this toy from those close-up shots. The set costs $54.95; shop around at eBeanStalk.com for other items while you're there and enjoy free shipping on orders over $65 with code "FREESHIP$65". Ahoy, Matey!

Olive & Ollie

I was searching for the perfect 3rd birthday T-shirt for one of S's little friends, and decided on this Custom Appliqued Shirt in Pink and Yellow Fanfare ($23) by Etsy shop Olive and Ollie. It arrived and it is darling- I love the cap sleeves on the American Apparel tee, and the stitching is very high quality. It runs a bit small so you should order a size up.


While you're at Olive and Ollie, check out their top-selling Sibling Onesies and Shirts ($25) available in long or short-sleeves in sizes up to 6T.

Browse all of the hand-sewn clothing at Olive and Ollie. And, since both my kids' birthdays are coming up in August, stay tuned for more birthday apparel.

Bargain Alert: Company Kids

I love Sherpa(style) coats for girls but find they usually are priced too high considering they are not worn everyday. But this Classic Sherpa and Coat (which is actually machine washable polyester) is 70% off in the clearance section of Company Kids. The coats (originally $85) are now $24.99; the hats (originally $19) are now $4.99. Many sizes and colors are still available; grab them before they're gone at Company Kids.

For Better or Worse

My dear friend Ellen (my former co-worker and co-founder of BridesmaidAid.com) has a knack for choosing just the right little gifts. A few months ago she sent me this very funny Why Do I Have To Get Married Magnet Set (regular readers of this blog will get the joke) with 5 witty magnets including "Opposites attract, then they drive each other insane" and "Marriage? No thanks. I Can't mate in captivity." Surprise a friend with a set for $10.95 from Fridge Door.

Fall Preview: Mini Boden

I'm having so much fun doing quick scans of the new fall clothes by some of my favorite kids' clothing companies. Here are my finds from Mini Boden:

Girls' Spotty Coat ($88). Matches my grown-up Boden coat from last Fall!


Boys' Rugby Shirt ($42) Boden makes the beefiest, comfiest boys' tops- I've been lucky to get some as hand-me-downs (thanks, Stacey).


Baby Knee Patch Trousers ($28). Another item of baby clothing that makes you go "oooooh"...and this one is unisex, making it hand-me-down-worthy.


Want to see more? Visit Boden's fall preview.

Candy Colors

I spotted these Assorted Notes by Jack and Lulu in a local stationery shop and thought they'd make a perfect summer hostess gift. I love the palette of sweet summer colors. Each box of folded blank notes contains 5 of each color plus white envelopes. $30 per set at Jack and Lulu.

Psst...I just found them on sale for $24 at Luxe Paperie.

Hudson Threads

I've seen so many kids' clothing lines that perhaps I've gotten a little jaded; lots of the new ones fail to impress me when they launch. Not so with Hudson Threads, a new company based here in New York. The Fall '09 collection (which won a "Best in Show" for newcomers award at an ENK Children's Show) has a vibe that I really dig. First of all, I like the trendy but not too-hipster designs that are modern but still age-appropriate. Second, I like the retro, 1960s cuts and patterns, such as this Pucci-esque A-line Amanda dress ($78, sizes 2-8) dress shown above. I happen to love teal (a hot color right now) and think that Hudson Threads' Luke Polo Shirt ($58, sizes 2-7) shown above makes a super sibling match with the Amanda dress. Start shopping at Hudson Threads.

Feel Less Sick

Speaking of the flu, check out these Feel Less Sick postcards I saw at Etsy. The front has the greeting, the back has a thermometer and space to write. It's printed on recycled paper using soy based inks, and not only does it help save the environment, it helps save your money- a postcard costs just 28 cents to mail. Buy one for $2 or 6 for $10 at the Etsy.com shop Prism Pop.

A Gift Hero Rescue

My daughter has been home from camp all week with Influenza A (that's a nicer way of saying swine flu). And now my son and I are sick, too. To say we're going stir crazy during our "quarantine week" would be an understatement. So I want to give a shout-out to my friends at NYC-based Gift Hero, who thoughtfully dropped off this Create Your Own Pop Up Books Kit ($20) in their signature gift bag for R. at a time when I was just about to lose my mind. Winner of multiple toy awards, this gift includes all the ingredients your kid needs to make 2 hardcover pop-up books. The books, stickers, markers, and pop-up designs are all provided- your kid just adds imagination, drawings, photographs, and text. There are two books (one big, one small) included so a younger sib can even get in on the action. R's tome is shaping up quite nicely. And has rescued me from my thousandth game of Chutes & Ladders. Thank you, Gift Hero!

Personalized Pricey Paper

Mmmm....a big, chunky personalized notepad. I'd love one of these for myself, though it's very expensive. They're about to become available at Dabney Lee at Home for $48 (yes, $48). Each pad has 175 luxurious sheets and plenty of writing room (sheet size is 5.5 x 8.5 inches). You choose your favorite pattern, monogram or name font, and color. Visit Dabney Lee at Home.

Tick Tock, Animal Clocks

These new bunny clocks and monkey clocks at Giggle are just the right combination of cute and modern. Made of handpainted wood here in the U.S., each clock has cutout numbers for eyes and hands that rotate around the nose. Not exactly easy for a tike to tell time, but it's really about the decor, right? Buy one for $48 at Giggle.

Out of This World: Three Tees for the Price of Two

I've written before about the clever onesies and tees by Pluto Kids, and I'm just one of many admirers of this Chicago-based designer. In fact, Violet Affleck (Ben and Jen's older daughter) was famously spotted wearing a Pluto Kids Big Sister tee this past April. Pluto Kids is now offering a special deal where you if you buy two shirts, you will get a third (of your choice) for free. Just write your choice of third tee or onesie in the "notes to seller" box when you purchase 2 shirts at Pluto Kids, and you'll receive a 3rd tee/onesie free of charge. Great opportunity to dress sibs in style. Check out all of the current Pluto designs here.

P.S. I'll be posting lite for the next day or two. . . my daughter is home from camp with suspected swine flu. She's OK but I am busy trying to entertain an irritable (almost) six-year-old!

UPDATE: OK, now all 3 of us are sick...both kiddos and me. I'll try to post again tomorrow.

The Paper Cafe Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to "suburban prep" who wrote, "I love nutcrackers so the Happy Holidays notecard with the nutcracker on it is just darling." Please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Hope you all had a happy 4th of July! I was lucky to be invited to verrrry lovely East Hampton, New York. Here are some holiday snaps:




I only did window-shopping this weekend (I can't afford most Hamptons prices), but I did spot some fun products. Check out these tongue-in-cheek (I hope) printed cocktail napkins from the venerable Monogram Shop in East Hampton:



On second thought, this is East Hampton. I think those napkins are totally serious.

Swedish Cloth

You know you shop online too much when the only children's brands you haven't heard of are from outside of the United States. This was the case for me with Polarn O. Pyret, a premium clothing brand from Sweden that makes comfy, cotton clothing for moms, babies, and kids. It's been a staple of Swedish kids' wardrobes for decades. Now available to purchase in the U.S., Polarn O. Pyret is like a more affordable version of Hanna Andersson and less commercial, too (I mean, I love my daughter's striped dress from Hanna Andersson, but I'm tired of seeing five other girls on the street wearing the same one). I think the designs are adorable and I just snagged this "Happy Car" T-shirt on sale for just $12.50 (was $25) for my son. I think he'll love it. Check out all the bright patterns at Polarn O. Pyret.

Enjoy free shipping with code "VIP23" for a limited time only at Polarn O. Pyret.

Happy Independence Day!

I'm leaving today to spend the holiday weekend at the beach...I will be posting again on Monday, July 6th. I hope you all have a very happy, healthy, and safe 4th of July weekend!

Three Flags (1958) by Jasper Johns, courtesy of The Whitney Museum of American Art.