Archives for category: Toys and Stuff
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Earth Angel

February 7, 2012 //
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Tonight it took me until I got to Whole Foods to realize that I was wearing an Aden + Anais swaddle blanket as a scarf. And then I bought lithium batteries for the vibrating chair by accident. And then I tried to get into someone else’s vehicle. Good times!  My friend Eve tells me to think about all the mamas around the world who are up at 3am, breastfeeding their babies, in an effort to remind me that I am part of one tired, global community. So, as I write this post with one hand while holding a little dreamer in the other, I am giving shout outs to all the other ladies who are as sleepy and grouchy as I am (Maira, Stacey B!) Here, a Hug A Planet pillow that will help you point out all the places you want to take your baby while reminding you of your place in this world.

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Categories Toys and Stuff

Sticky Situation

December 27, 2011 //
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I’m always looking for non-messy art projects (the messy ones like spin art and water colors get saved for my mother’s art studio,) and my friend Joanna swears that tape rolls equal hours of fun (of maizes, collages and “floor art.”) The ones she suggested are from Lakeshore Learning, a California education system staple, but I one-upped her and found this Pantone-ish Marks Masking Tape dispenser from one of my favorite French sites, Little Fashion Gallery. Now is French tape really better than American tape? You be the judge.

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Categories Kid's Decor, Toys and Stuff

Alphabet City

December 24, 2011 //
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It’s rare that Hannukkah and Christmas overlap, so our gift-giving is still going strong. After seeing Kim Krans’ ABC Dream book written about here and there, I decided to order it for Rafi, who is now into the alphabet. I tend to buy books for the following reasons: it came highly recommended, is a kid’s classic, or has insanely gorgeous illustrations. And if you glimpsed at even just the cover of this book, you’d know which category it falls into. The rest of Krans’ site is interesting, filled with all sorts of whimsical posters and cards. But if there is a toddler in your home, this book will make “B is for Braid!” a whole lot more enjoyable for you. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukkah!

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Categories Art, Toys and Stuff

Valley of the Dolls

December 22, 2011 //
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My dear friend Juan Carlos Obando gave my girls these crazy Pantone Barbie dolls that Mattel sent him. Let’s just say that one of them came with an IPad and chunky heels. My mom blasted me for allowing them in the house. ”These are not what real women are supposed to look like, girls!” is what I kept reminding my kids. Even though the real reason I don’t really want them in my house is because they’re butt, not because they are anatomically incorrect…Girls have Vogue from just about every country to teach them about unattainable figures. Anyway, a doll I can really get behind is this one from Lanvin. She poses no controversy save for the price. And no artsy mother of mine is going to question my ethics for letting her into the home. Except for my spending ethics, but that’s another story.

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Categories Art, Kid's Decor, Toys and Stuff

Shark Week

December 13, 2011 //
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One of our holiday gifts to the girls is a puppet theatre. And by “puppet theatre” I mean: a wooden structure from Sarah’s Silks which you drape celestial scarves over for a curtain-like effect. It could be a major hit or a big, fat downer. I’ll report back. In my mind the kids will put on shows for one another (hours of new fun!) but who the F knows. I found beautiful Folkmanis prince and princess puppets for my ballerina-obsessed sisters but I can imagine my little nephews enjoying this super awesome shark puppet (maybe he eats the princess, I don’t know.) Regardless of how the stage goes down, you can never go wrong with an aggressive ocean dweller stuffed on your hand.

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Categories Toys and Stuff

Heads Up!

November 17, 2011 //
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My love for superstar headbands is in the same vein as my self-admitted obsession with headresses. They’re editorial, they’re festive, and they rest on the bean. Just recently I discovered Lieshen Mueller, a very cool German company that makes whimsical clothing, fly-looking stuffed animals and tiara-eque headbands. Their hand-made look will transform any little outfit while adding a cool element to dressing up.

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Categories Kid's Fashion, Toys and Stuff

Easy Rider

October 24, 2011 //
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When my friend Courtney claimed her two year old twins were cruising around on this Early Rider pedal-free bike I thought, No chance. But my active little two year old daughter wants nothing more than to be outside so I  gave it a go. The first run wasn’t so successful. Meaning, Jon emerged from running her around the block, sweating, and bitching because he was so hunched over. And then came the complaints about his back. Good Lord. But once Rafi got the hang of it, she was speed walking it back and forth on her own, which will ultimately teach her how to balance on a real bike. And because there are no pedals, she was able to wear her Sarah’s Silks fairy skirt the whole time. Kind of brilliant.

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Categories Toys and Stuff

Uni Lover

October 13, 2011 //
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I knew I was in for it when Gemma’s mermaid costume arrived and she screamed, “I wanna open it, can we open it, I wanna hold it, just let me hold it!” Good Lord. It reminded me of myself when I used to splurge on Chloe, bring it home and just caress it. And when we realized they sent a size ten by accident, I told her we needed to send it back which was (naturally) met with “Noooooo!! Can I wear the cape? Then lemme just wear the cape, Can I watch Elmo in the cape?” In the meantime, I found a unicorn costume I liked even more from Sarah’s Silks and tried to entice her, but to no avail. The fins win. But for those of you still in need…

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Categories Kid's Fashion, Toys and Stuff

Hand to Mouth

October 11, 2011 //
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My older daughter has a crazy strong will which she doesn’t get from me as I am a total wimp. She majorly freaked-out before getting one of her shots, but for her follow up visit she said, “I’m not gonna cry when I get my shot today.” And when the little arm went out there were no tears and that was that. Again…I’ve been known to faint after getting blood drawn, so…Just recently Gemma announced to me that she was going to stop biting her nails because she doesn’t see anyone else doing it (I happen to still bite my nails, but in private, ok?) I said when we start to see some growth we could celebrate with getting some funky non-toxic nail polish, which she was all over. I was introduced to Hopscotch Kids, an amazing line of vegan, paraban-free polish for piggies and love everything about it. And after choosing a pale lavender and a sparkling blue, we are officially hands free. ***And please note that the charcoal gray is super cool for little guys! Or for little guys with super cool moms, rather.

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Categories Kid's Fashion, Toys and Stuff

Dance Hall Days

September 1, 2011 //
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Let me just say that I was gifted this Name Your Tune CD, which at first sounded a little corny, but good G-d, it’s a winner. How they insert your child’s name into every song I do not know, but I guess that is part of the appeal. And who doesn’t like a little mystery with their kid’s music? I personally think there is a groovy folk artist duo in their studio singing about Rafi. And since I like to promote dance parties I think the perfect gift would be this CD along with a super cool tutu or whatever your kids like to wear when they dance around the room….Or is it only my kids that get decked?

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Categories Toys and Stuff
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