giggle & shout

that's a wrap!

For those of us newly anointed with parental blessing, there is nothing we're more proud to wear than the baby!  And there's no better way to connect you and yours at the hip than the amazingly stylish Peanut Shell Baby Sling.  The only one you'll ever need, this cool and convenient carrier works for newborns to toddlers up to 36 lbs (my 4 1/2 year old weighs in at 30 - oh, how many kinks and sprains I could have avoided...)!  The fabric choices are just what those of us with the navy blue/gingham aversion have been waiting for - beautiful, stylish, modern.  Peanut Shell also offers the Baby Wrap, which is perfect for tots of the tiniest variety, as well as Nursing Covers for the MODest mama. Providing uncompromising comfort and quality, you can trust Peanut Shell to hold your little peanut in the loving arms of savoir-faire.

what can i say?!?

These extra-cute little creatures speak for themselves!  They are called Woollyhoodwinks (long, but entirely adorable), and they are handmade in the home if their loving creator Jeff Root. Each one is unique and special, comes packaged in his or her very own "tree" filled with cool surprises, and if you don't want to hug one, there's something wrong with you!

my new best buddy

My thirst for traditional favorites with modern themes has been quenched for today, all thanks to Bud by designroom.  They have added wicked style to baby and toddler staples, making them irresistible necessities.   Every kid needs a rubber duckie to make bath time fun, right?   Well,  say no to boring yellow and yes to Rock Duck!  And what cooler place could there be to save for college than McPig?  Keep baby full and tidy with Bud's fantastic bottle and bib sets.  Hailing form Melbourne, Australia, all  Luxury Ducks, Posh Pigs, and Bud Baby Sets come perfectly packaged and ready to give - or if you're like me, to keep.  You can check out the full line of products here, and buy select items at elsewares and other stores.

"just hatched and ready for action"

From Queen Bee's designer Rebecca Pearcy, Chickpea is born ~ the merging of form and function to create this super cool line of essentials for style-minded parents and kids.  Have you searched high and low for a diaper bag both parents are proud to carry?   Look no further;  Chickpea has over 50 (yes, I said 50) to choose from!  Available in a tote or messenger,  each bag is hand made from animal-friendly, waterproof vinyl, and loaded with pockets to satisfy your inner organizer.  Take a look at the fabulous wearables~ your hip little girl or guy is sure to turn heads while donned in a Chickpea tee or onesie designed by artist Tae Won Yu.  And what a treat: the adorable Chocolate Giraffe shirt is printed on deliciously soft organic cotton.  Unique hand made goods always make the best gift for yourself or someone special, and you're sure to find something fresh at Chickpea.

hello, my name is:

Hip Kid Art's slogan is "one of a kind cool", and they're not kidding.  Made-to-order canvases, personalized with your child's name, are available in so many great designs, you're sure to find one that expresses you're little one's unique style.  A Hip Kid canvas is an essential addition to every modern nursery.  Here are  some of my favorites - check out their website to see the complete design gallery. 

have your cake, and eat it too

Delicious designs and uncompromising quality abounds - don't believe me?  Check out Quilt Baby's enticing array of handmade modern goods.  From apparel and toys to bedding and decor, Quilt Baby has it all (at uncommonly low prices, might I add).  All clothing and accessories are made with busy parents in mind. They are all machine washable and dryer safe-  practical, while still managing to avoid the sacrifice of style. I particularly love the simply designed, ultra modern felt mobile, available in some great color choices.  Check out the Quilt Baby Shop to see all the fantastic things in store for the cutting-edge kid in your life.  At these prices, you can load your cart.   Affordable and hip!  Who knew? 

oh, lori

Ok, so my girlfriend directed me to the website of Lori Joy Smith, and the smile on my face could not be any bigger.  How have I not seen this before??  Better late than never, I guess. 
Lori is primarily an illustrator of children's books and greeting cards, but in visiting her website, you'll see a charming variety of paintings, fabric art and more.  Her work is  endearingly atypical;  definitely cute, but in no way ordinary.  Check out Lori's super fun website - in addition to seeing all her amazing work, you can get wallpapers, send e-cards, and most importantly, buy originals in the "little store".  I can't think of a better gift than one of these brilliant pieces!  Lori even does custom work, made especially for your child.
I don't know about you, but my heart is full, thanks especially to the little Orange Bird.

it may sound crazy...

...but some families actually do sit down together for mealtime, and so should yours!  Eating dinner together as a family, can be extremely beneficial to your kids, and to the family unit as a whole.  But here's the catch - you have to actually TALK to each other!  For some families, it's the only time during the day that everyone can get together and chat.  So what's to talk about?  After everyone's day has been discussed, and plans for tomorrow have been decided, what's next?  Oh, the possibilities!
Four mom friends from cute little Grass Valley, CA  have gotten together and designed the perfect table-time conversation starter for families everywhere who are looking to connect with one another and have a little fun.  They started a company called Memorable Mealtimes, and their first product on the market, The Enchanted Table, will guide you to a truly meaningful exchange.  The kit contains a beautiful tablecloth centerpiece, illustrated by California artist John Davis,  and an insightful array of "conversation" and "contribution" cards, guaranteed to take you way beyond standard idle chatter. 
The Enchanted Table is reasonably priced, but regardless ~ can you really put a price on family bonding?  Get together and talk it up!   Your family will thank you.

dangerous style

Though simple and utterly functional, Deadly Squire's designs are anything but ordinary.  Designed by artists Anna and Tim Harrington, all of the products are available in a delightful array of their very own fabrics. In addition to the bib and changing pad, there are many other offerings that would lend greatly to the fashion forward mom and pop.  Avert outright tradition and knock 'em dead.

deliciously devout

I am freaking out over Sarah Lanzilotta and her crazy cute dolls.  They are all hand made by her, and no two are the same.  Her amazing creativity is manifested in a variety of creepily charming creatures.  I am in love!  Go buy a gift or start a collection of your own ~ Devout Dolls are to die for!