three purple birds

Book Club

2009-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not a fan of books that aren't board books UNTIL my daughter received this great book from her Great Grammy! Anyone remember the book If You Give A Moose A Muffin? For those that haven't read it, it's basically all in the title and continues with this long hysterical list of demands the moose makes because you gave it the damn muffin in the first place. If You Give A Pig A Party by Laura Numeroff is oh-so-cute and ever-so-funny (alright I'll stop it already!) and follows the same idea.

Check it out at amazon.com for about $8.50.

The book was available at Kohl's as a part of their Kohl's Cares for Kids program in which 100% of proceeds support health and educational opportunities for kids! It looks like they've sold out, but the matching piggy is still available for $5 and it's for a good cause. Makes a great gift too! kohls.com

happy to help

2009-09-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sarah for sending me this great pic of her living room with (drum roll) Color Coordinated Books!!

Here's a pic:

Sarah - I love it!

if the customer service is THAT great...

2009-09-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have some sad stroller news for everyone:
Our beloved Bumble Ride Flyer (yes, the one I had to have) is a total goner. The front wheels won't lock anymore so Bumble Ride so graciously sent me a giant box and arranged for someone to pick it up, drop it by a stroller mechanic and drop it back off at my abode. When it returned from the stroller repair shop (are you also picturing mechanics in greasy jumpsuits fixing strollers in a old garage?) I was thoroughly disappointed to find that the frame that had supposedly gotten fixed was now cracked. SHIT. I called and complained (like a 2 year old) and we somehow ended up with not only a new frame for our old stroller, but another stroller as well. It's still in the box and came with a lovely house mouse. Cheese, anyone?

This whole process feels like attempting to quit the gym...and then ending up with four more years of procrastination. Except my four more years are more like many more years of crappy strollerhood.

And on that note:
Seagrass color (green and blue) Bumbleride Stroller for sale - brand spankin new in box (no mouse, as we checked and sealed the box) best offer...check out a pic at www.bumbleride.com. Contact me for more info (and hey at least it's pretty!)

more purple birds

2009-08-28T11:12:00.001-07:00

I decided after 1+ years of changing Little Peanut's two crib sheets from her usual Martha Stewart green with white stripes and just plain cream, to purchase some I-enjoy-looking-at-her-crib-more-than-she-does sheets. And what a difference they make! Fitted sheet is by DwellStudio for Target, about $10. Super soft and pretty - and I think pretty cool, too!

Here's a snap of them...

and wuddya know?...lots of purple birds (not at all on purpose, promise)

moo knew?

2009-07-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago a cute little cow creamer started showing up everywhere! I saw it at Pier 1, at Wegman's grocery store, at my sisters in-laws home...all over town! It looks like Chuck Williams, aka the brains behind the successful Williams Sonoma, knew he had something fantastically timeless when he first saw the cow creamer. It originally came in a print, and Williams asked the manufacturer if it could be produced without all the hoopla. That was in the mid 50's. (We can thank him for convincing Kitchen Aid to make their mixers in all those great hues, too!)

Made of porcelain, dishwasher and microwave safe, Williams Sonoma's Cow Creamer retails for $28. So elegant and goes in just about any style kitchen with it's clean, white, sculpture-esque feel. williamssonoma.com

Like the look but not the $$? Check out this one above, from target.com. Also Porcelain and only $10 and maybe slightly underfed?

notes worth taking

2009-07-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

I am a complete and utter list person. What does this quite mean? Weeelll, it means that without a piece of paper and pen in my purse, by my bed, in the kitchen, and every other place in my house, I am a total mess. Plus I love love buying new cute notebooks to store all my lists (lists of things to do, things to buy, things to cook, etc)

Purchasing fun notebooks, calendars, and organizers is truly an exciting activity for me (yes I am that person standing in the "day planners" isle at Staples with four planners in hand deciding if I'll get bored looking at purple everyday, or if the blue bird print will bug me after a month).

Here are some adorably sweet notebooks to get you inspired too!

Robert Le Heros Journals are exceptionally chiq and very well made. I love the elastic strap for extra durability. His patterns are bold but very clean and refreshing. Retail for about $19. www.shopwritersbloc.com

I am a big Etsy Fan. Check out this great planner from Etsy shop Clann04.

Made from a recycled food box, this planner is truly one of a kind! Retails for $7 + shipping. Worth checking out - choose from Milk Duds to DiGiorno, lots of shapes and sizes. Very cute! Prices range from $4-$20! www.etsy.com

Barnes and Noble has to have one of the greatest selections of calendars, organizers, planners, and journals I could wish for! I can easily spend lots of time peeking through all of them. Plus, if you have a membership or a sister with a membership you get a pretty percentage off and maybe you could grab a coffee and book or two on your way out!

I love this planner by Silver Lining. Retails for about $8. Great color palate and very durable! www.bn.com

Happy planner-seeking!

a wallpaper wonderland

2009-07-01T07:56:00.001-07:00

Wallpaper lovers get ready to ooh and aaah. I was warmly welcomed to take some snaps of this truly gorgeous dining room. The pictures speak for themselves--check it out:

Three questions for Rachel:

one. Did you have a particular vision in mind before decorating?
I did not have a vision for the dining room. It started out with the wallpaper and it was not really about the color scheme but about which paper I liked the most.

two. What drew you to the wallpaper?
I liked it because it was traditional but with a modern touch. After the wallpaper was chosen, everything was built on that.

three. At what point did the room feel complete?
For me, the moment the whole thing came together was when we chose the light fixtures. We brought in samples of the wallpaper and curtain fabric and explained the feeling of the room and the lady designed them for me on the spot, complete with drawings and color scheme included! It was actually a really cool experience.

A couple cool facts worth mentioning...

* wondering about the magnificent art on the console? it's a one-of-a-kind and painted by the owner's mother, an artist!

* take a close look at the ceiling and you'll notice it's textured wallpaper - so elegant!

Rachel, thanks so much for welcoming me into your lovely home.

still looking for clothes for your tot this summer?

2009-06-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

I'm always pleasantly surprised when I stumble upon great prices for clothing for my daughter, especially when the clothes look like I spent much more.

Check out this adorable dress from The Children's Place:

Sunshine Halter Dress is on sale now for less than $12. The burgundy color in the center of the earthy dress adds a rich touch along with the orange lace trim along the neckline. Adorable! childrensplace.com

coffee tables and coffee tables

2009-06-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

I was recently searching the web for a cool, refreshing coffee table - here were my requirements for the perfect table:

1. table must not be ugly
2. table should not look like a place to throw junk on - rather a functional, yet respectable piece of furniture
3. table must be kid-friendly
4. table cannot be rectangular (aka resemble my old one)

and just for extra credit....

1. table can be used as conversation starter with guests
2. table can receive oodles and oodles of compliments...from my husband (this one made me giggle)
3. table can magically transform into homemaker when I'm too busy (well, it was worth a shot!)

Because I purchased our last coffee table thoughtlessly quick, I am much more inclined to take my time and find the perfect table.

I stumbled upon allcoffeetables.com and was immediately pleased with their broad range of shapes, colors, sizes, textures and so on.

Innovations IRock Collection is ultra bright and ultra modern. Legs are metal chrome. Choose from white, red, orange, yellow and black (below).

Retails from about $150 to about $250 depending on size and height. Pick and choose your color and size combo. I absolutely love these!

If you like the minimalist look and want something very simple and less trendy (because you would like to keep your furniture around for at least a couple of weeks) check out Square Cross Table by Furniture FX, for $280. Available in black or white.

If you've got little ones, or just aren't a fan of the sqaure, FX makes a round version as well! For something a little more substantial, check out this one, below:

The Tema Tokyo Square High Table is available in beech, cherry, walnut, wenge, and white finishes. Retails for about $490.

You can never go wrong with a simple glass table - it will last a while in both style and durability. I happen to love this one from justmyshopping.com:

RTA Home and Office Coffee Table has an aluminum base and a durable 8mm clear tempered glass - very easy clean and very affordable at $99! plus use coupon code 3purplebirds5x and receive an extra 5% off at checkout - that's a good deal!

kitchen beautiful

2009-06-04T12:27:00.001-07:00

Buying accessories for your kitchen is like painting a blank canvas; the possibilities are endless. Whether it's new wall hangings, dish towels, chairs and tables, your kitchen accessories and furniture can change as often as buying a new pair of shoes. I was so excited to snap some shots from Lauren Mishaan's fabulous kitchen. Take a peek:

La Cocina

Lots of counter space!

Functional work area

Bright modern barstools for a splash of color

personal touches

spacious eat-in kitchen

Lauren fills in the blanks with me:

1. If you could describe your kitchen in one word it would be refreshing.
2. Your inspiration for the room was industry sleek.
3. What you were essentially looking for was a kitchen the whole family could live in and has an open space.
4. It was imperative to have an island, splash of color, and be kid friendly.

Lauren, love your kitchen, thanks so much for letting me check it out and share it with everyone!

curtain call!

2009-06-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

I recently ventured off to my childhood friends' lovely abode and couldn't help but notice her adorably white shabby chic shower curtain. Here's the thing, she told me it was from Anthropologie maybe a few years back, so when I went to check it out on their site, only but one was left and it in fresh tropical shades of blue and green. Check it out:

100% cotton, machine washable (as all curtains shown here are) and ever so frilly! retails for $118. anthropologie.com

If the color fading look isn't your thing, but you're liking the layering idea, check out The Ruffled Shower Curtain By India Rose at burkedecor.com:

I'm loving her bright colors! Choose from white, persimmon, avocado and magenta. Retails for $96 with free shipping! burkedecor.com. Have a low window in your home? try using two shower curtains instead of drapes!

If you're not looking to make such a bold statement (why you wouldn't want to? I don't know!) check these ones out:

I adore the delicate rows of ruffles. Snow Field shower curtain retails for $98 at anthropologie.com.

Love the look but not the $$$? Ditto, so check out this one, above, from target.com. 100% Polyester, so no need to worry about it shrinking in the wash. Retails for about $30.

pillowhappy all over again

2009-06-02T04:28:00.001-07:00

etsy's pillowhappy has got to be one of my very favorite shops! With her extremely unique, modern clean lines and lovely craftsmanship, pillowhappy has so many beautiful pieces to offer. I can't take my eyes off this gorgeous pillow :

Modern Colorworks pillow is a work of art on its own! retails for $118. Not only beautiful but comfy too as it's made of soft fleece. etsy.com

3 questions for pillowhappy shop owner, Shellie:

What was your inspiration for this pillow?
I was flipping through a magazine and saw this amazing rug that looked like a piece of modern art with lots of color and movement. I had to do my own in pillow form.

If you had to describe your work in one word, what would it be?
Happy!

Shellie, your pieces are so unique. What is your favorite piece from your shop?
I'd have to say the rose pillows because they're interesting little pieces of art, look real, are so soft for actually laying your head on, and are machine washable. I have the pink one on my couch, and I literally can't wait to lay on it! and it's pretty.

Check out the Red Rose Pillow, above. Choose from dark red, orange/red, pink, creme, or black. Retails for $58. And, true to it's description, sits perfectly in just about any style home! gorgeous! great gift idea too!

great Hunter boots sale - one day only

2009-06-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

(Hunter boots in hand) Thank you everyone, thank you... I'd also like to thank my wonderful mom for emailing me this great deal to share with you all, enjoy!

I'm so excited to share this great deal that I honestly feel as though I've just accepted a (Tony? Grammy? great-deal-relay-person?) award!

As I've mentioned, I am a big fan of Hunter boots! Their "Original" style retails for a little over $100. Let's face it, we're in a recession and spending $100 to feel good in the rain may not be your tip top priority at the moment, and very understandably so.

But here's some great news! 6pm.com, aka zappos.com's warehouse, is having a one -day- only sale - and these babies, in "dolphin" only (as shown here) are 57% off! They are now retailing for about $50 + shipping! They are a good neutral color and perfect if you find their other colors a little too severe!

Happy Hunter shopping!

cb2, I heart you!

2009-05-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

I am BEYOND excited, elated, jumping for joy (you get my drift) that CB2 finally put their Sunny Arm Chair and Inside/Out Dining Table on sale!

check out all the prettiness!

Sunny Arm Chair is now on sale for about $70 - a lovely 30% price adjustment from the original $100 it retailed for. Comes in bright yellow, fresh white, and, my all time favorite: the most crisp modern shade of blue your heart could long for....ahhh (I think I smell a future paint color on my walls!)... Here's why I am especially drawn to these chairs:

-They have a restaurant feel to them, which makes them great for both indoor and outdoor!

-They also stack, which is a big plus for small spaces and for future storage.

-They are extremely durable and easy to clean!

I would recommend only buying this chair in one color as an array of colors would be a bit overwhelming on the eye.

I happen to also adore the Inside/Out Dining Table - on sale for $250 (orig $300). Painted in hi-gloss white and rust resistant it's very practical for indoors or out - and I love the glass table top - super easy for wiping spills and creating the illusion of a bigger space (Windex, anyone?) cb2.com

zoo inspired

2009-05-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

What better way to spend the holiday weekend then with your family! I Had such fun the other day at the Central Park Zoo. Besides spending quality family time with my BFF's, I was so inspired by some of the beauties there too!

Before I go on, I need to confess something: I didn't catch the type or name of these two birds - (yikes!) My sincerest apologies. I know, so unprofessional and I realized this way too late. I seriously contemplated making something up, I just didn't think that would be too fair of me to do to my loyal readers

AHHH now that that's out of the way...check out the bright color of this beautiful birds' feathers! Brights and bolds, as I've mentioned in the past, make such a dramatic statement that even the most discreet accent piece can do wonders.

The Marius Stool from Ikea is ideal for small spaces. For less than $6 a piece (about the cost of a frappaccino) these bright modern stacking stools are a must if you're constantly figuring out where you're guests are going to sit, or even if you're simply looking for something to brighten up the room a bit (without spending a bit)! ikea.com for more info.

I had to snap a pic of this lovely bird, as it reminded me of one of my favorite throw pillows

Since, apparently this post is making an honest blogger out of me, I have one more confession: I'm not the biggest fan of zoo's, or at least, I wasn't the biggest fan of them, but after this past trip - I have to say, I'm a little anxious to get back and see what else is in store for us!

glad I bought this....

2009-05-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned in the past, a simple throw pillow can give your room the face lift it needs. When placed correctly, pillows of different shapes and textures add a lot of elegance and character to your bed, couch, chairs, etc.

I purchased a couple of these Remy Shag Pillows from Crate and Barrel (crateandbarrel.com) on sale for about $30 each. Placed in front of a traditional bright throw (knit by my Grandmother!)

A closeup of the beauty!!

I love the contrast. When looking for new accessories, I tend to search for items that I could easily place in just about every room in my house - which makes it easy to switch things up when I'm getting bored with a look.

sunblock = sunsuit

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yay and thank you to all the wonderful stores out there who are actually catering to something a little more important than a cute lil bikini, tankini, and bathing suit this season!

This past year, non-beach specialty stores carried a few bathing suits for your little one that covered thighs, neck, and shoulders. I happen to love a cute ruffle-y bikini on my peanut, but her sensitive baby skin is so much more important. I snatched a great one from the Gap with UPF protection that still happens to fit her this year. Check out these adorable ones!

Throw this adorable surfer top over your toddler - retails for $16.50. UPF 50+.

While I prefer as much skin covered as possible, this adorable tankini from Gap is so cute and still protects with UPF 50+ (just make sure to slather on lots of sunblock!) Striped Tankini on sale now for about $15, gap.com

have a fun and skin-healthy summer!

pretty accessories

2009-05-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of putting fresh flowers all over the house - but flowers can get a lil pricey and the upkeep can be a lil annoying - For a while I was putting fresh lemons and limes in a bowl, but for some reason they were rotting faster than I could use them all (I'm no Giada, okay?) here's a no- fuss way to add a little personality to your table, console, nightstand.....

In the fall and winter seasons I like pine cones. I found mine at my local Shop Rite, but you can always grab a few from your backyard (just make sure to clean them well before putting them in your home.) They look so pretty and fresh in just about any kind of bowl and add so much warmth (mine were scented, which I wasn't such a fan of).

Check out vandykestaxidermy.com for a package of six pine cones for three bucks!

In the spring and summer seasons, I recommend saying g'bye to the pine cones (until next time) and switching it up a little.

I have to hand it to bedbathandbeyond.com for having the greatest selection of table accessories. Amongst my favorites are these;

Mosaic Glass Balls are so pretty and rich looking! Two color choices, sold as a set of three, and retail for about $25 (be sure to bring your million coupons they send in the mail!). They look so much more $$$. I happen to be a big fan of the chocolate colored ones.

Check out these rustic, contemporary Batok Balls. About $15 for three. I love the idea of buying quite a few of these and placing them in unequal amounts in a couple rooms in the house - it creates a cohesiveness throughout the home.

Here's the best part yet: when you're sick of looking at them, carefully store them away - when you're ready to take them out again, you'll feel like you've just bought yourself a pretty bouquet of flowers!

enjoy!

personalized gifts

2009-05-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

here's a way to give a gift with a little more thought....personalize it! Check out these great soaps at potterybarn.com:

On sale now for $29 with free shipping. So pretty!

Adorable online store worth checking out: threehipchicks.com! Check out their Personalized Wooden Oval Pendant and Necklace. So great for summer. Retails for $45.50. Choose from nice variety of shapes, fonts and necklace colors - you can also purchase just the pendant.

Love the Monogrammed Large Oval Shell Pendant too! Retails for $21 - check out their gorgeous silk string too!

shoes for thought

2009-05-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

I spotted my extremely stylin friend gracefully stepping out with the most beautiful pieces of artwork on her feet. I explained to her that the second I laid eyes on that sugary sparkle mix of pinks and creams, it was as though I was stepping into a whole new world of glittery-goodness (well, I didn't explain it exactly like that, but pretty close!)

Almost too pretty to wear, Miu Miu Perla Sequin Platform Pumps are show stoppers (my friend's pumps were platformless and equally gorgeous). These shoes truly are a piece of art - and a design inspiration as well.

For those who love the eclectic look in their home - a bit of this, a touch of that - a glittery Hollywood glam piece could really do a room justice. Throw pillows are a great way to update a room without breaking the bank. I found this one today at overstock.com. The Carol Basket Weave Pillow retails for about $66. Woven in Metallic leather - I love that it's not too over the top, yet still very elegant.

I also love Jane Seymour's Mirrored Gemstone Pillow. Retails for $50. Very elegant and I love the texture! overstock.com

Check out the Sheesha Pillow (a la Olivia Palermo) at Jayson Home and Garden. Retails from $205-$345. Very clean lines and modern with a touch of glam - very pretty (and pricey!) jaysonhomeandgarden.com

gotta love these chairs!

2009-05-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Some moms prefer flowers or perfume or some expensive jewelry for mother's day.... but how about a chair or two?

I happen to love the look of acrylic furniture when paired correctly with traditional, rustic, and even some contemporary pieces. Use the Acrylic Folding Chair as your kitchen chairs around a square or rectangular table (something with corners), or fold em, stack em, or store em when you have guests! They are fabulous either way. They are a bit pricey for a folding chair - $125 for a set of two (+ Overstock's $2.95 shipping), but after reading tons of reviews they seem well worth it. This particular chair was found on numerous sites but overstock.com seemed to have them the cheapest, and their customer service is superb!

update your lighting

2009-05-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a chic (I'm getting kinda tired of using this word over and over again so let me start over). If you're looking for a chic (writers block) way to update your dining room without breaking the bank, a new, trendy chandelier might just be what the doctor ordered!

When it comes to lighting, as long as you (or your trustworthy handyman) are familiar with wires, fire hazards, and the general safety of your family and house, the sky really is the limit. Street fairs, antique shops, thrift stores, garage sales and hardware stores are just a few of the places to explore (ummm, remember my 75 cent lamp? exactly!)

I happen to love lampsplus.com. They are located on the west coast. A born and raised west coaster myself, I've visited a few of them and am so impressed with their customer service and products. They carry a huge assortment. Being NY-bound now, I take advantage of their great website with fantastic sales and clearances. Check out this great fixture:

Originally retailing for $150, the White Flower Pendant Chandelier is on sale now for $85! I love it. Imagine two of these crisp white chandeliers hanging over your dining table. Remove a couple traditional items, add a few white accessories.....voila! an updated dining room.

I also love the look of a white spray painted chandelier! Take any brass chandelier. You definitely don't have to be in love with it, just appreciate the overall shape. I found this one (and there were plenty of cheaper ones there too) at The Home Depot (homedepot.com).

Monticello Collection Williamsburg Style 6 Light Chandelier retails for about $63 and would work great for spray painting. I especially liked this one because of the shape and the numerous lights. A 3 light chandelier would work especially well in an entry way or little kids room. The look of a modern matte white color on a traditionally shaped chandelier creates a real eclectic feel to the room or entryway. And it works in a completely white room for an elegant 'museum' feel, or in a brightly colored space for a fresh clean accent piece.

Want to get even more inspired? Check out these white AND colored spray painted chandeliers and tell me what you think. I love the blue one:

www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/hot-or-not/hot-or-not-spray-painted-chandelierswashington-dc-054910

And promise me that you'll email me your finish product!

very pretty lips for a very good cause

2009-04-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced to Jessi Howell cosmetics. Her products look great, but I was especially drawn to her P.U.D. (Proud, Unique, and Determined) line. She carries deliciously rich shades of lipstick and perfectly plumping lip glosses. Here's the best part of all - 100% of the proceeds from her P.U.D. line go to Childhelp, and Abused Child Trust, nonprofit organizations that help victims of child abuse and neglect.

P.U.D. Pure Lips retails for $28. Free of synthetic dyes and colourants. I adore her "Determined" color! Five other great colors to choose from.

P.U.D Plumping Pout Gloss retails for $40 - comes in six gorgeous colors. Check out "Prosper" - it's simple and fresh for the summer! And best of all, it's for a great cause! www.jessihowellcosmetics.com

yay or nay?

2009-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for the perfect rectangular "LOVE" throw pillow to add to the middle of my sectional. I know they're out there somewhere, and I can't seem to get my hands on one. Just today I spotted this incredible deal on the almost perfect pillow (you'll see why I say "almost")

Gosh darn that "s" and the "a" (which really does look like an "o", anyway). I love the black graffiti! I'm so disappointed that this potentially adorable pillow from CB2, on sale for a nice $10, says "save". Granted we're currently in a recession, but I would imagine that no one wants a reminder to "save" resting right beneath their elbow everyday! If, however, you're drawn to the word, then by all means go and grab your "save" while it's still on sale! cb2.com

a cow in the kitchen

2009-04-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

I know I recently expressed how chic I think a chalkboard in the kitchen is - but here's another worth mentioning: Socialite Olivia Palermo's! She's so fun to hate, with her closet the size of a small country. And I simply cannot stop thinking about her fabulous apartment in the city. It's very hollywood glam, a little too unpractical with all the white (I'm sure I would have spilled something all over her yummy cream-colored sofa) but I adore her cow-shaped chalkboard in the kitchen above her stove.

The country feel of the cow and the modern zebra rug in the walkway create such a warm balance. And just for fun, here's a picture of a gorgeous art deco chair in her apartment:

The Pink piping is so feminine - and the shape is truly elegant!

Back to chalkboards - they're a great idea if you're thinking you want to change up your kitchen a little and they're really useful for to-do lists and recipes!

who knew cleaning up could be this adorable?!

2009-04-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

I optimistically thought that the throwing-food-on-the-floor stage would have happily ended by the time my husband turned 28 - joking, by the time my daughter turned one. But boy oh boy was I wrong. My floor looks like a disaster almost every night. And there I am, left picking up pieces of macaroni - and washing the tiled, every-lil-spot-of-dirt-shows floor, over and over again!

I started to search for some durable floor mats and was so excited when I came across this one:

"Strawberry Fields Retro Splat Mat" by online boutique store Divas and Drooligans, is so cute and retails for approximately $25. 44" x 44", heavy duty, and available in eight more adorable, retro patterns! check out divasanddrooligans.com.

yummy treats...and zero calories!

2009-04-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

Here's a deal worth checking out: Pottery Barn Kids is having a huge sale on their play food - over 50% off and so adorable!

check out these pics...

Made of soft felt, they have a huge array of foods - sushi, snow cones, take out burgers, and adorable spices! They retail for $19 and are on sale now for a cool $7.99 for each set!

Also, if your sweet little one loves tea parties as much as mine does, you'll be itching for this tea set too!

Made of cotton and corduroy (cute!) this tea set is on sale for $6 (originally $16). I love the earth tone colors! check it all out at potterybarnkids.com

what a clever kitchen!

2009-04-26T12:39:00.001-07:00

My friend Daniella so graciously allowed me to photograph her stunning kitchen. There is something truly unique about it - her Subzero refrigerator and freezer are covered from head to toe in chalkboard!

While living in her apartment, Daniella explained that she was constantly writing reminder lists - if it wasn't written down then it just wasn't happenin (she's a very busy mom of four, mind you). When she designed her kitchen, she thought of a wonderfully creative way to jot down a note or two and add something original.

Here's a close-up

Yumm! (by the way her kitchen smelled so good!) And I love that it still functions as a magnetic fridge! So smart Daniella!

do you blabla?

2009-04-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Summer is around the corner, and do you know what that means? It means it's time to stock up on all that winter clearance for next fall! Blabla is a great place to start. They carry a huge array of clothings, toys, and blankets. Their products are very well made and very pricey. Now is the time to buy!

Check out these great sale items:

The "Mozart" Tee retails for $24 and is on sale now for $12. So adorable and original, made from hand-picked cotton and produced in Peru. They have a nice array of t's on sale for both boys and girls. blablakids.com for more t's. Check out their adorable winter hats, also $12 on sale!

Looking for the prefect gift? This adorable hand loomed pink and orange blanket is 100% cotton and on sale now for $35, originally $60. You're giving a quality gift at a great price! blablakids.com

pure and simple

2009-04-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's interesting that with all the new trendy toys frequently on the market, wooden toys have a way of always being in style.

Belonging to her own kids at one time, my mother-in-law saved this classic toy car. My daughter loves to play with it! It's 100% wood, no dyes, chemicals, or worries added!

I know I've expressed my love for Oompa in the past and I couldn't resist mentioning their adorable Cheekeys Wooden African Animal Set!

The set of five retails for about $30 and is simply too cute! Makes a great gift. With the clean, modern curves it would also make adorable baby room decor! Check out www.oompa.com.

*Save 10% when you spend $50 or more on your first order - coupon code PN2009.

april showers aren't lookin too bad

2009-04-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

One sad rainy day at the pediatricians office, I spotted the most fantastic rain boots! They came just below the knee and had that authentic, I-just-fed-my-horse look I was looking for. I squinted away to read the brand (I really should have just asked!) and later on that very same day I ventured off to find them...

Hunter "Original" retails for approximately $100 and well worth every penny! Originally designed for Scotland's unpredictable weather and sold in a variety of stores (from REI to Nordstoms!) I know they're a bit pricey for rain boots but they're well worth it! I absolutely live in mine. They come in a ton of great colors. I own a black pair but am itching for a pair of the "Dolphin" or "Merlot" colored ones! They don't look as militant after a couple wears - the shininess fades substantially for a more "worn" look. I should mention that in the winter you most definitely need warm socks to wear under. Hunter sells their own socks, "Wellys" that fit nicely inside, and come in a huge array of colors to mix and match - retail for about $36.

If you're looking for something slightly chicer but with the same Hunter quality, check these out:

The Jimmy Choo "Hunter" Rain Boot - These pretty things don't come cheap - approx $400. Here's to daydreaming!

hair to stay

2009-04-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

I must say I am very apprehensive when it comes to buying my daughter hair clips - with good reasons: 1. they are always overpriced. 2. some just look so darn cheesy (don't do to others as you wouldn't want done to yourself). 3. I'm the queen of breaking clips! (don't let me borrow your fish clip if you ever want to see it again). 4. My daughter finds enjoyment in pulling them out of her hair.

In search of the perfect clips for her daughter (who had just a wee bit of hair), Anna, a mom from Seattle, created Moo G Clips.

Anna's adorable daughter, inspecting the clips!

a yummy, refreshing assortment of snap and clippies

With Moo G's genius no slip grip, these chic lil creations aren't goin anywhere! You'll get carried away just checking out the huge selection of appliques, bows, and snap and clippies - moogclips.com. Makes a great gift! High quality, very well made and really decently priced - an adorable applique clip costs $4!

books never looked so good

2009-04-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

I know I've expressed my love for Etsy in the past - and here's another great shop I am so excited about - Pillowhappy! Her work is fabulous and so unique. I have my eye on her "Modern Poppy Bookends."

Retails for $22 for a set of two. Would make a great gift! I love that they don't look like your average serious bookends - they really are so chic: etsy.com. Her blue pairs and purple eggplant bookends are worth taking a look at as well. At first I thought they would look fantastic on a clear acrylic shelf - and I'm sure they still would, but then I saw this:

I fully understand that not everyone will appreciate the color coordination in the same way I do, but this "Viktor/Stodis" wall shelf from Ikea (ikea.com) really does work. It retails for about $6 and is the perfect size; length - 29.5" and depth - 11". While the mere thought of going to Ikea with a 16 month old really frightens me, it's worth it for items like this (I'll have to bring lots of snacks). You'll have to bring your bookends with you to mix and match.

Quick Tip: If you go with both colorful bookends and a colorful bookshelf, keep the book-cover colors as neutral as possible - it's much more pleasant on the eye and will enhance the richness of your shelf and bookends. Go with more colorful books if you choose a more neutral shelf.

talk about stretching your dollar

2009-04-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Besides the warm sun beaming down and lots and lots of outdoor playing, the spring and summer are great times to check out yard sales. This past summer, my husband and I stopped off at a garage sale around our neighborhood. It's easy to spot the junk - and it's easy to get caught up in the junk - so make sure you walk right by the items that are going to clutter your space. Any item you are contemplating needs to have a known spot for your home or replace an item you are getting rid of (oh how I wish I had the space for that old school desk!)

We happened to come across a guy who was moving and he just wanted to get rid of his "junk". My husband was checking out some tool and I immediately ran over to this fantastic white lamp and guarded it with my life.

Before.

The owner priced it at a wopping dollar and when he saw that the toggle on/off switch was damaged, he felt bad and sold it for 75 cents! A huge victory party was going on in my head! should I mention that the light bulb that came with it costs more? what a steal! It came with an outdated lamp shade - I thought I could run to Target and throw a modern $25 shade on it - it didn't work out that way.

The obstacle: the neck of the lamp is extremely long - and shades with the length of a foot or longer are hard to find in stores like Target, Walmart, etc. Annoyed, I ventured off to the local lighting store and was so glad. They were super helpful there and helped me try shades until I found the perfect one.

After.

Because the linen, handmade shade was so large, it retailed at $55 dollars - not exactly what I had in mind when I first purchased the lamp (I could buy two at Target for that price) but well worth it in the end. I love the look of a classic lamp updated with a modern drum shade. And because it was white, it was the perfect accent piece I was looking for to bring some life into the room and contrasted perfectly with my black side table. Have fun and keep your eyes on the lookout this season!

that's a wrap

2009-03-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing I simply cannot stand....well never mind, let me rephrase, amongst the many things I cannot stand, rolls and rolls of unorganized wrapping paper is definitely one of them. And no, I'm not saying that you need to make a whole wrapping room a la Candy Spelling (she has two!) Something neat and organized will do just fine.

Here's a common problem people make: buying oodles and oodles of wrapping paper - One for holidays, birthdays; boy and girl, showers, baby gifts, etc. and ending up with 25 rolls all over the place (I'm actually getting anxious from even thinking of it all!)

And AHHHHH here's a nice little way to get organized, fast!
1. Get rid of all that wrapping paper (yes, I understand you got it on sale, it was a great day - move on, get over it! let your kids trace each other on the white side).

2. Purchase either a large brown paper roll or a white roll, or both (don't get too excited, it's only if you have room). You can actually purchase the paper on huge rolls for about $45 (more or less depending on how much you buy) - but it's worth it! saves on contemplating which pattern to buy, rushing before a party, etc.

3. Now that it's in your house you're done! Okay, here's the EXTREMELY fun part: because your wrapping paper is neutral, you can go to any craft store and buy tons of ribbon varying in colors, materials, and patterns. Not too excited? Check out these cheap ribbons from michaels.com:

Their huge array will keep you in the isle forever! Ribbons retail from about $1.50 +. I love the look of a wide, brightly colored satin ribbon on a brown paper wrapped gift. A neutral Raffia would also look great:

Rafia is a must have around the house - a great way to make a gift look both personable and elegant. Don't forget to neatly store all your ribbon together! Wrapping will never be the same. (well, it will probably be really similar - just a little less unorganized and less annoying to look at).

gaga for oompa

2009-03-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled upon oompa.com while researching rocking horses for a gift. I am hooked on oompa - and trust me, you have to check out their website to understand why. The prices are actually decent (and in this economy they should be!) but the quality is really there. They carry some of my favorite baby brands like BlaBla and OFFI. I was melting for this adorable blocks set by Haba:

"Sakrada Building Blocks" from Haba would brighten up any toy box! The unique shapes are so creative. Retails for about $26. Paint is non-toxic and kid friendly. Check them out at oompa.com.
*Free shipping with purchases over $65.
*Use code HM and receive 5% off entire order
*no tax!

if your lamp is looking a little short these days...

2009-03-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm loving my lamp but not really happy with the height. When I ordered my lamps for my bedroom from Lampsplus.com I was really happy with it! The only problem: It was a little shorter than I expected (why I didn't look at the dimensions, not so sure). Here's a way to add a little height and personality to your lamp: Grab your favorite/prettiest hardcover books or funky boxes and stack em - put your lamp on top - and voila! an updated look, instantly.

The "Stacked Ball Acrylic Lamp" at lampsplus.com, retails for about $100 (check out retailmenot.com for coupons). I stacked mine on a vintage Hershey's Kisses box and an old cigar box. I couldn't go much bigger or bulkier because the lamp itself is relatively dainty. This look works in just about every room and adds great character (but doing it in every room is overkill)!

sex and the city and stunning decor!

2009-03-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

I was so excited that the Sex and The City movie finally made it to HBO last night - I saw the movie when it first came out and loved the gorgeous redecorating of Carrie's apartment and lil Lilly's room.

Let's check out Carrie's apartment first:

It was thrilling to see such a refreshed look in carries room. Her mirrored vanity and coffee table are ever so elegant and added such Hollywood glamor. Everyone is going gaga over the paint - so let's discuss. If you were ever apprehensive about going for a bright bold color for your walls, check out her apartment and you will be RUNNING to your local hardware store! (the pictures don't do the rooms justice) The gorgeous (custom made) rich blue is similar to C2's Stargazer (c262, check out www.c2color.com). Check out casasugar.com for an interview with Sex And The City production designer, Jeremy Conway for his inspirations behind the decor. Love the "LOVE" wall hanging in the entryway? get it here:
http://www.therugcompany.info/wallhangings/paul-smith/love-too.htm

Now for lil lilly's room...

I've noticed that people either really love her wall color, or they think it looks like pepto bismol. I originally loved it when I saw the movie, but looking at the pics I have to admit, it reminds me a bit of the inside of a stomach. Maybe if it were a shade or two darker it would look a little richer. But here's what I'm loving: the pink, black, and white color combo. It's adorable and didn't seem over-the-top. Check out the traditional wing chair and dresser. Their shapes add sophistication but the stripes and polka-dots have little girl written all over them! A big white lantern or white-painted chandelier could be substituted for the smaller chandelier shown - it would balance nicely with the bright white door and molding. Also, a black and white area rug would look great in here with a white or black dresser (not striped). It's a really stunning room!

a frog worth kissing!

2009-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

We received a gorgeous gift basket full of treats galore when our daughter was born! This ever-so-perfect basket contained such wonderful unique items - including a hat by Rich Frog. I was so excited that finally, at 15 months it fit my daughter. It is too cute, so original and gets complements everywhere we go...

My baby girl wearing the princess side.

Here's side two (and an understandably restless model!)

The "Princess/Pea Reversible Hat" by Rich Frog, retails for about $16. My daughter usually wears it princess-side out. Both ways are adorable! A dozen+ great selection for boys and girls and very well made. Makes a great gift. Here's a link to their yummy hats: www.richfrog.com

if the shoe fits...

2009-03-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

I love little converse sneaks on tots! I'm sure your dads wore them when they were younger, and you probably have a pair too. Converse are timeless and an absolute adorable shoe! Good for all seasons. Here are my favorites:

Chuck Taylor All Star Slip in chocolate are edible! Boy or girl. Retails for about $41 at Zappos.com. I especially enjoy buying things for my daughter that aren't pink! They have a massive selection - from a huge array of colors to Velcro, slip-ons, or laces - they will look adorable!

chairs to you!

2009-03-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

My friends over at Just My Shopping had some exciting news for me! They just got some beautiful pieces in and wanted me to check them out! Just My Shopping is an online furniture store catering to everyone with their wide range of styles! It's a great place to check out. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces:

The Zuo Modern Velour Pyramid Chair is the perfect combination of modern and luxurious. Retails for about $460. Comes in a great black and white floral pattern as well. The seat itself is velour microfiber - so you know it's extra comfy! The chic espresso color has almost an eggplant undertone and looks vintage, really making this an elegant piece.

Red is bold and bold is in! I am so head over heels for this amazing ABS "S" Chair by Zuo. The chair retails for $392 for set of two. Made of plastic (kid friendly) and stackable! It's available in white, black, orange, as well as green. This chair would sit beautifully in a stark white kitchen or even around a wooden traditional dining table. Fantastic!

check out justmyshopping.com and use coupon code: 3purplebirds5x and receive an extra 5% off at checkout! enjoy.

bookshelves taken to a new level!

2009-03-24T10:57:00.001-07:00

I recently came across an article on how to freshen up a room with a crowded bookshelf. The article said to take brown paper and cover each book with it and neatly write the title along the side of the book. This seemed so drab! I am not a fan of a room that looks like it had far too much time spent on it. Things always look so much more chic when they seem as though they were "thrown" together.

Here's a much easier way to make your bookshelves look put together without all the fuss: group them by color! it's actually that easy - and it makes such a difference, especially if it's in a den or a commonly-used room in your home. Check out this one below (from my sis's house):

These Ikea bookshelves (available in white, too!) retail for about $80 and are perfect for bins of toys and books! The grouped books are ever so pleasant on the eyes. And the combination of stacking the books alongside the standing ones give the shelves much more dimension and personality. Love it!

wall decals - too cool!

2009-03-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

I've been checking out room decals for a while now - and they really are a fantastic way to give a room a fresh new makeover without breaking the bank...or your back. Here are a few of my favorite, ever-so-cool wall decals...

"Modern Elegance" from Etsy's Lana Kole is fabulous. The rich detail in the chandelier gives the decal personality, but the clean lines make it chic and modern! Retails $22.

"Circle Tree Wall Decal Modern Funky Larger Size" by Etsy shop Leen The Graphics Queen belongs in a little kids playroom! Add a little 70's with a pinch of modern and tadaa! This great tree is a children's playroom/bedroom decor must! The neutral, yet funky matte colors bring a level of sophistication to a white canvas wall! Retails $40.

The Deal With Diaper Bags

2009-02-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Are you pregnant and feeling down about your ever-expanding stomach?
Did you JUST give birth and wonder how you're going to fit into those cute skinny jeans you used to lived in?
Is there something not right about your daily routine and you think it might have to do with the ugly print/non functioning diaper bag hanging over your stroller (on the nose, right!?)

If you answered "yes" to one or more of the questions above, then it's time to start feeling better. And I also think it's time to go shopping for a....DIAPER BAG! (trust me, there are many nicer bags than the one the hospital gave you!)

Here are some questions to ask yourself before purchasing your diaper bag:

1. style - over the shoulder? purse?
2. pockets - are inside pockets necessary?
3. colors - neutral? boyish/girlish?

I originally purchased this Reese Lee diaper bag...

I love the soft, neutral color palate and convenient adjustable straps that hooked on to my stroller nicely. The bottom of mine ripped a little and I returned it to Nordstroms, no questions asked. I contemplated ordering the same one again but decided to hold off for a little bit...Until I met Ms. Pickle Bottom, Petunia Pickle Bottom:

The adorable diaper bag costs about $160 but worth every penny (okay I had a store credit, but still well worth it!) I love the trendy Anthropologie-esque patterns and great seatbelt inspired shoulder straps. I was unable to find the EXACT pattern I purchased but this one is pretty close. All of their glazed diaper bags (great for a wiping spills) have a small embroidered design; the one above has an embroidered flower to the right side of the label on the flap. I have to give my mom the credit for this one. She convinced me to put the adorable Marc Jacobs hobo down (I was sure I could fit everything in it) and purchase the Petunia Pickle Bottom one. She said that I would definitely need the room, especially when the baby was first born. And she was right. I love that I can wear it over my shoulder or across my chest. It isn't too heavy and has just the right amount of space. It comes with backpack straps (which I have yet to use).

Here are a couple other really great (one-strap-only) diaper bags that caught my eye:

This gorgeous bag by Dante Beatrix is affordable and durable (coated canvas). Priced around $160 (though marked down on numerous websites) it has great side and front pockets with a main zipper closure.

Dante Beatrix makes numerous kinds of bags for kids and moms and they are adorable! She uses soft, natural, yet eye catching hues...check her out at www.dantebeatrix.coms

This adorable, giraffe print hobo from OIOI retails for approximately $140. It has a great outer pocket and comes with a wipes case, a changing mat and lots more...and it's great for the mom who's looking for something to tote around with or without her baby - it really doubles as a purse! OiOi also makes a messenger style diaper bag in this same print, equally adorable!

If you're not into spending a lot on your diaper bag, there are some great alternatives...check out Old Navy and Babies R Us - I was able to find a few neutral bags ranging from $19.99 - $79.99

check out the links...

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2591372

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25781&pid=607490&scid=607490012&vid=1

Please post your experiences with diaper bags....what do you like/dislike about your diaper bag? share your recommendations!

love the stroller, who's the designer??!

2009-01-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

When did strollers become the new accessory? Apparently who you're strolling (and I don't mean your child) has become the new "it" thing.

We've all seen proud new parents strolling their new little bundles around in that beautifully bulky, unable-to-make-a turn, thin piece of metal their parents, and theirs before them, called a stroller. Times they are a chaging and lately it seems that picking out your stroller has become as serious a job as picking out your fine china. And I'm pretty sure that like tankinis, this trend is here to stay.

Chic moms want to stroll around chic strollers and thats all there is to it. Strollers can get pretty pricey, but with new models coming out all the time, lower-end competitors are showcasing updated strollers with more modern designs.

I was researching different strollers when I was four months pregnant. And when I say "researching" I mean looking at all the colors and designs and seeing which would be the most practical and versatile.....to match the gorgeous chocolate brown floral diaper bag I just had to have from Nordstroms (and no I didn't keep it, but we'll get into diaper bags another time!) Well I found one: The Bumble Ride Flyer. I saw it in a coffee shop in the summer and fell in love with it. My husband, the more practical one, insisted I check out all the details to make sure I liked it. Okay, pretty qoa color: check. Giant basket underneath: check! You see where I'm going with this....I convinced myself that it would make a GREAT all around stroller because it was substantial enough to take long walks in AND work well with on-the-go errands. I was wrong. Here's a list of what I love and what I wish I'd thought about a little more:

LOVE:
- the color and design - it's definitely an eye catcher and comes in bright, lovely colors!
- the seat adjusted to 5 positions which came in handy as my baby got older. When the sun was in her eyes this stroller was the way to go!
- the handles turn around in less than 5 seconds! it was great when she was a newborn and great now - she can face the world or take a nap completely lying down - it's one simple step!
- canopy is HUGE and has a zipper in the back for ultimate sun coverage!
- giant basket
- UNBELIEVABLE customer service - I am never on hold and all problems get resolved, no if, ands, or buts!
- handlebar is adjustable to up/down motion only (convenient when parking it in tight space)

Things to consider:
- heavier than I thought - the idea of transporting the 19 lb stroller (the lightest of all the models) actually tires me and makes me grateful I borrowed my sisters umbrella stroller!
- the wheels tend to squeak and they require cleaning (but customer service sent me 4 more! score!)
- the handlebar doesn't adjust in height, so it works for me (5'3"), but my husband trips over the wheels
- it's bulky, nuf said
- when facing baby, feet touch wheels

Overall - the stroller works for me. Would I get it again if I could? not sure. You have to try all your stroller options out and see which one will work for you...there are pros and cons to all strollers (which is why MOST people will tell you that they have more than one) - so it's up to you to decide which pros you love, and which cons you can live with...

Here is a breakdown of some of the higher-end strollers that have caught everyone's attention (including the celebs)!

The Bugaboo Strollers -

The Cameleon, priced the highest of the three models, is priced around $900-950. It comes fully equipped with everything Bugaboo has to offer. I recently went to Buy Buy Baby (www.buybuybaby.com) to get a good look and feel for them. They were great - and the staff there does tons of demonstrations on all the great features the Bugaboo has in store!

The Frog, priced around $750-$770 has all the great features as the comeleon WITH THE EXCEPTION OF: the Aerosleep mattress, adjustable handlebars (which makes a difference with taller parents), and adjustable swivel wheel suspension - it weighs one pound less than the Cameleon (19 lbs.) and can hold four more pounds of baby love (up to 44 lbs.)

The Bee, the newest model, resembles nothing like the other two. It's priced at $530. It has different wheels making it unable to trek through sand and snow. Although it's very light, a mere 17 lbs., it doesn't come with the bassinet as the others do (a bassinet with a stroller comes in handy for travel!) If you are looking for something with clean lines and pretty reliable, this may be for you.

Quite a few of my friends have the bugaboo Cameleon or the Frog and they all love them. But they all need an umbrella stroller for those in-and-out errands. The all ride beautifully and definitely feel high-line. Just make sure it can fit in your trunk!

Stokke

You may not think you've seen one, but I'm sure you have. The modern, astronaut-esque, highchair-on-wheels is the Stokke. Priced around $1,000 this is a great stroller. Their idea behind the design is to have your baby/child at your reach to better bond with him. It's great for restaurants because the seat can adjust to the height of the table so your baby can actually feel included. Handle bar resembles a half moon shape and is easily adjusted for your comfort as well. The bottom storage does not look very big - so The Mommy Clip is a must! The Stokke comes with a bassinet making this a great stroller from birth+. If you have a large budget for a stroller, the Stokke should be taken into consideration.

Quinny

Sleek, and very user-friendly, the Quinny is a great find. Priced around $500, I was able to find it cheaper on quite a few websites in various colors (at least $100 less). The Quinny has an exceptionally cushy seat and faces to and away from parent. With just a touch the Quinny opens and closes - a truly convenient feature for the mom who's always looking for an extra hand. The handles are adjustable! The basket is extremely small, so clips would be necessary.

Orbit

The Orbit's ultra-sleek 360 degree design allows your child to sit in virtually every direction (comes in handy for restaurants). Priced around $900, the Orbit design makes it really simple to transfer your baby from the stroller, to car , to rocker. Take a look at the demonstration on their website; www.orbitbaby.com. It shows the installation of the car-seat base and it truly looks effortless and extremely secure. The Orbit was also designed to grow with your baby. Here's the deal: their products looks great, but most of their items are sold-separately - which could make things a little pricey. Their bassinet actually turns into a rocker, IF you PURCHASE the base. But, in way you are actually saving from buying a bouncy chair. The Orbit is an investment, wait - no, no, it doesn't make money and depreciates as time goes on...hmmm, okay, the Orbit is expensive but could be used over and over again. My advice would be to speak with someone who has purchased it and get their opinion on it.

Here are some strollers I would recommend:

If you are looking for a smooth ride but don't want to spend $$$$ check out www.babyjogger.com. They have quite a few strollers (I recommend the City Series)- lightweight, fold with one hand, great colors and style selection - they are truly a great buy and everyone I know who has one really loves them!

Maclaren is a name you can really rely on. They have a huge array of strollers, from simple umbrella strollers to more pricey adjustable strollers. I have found very few negative reviews from them - with reason! Their products are built to last and have a great warranty policy!

Here are some questions to think about while you shop:

1. are you a walker? If you are a city person you may want to consider air tires!
2. how much weight can you carry? maybe 19 lbs is a breeze for you!
3. do you need an easy-folding stroller? one you can close with one hand?
4. what's your price range? are you planning on having more than one stroller?

Hope this helps...please feel free to share your opinions!

Good Luck!

Hello quinoa! Lovely to meet you...Won't you please come in?

2009-01-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

www.breadbakingsupplies.com/quinoa.htm

I'd like to preface this post by stating that my sister, Green Gal, has gone green. And I don't mean in a commercialized-sort-of-way (the kind where you pay more for a bottle of glass cleaner because it has trees on the label) but honestly wants to make the earth a better place to live. I think I first noticed this when I saw her baby crawling around in brown, environmentally friendly diapers. I, on the other hand, have put numerous cloth bags into my diaper bag to later use at the supermarket and conveniently "forgot" to take them out when bagging my groceries (I'll line my bathroom garbage with them, okay!? sheesh!)

Green Gal is also always raving about these yummy organic and healthy foods she's been making lately: "oh you just have to come over and try my black bean burgers I made today, they are unreal!" she'd say. I'd have two words for her: Dr. Praeger. Don't get me wrong, her food is always delicious but I didn't think of myself as someone who actually wanted to take the time to, shall I say embrace new ingredients and prepare them...Until I was introduced to Quinoa.

The deal with quinoa:

Originally from the Andean region of South America, Quinoa is a complete protein source due to its balanced set of essential amino acids. It's a great source of fiber, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. (Wikipedia: Quinoa) For a pseudocereal (non-leaf plant) to contain all these nutrients is extremely rare.

I was excited. After trying my sisters delicious quinoa that she had boiled in chicken stock with sauteed peas and onions mixed in it, I was truly hooked.

preparation:
Quinoa has a bitter outer layer that should be washed thoroughly. I recommend using a flour sifter (quinoa is very tiny and if you put it though a colander you'd lose most of the grains). My sister recommends filling a bowl with water and soaking them for a couple minutes until you find that the water has a sudsy appearance. This works well top, just be sure you strain it well.

Bring one and a half cups to two cups of water or stock (I used Imagine Vegetable Stock) to a boil with one cup of Quinoa - I started with the one and half cups and towards the end added when I found it wasn't cooked through. The directions say to cook covered for 14 to 18 minutes once it's come to a boil but I found I needed at least another 5 to 8 minutes on top of the 18. You'll probably need to experiment a couple times until you like the consistency.

Here are links to great looking quinoa recipes I am anxious to try:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Robins-Quinoa-with-Mushrooms-and-Spinach/Detail.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Quinoa-with-Chickpeas-and-Tomatoes/Detail.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Quinoa-Salad-with-Dried-Fruit-and-Nuts/Detail.aspx

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/grilled-asparagus-and-quinoa-salad-with-goat-cheese-and-black-olive-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html

Making small steps to healthier eating habits; using brown rice pasta, throwing more veggies into the stew, or even experimenting with more nutritious ingredients can really go a long way. And just remember, making a few healthy dishes now and then doesn't mean your kitchen needs to look like Whole Foods - it just means your making smart decisions for you and your family!

Happy Quinoa Making!

exersaucers, gyminis, and papasan's ...OH MY!

2009-01-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

photograph by Kim Anderson

www.kimandersdon.com

Imagine this:

You're home from the hospital and you have oodles and oodles of gifts just waiting for you - 'oh great, someone got me that exersaucer I registered for' and 'wow thats the Diaper Genie I wanted!' Unless you have unlimited space - you will notice that things could get a little cramped. Here are a few helpful tips when it comes to registering:

1. If this is your first baby, ask a friend who has already registered and had a baby to lend a hand - she'll be able to decipher what works best. And even though different babies like different things - the quintessential items will be easily spotted by her.

2. Gift cards are really the way to go and you can note on most registry's that you will accept these too. If someone buys you an item and you return it sans the receipt, sorry but I'm about 1000% sure that you are screwed and you will not receive the same amount even in the form of a credit. How can you gowrong? all babies needs diapers, shampoo etc.

3. here are my top four items I loved, used frequently, and was most utterly grateful for:

A baby bath - I find the basic blue new born bath by The First Years is great - nothing fancy - but practical in that it fits in almost all sinks for when baby is first born. It has two sides baby can sit on he grows and it's decently priced.

my papasan :

This lovely chair has dual purposes. Let your newborn lounge in it during the day...then add a blanket and voila! it's a cozy lil bed. It's extremely light weight and most of the chairs come with soothing music and vibrations. I don't know if this model is still around but Babies R Us has some adorable ones:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861767

The Gymini (some are also called 'Gym')- this was great for a long stretches of time - my baby fell asleep under it, found it relaxing and eventually learned to interact with it. This item is definitely a keeper - plus the animals come off and easily attach to a stroller - yet another dual purpose!

Regardless of the season, a Bundle Me by JJ Cole is a great item - a must for all babies under one (They also make one for toddlers but by that age your toddler might not want to be snuggled while wearing a big coat and shoes). This snuggly blanket fits in your stroller and car seat in such a neat way - I don't think I ever left home without mine - and they come in great colors and fabrics (you're not just restricted to pink or blue.) This is a gift I love to give people because I truly love mine. Bundle Me's are available in so many places...Buy Buy Baby carries these:

http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=114906&

The last of my favorites are:

Snap n Go - a stroller base that your car seat can snap right into - great for when babies fall asleep on the road - you don't have to wake them when taking them out of the car - plus the stroller itself is so light and most have a pretty decent sized basket.

A digital thermometer - Taking a baby's temperature rectally will give the most accurate response. I have yet to use the ear thermometer. The one I have is flexible and registers a reading in 7 seconds. Babies are super fussy when you take thier temperature - so you want it to be a fast experience.

Nail clippers and file boards - this is scary territory the first time. you'd be shocked how tiny your newborns fingers are.

Bath towels - I still could use more.

Books - you really can't go wrong with them - and I promise if you start reading to them at a very young age they will be running to you to read them again and again.
*Board books are really the best (the little cardboard books) - your child won't be able to rip the pages. Pop-up books aren't a good idea for children under three.

The things I would wait for are:

Big items like swings and big bouncy chairs - not all babies like them and they are a hassle to lug to the store and return.

A great stroller - depending on the size and disposition of your baby, you might want to wait until your child has really outgrown the Snap N Go - and by that time 10 new strollers will be on the market and, even better - the one you wanted will be on sale (unless it's a Bugaboo, but we'll get into that another time!)

Pacifiers/bottles/sippy cups - these items are really dependent on your baby and what he or she prefers. These are the types of items you might want to use your credit with.

Happy Baby Registering,

mom

glitz and glamour post delivery?

2009-01-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

About a month or two pre due date, my friend Clair came up to me and casually asked if I had bought my new nightgown, robe and slippers to bring with me to hospital. WHHHHHHAAAAATTTT on earth was she talking about with such conviction? Was there an old American Custom that I had not yet heard of? Well, the answer is a big fat no - but apparently it is common to buy a new robe for when you have guests come to visit - and slippers to roam around the post-delivery floor....

There's no use in prolonging this so I'll just tell you now - I am certain that after you give birth, the ABSOLUTE LAST thing on your mind will be "now where did I put that gorgeous new robe?" and trust me, the only roaming you will be doing will be going to a la leche meeting and then realizing you just don't feel up to sitting in there with that life-saver donut they gave you...and you'll find yourself roaming right back on into bed.

So if you have a Clair in your life, like we all tend to have, do not feel the pressure to conform to whatever nonsense she is deeming "necessary". After you give birth you will probably get "tips and guidance" from every single person (including the man who drops off your dry cleaning) about what is best for your baby and there's really nothing you can do but politely say "thank you" and walk away with a smile you so deeply had to search for - So, just throw your most comfy maternity sweats into a bag (and your cell charger) and call it a day.

Good Luck!

to epidural or not to epidural

2009-01-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

This really is the question. Before I even knew I was pregnant I had it ingrained in my head that I would most probably have an epidural - that I wouldn't have the willpower to hold out...and then I saw a birthing instructor...

Anyone who has gone to a birthing instructor knows the fear they instill in you about what an epidural can do during and after labor: the fear of paralysis (trust me, if someone tells you to hold still when you're having a needle injected into your spine, you damn well will hold still!), the slowing down of the labor (which may be true, but isn't necessarily a deal breaker) and the post delivery headaches (eh).

After my 3+ hours total with my birthing instructor I had a newfound identity as a natural deliverer, an organic mother-to-be and a new strong sense of self. I very firmly told my husband that as much as I would complain during labor for an epidural - not to let me have one and to furthermore remind me of all the things that could happen if I were to get one.

Well, my husband did remind me during labor and I basically looked at him with an are-you- kidding-me? look and that was the end of that. I had my epidural and thankfully all went well.

My point in all of this is that I set myself up with expectations - not a birthing plan - I viewed getting an epidural as failing instead of really enjoying? the whole process. Don't get me wrong, if it's something you can tolerate and endure, then go for it! if you think you will spend all your laboring energy and then have nothing left when the time comes to push, then mama, get that epidural, make a few calls, enjoy some television and rest rest rest!

Regardless of how you decide to proceed, a labor ball is a great investment. Hospitals can give you one, but honey, in a backless gown, you might just want to bring your own. The one shown above is the Birth Ball by FitBall: http://www.doulashop.com/products/birth-balls/birth-ball-by-fitball.html

These are really great during labor (for pain) and post labor (for getting back in shape) and rocking your Babylove on those joyous long nights.

Happy Baby Planning!