tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12711190510290996412024-03-05T10:39:02.436-05:00Life with PookaPooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-77014995254028945852012-05-31T12:58:00.001-04:002012-05-31T12:58:59.040-04:00Let them eat cake...and other yummy things!<p>As the kids get older it has become more difficult to plan a birthday party menu. Do you do kiddie food for the kids and more adult hors d'oeuvres for moms and dads? And aren't we getting a little bored of pizza at every birthday party? Don't get me wrong, it has it's merits, but I wanted to do something a little different this year. I decided to create a menu that would satisfy adults and kids alike, and could be made in advance and heated up during the party.<p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdwLXFEmic6ZOU3yj-H0z68PpVNqUPhrSNlqU7KTS1YE5lZ0RjP_flQPruS6ZFy4F1r1-RT_W3hSBwpes4hO-nCeOaKP0cqFKUcRbuS7PNKaBkTUVdfWuyih6MfI9__0i1zZQTkfO8yID/s1600/Gougeres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdwLXFEmic6ZOU3yj-H0z68PpVNqUPhrSNlqU7KTS1YE5lZ0RjP_flQPruS6ZFy4F1r1-RT_W3hSBwpes4hO-nCeOaKP0cqFKUcRbuS7PNKaBkTUVdfWuyih6MfI9__0i1zZQTkfO8yID/s200/Gougeres.jpg" /></a></div><p>To start, I had a few platters of fruit and vegetables with dip, and cheese and crackers. I also put out a few bowls of <a href="http://www.annies.com/products/Organic-Snack-Mix">Annie's Organic Snack Mix Bunnies</a> and <a href="http://www.annies.com/products/Bunny-Grahams">Bunny Grahams</a> for the kids. I had juice and milk boxes for the kids, and beer, wine and cocktails for the adults.<p>
<p>Once the party got rolling, we passed around several different hot hors d'oeuvres. The first sounds very adult, but trust me, it's a huge hit with kids too: Gougeres. Gougeres are pastry bites made with gruyere cheese and can also more affectionately be called "cheesy puffs". I used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/cheese-puffs-recipe/index.html">Ina Garten's recipe</a>, made the puffs a week in advance and froze them. <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/01/gougeres-french-cheese-puffs/">David Lebovitz</a> has a great recipe on his blog too, and the puffs in the picture are actually his, not mine!<p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydPWR-4XkbMDRk_Dv8zIOo1GetyIlakQ7VbZOWPc4ppTYqYbNxENYhG-tNgFpJbeZlSvDrX24nWKFkNYkhryFvjy7MhpuLkZcSGuBVfHbQcDZj1H5TNzdf5-wXEyGTPWZp0GzsrWdJME9/s1600/Chicken-Nuggets-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydPWR-4XkbMDRk_Dv8zIOo1GetyIlakQ7VbZOWPc4ppTYqYbNxENYhG-tNgFpJbeZlSvDrX24nWKFkNYkhryFvjy7MhpuLkZcSGuBVfHbQcDZj1H5TNzdf5-wXEyGTPWZp0GzsrWdJME9/s200/Chicken-Nuggets-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Next, I used two of my favorite recipes from the <a href="http://weelicious.com/">Weelicious</a> blog: <a href="http://weelicious.com/2012/03/29/chicken-nuggets/">homemade chicken nuggets</a> and fruit & vegetable wontons. If you're anything like me I feel a tiny bit guilty when I feed my kids nuggets out if a box rather than a home cooked meal. That's why I love this <a href="http://weelicious.com/tag/chicken-nuggets/">Easy Chicken Nuggets recipe</a> from Weelicious. You just put all the ingredients in a food processor, form them into "nuggets," and then either cook or freeze them. I always make a double batch and freeze a bunch. Parents and kids alike wolfed these nuggets down and asked for more. The fruit and vegetable wontons I adapted from a Weelicious recipe for <a href="http://weelicious.com/2008/10/09/sweet-potato-apple-cheddar-purses/">Sweet Potato Apple Cheddar Purses</a>. I bought wontons wrappers at the market. Then I pureed carrots and pears (which I happened to have on hand instead of sweet potatoes and apples), and added some cinnamon and a dash of agave. By omitting the cheddar in the wontons even kids with dairy allergies could eat them. I filled the wontons, pinched them shut, and froze them until I was ready to use them. During the party I sprayed a baking sheet with canola oil and baked the wontons in the oven. Again, everyone enjoyed them and moms were to shocked to find out the wontons were filled with pureed fruits and veggies. Again, I usually make a double batch and freeze a bunch for quick dinners and lunches for the kids.<p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGu4EsSJ2qAdQIAj5cNCE2l-JgNq8d5dtPK60glD1Op3DecoASf2iUas_XNsW2pwLOaa9MrZ6BgiXk-wWkXV6dDv3nyjClhIE1pKPPK63jF7VXBTV6URmf8snq6L63EKUCaLAgP0y5BkZ/s1600/mac4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGu4EsSJ2qAdQIAj5cNCE2l-JgNq8d5dtPK60glD1Op3DecoASf2iUas_XNsW2pwLOaa9MrZ6BgiXk-wWkXV6dDv3nyjClhIE1pKPPK63jF7VXBTV6URmf8snq6L63EKUCaLAgP0y5BkZ/s200/mac4.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Finally, I got the idea to make <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/mac-and-cheese-cups/">Mac & Cheese cupcakes</a> from the <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/">Cupcakes and Cashmere blog</a>. I actually used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mac-and-cheese-recipe2/index.html">my tried and true favorite mac and cheese recipe from Ina Garten</a>, and used a mini muffin pan so we could pass them around easily and they could be eaten in a bite or two. I skipped the tomatoes, but if you have the time you could always halve some cherry tomatoes and put one on top of each muffin of mac and cheese. The day before the party I made up the mac and cheese, then baked them and placed them in the fridge after they had cooled. Once the party started I put them on baking sheets and heated them through in the oven.<p>
<p>The best part of this menu, aside from the fact that people of all ages chowed down, was that everything was made in advance. That way I was able to focus more of my time on the kids and catching up with our guests. I also enlisted the Grandmas to help in the kitchen with heating things up, and since there was no actual cooking it was a relatively easy job. And desert was the cake, which I described in a <a href="http://www.lifewithpooka.blogspot.com/2012/05/pooka-and-little-mans-undersea-birthday.html">previous post</a>. So next time you are planning a kid friendly party maybe you'll be inspired to step out of the pizza box!<p>
Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-11794635881175217792012-05-31T11:48:00.000-04:002012-05-31T11:48:01.741-04:00Pooka and Little Man's Undersea Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcpuOybiMNLSpYaYYiqusX-AU9fcUc4VsUYzbK-yl999C6l2hA8xtS2FpZ2x6qpD0LcMrf30Paj3GM5c5Yn2rGkMJIinIGpIfwLI1Cjc7LJ-3mN9JGUk17VNfa0tWzbIDFaYx8OuTa9G1/s1600/whale-spout-modern-birthday-invitation-mlin_bi_h_whale-spout_m_blue_42A-X_n.430.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="230" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcpuOybiMNLSpYaYYiqusX-AU9fcUc4VsUYzbK-yl999C6l2hA8xtS2FpZ2x6qpD0LcMrf30Paj3GM5c5Yn2rGkMJIinIGpIfwLI1Cjc7LJ-3mN9JGUk17VNfa0tWzbIDFaYx8OuTa9G1/s320/whale-spout-modern-birthday-invitation-mlin_bi_h_whale-spout_m_blue_42A-X_n.430.png" /></a></div>
<p>Pooka and Little Man's birthdays are a mere 32 days apart. That makes it nearly impossible to have separate birthday parties at this age. I cannot ask all of our friends and family to give up a Saturday afternoon for a toddler birthday party, then do it all over again just one month later. So instead we waited until Pooka's birthday, when the weather would be warmer and the spring flowers in bloom, and went for a unisex theme. Since Pooka is obsessed with the aquarium (and Little Man is too young to object) we decided to go with a under-sea theme.<p>
<p>First up was picking the right invitations. We saw lots of fun undersea and ocean themes, like this <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/kids-party-invitations/MIN-S55-CBP/all-arms">All Arms invitation from Minted</a>, or the <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/12920/birthday_party_invitations_undersea_adventure.html">Undersea Adventure invitation from Tiny Prints</a>, but settled on the <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/eco/whale-spout-modern-birthday-invitation-p-2770.html">Whale Spout invitations from Paper Culture</a>. We love <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/">Paper Culture</a> because they plant a tree with every order, and only use recycled paper and envelopes. They also do a free addressing and mailing service, and the card stock if heavier than tiny prints.<p>
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<p>Next, we choose the color palette: navy blue, turquoise, and coral. Again, since Little Man wasn't going to be able to voice his opinion (while my 3 year old has very clear and definite opinions) the colors leaned a little to the feminine side without being overtly girly. I ordered <a href="http://www.papermart.com/Product%20Pages/Product.aspx?GroupID=19005">tulle</a> and <a href="http://www.papermart.com/Product%20Pages/Product.aspx?GroupID=19023&ParentGroupID=19013">ribbons</a> from <a href="http://www.papermart.com/">Paper Mart</a> and made a whole mess of <a href="http://www.oncewed.com/7560/diy-wedding/decor/diy-wedding-pom-poms/">DIY tulle pom-poms</a> to hang around the house. Then, I pulled out some of the <a href="http://www.pearlriver.com/v2/sub_lanterns.html">chinese paper lanterns I had bought from Pearl River</a> to decorate Pooka's party last year (a circus theme) and covered them with tulle. Along the cross bar on the bottom of the lantern I hung more tulle, sequin trim, and raffia ribbon, and voila...a jelly fish! I also covered our large, round pendant lamp over the dining room table with tulle and hung the same tulle, sequin trim, and raffia to create tentacles and transform our light into a giant jellyfish that puddled onto the table. I covered the table in a turquoise tablecloth and spread extra pom-poms, seashells, and flowers amongst the food and birthday cake. I got a few bunches of balloons (my kids are OBSESSED with them) in the same color palette to put around the house. Finally, I covered the mantle with more turquoise tulle and placed coral, starfish, and shells down the length of it.<p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpm4E-uaq2WGblb18sNggmOjdFl4QrJOuUNNtEm2TLMix53Cf04VhbAA6mrUJ8nUYXXJg_h1mZYYP-2ZJJVA-JhZWsj94wubsd3s0wnn3lGMCMDBPRY7Ci3QpqnH0buy6HzpAI-GJl7SpI/s1600/Photo1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpm4E-uaq2WGblb18sNggmOjdFl4QrJOuUNNtEm2TLMix53Cf04VhbAA6mrUJ8nUYXXJg_h1mZYYP-2ZJJVA-JhZWsj94wubsd3s0wnn3lGMCMDBPRY7Ci3QpqnH0buy6HzpAI-GJl7SpI/s320/Photo1-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>For cake, I used the <a href="http://www.abountifulkitchen.com/2009/09/amys-bakery-yellow-cake-with-pink.html">Yellow Cake recipe with Pink Buttercream Frosting</a> from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Sweeter-Side-Amys-Bread/dp/0470170743">The Sweeter Side of Amy's Breads cookbook</a>. We are generally hard core Magnolia Bakery fans, but this may be our new favorite. It's not quite as sweet, and with a touch of poured fondant in the frosting the cake seems to hold up a bit better. I colored the frosting blue and turquoise to look sea-like. A late night cake accident led to some quick thinking and a cuter than expected result. While assembling the cake the night before the party a crack occurred in the top layer, and I was forced to lop off a piece of cake. What remained was something that reminded me of the sand dunes and bluffs at the beach, so I went with it. I used the turquoise piping to make waves and some brown sugar to make sand. I added some cute sand castle and starfish scrapbook stickers and turned a potential disaster into the most talked about item of the day! I also made a small cake banner using fabric scrapes cut with pinking shears, stitched together and hung from two bamboo skewers. A simple but lovely and unexpected decoration.<p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tsUqmbXlArqobo3ycjH3Ua1PRrCQxU5TiuHhb0H3WlGp8pyKzQijpMmhTOfxEL0qsjKu_2w8Net2tWXdXteO9F6SwObJeBYevjD0tGcpe8bH4__JXMsxHtL5CDZ_h2dyzeaemmOyc9HI/s1600/Photo1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tsUqmbXlArqobo3ycjH3Ua1PRrCQxU5TiuHhb0H3WlGp8pyKzQijpMmhTOfxEL0qsjKu_2w8Net2tWXdXteO9F6SwObJeBYevjD0tGcpe8bH4__JXMsxHtL5CDZ_h2dyzeaemmOyc9HI/s320/Photo1-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Favors are this huge question mark for me. How much should you spend? How do you choose favors for a mixed-age group of children? Are they even necessary??? This year we decided to do a combination favor/activity/craft. I purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Wooden-Stringing/dp/B000GIPOJS/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1338477924&sr=1-2">wooden bead kits from Melissa & Doug</a> and used the alphabet letters to spell out each child's name. Then I added several additional beads and placed the string and all the beads in bags. I actually used <a href="http://www.ifyoucare.com/product/snack-and-sandwich-bags">brown paper sandwich bags</a> since I already had them on hand. Once the beads and string were inside I folded the bag in half, wrote the child's name on the front, punched a hole along the fold, and tied a ribbon through the hole to secure the bags closed. I made sure to warn the parents of younger kids that there were small pieces inside! The necklaces were a hit and for the older kids they were a fun craft too.<p>
<p> We had a wonderful day, and we hope our party ideas can help inspire your next birthday party for the little ones. Look for some future posts about what Pooka and Little Man wore, the gifts they recieved, and the yummy toddler and adult friendly finger foods that were big hits at the party.Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-73771459032835362802012-05-23T13:47:00.003-04:002012-05-31T11:18:03.945-04:00Fab Find: Personalized Baby Journals from Minted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfrogrwcAUq1Y3s5_B8eHjC-c-PS3wx-g-cnNViWH56TKT21DY2dbnsI9wRdhwwQ3kQLyn1LzFPDzPjT4mtU-ikCBWP_eOdA0hr0K-yy5-3M8YX70JURMOiSexy_msPdk3FZbx4SS6VG5/s1600/MIN-14K-NBK-001_A_PD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="215" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfrogrwcAUq1Y3s5_B8eHjC-c-PS3wx-g-cnNViWH56TKT21DY2dbnsI9wRdhwwQ3kQLyn1LzFPDzPjT4mtU-ikCBWP_eOdA0hr0K-yy5-3M8YX70JURMOiSexy_msPdk3FZbx4SS6VG5/s320/MIN-14K-NBK-001_A_PD.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>To be honest, I haven't written a whole lot in Pooka's beautiful <a href="http://www.binth.com/Products/Binth+Baby+Book+in+Green?category=binth%20baby%20book&subCategory=binth%20baby%20book">Binth Baby Book</a>. It only lasts up to age three, which she turned last month, so I guess it's obsolete now anyways. As for the Little Man, he hasn't even got a baby book, just a series of jotted down milestones spread between our wall calendar and my "notes" on my iPhone. Whenever I feel bad about not making a better effort to document my kids lives, my husband always points out that we have thousands of photos and hundreds of videos of the kids thanks to living in this modern, digital, smart phone age. So in some sense my kids will have a digital archive that would certainly rival the most diligently filled in baby book. But I still have a fear and mistrust of relying solely on computers and smart phones to be the repository of my children's many amazing milestones and life events. Perhaps it's because we have had two desktops and at least one laptop crash on us, swallowing up all of our data into a digital black hole (thanks to things like iCloud this should be less of an issue in the future, but still...).<p>
<p>But I may have found the perfect solution with these adorable personalized (and inexpensive) journals from <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a>. We love Minted and have used it in the past for <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/birth-announcements/MIN-LUX-BYA/luxe">Little Man's birth announcements</a> and other invitations and know they have excellent customer service and quality products. These <a href="http://www.minted.com/baby-journals">journals</a> seem to be no exception. With cute personalized designs and photos on the cover and 40 lined, graph, or blank pages inside you can use these journals any way you choose to keep those special moments around for posterity. I'm leaning towards the <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/journals/MIN-14K-NBK/hello-stripes">Hello, Stripes Journal</a> for the Little Man and perhaps the <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/journals/MIN-27K-NBK/fleurs-de-noel">Fleur de Noel Journal</a> for Pooka. These would also be unique baby gifts to give to friends, especially your friends that have everything. My recommendation would be to not personalize the journal to say "Baby's First Year" because odds are most parents can't fill 40 pages in the first year, and so many exciting things happen in the following years that you wouldn't want to limit the journals use (for instance most babies start walking between 9-14 months so a first year journal might skip one of the most exciting milestones there is).<p>Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-55566818294938292802012-04-05T15:47:00.003-04:002012-04-05T15:52:20.533-04:00Proving you can be a mother and a leader...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOBul7XVQ9hh2u2NMuSkal28wtaUvEVsE1BLBERmYhG-zRjpTUG89r6Nua2H_gWZd1iUwVMWyQb4TWCSpHZigoJE9Hp11epJORdRKikuFT4w0ckvIhm0wOBJPiqcO6qPAXXBGATADlTTr/s1600/ItalianMEP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOBul7XVQ9hh2u2NMuSkal28wtaUvEVsE1BLBERmYhG-zRjpTUG89r6Nua2H_gWZd1iUwVMWyQb4TWCSpHZigoJE9Hp11epJORdRKikuFT4w0ckvIhm0wOBJPiqcO6qPAXXBGATADlTTr/s320/ItalianMEP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728005923159652402" /></a><br />A wonderful site that helps encourage participation in the global community called <a href="http://morethanmeglobal.blogspot.com/">More Than Me Global</a> posted this great photo of an Italian MEP bringing her newborn daughter to a voting session for the European Parliament to draw attention to women's rights. Follow this link to see the pics and read more. It's such an inspiration!<br /><br /><a href="http://morethanmeglobal.blogspot.com/2010/10/awesome.html?spref=bl">More than Me Global: Awesome!</a><br /><br />And while you're at it, cruise around the More Than Me Global site. Sometimes it seems like we couldn't possibly have a spare minute in our day to think about anything other than our own families, but it is so important to be a member of the global community and offer help where we can (sorry for the guilt trip, as if we don't have enough mommy guilt already!).Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-30545023582359644602012-04-05T08:00:00.000-04:002012-04-05T00:55:12.242-04:00Favorite Easter Books<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYcdMbCm-nQcNqgIcBJcxkvgG_POYBOtQLqmvJJbKSZujgj_P4lFgSTiHTm6Plmb-D9gKiluTRlkeSdRI5hSbAmn_LMv3D1rwMP3vv3bIPET6CN4sv4Y-15RSGTaTg2awMFmWaJOKZN1X/s1600/EasterEggBook.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYcdMbCm-nQcNqgIcBJcxkvgG_POYBOtQLqmvJJbKSZujgj_P4lFgSTiHTm6Plmb-D9gKiluTRlkeSdRI5hSbAmn_LMv3D1rwMP3vv3bIPET6CN4sv4Y-15RSGTaTg2awMFmWaJOKZN1X/s320/EasterEggBook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727592987109580482" /></a>This will be Pooka's third Easter. As such, we have several Easter books that we bust out around this time of year. Starting with our youngest book, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Where-Babys-Easter-Lift-Flap/dp/1416949240<br />">Karen Katz's Where are Baby's Easter Eggs?</a>. You would think these books would get old (since she also has similar books about jackolanterns, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, etc.) and yet somehow they still seem to delight her. As an infant it was the excitement of lifting the flaps. Now she likes to "read along" and tell me what is behind each flap before we lift it, which probably means the Little Man will never know the joy of discovery for himself since she will always be blurting out what's behind the flap before he opens it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSifm6tEfIhkliGQMG8EnREoAwPzEsNoecjeLApphZca5LKOZ1g_4QvTCwdHhDI2sUbdct_WJG6grGIh_Mu4keaaPHkOvuLSqhVc0ZUuYN0WUEXzJdP4oJvirRS94tEnP0e99AjOjBu-Yv/s1600/LittleWhiteRabbit2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSifm6tEfIhkliGQMG8EnREoAwPzEsNoecjeLApphZca5LKOZ1g_4QvTCwdHhDI2sUbdct_WJG6grGIh_Mu4keaaPHkOvuLSqhVc0ZUuYN0WUEXzJdP4oJvirRS94tEnP0e99AjOjBu-Yv/s200/LittleWhiteRabbit2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727773717650427234" /></a>Last year we added <a href="http://www.magiccabin.com/the%2deaster%2degg%2dby%2djan%2dbrett_p2308.html">Jan Brett's The Easter Egg</a>. This sweet book is about a bunny who wants to make the most fantastic egg so he will be chosen to help the Easter Bunny deliver his eggs on Easter morning. We love Jan Brett, having both The Mitten and The Hat, so this book did not fail to disappoint. In fact I think it is my favorite of the books of hers that we own. We also bought a beautifully illustrated book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-White-Rabbit-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0062006428/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333599385&sr=1-1<br />">Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes</a>. I have considered cutting out the illustrations and framing them for Pooka's walls more than once. It is a sweet story about a rabbit using it's imagination, which Henkes then brings to life in his illustrations.<br /><br />This year we are considering three new books to add to the repertoire. The first is a classic by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Country-Bunny-Little-Shoes-Sandpiper/dp/0395185572/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333599432&sr=1-1<br />">Dubose Heyward called The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes</a>. Despite being written in 1940 the tale of the country bunny working hard and persevering to be chosen as the Easter Bunny is an enduring story that should be shared with all little ones.<br /><br />On a lighter note, Pooka adores all her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Olivier-Dunrea/e/B000APTFRO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Olivier Dunrea </a>books (which have all been thoughtful birthday gifts over the last few years). Any of his board books would suffice for Easter because they are based on goslings (which scream springtime to me), but we don't yet have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ollies-Easter-Eggs-Gossie-Friends/dp/0618532439/ref=pd_sim_b_6">Ollie's Easter Eggs</a>. These books are great for the younger set and are still read regularly as bedtime books at age three. Pooka even wears "bright red boots" like Gertie, and shouts out "follow me" to the Little Man so I guess Gossie (Olivier Dunrea's main character) has really captivated her. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIUFUIFpwTM2BHZh18ZQzpNjMKTB9EQKPrkNQED14HUkRVVjlP5Ko13aVXQKwUdDuay2YHHnSluF2SdQAZ9NEAOZeqgcezV2iu1eRUCmn4e2LPrxVSq-4Oje2IEqvtlDGvMwHLloEfTyw/s1600/Marshmallow2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIUFUIFpwTM2BHZh18ZQzpNjMKTB9EQKPrkNQED14HUkRVVjlP5Ko13aVXQKwUdDuay2YHHnSluF2SdQAZ9NEAOZeqgcezV2iu1eRUCmn4e2LPrxVSq-4Oje2IEqvtlDGvMwHLloEfTyw/s200/Marshmallow2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727774108630976706" /></a>Finally, I'm a sucker for any book with a big ole' Caldecott Medal stuck to the front and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-Clare-Turlay-Newberry/dp/0060724889/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333599745&sr=1-1">Marshmallow by Clare Turlay Newberry</a> is no exception. It's a story of a rabbit that moves into a house with a not so excited cat and how they become friends. This seems like the perfect topic for any preschooler, especially one that may have a new sibling in their life! And the illustrations are simple and lovely!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-24128747142580003092012-04-04T11:59:00.019-04:002012-04-05T00:57:03.321-04:00The Easter Bunny is coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPswQ5e6cGEe2Lab0xurOB_mOz1ouHBFQnn18RNW9RRZvjLWMZmIisC8VV6E3DWpE2nmqPsonXELLagEHqEXGMxGtFxbWHTY_T9OK08fu5UW3cCci0ipE9ZTapY7ExptTvlD3HyRfWA5oz/s1600/Hoppy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPswQ5e6cGEe2Lab0xurOB_mOz1ouHBFQnn18RNW9RRZvjLWMZmIisC8VV6E3DWpE2nmqPsonXELLagEHqEXGMxGtFxbWHTY_T9OK08fu5UW3cCci0ipE9ZTapY7ExptTvlD3HyRfWA5oz/s320/Hoppy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727591502018367346" /></a>Watch out bloggo-sphere, Pooka's Mama is making a comeback. May it be long-lived and fruitful! In the time that has passed, I've been a busy lady. Pooka will be three at the end of the month, complete with all the trials and tribulations that go along with having an almost three year old (it's a ride, to be sure). The Little Man, who was still in my belly at the last post, is thriving and just passed his one year mark a few weeks ago. And finally, finally, I feel like I have my head above water and have the time to sit and share some of my favorites with readers new and old. <br /><br />The biggest change for me may be my new addiction to <a href="http://pinterest.com/lifewithpooka/">Pinterest</a>. You can find and follow me at "Pooka's Mama." I add new things daily, and you'll find boards on all things kiddo, as well as mama style, home life and travel. Basically, it's me in a nutshell (or at least the glossy, pretend me if i had all the time and money in the world). So stop by and if you like what you see go ahead and follow. I'm sure there is a way to link the blog to my page, but until I figure that out you'll just have to click the link above. <br /><br />So, Easter is coming (or for some it may be Passover, but I'm pretty sure there aren't any Passover baskets, so for now we will focus on Easter gifts and treats). With two baskets to fill this year the options are endless, but I'll share what's going in Pooka and Little Man's baskets and hope it offers some inspiration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cr74NAVLfBtBp1J1OrLtrCHhosm_ejpmRLymwGsAxZKmgb9Y05ouMDBLrZGbYTu_0FsmmGRdDjKnA-yqkO3JJrq35ZddKpnar_1KbMmXji95XeoGnmXKsQOwY6QpZYE4KeP5EC-JaQ_y/s1600/Tadpoles.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cr74NAVLfBtBp1J1OrLtrCHhosm_ejpmRLymwGsAxZKmgb9Y05ouMDBLrZGbYTu_0FsmmGRdDjKnA-yqkO3JJrq35ZddKpnar_1KbMmXji95XeoGnmXKsQOwY6QpZYE4KeP5EC-JaQ_y/s200/Tadpoles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727595474742790546" /></a>The baskets are actually cute pails I picked up at Target for $5 each. Some day I'll probably do those fancy baskets with their names on them from <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/peter-rabbit-treat-basket-liner/?pkey=ceaster-baskets-liners">Pottery Barn Kids</a> or a beautifully handmade basket from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91531356/after-easter-delivery-personalized-girls">this Etsy site</a>, but for now they seem a little spendy. As for gifts, Pooka is getting a cuddly little <a href="http://www.steiffusa.com/productdetail.aspx?productid=080074">Steiff Happel Bunny</a>, and at only 5 inches it won't clutter our already full abodes. It is also great because it will fit into a reusable <a href="http://www.magiccabin.com/set%2dof%2d3%2dnesting%2deggs_p412538.html">papier-mâché egg</a>, and Pooka loves any type of storage item (bags, boxes, etc.). If you have a little more room to spare or your wee one's bedroom isn't already overflowing with stuffed objects I'm a huge fan of <a href="http://www.steiffusa.com/productdetail.aspx?productid=280030">Steiff's Linda Lamb</a> for something a little different than your average bunny. She is also getting this cute book that reminded me of spring called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/999-Tadpoles-Ken-Kimura/dp/073584013X">999 Tadpoles by Ken Kimura</a> that I found at Anthropologie (they strangely have fab kids books there). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4g02SQrgE7xY92u8YlM_KbdgStwAAwX2COepzJ8CHhRpvZZJpRs1rGgj8ZbSQnraurlmWZPDS4B84BKzKJHdvmWXQ6Ci7I_ZZO5dkVBqH7VbUyoKR1k0nQbpheV-AsuWCCemQXhG_2Q3/s1600/Binoculars.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4g02SQrgE7xY92u8YlM_KbdgStwAAwX2COepzJ8CHhRpvZZJpRs1rGgj8ZbSQnraurlmWZPDS4B84BKzKJHdvmWXQ6Ci7I_ZZO5dkVBqH7VbUyoKR1k0nQbpheV-AsuWCCemQXhG_2Q3/s320/Binoculars.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727596666948867810" /></a>She was also supposed to get these fun <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/happy-giddy-binoculars">Melissa and Doug Happy Giddy Binoculars</a> because she is obsessed with the eye-spy game since she learned it at school. Unfortunately, the morning after I bought them Pooka came bursting into our bedroom to show Mommy the new spy-glasses (her term) that she had found. Oops! I guess I had left them on the kitchen table the night before and Daddy didn't know they were for Easter. So instead, Pooka will be receiving the <a href="http://superwhy.shop.pbskids.org/super-why-wave-and-learn-magic-spelling-wand.html">Wave and Learn Magic Spelling Wand</a> from the PBS Kids show <a href="http://pbskids.org/superwhy/">Super Why</a>. I don't usually go in for these types of cheesy electronics, but she will love it and if she learns a thing or two from it the money was well spent. And besides, in the realm of princess toys and shows you can't really go wrong with Princess Presto who's magic powers are all related to spelling and phonics. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsvX8IXdDo1jFABSXosrzd8rUYIHzd8Re4w55H9m-Tu0KcT4ugUL81XHWIJXTLQc1hQ-mC1bfgeml_MYN74l2wepBkM7al6f2kaOpdHGlYY_69stu-NjNXOVZON64XbdMp0rHKLT6YSt/s1600/Dario.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsvX8IXdDo1jFABSXosrzd8rUYIHzd8Re4w55H9m-Tu0KcT4ugUL81XHWIJXTLQc1hQ-mC1bfgeml_MYN74l2wepBkM7al6f2kaOpdHGlYY_69stu-NjNXOVZON64XbdMp0rHKLT6YSt/s200/Dario.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727586236718031986" /></a><br /><br />The Little Man will also be getting three things in his basket. In place of a bunny, he is getting this sweet <a href="http://www.giggle.com/Dario-the-Dinosaur---Blanket-Pal/GEA17003,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=giggle&prefn1=isNewArrival&prefv1=TRUE">Dario the Dinosaur Blanket Pal</a> that I found at Giggle. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeFxggN5fCFSARTEjI8TmCVtWhk5mvTBbo6rXN_T_L-ERCr1bhl98oAuUGIL4sbPPNPUE75COupESMEv0rl6K9bXsIwxTiVtkuTBDUmjNKtvbGa1AXuYgUuhNivt0EZeiY6X5Oh9zOM8G/s1600/Farm+Blocks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeFxggN5fCFSARTEjI8TmCVtWhk5mvTBbo6rXN_T_L-ERCr1bhl98oAuUGIL4sbPPNPUE75COupESMEv0rl6K9bXsIwxTiVtkuTBDUmjNKtvbGa1AXuYgUuhNivt0EZeiY6X5Oh9zOM8G/s200/Farm+Blocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727586912682197906" /></a>He is also getting <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/farm-sound-learning-blocks">Melissa and Doug Farm Sound Blocks</a>. When you match up the front half of the animal to the back half of the animal the blocks reward your little one by making the sound of that animal. I'm sure Pooka will have lots of fun showing the Little Man how to use these! Finally, he is also getting a nice board book using onomatopeia to describe the sounds that different types of trains make that I found at Anthropologie (I don't have it in front of me so I will have to update the name and author at a later time, sorry!). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFXIqxwiQoHiV3zS-ZDMpg0o94ybhMf1yFPp-vp-wvqC8FLsQWcLU2ZTzwzT32YGLUedSsMrJA9Hq3f4lOwKh9I5y450p0KahKl68PdEg4ak6o93o_lodV7ii0H9L7B8Ut3D8IC0U8WHh/s1600/jellybeans_sub.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFXIqxwiQoHiV3zS-ZDMpg0o94ybhMf1yFPp-vp-wvqC8FLsQWcLU2ZTzwzT32YGLUedSsMrJA9Hq3f4lOwKh9I5y450p0KahKl68PdEg4ak6o93o_lodV7ii0H9L7B8Ut3D8IC0U8WHh/s200/jellybeans_sub.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727596989266195906" /></a>As for eggs, I'll be using <a href="http://shop.ecokidsusa.com/product/eco-eggs">Eco-Eggs</a> for coloring our eggs again this year. They make beautiful, subtly shaded eggs and can be found at Whole Foods. And I don't have to worry about my kids eating any crazy dyes when we eat the hardboiled eggs. For treats, the Little Man's basket will have some of Mama's homemade sugar cookies ( I use the recipe from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Magnolia-Classic-American/dp/0471751375">At Home with Magnolia Cookbook</a>), while Pooka's will have cookies, plus <a href="http://">Annie's Organic Bunny Fruits</a> and some <a href="http://www.surfsweets.com/products_jellybeans.php">Organic Surf Sweet Jelly Beans</a>. <br /><br />For more Easter ideas, check my <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LifeWithPooka">tweets</a> or my <a href="http://pinterest.com/lifewithpooka/">Pinterest</a> boards. I have posted several other cute bunnies and gift ideas. Hope the bunny is good to you this year!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-27935162485196899662010-11-22T19:00:00.000-05:002010-11-22T18:55:37.998-05:00Holy Holiday Shopping List!The last few weeks have found me wracking my brain as to what to get Pooka for Christmas. She will be 20 months on Christmas day and seems pretty bored with the variety of toys currently residing in her toy basket. Christmas is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate her toy cache, although let's be honest...she is just as likely to go gaga over the wrapping paper and boxes as she is with the toys!<br /><br />To streamline the process this year, and to be a good partner parent, I put together a spreadsheet of Pooka's Christmas list and sent it to my husband complete with links to the items and prices. This will likely create a conversation between my husband and I that will go something like this...<br /><br />Him: "Is she really going to use this?" <br />Me: "Of course, she's going to love it."<br />Him: "I don't really think she needs this."<br />Me: "Well you're not the one home with her all day trying to keep her entertained."<br />Him: "Is there a cheaper version?"<br /><br />Anyways, you get the idea. So without further ado, here is the list of items I hope to stash under the tree for Pooka this year:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vRqUegKacOSkGwN52OUVRLzUdjFUa3IrLs1_nfC5WOVTsi_40lVaFdk2SqYTU2zkKEj7wLVwJLsXe5OUCOt4rmRnFABWZ630LwQNeVxoMbjwrttihvJj1Ogpqag0Tq7c6qQp7ppwZ10k/s1600/WH706920.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vRqUegKacOSkGwN52OUVRLzUdjFUa3IrLs1_nfC5WOVTsi_40lVaFdk2SqYTU2zkKEj7wLVwJLsXe5OUCOt4rmRnFABWZ630LwQNeVxoMbjwrttihvJj1Ogpqag0Tq7c6qQp7ppwZ10k/s320/WH706920.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542448843374237506" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) Kitchen Set:</span> I have my eye on two different kitchen sets for Pooka for Christmas. I have to warn you that they are rated for ages 3 and up so it's up to you to decide if it is appropriate for your child. Pooka has used them at other houses and absolutely loves them so I'm pretty confident she can handle having her own kitchen. My first favorite is the <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/WH706920/WH-Swiss---Educo-French-Kitchen.html?oompaItem=WH%20Swiss%20-%20Educo_French%20Kitchen">WH Swiss - Educo French Kitchen</a> available at <a href="www.oompa.com">Oompa</a>, which comes complete with pots and pans and some food for the bargain price of $99.00. I am also a big fan of the <a href="http://www.giggle.com/eng/product/gourmet_chef_kitchen/ed861298&toddlergifts">Gourmet Chef Kitchen</a> available at <a href="www.giggle.com">Giggle</a>, although its a bit pricier at $138.00 and you have to add <a href="http://www.giggle.com/eng/product/gourmet_chef_cookware/ed821371&toddlergifts">cookware</a> and food. I like this one because it is very compact and stylish!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBZwGHMso3wab-IRtRylXIwUzuACefcSlEvVu1rC_y0E97H8nq-ax6cmN1XHWOPPchPFlR8lyJ0kvOmsI8k4F1ylxrFEv0h15-trOzQreoxgO2RaJ29hFWXhyLqaaDtow_Qvmr1OG5DqD/s1600/27_13015040_BB_3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBZwGHMso3wab-IRtRylXIwUzuACefcSlEvVu1rC_y0E97H8nq-ax6cmN1XHWOPPchPFlR8lyJ0kvOmsI8k4F1ylxrFEv0h15-trOzQreoxgO2RaJ29hFWXhyLqaaDtow_Qvmr1OG5DqD/s320/27_13015040_BB_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542455616524709826" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) Scooter:</span> Again, most scooters are rated for children ages 3 and up, but there are a few for the younger set too. Last spring we went to a two year old's birthday party and not only was she an expert scooter rider, she was doing tricks on her scooter too! So that's my inspiration behind getting Pooka a scooter at this tender age. I should also clarify that she took her first steps at 10 months and is a pretty good mover, so if your wee one didn't walk until later they may not be ready for a scooter for a while. The two I have my eye on are the <a href="http://www.giggle.com/eng/product/jr_folding_kiddie_kick_scooter/13015040&toddlergifts">Razor Jr. Folding Kiddie Kick</a> available for $40.00 at <a href="www.giggle.com">Giggle</a>, and the <a href="http://www.radioflyer.com/scooters/my-1st-scooter.html">Radio Flyer My First Scooter</a> available tons of places like Toys R' Us and Target for $39.99. The Radio Flyer scooter is rated from age 2. And don't forget to grab a helmet while you're at it! I like the <a href="http://www.giggle.com/eng/product/adjustable_hula_helmet/hula">Adjustable Hula Helmet from Nutcase</a> or the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giro-Infant-Bike-Helmet-Aviator/dp/B000WPNH4Y/ref=sr_1_22?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1290453076&sr=1-22">Giro Me2 Infant Bike Helmet</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEz0yhz4mHWbCJG6hzfQqLn9dMQ7DgaRgf2J1VoazJd76ByG2iwjiEtSw5hGDKmqA3ZlG5LPdBmLKfjsHUbCipZchXTNV9KkJR4GDDqN0_T1Z1KvOoJfBM9FgvYXQqxB3cWDgInhmw9dy/s1600/41qPKGvo1eL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEz0yhz4mHWbCJG6hzfQqLn9dMQ7DgaRgf2J1VoazJd76ByG2iwjiEtSw5hGDKmqA3ZlG5LPdBmLKfjsHUbCipZchXTNV9KkJR4GDDqN0_T1Z1KvOoJfBM9FgvYXQqxB3cWDgInhmw9dy/s320/41qPKGvo1eL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542458890549087490" /></a>3) <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.rodytoy.com/">The Rody Horse:</a></span> Made in Italy by <a href="http://www.gymnic.com/">Gymnic</a>, this inflatable horse is about a cute as it gets. Your wee one can climb aboard and bounce to their heart's content. And as they get older they can even bounce around with it (like those hopping balls we had as kids), rather than just do stationary bouncing. I love the design so much that I won't mind leaving it out in our space constrained apartment, rather than hiding it away when company comes. The good news is the Rody horse is latex and phalate free! And did I mention the Rody comes in about a dozen different color combos? I found the best selection of Rody horses at <a href="http://www.redwagontoy.com/">Red Wagon Toy Co, were they retail for $41.95.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.landofnod.com/is/image/LandOfNod/ABC%20COLOR%20PZZLE%5F1009?$sharelarge$"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://images.landofnod.com/is/image/LandOfNod/ABC%20COLOR%20PZZLE%5F1009?$sharelarge$" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">4) Janod Alphabet Puzzle:</span> Referred to as the <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=3143&f=6495">"Take a Letter" puzzle</a> on <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/">Land of Nod</a>, I'm a huge fan of this alphabet puzzle by French toy-maker Janod. Pooka is really starting to get the hang of puzzles, and I love that we can practice our ABC's with it, even if she can't seem to get all the pieces on the board yet. Again, this toy is rated for ages 3 and up, but you must realize by now that we like to live on the dangerous side! The puzzle retails for $34.00.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBsnrUz_EYkFTAuohqoc-IWjSXuMiu0tNjakzAEudaIET07-G_-caQ30wAfiDazv18mJgqOiwzRnRcyYdxVcWNwodogMPEfRKmXP4MmNPT81g3SPm3ARzninFUrI-P5x2rLKatTrqrxEZ/s1600/itp_chatcount_00_s1_19145.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBsnrUz_EYkFTAuohqoc-IWjSXuMiu0tNjakzAEudaIET07-G_-caQ30wAfiDazv18mJgqOiwzRnRcyYdxVcWNwodogMPEfRKmXP4MmNPT81g3SPm3ARzninFUrI-P5x2rLKatTrqrxEZ/s320/itp_chatcount_00_s1_19145.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542520081207431138" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">5) <a href="http://shop.leapfrog.com/leapfrog/jump/Chat-%26-Count-Cell-Phone/productDetail/More-Toddler-Toys/lfprod19145/My-Pal-Scout?selectedColor=&selectedSize=&navAction=jump&navCount=0&categoryNav=false">Leap Frog Chat and Count Cell Phone</a>:</span> If your child is anything like Pooka then they are obsessed with cell phones. Up until now I have refrained from purchasing her a faux phone, as she seems to do just as well picking up a wood block, holding it to her ear, and jabbering away. But this phone from <a href="http://shop.leapfrog.com/leapfrog/?storeId=store_us">Leap Frog</a> has me rethinking my strategy. Part of their popular <a href="http://shop.leapfrog.com/leapfrog/jump/Scout-Toys/category/My-Pal-Scout?q_docSort=&addFacet=%3A">Scout line for toddlers</a>, this phone has a fun combination of songs and counting games. We've recently noticed that Pooka has been repeating the numbers 1-10 so this phone seems like a fun way to reinforce her learning. Priced at $14.99 it's a great stocking stuffer or gift for toddler friends! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityXRBlYbvfw71Lr52HvFFUG00q0KFO9PQ_FdqZ_eSwTj_GjT1I7hM8lv9KAQGHCL2dEIhdr07go8pIyvygX0CJu1nKcah817QjMxaLn949cvu9x9ZorDSmstGtZIW1lM6pdComJSASf33/s1600/PL5335.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityXRBlYbvfw71Lr52HvFFUG00q0KFO9PQ_FdqZ_eSwTj_GjT1I7hM8lv9KAQGHCL2dEIhdr07go8pIyvygX0CJu1nKcah817QjMxaLn949cvu9x9ZorDSmstGtZIW1lM6pdComJSASf33/s320/PL5335.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542525228343924050" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">6) <a href="http://www.plantoys.com/products.php?Id=5335">Nuts and Bolts by Plan Toys</a>: </span> We love <a href="http://www.plantoys.com/home.php">Plan Toys</a> for their quality, non-toxic wooden products and their <a href="http://www.plantoys.com/about_who_concept.php">green manufacturing policies</a>. The Nuts and Bolts toy is a great choice for developing fine motor skills, plus I am hoping it will keep Pooka occupied at the dinner table and out in public when she's feeling a little feisty. Available at <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/PL5335/Plan-Toys-Nuts-&-Bolts.html?oompaItem=Plan%20Toys_Nuts%20&%20Bolts">Oompa</a>, and retailing for $17.99 this is also a great stocking stuffer or gift for your wee one's bestie! <br /><br />So I hope this list gives you a few ideas for your dear one this holiday season. To some of you this may seem like a short list, but once you add in the gifts from the fam it should be a reasonable amount for any toddler. Besides, they can only play with so many things at once! And one other little helpful hint: many of these products can also be found on <a href="www.amazon.com">Amazon</a> (often for less money), and if you have an Amazon Prime account you can get free 2-day shipping!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-74823909259873745662010-11-22T13:27:00.005-05:002010-11-22T13:44:29.912-05:00Life With Pooka back in action!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJPx-5tDH7RGGRjxlj0m7dhxlwFGz7vnx8NFHWMiLx9JqneQvw_-nfwgpvnbHt-C8rVUbxbkPf5dkgxw0lwnRoeRxaXWKqzVvgy1_YexAVzxCNioqzIdHNiiITIno6jYVIjWKUwIauNXO/s1600/39210_10150240769920650_644850649_14429442_2176003_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJPx-5tDH7RGGRjxlj0m7dhxlwFGz7vnx8NFHWMiLx9JqneQvw_-nfwgpvnbHt-C8rVUbxbkPf5dkgxw0lwnRoeRxaXWKqzVvgy1_YexAVzxCNioqzIdHNiiITIno6jYVIjWKUwIauNXO/s320/39210_10150240769920650_644850649_14429442_2176003_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542446504592722642" /></a><br />I'm sure many of you have been wondering where I have been these last fews months, as it has been radio silence here at LWP. Some of you may have read in previous posts that it all started last spring with Pooka's bout with croup, then my sinus infection, and then (wait for it...) we were blessed with a brand new pregnancy. That's right, Pooka is going to be a big sister! But unfortunately that meant about 14 weeks of morning sickness, which is an ailment I suffer from in a big way. Combine that with a toddler who barely naps and the reasoning behind the extended blogging hiatus should seem pretty clear. Fast forward to now, I am 21 weeks in and have finally found that second trimester energy which will allow me to get a few posts out. <br /><br />I hope you will come back and visit again regularly as I rededicate myself to creating interesting posts on the products, classes and events that shape Pooka's world! We missed you and can't wait to be cyber visiting with you again!<br /><br />p.s. I just ordered Pooka some really cute sale t-shirts from <a href="http://www.amytangerine.com/tangerineDream.html">Amy Tangerine</a> on <a href="http://www.theminisocial.com/">The Mini Social</a> so hurry over and have a look!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-34591173532392212082010-06-17T10:00:00.002-04:002010-06-17T20:31:07.780-04:00Fab Find: Anya Hindmarch Canvas Tote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJILUT2YmEnN8h5Aasi598qZ_Mp1Pair7fQmqYRvtx2hSECeSmtOMo7rpv8wG2q5KOAgHuaC1Sjt02vPeLM1n2p8jEYhmjphQrBj50DwFTdnbKzjSXkBW0oXgs7wP8sWUtkXzH6OIt5I0/s1600/img-thing.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJILUT2YmEnN8h5Aasi598qZ_Mp1Pair7fQmqYRvtx2hSECeSmtOMo7rpv8wG2q5KOAgHuaC1Sjt02vPeLM1n2p8jEYhmjphQrBj50DwFTdnbKzjSXkBW0oXgs7wP8sWUtkXzH6OIt5I0/s320/img-thing.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483492746230366754" /></a><br />As you may already know from my previous posts, I am a huge <a href="http://www.anyahindmarch.com/">Anya Hindmarch</a> fan! I recently visited the store on the UES in search of one of her marvelous Canvas Totes. They are roomy canvas totes with buttery leather straps perfect for the farm market, the beach, or general trips about town. I have fancied them for a while but spent the last year and a half so wrapped up in diaper bags I couldn't embrace their full appeal. But this summer things are different. Toting Pooka around no longer means having an overflowing diaper bag filled with a blanket, a change of clothes, multiple diapers, a nursing cover, pacifiers, toys...you get the idea. These days we travel a lot lighter: a <a href="http://www.joyababy.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=3">Joya Baby Diaper Clutch</a>, a <a href="http://monkeyfootdesigns.com/catalog.php?category=28">Monkey Foot Designs Wet Bag</a> filled with the summer essentials (sunscreen, hat, baby legs, wipes), snacks, and mama's wallet and phone. For errands we pair down to just the wallet, phone, and wipes. So now the Canvas Tote makes perfect sense for a morning Starbucks trip and a quick jaunt to the swings, but it's still roomy enough for a whole day adventure or a trip to the sprinklers at AMNH. And to put the icing on the cake, Anya Hindmarch now does a tote with moms in mind with the adorable navy blue and turquoise <a href="http://www.anyahindmarch.com/prod/Shoulder_Bags/Toys_Tote/41444/">Toys Tote</a>. If you're looking for something more grown up check out the <a href="http://www.anyahindmarch.com/prod/Shoulder_Bags/Boat_Tote/41440/">Boat Bag Tote</a>, <a href="http://www.anyahindmarch.com/prod/Shoulder_Bags/Beach_Tote/41439/">Beach Bag Tote</a>, <a href="http://www.anyahindmarch.com/prod/Shoulder_Bags/Picnic_Tote/41506/">Picnic Tote</a>, <a href="http://www.anyahindmarch.com/prod/Shoulder_Bags/Gym_Tote/40706/">Gym Tote</a> or others. These totes are a great price at $98 so ditch the diapy as we head into summer!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-66570853281194485802010-06-16T11:00:00.002-04:002010-06-16T10:37:14.793-04:00The Great Green Workshop for Babies: June 25th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.unpluggedonarug.com/upload/babiesplaydate-c80cf9ab3f5974aa8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.unpluggedonarug.com/upload/babiesplaydate-c80cf9ab3f5974aa8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />As you may have read in a previous post, Pooka and I are great fans of <a href="http://www.unpluggedonarug.com/">Unplugged on a Rug's</a> <a href="http://www.unpluggedonarug.com/classes">Great Green Play Date</a>. We been several times and adore Natalie and Ofrit! So if your wee one is under 12 months be sure not to miss the upcoming <a href="http://www.unpluggedonarug.com/upload/babiesplaydate-c80cf9ab3f5974aa8.jpg">Great Green Workshop for Babies</a> on June 25th at <a href="http://www.kidville.com/eastside">Kidville on the UES</a>. The hour long event is filled with music, creative play, and special guests. And best of all, 50% of all proceeds go to the <a href="http://www.maxcurefoundation.org/">Max Cure Foundation</a> to help fight childhood cancers. And if your wee one isn't so wee anymore the next great Green Play Date is scheduled for August 6th for babies 6 months to 6 years. In the meantime Unplugged on a Rug is involved in several fun charity events, so visit their events age. And stay tuned for Natalie and Ofrit's next big adventure, Unplugged on a Rug Daycare rumored to be coming to the UES this fall!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-67059205321122872252010-06-16T09:00:00.000-04:002010-06-16T10:37:38.307-04:00The Chariot: A perfect Father's Day gift for active Dadas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu7MIApFXpFnYYNRiAP7sy68m8CLDvBDSHgNQquFBHtF4Ae8-w4k5abAqz3kwedlMy1kYHRr6P82nJtxFvmH9NaoF4Rh91AluaJdqGiN9Do-DK7yTGddWQMG-L6thxBMyD44BtIQjbGT9/s1600/6abc5848-e7f8-44f7-9210-af8550c406e6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu7MIApFXpFnYYNRiAP7sy68m8CLDvBDSHgNQquFBHtF4Ae8-w4k5abAqz3kwedlMy1kYHRr6P82nJtxFvmH9NaoF4Rh91AluaJdqGiN9Do-DK7yTGddWQMG-L6thxBMyD44BtIQjbGT9/s320/6abc5848-e7f8-44f7-9210-af8550c406e6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483104330886072690" /></a><br />Ok, to be fair I see lots of dads these days unabashedly toting their tot in an Ergo or a Baby Bjorn, and even the occasional sling (like my hubby). But let's be honest, most things baby are not terribly manly. Enter the <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/full_product_line.php">Chariot</a>! The Chariot is the Swiss Army Knife of strollers. With simple kits you can quickly change the Chariot from a <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/conversion_kits.php?conID=1">regular stroller</a>, to a <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/conversion_kits.php?conID=2">jogging stroller</a>, <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/conversion_kits.php?conID=3">bike trailer</a>, or <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/conversion_kits.php?conID=5">ski trailer</a>, and even harness it to yourself for<a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/conversion_kits.php?conID=4"> hiking</a>. Available in both single and double with three different levels of performance, the <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/cheetah.php">Cheetah</a>, <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/cougar.php">Cougar</a>, and the <a href="http://www.chariotcarriers.com/english/html/cx.php">CX</a> (for serious athletes), Dada's most difficult decision will be "what activity should we do today?" Many weekends my husband will take Pooka for a morning run and then an afternoon bike ride. And in the winter he hooks up the skis and harnesses the Chariot around his waist for a cross country ski or snowshoe adventure (that's him with Pooka in the pic below). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTdje4qfiupY8mEbXD8da3eBkkC9jzLuljIW8zkk87tNnf7A68Ta_QDsimi9Gh0hcFpBEE0QrHI_1PE-pJV8Dm6Gk47J-c30mcyaUEpRFbSJ1owzACKLfgQ8nOtzP0Y5tkGHGMmH7NUwm/s1600/_MG_6841.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTdje4qfiupY8mEbXD8da3eBkkC9jzLuljIW8zkk87tNnf7A68Ta_QDsimi9Gh0hcFpBEE0QrHI_1PE-pJV8Dm6Gk47J-c30mcyaUEpRFbSJ1owzACKLfgQ8nOtzP0Y5tkGHGMmH7NUwm/s320/_MG_6841.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483107686632042338" /></a>We have a Cougar Double because we are planning on popping future siblings next to Pooka in the Chariot, but unlike many systems the harness can be shifted to the center to keep the Chariot balanced when she is in there alone. Plus, the system is a pretty big investment so we wanted to make sure that we'll get plenty of years out of it. Luckily for us my husband found a 2007 Chariot on Craigs List so we were able to pick ours up for cheap. The previous Dada had barely used it and it was in pristine condition. It came with the bike trailer kit and we have added the jogging kit and ski kit. It's hard for us to imagine that this sweet rig was barely used because ours is used several times a weekend, but this should also serve as a warning that the Chariot is not a good gift for the faint of heat-rate. And lest I be sexist, the Chariot is great for athletic Mama's too. It's very light and I use it for serious walks, and even tried it on the cross country tracks this winter even though I no longer consider myself in the athletic mama category)! So if your husband's idea of a fun filled day involves a triathlon than the Chariot may just be the perfect gift for him this Father's Day!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-81975522862721403942010-06-15T11:55:00.005-04:002010-06-15T17:08:23.942-04:00Celebrate Dada at Big City Moms and Dada Rocks Father's Day Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bigcitymoms.com/images/DaddyDay2010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 761px;" src="http://www.bigcitymoms.com/images/DaddyDay2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />What are you doing Wednesday night? We'll be attending the <a href="www.bigcitymoms.com">Big City Mom's</a> and <a href="http://dadarocks.com/">Dada Rocks</a> <a href="http://www.bigcitymoms.com/upcoming_06162010.php">Father's Day Event</a> at <a href="http://www.kidville.com/eastside">Kidville on the UES</a>. We'll be rocking out to the fabulous <a href="http://www.littlemaestros.com/">Little Maestro's</a>, eating awesome food from <a href="https://dindinsfood.com/">Din Dins</a>, getting our picture taken by professional photographers, playing in the play gym and more! Hope to see you there!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-64934090727799233592010-05-18T18:06:00.010-04:002010-06-15T11:55:28.137-04:00April showers bring decked out babies: Big City Moms Spring 2010 Biggest Baby Shower<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hwIYcpD9JKaWqVsXmFsgtC12ayA2quZRnzxKKNBVUjxU9MrPAIYP5_UMU3U15R4wLYB2EXq7GU3GsbB1ZvKH8P1upVC6M63VOwPm-UCZFRc2PKLi7FHIx_pfWJh90H8Kf7NaOwMNWDac/s1600/headerBCM.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 73px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hwIYcpD9JKaWqVsXmFsgtC12ayA2quZRnzxKKNBVUjxU9MrPAIYP5_UMU3U15R4wLYB2EXq7GU3GsbB1ZvKH8P1upVC6M63VOwPm-UCZFRc2PKLi7FHIx_pfWJh90H8Kf7NaOwMNWDac/s400/headerBCM.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483028383014048994" /></a><br />The <a href="www.bigcitymoms.com">Big City Moms</a> always put on a wonderful event, and their <a href="http://www.bigcitymoms.com/showerPhotosApril2010.php">Spring 2010 Biggest Baby Shower</a> was no excception. This time the venue moved from American Girls Place to the spacious Park East ballroom. Products filled the two ballrooms from dozens of vendors. On display were new products from some of our favorite vendors including <a href="www.orbitbaby.com">Orbit Baby</a>, <a href="http://www.mommacouture.com/">Momma Couture</a>, <a href="http://www.zo-li.com/">Zoli Baby</a>, <a href="http://www.maclarenbaby.com/">Maclaren</a>, <a href="http://www.skiphop.com/">Skip Hop</a>, <a href="http://www.bugaboo.com/home">Bugaboo</a>, <a href="http://www.booninc.com/">Boon Inc</a>., and <a href="http://www.oeufnyc.com/">Oeuf</a> to name a few. Also on hand were fab newcomers like <a href="http://simplisse.com/">Simplisse Breast Feeding Products</a>, <a href="http://www.strideeveryday.com/">Stride</a>, <a href="http://www.hoppopbaby.com/">Hop Pop</a>, <a href="http://www.tommeetippee.us/">Tomee Tipee</a>, and the amazing <a href="http://www.tagabikes.com/default.asp">Taga Bike and Luxury Stroller</a>. Expectant moms had the opportunity to test out multiple brands of strollers, check out furniture, diaper bags, and the latest in all things baby. <br /><br />Guest speakers included <a href="http://www.drgreene.com/">Dr. Alan Greene</a> (<a href="http://lifewithpooka.blogspot.com/2009/10/mamas-night-out-big-city-moms-biggest.html">see this post </a>to learn more about Dr. Greene) and the wonderful Carley Roney from <a href="http://www.theknot.com/">The Knot</a> empire. Roney spoke about her favorite essential gear for new moms. These included some of our personal faves like the <a href="www.orbitbaby.com">Orbit Baby</a> stroller , which she highlighted as the "Sunday Brunch" stroller thanks to Orbit's patented technology that allows you to pull the stroller up to the table and spin the seat so baby faces you! She also talked about <a href="www.mommacouture.com">Momma Couture's</a> clever <a href="http://www.mommacouture.com/show_bags.php?page=7">Stinky Bum diaper clutch</a> (another of our favorites and a previous <a href="http://lifewithpooka.blogspot.com/2009/11/fab-find-momma-couture-diaper-bags.html">"Fab Find"</a>). Roney pointed out that no matter which stroller you chose, having only one stroller will never fulfill all your strolling needs. She suggested getting a lightweight umbrella stroller for traveling onthe subway on in the airport. Her picks were any of the strollers in the <a href="http://www.maclarenbaby.com/">Maclaren</a> line or the <a href="http://www.uppababy.com/products/product.php?id=8">Uppa Baby G-Lite</a>. Roney praised the ubiquitous <a href="http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/">Baby Bjorn</a> carriers for babywearing, and spoke about The Bump's new iPhone app called <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/baby-411-by-the-bump/id361398970?mt=8">Baby 411</a> (see my other favorites in this post). <br /><br />Finally, Roney, a serious career mom, gave some fantastic advice on being a new mom:<br /><br />1) Get OUT of the house and take lots of walks!<br />2) Make sure to network with other moms and build a support system<br />3) NURSE in PUBLIC (my personal fave!)<br /><br />Roney explains that breasts are very portable and make it easy to feed on the go and to find places in your neighborhood where you can comfortably nurse such as baby boutiques and department store lounges (Saks has a great one on the fourth floor). Don't hesitate to meet with a lactation consultant if you are having any nursing problems. Other key advice Roney imparted on the expectant moms was to relax, trust your instincts, and give yourself plenty of time to learn this whole motherhood thing! She is truly and inspiring women! <br /><br />As always, the gift bags far exceeded expectations. The overflowing (and heavy) bags had far too many items to list them all, but some standouts included the new <a href="http://www.uppababy.com/products/product.php?id=10">Uppa Baby Car Seat Bubble</a> (universal to fit dozens of car seats), a <a href="http://www.bugaboostrollers.com/Bugaboo-Micro-Fleece-Blanket.pro">Bugaboo Stroller Blanket</a>, gorgeous <a href="http://www.oeufnyc.com/reversiblemittens08.aspx">mittens from Oeuf</a>, <a href="http://www.robeez.com/Robeez-Soft-Soles-Teddy-cream-Robeez-baby-shoes/product.aspx?ProductID=614&deptid=299&PriceCat=2&Lang=EN-US">Robeez shoes</a>, a <a href="http://www.thecompanystore.com/Company-Kids®-Garden-Gingham-Bedding---Pastel/E1N6-ps2,default,pd.html?start=8&cgid=ck-bedroom-bedding-baby">Company Store Kids crib sheet</a>, a <a href="http://www.naturepedic.com/">Naturepedic</a> Organic Piddle Pad, a set of <a href="http://www.booninc.com/products/Benders/332">Boon Benders utensils</a>, bottles from <a href="http://www.mambaby.com/?websiteLang=en">MAM Baby</a>, <a href="http://www.princelionheart.com/site/home.html">Prince Lionhart</a>, <a href="http://www.newbornfree.com/">Born Free</a>, and <a href="http://www.tommeetippee.us/">Tomee Tipee</a>, and multiple coupons for everything from strollers to nursery furniture. And that's just scraping the surface of the booty moms received in their gift bags. Add to that the individual gifts the moms won in the Baby Bingo Raffle and it almost tops the shower your friends and family throw for you!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-71248206530904497972010-05-18T11:14:00.008-04:002010-05-18T13:56:41.090-04:00Pooka's First Birthday Celebration!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwvcYkPW28f2uiw90bw3qPxUsufLnv55fUT-oFPd0XB8z7vkh2SnD8gtuIiwRl145zYAKedaLTwiKTLAfHxZ1aR636ckkEKkDF6SESzRx4W8mQWFC38fiiuejGjz7FyozyJqRihe6Jtb8/s1600/P1060643.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwvcYkPW28f2uiw90bw3qPxUsufLnv55fUT-oFPd0XB8z7vkh2SnD8gtuIiwRl145zYAKedaLTwiKTLAfHxZ1aR636ckkEKkDF6SESzRx4W8mQWFC38fiiuejGjz7FyozyJqRihe6Jtb8/s320/P1060643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472665266456945810" /></a>Last month my sweet little Pooka turned one. I can't believe it! I spent the week leading up to her birthday thinking about that same week one year ago when I was awaiting her arrival. I thought about the luxury of laying in bed and dozing until late in the morning that last week of pregnancy (will that ever exist again?), but mainly I thought about the anxiety and anticipation I experienced. What would the birth process be like, and what would I do after I brought Pooka home from the hospital? Who could believe so much can change in one year! My life is so radically wonderful now with Pooka in it. I don't think I have ever spent a year filled with so many intense emotions: overwhelming love for my baby girl, a strengthening of my bond with my husband, fear and anxiety over first illnesses and shots at the doctor's office, and hours and hours of joy and laughter over the simplest things. And that only begins to describe the wonder of our first year with Pooka!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ad7X_IspsXIHhWBESMsH8JgXvcBMSFRIwdWCh57hw_Llqp7ByolPgOB2UL0UYae4gj-tqLf2s-Ozhg_ZUTatt2jkhqHINmlUwsNsUK4bDNO9EVjaoTAfsIx_3OHO9teVdqXNrHX168J/s1600/P1060647.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9ad7X_IspsXIHhWBESMsH8JgXvcBMSFRIwdWCh57hw_Llqp7ByolPgOB2UL0UYae4gj-tqLf2s-Ozhg_ZUTatt2jkhqHINmlUwsNsUK4bDNO9EVjaoTAfsIx_3OHO9teVdqXNrHX168J/s320/P1060647.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472665596374172754" /></a>We celebrated Pooka's first birthday with family and friends at my mother's house in Connecticut. We chose a spring flower theme, and filled the house with daffodils, tulips, and grape hyacinths. I made tissue paper pom-poms in shades on blue, purple, and yellow to match the flowers and invitations from <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/">Sarah + Abraham</a> (<a href="http://lifewithpooka.blogspot.com/2010/04/fab-find-sarah-abraham.html">see previous post</a>). I used these easy <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias">directions from Martha Stewart</a> to make them. They are unique, more environmentally friendly than latex balloons, and if you have the room you can store them for use at future parties. <br /><br />I wanted to bake Pooka's birthday cake myself so I could use all organic ingredients and control the amount of sugar that went into them. I had a hard time choosing between a single multilayer cake and cupcakes. In the end I found this adorable <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/buttercup-cakelet-pan/?pkey=ccake-pans%7Cbkwcakspt">Buttercup Cakelet Pan at Wiliams-Sonoma</a> and made individual flower cakes. I Used <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-cake-recipe/index.html">Ina Garten's recipe for Lemon Cake </a>and it was absolutely delicious! I glazed the cakes and decorated them with <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cookie-decorating-pen-sugar-paste/?pkey=cbaking-mixes%7Cfodbakdec">Williams-Sonoma's colored decorating pens</a> in blue and yellow. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOe0AADGIpeIwvgg8SNmxlaeTOJtVUwOeeacc1O9aI3B_Y71OA9l3QYHkBRxAF5NsYvT00F6ajMIQQumxTOn8-vUkVJEXMOM8Z4h2PowLEpePkYmP6mD806ZHfxys0ag4J-PTNdmguJnxq/s1600/P1060635.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOe0AADGIpeIwvgg8SNmxlaeTOJtVUwOeeacc1O9aI3B_Y71OA9l3QYHkBRxAF5NsYvT00F6ajMIQQumxTOn8-vUkVJEXMOM8Z4h2PowLEpePkYmP6mD806ZHfxys0ag4J-PTNdmguJnxq/s320/P1060635.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472666320452683714" /></a>Finally, Pooka looked resplendent in her simple blue and white <a href="http://www.babycz.com/Larissa-Dress-in-Marrakesh-Print.html">Larissa Dress from Baby CZ</a> (it's only available in the Marrakesh Print online). She got so many compliments! All and all it was a wonderful day and we made memories to last a lifetime. The only bummer was that Pooka woke up the next morning barking like a seal...she had croup! That was the start of over a month of sickness in our house that kept us from regular posting. But we are back in action now and thank our readers for their patience while we convalesced!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-64637830094239620992010-04-16T12:00:00.000-04:002010-04-16T12:12:03.740-04:00Fab Find: Shinzi Katoh Bento Boxes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDmTlKOSq6rtYtLxqG2swBNPK1LXDtgeYT9NgLYvA2inxRtLQgYbo4LWoTgrikFW5C92_ozWfvuR1cBk3kqf8P8A7KH_zkBATBkfKziMr54esw-_OLSMoRgdgvt1Igek3tfA6bJSq4f_d/s1600/serlo225.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDmTlKOSq6rtYtLxqG2swBNPK1LXDtgeYT9NgLYvA2inxRtLQgYbo4LWoTgrikFW5C92_ozWfvuR1cBk3kqf8P8A7KH_zkBATBkfKziMr54esw-_OLSMoRgdgvt1Igek3tfA6bJSq4f_d/s320/serlo225.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460767685794781058" /></a><br />Okay, so I just realized I was majorly scooped on these <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=33_59">Shinzi Katoh Bento Boxes</a> when I googled them and found they were one of <a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/09/shinzi_katoh_bento_boxes_get_m.php">Cool Mom Picks Picks of the Year for 2009</a>. But then I realized there are probably lots of moms who haven't seen them yet so they were worth sharing again. Plus <a href="http://www.shinzikatoh.com/english/">Shinzi Katoh</a> makes tons of cute things besides bento boxes that you might want to check out too. I first spotted him at <a href="http://www.florahenri.com/#/shop/">Flora and Henri</a> on the UES. They carry his adorable kid sized <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=33_247">aluminum drinking bottles</a>. When I got home I checked him out online and discovered his sweetly illustrated bento boxes. But then, lo and behold, I spotted more Shinzi Katoh in the form of <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=21_115">darling zipper tote bags</a> at one of my favorite haunts, <a href="http://www.oliveandbettes.com/">Olive and Bette's</a> (fab clothing boutique chain for stylish mamas in NYC). Turns out Shinzi Katoh is taking NYC by storm right now, and with good reason. Embracing a Japanese philosophy known as Zakka, Katoh's designs are meant to spruce up the common things in everyday life. Using his skills as a children's book illustrator and artist Katoh has certainly done just that. The boxes come in <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=33_59_253">single</a> or <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=33_59_145">double decker</a>, or with a domed lid referred to as <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/default.php?cPath=33_60">Onigiri, or Rice Ball Box</a>. They are perfectly sized for stashing some snacks or a small lunch for your wee one in your diaper bag. And when they start school you can pack these reusable containers in their lunch box. I'm a big fan of the fairy tale characters, and love the <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_59_145&products_id=4152">Alice in Wonderland</a> and <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_59_145&products_id=3302">Snow White bentos</a>. Or how about the apple and pear on the <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_59_253&products_id=1189">Red and Blue</a> or the <a href="http://shinzikatoh.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33_59_253&products_id=2546">Lazzy Farm</a> bento boxes. There are several online shops where you can find Katoh's bentos and other cute patootie objects like <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=12506">lunch bags</a> and <a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/product.sc?productId=167&categoryId=10">children's cutlery</a>. My favorites are <a href="http://www.queenbabybean.com/category/Shinzi_Katoh/c233">Queen Baby Bean</a>, <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=shinzi%20katoh">Ollie Bollen</a>, and <br /><a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/category.sc?categoryId=10">Little Bean Shop</a>.Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-4777501841434453862010-04-13T21:00:00.001-04:002010-04-13T21:06:55.685-04:00Pimp My Ride: Our New Orbit G2 Toddler Seat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOYdNIarZ6a2zZvivrEsV052qdQ3ajL4ZqgZHoW-qb8MGwGxtpts6JqIxg2RaE8nmz2pee6nTfjvCIE_JIzITyNvSPHI4GIoD9_Bltr6Q6uy-6KcKwA5CwPHC-4ZLWtBQ1dUP-6Kf7TKj/s1600/productimage-picture-stroller-g2-125_jpg_580x350_q90.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOYdNIarZ6a2zZvivrEsV052qdQ3ajL4ZqgZHoW-qb8MGwGxtpts6JqIxg2RaE8nmz2pee6nTfjvCIE_JIzITyNvSPHI4GIoD9_Bltr6Q6uy-6KcKwA5CwPHC-4ZLWtBQ1dUP-6Kf7TKj/s400/productimage-picture-stroller-g2-125_jpg_580x350_q90.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459791778254293890" /></a>So it has been nearly a month since the big box housing our new <a href="http://www.orbitbaby.com/products/stroller-g2/">Orbit Baby G2</a> Toddler Seat arrived, and our love for it has grown everyday. See, the nice thing about the Orbit Baby system is that it grows with your child, from the infant car seat to the toddler car seat and separate toddler stroller seat. And the even greater thing is that even when they come out with a whole new system, they design it to integrate with your current setup so you won't have wicked stroller envy. So what, you may be wondering, do I adore about our new toddler seat? The hard question is where do I start? The new seat still has the same patented spin technology that allows you to move it 365 degrees, but now the seat also reclines so your wee one can get sleepy and nap completely horizontally. Pooka has already tested this feature many times. It fact, she seems to fall asleep much more easily then any other stroller she's been in. My next favorite element of the new seat is the amazing sun canopy. It has three positions, and when fully extended it blocks any rays from hitting your wee one. The seat also has a great bumper bar that has an attachable bento box that holds snacks and a sippy cup. We haven't used it too many times yet because Pooka has a tendency to grab entire fistfuls and shove them all in her mouth at the same time. Then she realizes she can't eat so many at one time and spits them all out. So until she has a better mastery of her snack situation I just gaze at the bento box and dream of its usefulness to come. Oh, I also really love the soft fleece snuggler and matching shoulder pads that come with the seat. It's removable when your child grows, but it's still working great for Pooka at 17 lbs. There is also an extendable footrest that grows with your child. And did I mention that all the fabric on the new G2 is Orbit Green Certified, which means all fabric that comes in contact with your child is <a href="http://www.orbitbaby.com/why/orbit_green.php">Oeko-Tex 100</a> certified to be free of 100 harmful and toxic substances. It's an industry first for strollers and car seats! You can even feel good about the <a href="http://shoporbitbaby.com/product/weather-pack/">rain cover</a> because it is PVC-free. Another industry first! Finally, the seat now has awesome ventilation thanks to a panel that zips open to reveal mesh that makes the seat nice and breezy. There is nothing worse than peeling your sweaty child out of their seat on a hot summer day! And I nearly forgot, but there is a new color on offer besdies black or mocha...an absolutely gorgeous Ruby Red (my favorite color)! I went for the Ruby Red seat, which works smashingly with a black cargo pod on the older models. It is a really snazzy set up! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQr9iKuxx6K2sjX8XX8YLZ8jB_QPkAx6VhiqkVLK4NqWKyjjVgWI5T6X6S_cFJc2r0bTJNn5Js9Y4KMsBcMLnq1Ou2Mhf6GRHMVffJc-YJcNc9nWTU7PlQh3HxJqqf1o6NcEQ45n1HRrX/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQr9iKuxx6K2sjX8XX8YLZ8jB_QPkAx6VhiqkVLK4NqWKyjjVgWI5T6X6S_cFJc2r0bTJNn5Js9Y4KMsBcMLnq1Ou2Mhf6GRHMVffJc-YJcNc9nWTU7PlQh3HxJqqf1o6NcEQ45n1HRrX/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459791918853565842" /></a>Of course we are using the new G2 seat on our old stroller base, for for those of you who are going to buy the whole system there is a <a href="http://www.orbitbaby.com/products/stroller-g2/">newly designed stroller base</a>. It is a fab powder-coated white so it will be sure to stand out in the stroller world. It also incorporates new foam filled tires (no more pumping them up or changing flat tubes) and a QuadShock system to give your wee one a cloud-like ride. The double cup holder has changed to a single cup holder designed to accommodate more drink sizes and also gives a place for keys, lip gloss or even your phone. The cargo pod is also more user-friendly with inside pockets and a better shoulder strap. And as with the older version, the fold is beyond amazing, and the stroller takes up much less room in your car than pretty much all of its competitors.<br /><br />I also added the Panniers to my Orbit Baby and wish I had them from day 1! Now I can do a full trip to Whole Foods and between the <a href="http://shoporbitbaby.com/product/orbit-stroller-panniers/">Panniers</a> and Cargo Pod I don't even have to hang a bag from the handles. They are brilliant! Oh, and people ask me about those all the time too. And while I don't have it yet, I plan to order the <a href="http://shoporbitbaby.com/product/green-edition-footmuff/">Green Edition Foot Muff</a> for next winter. I was so jealous this winter when all the other strollers had their made to fit foot muffs and I was struggling with a bulky <a href="http://www.7amenfant.com/b212e.html">7 Am Enfant Evolution</a>. To read more about the Orbit Baby system see this <a href="http://lifewithpooka.blogspot.com/2009/08/most-commonly-asked-questionwho-makes.html">previous post</a>. For us it's been a love affair from the start, and the romance keeps get better and better!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-66759596799911836322010-04-06T11:00:00.000-04:002010-04-06T11:03:28.454-04:00Luxe Life: Rebecca Minkoff's Zipper Baby Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz6gSIPnyqa4UQ-ARco9TvEB4OQUw2mKohncNNi9HSMaEP60hAOsQJxNhUo44EZUFKXqlaOM2OGbrzcYJdCBTzlag6lIp1wjmI14roYPEc3g08Pec_W32KpGcl8KW9wBS-3JnrVIZqLFL/s1600/zipper_baby_bag_leopard_front_1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz6gSIPnyqa4UQ-ARco9TvEB4OQUw2mKohncNNi9HSMaEP60hAOsQJxNhUo44EZUFKXqlaOM2OGbrzcYJdCBTzlag6lIp1wjmI14roYPEc3g08Pec_W32KpGcl8KW9wBS-3JnrVIZqLFL/s320/zipper_baby_bag_leopard_front_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456812471817816482" /></a>Some of you may be familiar with <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/">Rebecca Minkoff's</a> ubiquitous <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/classics/morning-after-bag-with-strap.html">Morning After Bag (MAB)</a>. It's her best selling style and is designed to go to work, then play, and then get you back to work the next morning even if you never made it home. For most of us those days are over and our bag needs have shifted dramatically, although we are probably still suffering from the same lack of sleep. The next logical step in the Rebecca Minkoff line is a diaper bag version of the the MAB aptly named the <a href="http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=RMIN-WY207&c=Handbags&s=C&sc=Satchels&n=n&source=shopstyle">Knocked Up</a>. With the similar stylings to the MAB, the Knocked Up comes with a wipeable canvas coated lining, stroller straps, a changing pad, and plenty of pockets. I picked one up in Salmon last fall at a sample sale and it never fails to elicit envy amongst moms an non-moms alike. It is released each season in a different palate of colors. They seem to be sold out for this season, but you can still find them at various online boutiques, and they will likely be offered again in the fall. Also new for this season is the <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/baby-bags/zipper-baby-bag.html">Zipper Baby Bag</a>, which is definitely the punk-rock little sister of the grown-up Knocked Up. Like the Knocked Up, the Zipper Baby Bag is not obviously a diaper bag. With its bright red leopard coated canvas, turquoise leather trim, and zig-zagging zippers its flirty and fun for summer. Packed with the same features as the Knocked Up you will not be wanting in function or organization, but I can guarantee that you'll have the most interesting diaper bag in your play group! And while you're visiting the Rebecca Minkoff website you might want to grab a bag for date night or afternoon sangria's with the girls on those days when you have a sitter. Check out the cross body stylings of the <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/new-classics/beloved-mini-1.html">Beloved Mini in Moss</a> or the <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/new-classics/mini-rikki.html">Mini Rikki in Turquoise</a> for the spring season. Heck, considering they are meant to be worn cross body you could wear them while pushing the stroller and leave your diaper bag hanging from the handles. Need something with a bit more space? Then grab a <a href="http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/neon-nights/nikki.html">Neon Nikki</a> with it's vibrant neon pink trim. Its frisky, fun, and easy to wear! So wether you are worried about being organized for the kids or looking chic when you head out on the town Rebecca's got you covered!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-46439183018685934902010-04-01T11:40:00.001-04:002010-04-01T11:43:41.860-04:00Fab Find: Sarah + Abraham<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXORB6BaaKiyiutYC5R5fnz00uKmms18RhCQNzRTBcvgzyHpMZPkbl9GU2hSIs5nA432NYseMbFkvxhG9ghWraOpiF9EWS1I1GKqv_VlYS17nyIfoWIxZH_z0oHr6eVPBcDEvfv8jF9Nvh/s1600/prnt_scllp_02.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXORB6BaaKiyiutYC5R5fnz00uKmms18RhCQNzRTBcvgzyHpMZPkbl9GU2hSIs5nA432NYseMbFkvxhG9ghWraOpiF9EWS1I1GKqv_VlYS17nyIfoWIxZH_z0oHr6eVPBcDEvfv8jF9Nvh/s320/prnt_scllp_02.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455186921286085234" /></a>So as you probably read in my previous post there are tons of options for choosing a birthday invitation. It was really hard to pick the perfect one for Pooka's first birthday. I didn't want anything too girlie, and anything cartoon or super hero related was totally out for me. So what did I choose? You might be surprised to hear it wasn't one of the many that I highlighted. I ended up choosing a simple but lovely silhouette style invitation from <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/">Sarah + Abraham</a>. I first found them on <a href="www.etsy.com">Etsy</a> when I was looking for mommy/business cards for the Life With Pooka. Sarah + Abraham designs custom stationary with a vintage feel and modern lines. You can choose from dozens of silhouettes to represent your family, a vibrant pallet of colors, and several fonts so your <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=1">stationary</a>, <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=56">invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=57">birth announcements</a> or <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=66">business cards</a> represent your personal style. They did a fabulous job on my business cards and thank you notes for Life With Pooka, and I love our Birthday Invitations. We went with a <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/item.php?item_id=92&category_id=56">Scallop Bordered Silhouette Invitation</a> using the "Ella with Balloon" silhouette with a yellow border and lake blue background. The colors are a bit on the boyish side, but the darling little girl silhouette balances it out. Other favorite invitation choices include the <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/item.php?item_id=262&category_id=56">Kids at Play </a>and <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/item.php?item_id=261&category_id=56">Garden Party</a> invites. For older children I love the Olliegraphic invitations, where you can choose the hair style, hair color, eye color, and skin tone. I particularly like the <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/item.php?item_id=427&category_id=56">Kid in Space</a> and <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/item.php?item_id=433&category_id=56">Circus</a> invitations. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm3OibgxXkSCnJZGADrEw9bsHExNGTLfJr_W_pAZj-RtuGKrJSXtJ0LvZOB_sJNBqp9o9oimb7bO29KPsHcJzrMdI2YNkgz1jcIMPu9xpa365sVByHY2julajeHqOZARaixup6ZWTCbV1/s1600/O_letterg1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm3OibgxXkSCnJZGADrEw9bsHExNGTLfJr_W_pAZj-RtuGKrJSXtJ0LvZOB_sJNBqp9o9oimb7bO29KPsHcJzrMdI2YNkgz1jcIMPu9xpa365sVByHY2julajeHqOZARaixup6ZWTCbV1/s320/O_letterg1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455186928019888706" /></a>While visiting Sarah + Abraham's website, be sure not to miss the <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=2">Personalized Art Prints</a> that would be sure to give classic style to any nursery it adorns. They also do <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=3">stickers</a> for everything from address labels to favor tags and fab <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=68">notepads</a> that are perfect for stashing notes in your little ones lunch box or leaving instructions for the sitter. I'm a huge fan of the whimsical new <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/item.php?item_id=410&category_id=68">Spring Notepads</a>! Finally, Sarah + Abraham does adorable <a href="http://www.sarahandabraham.com/category.php?category_id=94">personalized water bottles</a> with Olliegraphic designs (just be aware that the bottles are aluminum rather than stainless steel). I can't wait until I have another occasion that will call for a an order to Sarah + Abraham.Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-48389590865659047712010-03-30T15:00:00.002-04:002010-03-30T15:02:12.217-04:00Some bunny loves you: Pooka's 1st Easter Basket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtt_q09ZHMXd4VmldXsUXuL6_Q5ocV6ScFg-uDORb19Rt0ZLp0XhSY71Wdm2qPuVHXZ0wV4_j588CV05oo8jbztdd0fX9ab-X7kYJXHCSCcF4_TokeSKOa2G0Mb5fDUs4AJ1olUK3VfLw/s1600/21701_b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtt_q09ZHMXd4VmldXsUXuL6_Q5ocV6ScFg-uDORb19Rt0ZLp0XhSY71Wdm2qPuVHXZ0wV4_j588CV05oo8jbztdd0fX9ab-X7kYJXHCSCcF4_TokeSKOa2G0Mb5fDUs4AJ1olUK3VfLw/s320/21701_b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454498680261642626" /></a>Wow, this really is a year of firsts, and sadly Easter will be the last of our "first" holidays. So I'm aiming to make this a good one! I've come across lots of darling little baskets and stuffers and thought I should share some of them with you. Last week, our friends at <a href="www.parentville.com">Parentville</a> sent out an <a href="http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=2372e1ed5393c9e41e355d2d8&id=0f588985c3&e=cbd4f51f89">email highlighting some of the Easter items</a> I had recommended on their site. Parentville is a member driven site where parents can make requests or give recommendations to other parents about products, classes, services, and more. We use it all the time, and Life With Pooka has a whole second life there with a ton more recommendations. Check the blue box on the lower right hand side of this site to to read my latest recs at Parentville. <br /><br />First off, the baskets. <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/?cm_type=gnav">Pottery Barn Kids</a> has some great wicker baskets in <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/girls-easter-baskets-and-liners/?pkey=beaster-baskets-liners">white</a> or <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/boys-easter-baskets-and-liners/?pkey=beaster-baskets-liners">chestnut</a> with personalized liners. These baskets will last for years to come and you'll never confuse who's basket is who's. They also have stuffed <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/puffy-easter-baskets/?pkey=beaster-baskets-liners">Puffy Easter Baskets</a> in bunny or chick. They're just like their soft Halloween baskets and can also be personalized. You can also grab some basket stuffers while your at PBKids. I'm a fan of the <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/mini-nursery-critter-stacker/?pkey=bplush">Nursery Critter Stacker</a>, particularly the jumbo stacker that's over a foot tall. It features a plush hippo, bunny, and frog. Another great option is the <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/klean-kanteen-girl/?pkey=deaster-basket-gifts">Klean Kanteen Water Bottle</a> that has awesome designs and you can have it personalized. And if your little one isn't ready for a water bottle yet you can pick up a <a href="http://www.kleankanteen.com/products/accessories/kid-kanteen-spouts.html">sippy cup adapter from Klean Kanteen</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx8ShUItU3hf4uUkO432h5lTlnkqvVcapKBpxpnzrDholYmccyJk-LXOVDSKnd1xdEMBW30pyBzillrzYWconm1wgL_GoIh0mkxjvS1YmR4Q22qAuhQmNjPUWzanRW4sRYFfVQn-ZQVcl/s1600/il_430xN.127986089.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx8ShUItU3hf4uUkO432h5lTlnkqvVcapKBpxpnzrDholYmccyJk-LXOVDSKnd1xdEMBW30pyBzillrzYWconm1wgL_GoIh0mkxjvS1YmR4Q22qAuhQmNjPUWzanRW4sRYFfVQn-ZQVcl/s320/il_430xN.127986089.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454503125286892098" /></a>I also found some cute fabric baskets on <a href="www.etsy.com">Etsy</a>. I like the fabric <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/henryandzoe?section_id=5416190">Easter Buckets</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/henryandzoe">Henry and Zoe</a>. Have a look at the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42250130">My Little Teatime Bucket</a> if you like a traditional pattern. While you're there you can pick up an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23095008">Artist's Tote Set</a> for your children. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwentyLittleToes">Twenty Little Toes</a> has some great fabric baskets that you can use all year round in the nursery after Easter is done. Check out the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=38327582">Blue Cupcake Basket</a>. Rellaroo has similar fabric baskets, like their <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43690811">Sock Monkey Basket</a>. But I think <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LunaticDesign">Lunatic Design's</a> features my favorite with their charming <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42043226&ref=sr_gallery_15&&ga_search_query=fabric+easter+basket&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=6&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Bunny Fabric Baskets</a>.<br /><br />How about a stuffed bunny for your basket? One of my favorites is the <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/category.cgi?item=JCBUN6B">Bunglie Bunny from Jelly Cat</a>. How can you deny those dusty pink ears? If you're looking for an organic stuffed bunny try the soft white <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/FLORAB/Foundlings-Organic-Rabbit,-large.html?oompaItem=Foundlings_Organic%20Rabbit,%20large">bunny from Foundlings</a>. <a href="http://www.miyim.com/index.html">Mi Yim</a> also has great organic stuffed bunnies: the <a href="http://www.miyim.com/Victoria-Plush-Bunny-pc--55.html">Victoria Plush Bunny</a>, <a href="http://www.miyim.com/Baby-Victoria-Plush-Bunny-pc--36.html">Baby Victoria Plush Bunny</a> with cute white pinafore, or <a href="http://www.miyim.com/Baby-Victoria-Knit-Bunny-pc--41.html">Baby Victoria Knit Bunny</a>. Or skip the whole bunny theme and go with chicks like Mi Yim's <a href="http://www.miyim.com/Plush-Rattles-c-15.html">Plush Chicken Rattles</a> or <a href="http://www.giggle.com/p/24822/c/565/cl/874/Jingle-Chicken-w--Finger-Puppets-Organic-Cotton.aspx?&s=2&keyword=874">Jingle Chicken with Finger Puppets</a> exclusively at Giggle. If your little one is too tiny for a stuffed bunny than try a bunny dou dou like <a href="http://www.underthenile.com/underthenile/itemDetailBR74.htm">Under the Nile's organic Bunny Blanket Friend </a> (try <a href="http://www.giggle.com/p/24183/c/565/cl/874/Striped-Blanket-Friend-Organic-Cotton.aspx?s=2&keyword=874">Giggle for a striped version</a> and don't forget a <a href="http://www.giggle.com/p/25006/c/565/cl/874/Striped-Teething-Carrot-Organic-Cotton.aspx?&s=2&keyword=874">teething carrot</a> for your little bunny!). Pooka has been sleeping with hers since she was born. Kathe Kruse also has a cute dou dou called the <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/KK75914/Kathe-Kruse-Activity-Towel-Doll-Mimi.html?oompaItem=Kathe%20Kruse_Activity%20Towel%20Doll%20Mimi">Mimi Activity Towel</a> with whimsical pink flower print. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJkliEoKXWsnqVkJ59C5fn6jySWNkfnNJom5mVqfed5K7CZGX1-MCTUqvYi6qlW0yGeEhD8V1Ma5TRbSNtol0gzfh9a2h_QJDK7Z6fUXIX-Oi2mcSC8NHwifIrsgaT3C8LV-vMannheUb/s1600/pTRU1-5582307reg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJkliEoKXWsnqVkJ59C5fn6jySWNkfnNJom5mVqfed5K7CZGX1-MCTUqvYi6qlW0yGeEhD8V1Ma5TRbSNtol0gzfh9a2h_QJDK7Z6fUXIX-Oi2mcSC8NHwifIrsgaT3C8LV-vMannheUb/s320/pTRU1-5582307reg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454500346529191954" /></a>If you are looking for something out of the ordinary for Easter, perhaps you would be interested in the eco-friendly <a href="http://www.wonderworldtoy.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=47&lng=en">Wonderworld Hopping Bunny Walker</a> made of sustainable rubber wood and featuring non-toxic water-based paints (see my full review at <a href="http://www.parentville.com/node/1370">Parentville</a>). We ordered ours through <a href="http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=20755">Diapers.com</a> and had it overnight. Pooka loves pushing it all over the place while giggling her head off! <br /><br />Finally, if you are looking for a real keepsake for your wee one or a favorite mom-to-be then try Tiffany's ceramic <a href="http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=18592339&mcat=148207&cid=288202&search_params=s+5-p+3-c+288202-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+">Bunny Bank</a>. Or really splurge and go for the silver <a href="http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=17913832&mcat=148207&cid=288202&fromGrid=1&search_params=s+5-p+3-c+288202-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+">Bunny Bank</a>! These are gifts that will last a lifetime and be passed down to future generations. Hope this list of ideas is helpful as you put together your basket for your bunny love. For more Easter gift ideas and reviews check my recommendations at <a href="http://www.parentville.com/recommendationsearchresult?keyword=easter">Parentville</a>.Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-22265249219989494452010-03-23T12:30:00.000-04:002010-03-23T12:35:09.400-04:00You're Invited: Invitations for Pooka's 1st Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvlsyrZfnrz1PI9xYLV8d3foETRLKVSZD8SyjPW-XNes3uTomvo58RX7JSJyoWVYv_8hHxPTij1gS94v4ixGyELxh9EwObWmOi466UnoBpS86lLfMOL2HxwvLb5qkTOCYaSmMghtn8fkA/s1600-h/first-birthday-milestones-invitation-myep_bi_v_milestones_m_blue_378b_n.430.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvlsyrZfnrz1PI9xYLV8d3foETRLKVSZD8SyjPW-XNes3uTomvo58RX7JSJyoWVYv_8hHxPTij1gS94v4ixGyELxh9EwObWmOi466UnoBpS86lLfMOL2HxwvLb5qkTOCYaSmMghtn8fkA/s320/first-birthday-milestones-invitation-myep_bi_v_milestones_m_blue_378b_n.430.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451855553639392162" /></a>Pooka's 1st Birthday is rapidly approaching so it is time to choose the invitations. I can't believe it has been a year already. I still strongly remember the feeling of her in my belly, the anticipation of her arrival, wondering what she was going to look like, and then holding her dear little body in my arms. Now I've got a toddling, babbling, 6 tooth sporting bundle of energy! So how do we announce this very special day celebrating Pooka's first year with us? There are tons of options out there!<br /><br />Some of my favorite cards are from <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/">Paper Culture</a>. I'm in love with the <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/cards/first-birthday-milestones-invitation-p-857.html<br />">First Milestones Card</a>. I mean what could exemplify the first year better than reminding you of all your wee ones exploits such as the first smile, crawling, and waving bye-bye. Want to share a photo with your prospective guests? Then how about the <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/cards/dinosaur-themed-birthday-party-invitation-p-908.html">Dinosaur Photo Card</a> for your little man. I'm totally hooked on ocean themed cards and am seriously considering the <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/cards/birthday-invitations/kids/1st-birthday-invitations/whale-spout/p-184.html">Whale Spout Card</a>, good for a lady or fella. Or what about a woodland theme? Check out the sweet <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/cards/birthday-invitations/kids/dear-deer/p-50.html">My Dear Card</a> in gender specific or gender neutral colors. There are also bold and bright cards from the designers at <a href="www.giggle.com">Giggle</a>, like the adorable <a href="http://www.paperculture.com/cards/costume-party-birthday-party-invitations-p-1886.html">Costume Party</a> invitation. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7npobgRH5FgoQpnNcBK0ASOsU9r80XEI1lv5Wo-gpq4t4ZpNRqvk1CTwCo4DE-UK3eJU1KEKvY9Y-nXzwTwCZBSWlU5zahmjTK5uTuQjuDU0720R4ZU0iwloz29E0AASPbSxF3JYVcMU/s1600-h/320.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7npobgRH5FgoQpnNcBK0ASOsU9r80XEI1lv5Wo-gpq4t4ZpNRqvk1CTwCo4DE-UK3eJU1KEKvY9Y-nXzwTwCZBSWlU5zahmjTK5uTuQjuDU0720R4ZU0iwloz29E0AASPbSxF3JYVcMU/s320/320.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451858417382213394" /></a>There's also <a href="www.tinyprints.com">Tiny Prints</a> with tons of choices for photo cards, and they tend to be a bit more economical too. I'm a fan of the <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/12906/birthday_party_invitations_big_one_lightest_turquoise.html">Big One</a> photo card for first birthdays, and the <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/12920/birthday_party_invitations_undersea_adventure.html">Undersea Adventure</a> card with three photos. Looking for something more simple? Try the <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/12896/birthday_party_invitations_simply_charming.html">Simply Charming</a> card with photo for your little lady. Not interested in having a photo on the card? Have a look at the vibrant pinks and purples of the <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/8544/studio_basics_birthday_party_invitations_pop_azalea.html">Birthday Pop</a> card in azalea. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxmFiL7xasAta-SD6KCxRaWk6WpnrBmXXUVvMfLYN25oKSiVCJwjZSA8nw1iPH2fSvJ6Du89MIKQf-CHc6mtsKjlmagcDwrVtxU5f_8MESaCC_BtqUtUP4Zpv4R_srN_hE87hLC65HiB/s1600-h/MIN-ORA-CBP-007_A_CP.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxmFiL7xasAta-SD6KCxRaWk6WpnrBmXXUVvMfLYN25oKSiVCJwjZSA8nw1iPH2fSvJ6Du89MIKQf-CHc6mtsKjlmagcDwrVtxU5f_8MESaCC_BtqUtUP4Zpv4R_srN_hE87hLC65HiB/s320/MIN-ORA-CBP-007_A_CP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451860371586558418" /></a>We're also fans of the invitations on offer by <a href="http://www.minted.com/">Minted</a>. Check out the gender neutral stylings of the <a href="http://www.minted.com/customizer/sku/MIN-BAL-CBP">Elephant Balloon Card</a> in red or green. Having a tea party for your baby girl? Chose the elegant <a href="http://www.minted.com/customizer/sku/MIN-TRE-CBP">Tree Climbers</a> invite in yellow, pink, or purple. Or how about the <a href="http://www.minted.com/customizer/sku/MIN-ORA-CBP">Orange Balloon </a>invites for your little man with lots of cute vehicles driving across the bottom. <br /><br />If you decide against the paper invite route there are plenty of great looking options out there besides tired ole' Evites. I'm obsessed with the fab designs at <a href="http://www.pingg.com/">Pingg</a>. Check out the 40's styling of the <a href="http://www.pingg.com/events/ZQZ0mKu-Z0pzo/view?stage=design">Tricycle</a> invite! Pinng has also brought on board well known designers like <a href="http://www.pingg.com/info/designer_series?artist=martha_stewart">Martha Stewart</a> and <a href="http://www.pingg.com/info/designer_series?artist=giggle">Giggle</a>. My favorites include Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.pingg.com/events/ZQZ0mKu-Z0pzo/view?stage=design">Dinosaur Cupcake</a> invites, and Giggle's <a href="http://www.pingg.com/events/ZQZ0mKu-Z0pzo/view?stage=design">Robots</a> or <a href="http://www.pingg.com/events/ZQZ0qlg-Z0pzu/view?stage=design">Butterfly </a>invites. For a more upscale email invite replete with virtual lined envelopes check out <a href="http://www.paperlesspost.com/session/new">Paperless Post</a>. The first 25 invites are free, but additional invites require a small fee. There are tons of choices, but my favorite is the Balloon Aminal card. You will have to register and log in to check them out. <br /><br />With so many choices you may have to enlist dada or grandma to help you choose the right invite for this very special occasion. I think the best part of planning for Pooka's first birthday is remembering how much she has changed in the last 12 months!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-77288357643207754922010-03-18T10:32:00.006-04:002010-03-18T11:00:31.534-04:00Win a Rosie Dress from Pink Chicken New York<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCiWUDHQxaeRZcwgbQEKVuFEADDpP56JmcEyeSyz-cOVDCxMVmGYTf5lH_OC1fh1jXP2my9v73MZW_nmAWthCs7_xOxgNGkKHGxCyrLQxry8Y4zvVh0qxbP6UuuunboAmOZSBZuWgZMSV/s1600-h/pc111a-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCiWUDHQxaeRZcwgbQEKVuFEADDpP56JmcEyeSyz-cOVDCxMVmGYTf5lH_OC1fh1jXP2my9v73MZW_nmAWthCs7_xOxgNGkKHGxCyrLQxry8Y4zvVh0qxbP6UuuunboAmOZSBZuWgZMSV/s400/pc111a-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449983930148646850" /></a><br />If you aren't familiar with the charming clothing of <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/">Pink Chicken New York</a> then you are greatly missing out. To see my full review of their new Spring/Summer 2010 collection please read <a href="http://lifewithpooka.blogspot.com/2010/03/everythings-coming-up-rosie-pink.html">my previous post</a>. One of my favorite pieces from the line is the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc111a">Rosie Dress</a>, and lucky for you we have one to give away. One fortunate reader will take home a <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc111a">Rosie Dress</a> in Pink Chicken's classic Indian Paisley in summery lime, yellow, and orange. It's perfect as a dress or beach coverup, and I love that as your little one grows the dress simply becomes a tunic rather than be retired too soon. When you see how darling this dress is you will want your daughter to wear it until she leaves for college! <br /><br />You have two chances to enter to win a Rosie Dress:<br /><br />1. Send an email with "Pink Chicken Rosie Dress" in the subject line to lifewithpooka@gmail.com<br /><br />2. Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/LifeWithPooka">@lifewithpooka</a> on <a href="www.twitter.com">Twitter</a> and tweet "RT and follow @lifewithpooka for a chance to win a darling Rosie Dress from @pinkchickenNYC - http://bit.ly/a16I6m"<br /><br />Or better yet, do both and enter to win the contest twice! A winner will be selected at random next Wednesday, March 24th. The dress for giveaway is sized 18 months. Good luck!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thanks to Pink Chicken New York for generously offering us this dress for our giveaway contest!</span></span>Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-68434458209306311502010-03-16T08:55:00.010-04:002010-03-18T10:30:39.272-04:00Everything's Coming Up Rosie: Pink Chicken's New Spring Collection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG4Z6T244qDQs01vmLGgm-4pizZyIzNsOVnTlcF2yME8MCcvPg6APgQZpRVo0EfAvXZ-Ks4WqzmU4bMcQaZec9oHWvQp_dCw0eX9KkHr8wwIX28OkZWclQQbMpnRqZOp_v1rsn-HmA0KQ/s1600-h/pc103a-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG4Z6T244qDQs01vmLGgm-4pizZyIzNsOVnTlcF2yME8MCcvPg6APgQZpRVo0EfAvXZ-Ks4WqzmU4bMcQaZec9oHWvQp_dCw0eX9KkHr8wwIX28OkZWclQQbMpnRqZOp_v1rsn-HmA0KQ/s400/pc103a-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449960068136121778" /></a>Not everyone likes to dress their little lady in onesies with slogans like "I love Mommy" or dresses with cute applique teapots. For those with more discerning taste craving a sophisticated but unstuffy style take a look at <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/default.asp">Pink Chicken New York</a>. After 15 years in the fashion industry, creator and mom of two Stacey Fraser moved to the Hamptons and began designing bohemian style dresses for little girls above her garage. She was inspired to become a momprenuer after the birth of her second child. She realized she couldn't go back to the work and travel schedule of the corporate world, and wanted to do something she was truly passionate about. The world's of children's fashion is a better place because of Stacey's passion! When I asked her how she balances work and motherhood she jokingly exclaimed "OMG, barely!" but shared that having her own business allows her to have a flexible schedule so she can take her kids to school and activities. These are things she couldn't do if she were working for someone else. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh126VNHq64Kc6hQ4UwKnF5_nVrHOGWRDOC0njLonP2Ssvh6zkuZoQj9BLbK78f81qRpAL0zMq2R6c7FJAnCtjrfpR5isxx7yR4ksyF1qlMO7Mgih5P-5I7TYe-5c4vgzlsJHcio5lWZBu/s1600-h/pc111e-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh126VNHq64Kc6hQ4UwKnF5_nVrHOGWRDOC0njLonP2Ssvh6zkuZoQj9BLbK78f81qRpAL0zMq2R6c7FJAnCtjrfpR5isxx7yR4ksyF1qlMO7Mgih5P-5I7TYe-5c4vgzlsJHcio5lWZBu/s400/pc111e-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449960069571694258" /></a><br />Designed for "easy, breezy dressing that is no fuss but always stylish," the influence of the beach is evident in the laid back styles and airy prints and fabrics of Pink Chicken. The line now includes fabulous knits, swim wear, and newborn clothing but continues to shine most brightly with it's dress collection. This spring's collection is inspired by her love of summer: sun, surf, and downtime with family in the Hamptons. Prints range from gorgeous pinks and purples echoing lilac and fragrant flowers to vibrant yellows from the sun and a touch of blue from the ocean. <br /><br />My favorite prints are found on the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc102a">Belle</a> and <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc103a">Sasha</a> dresses. They remind me of dresses my aunt used to sew for me as a little girl, which makes them timeless and perfect for Pooka. The Rosie dress is Pink Chicken's iconic summer style, and this season finds it in <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc111a">indian inspired prints</a> and with <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc111e">beautiful embroidery</a>. And if those don't wow your pants off with their cuteness, then check out the preppy chic <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc123a">Ella Dress</a> or boho <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc128a">Nellie Dress</a>. For casual play dates check out the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=106">knit collection</a> featuring the adorable <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PC418a">Lucy Dress</a> and <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc407cc">great capri leggings</a>. And you don't want to miss the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=119">swim collection</a>. Where else can you find an <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PC415a">amazing bathing cap with embroidered flowers</a> for your wee one with a <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PC419a">matching suit</a>? And even the littlest ladies can get in on the action with the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=107">newborn collection</a>. I love the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcn510b">two piece Belle sets</a> for 0-12 months. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVMPwZYjVL7MKWu_-C6jrJicynWj5OVK_ToCHtgx4e3ZX9t7MGfmjugUWiMN6IQCFNBQB_3AePnQdr5wbtaiZreiMSjJP_t4Sy53g_XXVnlvlz94w_jKdb8gjnDsitwHItiVNFjGP7rUx/s1600-h/pcw114a-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVMPwZYjVL7MKWu_-C6jrJicynWj5OVK_ToCHtgx4e3ZX9t7MGfmjugUWiMN6IQCFNBQB_3AePnQdr5wbtaiZreiMSjJP_t4Sy53g_XXVnlvlz94w_jKdb8gjnDsitwHItiVNFjGP7rUx/s400/pcw114a-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449963128327366098" /></a>But I think I have saved the best for last...Pink Chicken has now released a women's line so Pooka won't be the only one looking fab at the beach (or in the park) this summer! You too can have your own <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcw118b">Rosie</a> or <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcw108b">Ella Dress</a> in the same great prints, or maybe a <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcw119a">Sasha Top</a> to match your little one's dress. Moms get their own styles too. I love the <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcw115a">Beatrice Top</a>, <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcw114a">Eva Top</a> and <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pcw113a">Marcia Maxi Dress</a>. Whichever Pink Chicken ensemble you chose, wether for yourself or your wee one, you will be sure to exude that effortless style and sophistication that many desire but few attain. Toss a few in your bag and you'll be able to travel light on your trips to Montauk, the Vineyard, or Wellfleet this summer!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">We'd like to thank the wonderful ladies at Pink Chicken New York for sending us a Rosie Dress for review and giveaway. Stay tuned for our next post featuring a contest to win a <a href="http://www.pinkchicken.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=pc111a">Rosie Dress</a> for your little dear. </span></span>Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-61315266927210444592010-03-12T13:18:00.008-05:002010-03-12T16:27:26.909-05:00Twinkle Toes: New shoes for cruising feet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj5Tk3g4uS2PuRVIxEfZGeHmgyzSrWARgDPvdPw2N_ASc7NbR_Ks71guqwpCYQUlmd4uPtXkViynu41ZB1_wBiWulwlnW5VwnpJrnFsHbMYWAGh8a0SWDWlddh2K37u6daT6cXvnvhntY/s1600-h/975183-p-DETAILED.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj5Tk3g4uS2PuRVIxEfZGeHmgyzSrWARgDPvdPw2N_ASc7NbR_Ks71guqwpCYQUlmd4uPtXkViynu41ZB1_wBiWulwlnW5VwnpJrnFsHbMYWAGh8a0SWDWlddh2K37u6daT6cXvnvhntY/s320/975183-p-DETAILED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447860785085671394" /></a><br />Pooka is a cruising fool these days. She only crawls to travel in between the places where she can hang on and cruise. She has even taken her first tentative steps when passed back and forth between mama and dada. I think the cutest part is that she will take a few steps before she realizes she isn't holding on to anything and then immediately sit down! So now we are in a transitional phase with footwear. She is outgrowing her soft soled shoes but not quite ready for walkers yet. I headed to the fabulous <a href="http://www.harrys-shoes.com/shop.php?cPath=23&osCsid=5f1bb3fa26f1618ac0f7fd55cbea4fdb">Harry's Shoes for Kids</a> on the UWS to find out about our options. I learned some great things from a wonderful salesman named Neil. Before your wee one is walking they should remain in soft soled shoes with some grip so they don't slip when crawling and cruising. They need plenty of room in the toe box because their little toes fan out and press down to help them to stand, and barefoot is best when you are at home. So even if you can still squeeze your wee one's feet into that super cute pair of shoes, you may be making it more difficult for them to cruise. Once they have moved past the cruising stage and are genuinely walking your wee one should be outfitted with a pair of hard-soled, but flexible shoes to give them a stable platform and provide cushioning and support for their fragile ankles. Neil predicted that Pooka would need the hard-soled style of shoe in about a month and discouraged me from purchasing a new larger pair of soft soled shoes (amzing to meet a salesman who discouraged me from buying!). He tested Pooka's current shoe and said it had some wiggle room and should be fine until she is really walking, barring a major growth spurt. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib145209juGrmYek2qxqB3a4Se6Hh8ZnNC9XeYYBNESZ7kgM5sIcGCO4vfBPNuydfvDnc8hppO-bkTFM_ZVXs4GCvB9mCEtgke68kYvwUbIk3nfhDBaIwC6Xn5KmfbdBYIJ2siu_kTdxzV/s1600-h/1396-543541-d.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib145209juGrmYek2qxqB3a4Se6Hh8ZnNC9XeYYBNESZ7kgM5sIcGCO4vfBPNuydfvDnc8hppO-bkTFM_ZVXs4GCvB9mCEtgke68kYvwUbIk3nfhDBaIwC6Xn5KmfbdBYIJ2siu_kTdxzV/s320/1396-543541-d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447860990333160082" /></a>So what shoe is my little darling wearing? Currently Pooka is wearing a delicious pair of <a href="http://www.zappos.com/see-kai-run-kids-naya-infant-black">Naya shoes in black</a> from <a href="http://www.seekairun.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=SMLR&keywords=Smaller:%20View%20All">Smaller by See Kai Run</a>. They have a very Parisian flair to them and people are constantly complementing them. We love Smaller by See Kai Run because they have plenty of width, are made of a soft buttery leather, and have great rubber gripper circles on the sole. We also like that they are sized in three month increments, (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18 month...) rather than six month increments like most other brands. I think they work much better than our Pedipeds that have a harder plastic-like bottom and only come in 0-6 or 6-12 month sizes. Pooka outgrew her 0-6 month <a href="http://www.pediped.com/home/home.aspx">Pedipeds</a> by Christmas and is only now starting to wear her 6-12 month size. I am also in love with the soft soled shoes by <a href="http://www.umishoes.com/">Umi</a>. We tried some on today and I wish I had known about them sooner! Like the Smaller shoes, they are constructed of supple leather with rubber gripper circles on the bottom. They are less traditional looking than the Smaller shoes, but I love how the toe is rounded up and the color combos are charming! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CkeA_hgWHHZGUv2zGoeIGNPP5eOOON7s6TV0Hrl10oe9CV6wBhfBMz03hWVT1H54DajM5Bsx0TsX5FW4hJ_xYxe59A9uoMGFM0_C0bA5E0myhJn_TcAJ0SQ_WP2L7F9iXxgqe5wG5Jdc/s1600-h/yhst-53052459012053_2097_382377.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CkeA_hgWHHZGUv2zGoeIGNPP5eOOON7s6TV0Hrl10oe9CV6wBhfBMz03hWVT1H54DajM5Bsx0TsX5FW4hJ_xYxe59A9uoMGFM0_C0bA5E0myhJn_TcAJ0SQ_WP2L7F9iXxgqe5wG5Jdc/s320/yhst-53052459012053_2097_382377.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447861313777212274" /></a>Before too long though, we will be moving on to the hard-soled variety of shoe. Right now I have my eyes on Livie and Luca's <a href="http://www.livieandluca.com/petalr.html">Petal shoe in Red</a>, or maybe the <a href="http://www.livieandluca.com/piopink.html">Pio Pio's in Pink</a>. And I will definitely be getting Pooka a pair of <a href="http://">Salt Water Sandals</a> for the summer. I love the original sandal, and there are so many colors to choose from! And for a pair of true keepsake shoes, have a look at <a href="http://www.rachelriley.com/us/">Rachel Riley's</a> classic styled <a href="http://www.rachelriley.com/us/index.asp?L1=footwear&L2=shoes_-_infants&L3=shoes_sizes_20-24&pcode=rrshoe15apl&pcol=red">Double-Buckle Shoes in Red</a>. This timeless style of shoe has been around since the 1930's! I know I have focused entirely on shoes for little ladies, but each of these companies also feature some nifty choices for boys too! Favorites include Smaller by See Kai Run's <a href="http://www.seekairun.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=SEAMUS">Seamus</a> and <a href="http://www.seekairun.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ALEC">Alec</a> shoes, See Kai Run's <a href="http://www.seekairun.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=AUGUSTIN">Agustin</a> shoe, Umi <a href="http://www.umishoes.com/inventory/baby/dimples/">Dimples</a>, Livie and Luca's <a href="http://www.livieandluca.com/emiliosred.html">Emilios in Red</a>, Salt Water Sandals are unisex, and you can get Rachel Riley's in a <a href="http://www.rachelriley.com/us/index.asp?L1=infants&L2=maritime_adventure&L3=shoes_sizes_20-24&pcode=rrshoe14apl&pcol=ivory_%26_navy">Classic Lace-Up</a>. If only I could buy every pair!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-36743843404164810782010-03-05T15:59:00.004-05:002010-03-05T16:22:42.633-05:00Tick tock, tick tock, I'm a little cuckoo clock: Decoylab Wall Clocks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzKoV0pTjVE7BuMq-y17dgZi8DiitBW2n9a0NXq0r3hRY1La60puKBZKqXvUxw2rwjiF-KLSsmrCl-HB_qpMXzEwGN7jzgHmXcc3nws-GlPmpLZp97M3DS0pjTKLSlUUdMhxWfH8Chkin/s1600-h/dl706lg.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzKoV0pTjVE7BuMq-y17dgZi8DiitBW2n9a0NXq0r3hRY1La60puKBZKqXvUxw2rwjiF-KLSsmrCl-HB_qpMXzEwGN7jzgHmXcc3nws-GlPmpLZp97M3DS0pjTKLSlUUdMhxWfH8Chkin/s320/dl706lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445262048137732722" /></a><br />"Tick Tock" is one of Pooka's absolute favorite songs. It never fails to elicit a big toothy grin! When we were designing Pooka's sleep space (have I ever mentioned we live in a studio? More on that another day!) I fell in love with <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/">Decoylab's</a> faux <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl706.html">Cuckoo Clock</a> in orange. It's got a fun woodland theme that meshes nicely with our <a href="http://amenityhome.com/nursery-collection/organic-baby-blankets/meadow-organic-blanket.html">Amenity Meadow bedding</a>. A friend of mine has the <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl822.html">Night Owl Clock</a> and its dreamy too! Looking for something in wood? Try one of the <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/wood.html">Modern Animal Clocks</a>. I love the <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl921.html">Owl</a>! Aren't in the market for a clock? Then have at look Decoylabs <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/prints.html">whimsical prints</a>. I'm a fan of the <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl808.html">Animal Alphabet Poster</a>, and the <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl913.html">Snow Bubbles Print</a>. Or how about the <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl813.html">Afternoon Walk</a> or <a href="http://www.decoylab.com/shop/dl814.html">Butterfly Lady</a> print for your little ladies room? With Decoylab's great prices, you can afford to buy a clock and a print!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271119051029099641.post-80201661900277498442010-03-05T14:08:00.004-05:002010-03-05T14:35:27.086-05:00Ride 'em cowgirl! Petit Bateau's new western collection for spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jGaLXALxJj33Inmjx0ETq3RStndWOp6_znk7tFeFxSqt595cwBozZzEelFX65XI-83eZ5coGp9VEPMDsMXjfTdu-y7ABvm-5HayW8t-o1kwYRlrO1YYgIOeBj9Y0chFt6Z8Lpm8Vr0Fb/s1600-h/base_media.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jGaLXALxJj33Inmjx0ETq3RStndWOp6_znk7tFeFxSqt595cwBozZzEelFX65XI-83eZ5coGp9VEPMDsMXjfTdu-y7ABvm-5HayW8t-o1kwYRlrO1YYgIOeBj9Y0chFt6Z8Lpm8Vr0Fb/s320/base_media.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445233914196439218" /></a><br />We recently returned from a lovely family vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While there I was looking for something cute for Pooka to wear for a photo shoot to commemorate our trip. That's when I found this adorable new collection from <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/">Petit Bateau</a> featuring a bandana print with horses, cowboys, and cactus'. What I really love about these prints are that they are not obviously western! The blue and white print looks more like resort wear than cowboys and indians. I got Pooka the <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/Baby_girl_bandana_print_dress/pd/np/300/p/2016.html">Bandana Print Dress for Baby Girls</a> with <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/Baby_girl_leggings/pd/cl/1644/np/320/p/2062.html">matching leggings</a>. We're also a fan of the chambray <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/Baby_girl_tunic_dress/pd/c/311/np/311/p/1960.html">Tunic Dress</a> with gingham cuffs. Pair it with the cotton poplin <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/Girls_bandana_with_Western_story_print/pd/c/100/np/100/p/2154.html">Bandana with "Western Story" Print</a> for a completely rockin' little cowgirl! For your little cow poke check out the <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/Baby_boy_cowboy_polo_shirt/pd/c/211/np/211/p/1939.html">Cowboy Polo Shirt</a> or <a href="http://www.petit-bateau.us/Baby_boy_cowboy_tee/pd/c/211/np/211/p/2174.html">Cowboy Tee</a>. So hitch up the horses, load the kids in the wagon, and ride on over to Petit Bateau to snatch up these cuties before they're gone and your kids will be singing Rawhide before you know it (...rollin', rollin', rollin', keep them doggies rollin'...)!Pooka's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050853431231559376noreply@blogger.com0