Fab Find: Personalized Baby Journals from Minted

To be honest, I haven't written a whole lot in Pooka's beautiful Binth Baby Book. 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...).

But I may have found the perfect solution with these adorable personalized (and inexpensive) journals from Minted. We love Minted and have used it in the past for Little Man's birth announcements and other invitations and know they have excellent customer service and quality products. These journals 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 Hello, Stripes Journal for the Little Man and perhaps the Fleur de Noel Journal 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).

Fab Find: Anya Hindmarch Canvas Tote

As you may already know from my previous posts, I am a huge Anya Hindmarch 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 Joya Baby Diaper Clutch, a Monkey Foot Designs Wet Bag 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 Toys Tote. If you're looking for something more grown up check out the Boat Bag Tote, Beach Bag Tote, Picnic Tote, Gym Tote or others. These totes are a great price at $98 so ditch the diapy as we head into summer!

Fab Find: Shinzi Katoh Bento Boxes

Okay, so I just realized I was majorly scooped on these Shinzi Katoh Bento Boxes when I googled them and found they were one of Cool Mom Picks Picks of the Year for 2009. But then I realized there are probably lots of moms who haven't seen them yet so they were worth sharing again. Plus Shinzi Katoh makes tons of cute things besides bento boxes that you might want to check out too. I first spotted him at Flora and Henri on the UES. They carry his adorable kid sized aluminum drinking bottles. 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 darling zipper tote bags at one of my favorite haunts, Olive and Bette's (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 single or double decker, or with a domed lid referred to as Onigiri, or Rice Ball Box. 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 Alice in Wonderland and Snow White bentos. Or how about the apple and pear on the Red and Blue or the Lazzy Farm bento boxes. There are several online shops where you can find Katoh's bentos and other cute patootie objects like lunch bags and children's cutlery. My favorites are Queen Baby Bean, Ollie Bollen, and
Little Bean Shop.

Fab Find: Vitra Eames Elephant

I'm a huge fan of all things Eames, and now there's a place for it in the nursery too. Well actually, an Eames Lounge would be brilliant in the nursery for late night feedings so if you have the space and the moola I would highly recommend one. But this post is about the fetching Eames Elephant by Vitra. Based on a 1945 design, at 16.5 inches high the elephant is perfect for your wee one to ride on and use in all sorts of imaginative play. Available in 5 fun colors you can go for realism and choose the elephant in grey, or whimsical pink, or how about the elusive white elephant? It's also available in red and lime green if those colors would work better for your decor. This elephant is so cute, why confine it to the nursery? How about setting it out in the living room room for the whole family to enjoy! You can purchase the Eames Elephant online at All Modern Baby.

Fab Find: Itzy Ritzy Washable Nursing Pads

Okay, so nobody really sees your nursing pads, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that you know you are wearing something totally beautiful in your big ole' nursing bra to suck up the leaks. I mean, let's face it, there is nothing more womanly than leaking milk from our engorged breasts. And yet somehow it feels kind of gross. So grab these lovely Washable Nursing Pads from Itzy Ritzy to pretty up the whole process! They are made of super soft and eco-friendly baby bamboo. And while you're there grab a cute and practical High Chair Cover (I love the Black Skulls print!) or Peek-a-Boo Pod Infant Carrier Cover.

Fab Find: Momma Couture Diaper Bags

Being a mom is a pretty busy job, especially when you have more than one wee one under your roof. There's play dates, music classes, doctor's appointments, grocery shopping...you get the idea. Now imagine you are doing all of this with two kids and then decide to launch a brand new company. That is exactly what Rashmi Budhram of Momma Couture did! She's a Brooklyn mom of two who couldn't find a diaper bag that fit all her needs as an urban mom and still looked chic and un-diaper bagish. Rashmi has definitely accomplished those goals with her Momma Couture line of diaper bags. One of my favorite features is that all of her bags are insulated, and I don't mean just a bottle pocket, the entire lining of the bag is insulated. You might think this would make the bags bulky, but they are surprising thin and light. So go ahead and toss your bottle, sippy cup or snacks right into the main compartment of any of these bags and don't worry about them getting too warm! But that's not the only great thing about these bags. They are streamlined and purposeful, and not to mention they are really great looking. For quick dashes out and about, to throw in a non-diaper bag, or to hang from your stroller choose the Stash & Go which holds a sippy cup or bottle, a diaper and wipes. Or check out my favorite, the hilarious Stinky Bum bag (I mean you might as well call a spade a spade) that holds a diaper, wipes, a changing mat and all your essentials for running out (lip balm, cell phone, credit cards).

For longer jaunts try my favorite, the City Bag. It holds everything you need for a day at a compact 12" x 4" x 9.5" and is described as messenger style, but you won't find a front flap here. The City Bag is all business and has an adjustable strap so you can wear it cross body and be hands free or hang it from your stroller. This one is on my list for when Pooka is in the front carrier and one of our larger bags is too difficult to carry. Rounding out the collection are the spacious (and aptly named) Playdate and Satchel bags that are perfect for long days or even the weekend. And if you have older ones, check out the Momma's Helper that can be used to hold diaper gear on one side and drinks and snacks on the other side.The range currently comes in a lovely linen in Navy or Khaki, and will be available in a wipeable nylon in mid-March.

Life With Pooka readers can get a %15 discount at checkout by typing in coupon code: pooka15

Fab Find: Oeuf Alpaca Bead Necklace

If your baby is anything like Pooka then they are constantly grabbing at any accessory you wear and trying to put them in their mouth. Actually that goes for my hair too, as if I hadn't already lost enough of it! Dangly earrings are out for now. Just ask my mom who keeps insisting on wearing her big hoops (despite my warnings) only to have them torn out over and over again! And these days my necklaces are selected very carefully to ensure whatever ends up in Pooka's mouth won't injure her, and that the chain won't cut into my neck when Pooka yanks it. Enter the deliciously soft Alpaca Bead Necklace from Oeuf, who are well known for their beautiful furniture. Handknit by indigenous women in Bolivia, Oeuf's knitted accessories are Fair Trade and provide a sustainable income for the artisans who can now afford to send their children to school. If the beaded necklace isn't your thing, take a look at the Alpaca Flower Melange Necklace. When I first viewed these necklaces online I thought they would be a bit juvenile, but once I saw them in person at Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower I was completely in love! The colors are understated and elegant (yes, I called a knitted necklace elegant), and if your wee one wants to chew on your necklace you won't have to worry about their safety or yours! And don't miss some of the other great knitted accessories at Oeuf like the Peasant Hat for baby or you, the hilarious Bat Girl Hat, darling Alpaca Angel Slippers and Sweater, and the snuggly Neckies.

Fab Find: Pure Baby Organic Denim Pinafore

I am in love with this delightful denim dress by Pure Baby. It can be worn in nearly every season. In warm weather wear it as is, or add a long sleeve onesie and tights to wear during the colder seasons. What I really appreciate about this dress is it's manufacture. Pure Baby is an Australian company that uses %100 organic cotton and is the first Australian company to have joined the Made By initiative. The Made By initiative requires manufacturers to prove that all stages of production use eco-friendly materials, and are produced in optimum working conditions. Pure Baby also strives to be %100 accountable and transparent in all of its production practices. Other favorites from Pure Baby include the Striped Ruffle Shirt, and Alphabet Shirt and onesie. The best part is that Pure Baby is very well priced for such cute organic clothing. Find Pure Baby styles at Finn's Finds, a great site based in NYC featuring clothes manufactured by environmentally and ethically responsible partners.

Fab Find: Amenity Home Eco-Wooden Bowl and Spoon set

If you read my post yesterday you know that Pooka recently started eating solids and with that comes a whole new set of gear to acquire. It should be simple to find safe and healthy products for feeding your baby but you'd be surprised. After a quick trip to Babies R' Us I realized there were still a lot of products on the market with BPA and finding bowls and spoons without PVC and phalates was nearly impossible despite a wall full of feeding gear. The only brands I found without those ingredients were Boon Inc. (which I love and own) and The First Years Meal Mates and Take and Toss sets. As the name implies, the Take and Toss are not exactly eco-friendly despite their safer ingredient list because they are marketed to be tossed although they are reusable.

Then I remembered Amenity Home's gorgeous Eco-Wooden Bowl and Spoon set they introduced this summer. The bowl and spoon are carved from non-toxic cherry wood and finished with beeswax and oil. You can use the bowl and spoon like a mortar and pestle and mash bananas, avocados,or steamed veggies right in the bowl. This bowl and spoon set will last through more than one child and will likely become a beautiful family heirloom (this ain't no take and toss). An added benefit is that the bowls are made by a co-op in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Purchase the Baby's First Meal gift set and get four organic wash clothes with your bowl and spoon, you're going to need them! And while your there pick up some of their organic bedding and bath gear (read more about Amenity in this post).

Fab Find: Ugg's Honey B

I must be the only women in NYC that has never owned a pair of Ugg boots (although I have had a pair of their slippers). Pooka, on the other hand, has just acquired her first pair, but they are not the ubiquitous boots. I purchased a pair of Honey B's for her in black (they are also available in soft pink). The are a lovely soft leather with white contrast stitching and soft soles. The interior is lined with Ugg's signature sheepskin. They will be perfect everyday shoes with tights and pants on cool days, although I imagine a pair boots will still be necessary for the coldest days of the year.

Fab Find: Feather Baby Organic Baby Clothes

Last week while visiting a friend in the West Village I found the most adorable outfit for Pooka made by Feather Baby. I hadn't seen their line before, but it was love at first sight. I purchased a soft faux-layered onesie/pant combo in grey with gorgeous purple flowers (I can't find a photo on the site to share!). We got lots of compliments on Pooka's stylish outfit when she debuted it yesterday. What I love even more is the obvious effort and care that goes into producing Feather Baby products. Founder Sude Peta, once a Sony music exec and NYC boutique owner, and her husband relocated to Lima, Peru with their triplets in order to better control the manufacturing process. These controls include using color-grown 100% organic Pima cotton, no-bleaching, and simple vegetable dyes for the Feather Forever collection. For silkscreened collections all inks are devoid of pvc and phalates and no solvents are used in the process. And to top it all off, this fab company supports fair trade practices meaning each farmer and worker is guaranteed good working conditions and a fair wage. Now, if only they were a little bit easier to find! We got ours at YoYa at 636 Hudson St.

Fab Find: Giddy Giddy Hair Clips

I have fallen in love with these adorable felt hair clips and pony-tail holders from Giddy Giddy. Alas, Pooka does not yet have the hair to wear them, but I keep telling her it won't last forever! In the meantime we will be ogling these lovely clips! How can you deny the superb wearability of this Owl Hair Clip? How about the Apple for all you city dwellers, or the Gingerbread Man for the holidays? And let's not forget the boys who can sport the utterly fantastic Robot Backpack! Moms and older siblings can get in on the action too with ponytail holders and big girl clips. I'm thinking Whale or Bird for myself. And these would definitely make great stocking stuffers for the little ones in your life. Here's to keeping my fingers crossed that my follicle-challenged baby will have some hair to clip back by then! Oh, and Giddy Giddy supports microlending through Kiva (a fabulous non-profit organization) that helps women around the world kick start their own businesses!

Fab Find: baby JaR Burp Cloths

Shortly after Pooka was born I purchased a set of baby JaR burp clothes at ZBaby Company. I love the fresh, colorful patterns! I appreciate how thick and absorbent they are and that the burpies themselves are colored, not just the accent fabric. I quickly found myself waiting for them to come out of the wash so I could put them back in the diaper bag. And speaking of the wash, my cloths have been washed weekly for the past few months and they still look fantastic. They may not be the cheapest burp clothes but thanks to their quality they are more than worth it and can handle a whole days worth of spit up (unlike some of the thinner ones out there).

A mommy friend of mine also loves her baby JaR burpies, but I was very jealous because hers are monogrammed with her daughters name. Recognizing my lust for these lovely monogrammed burpies, she thoughtfully ordered some for us (thanks lady!). That means we now have four of these burpies and can use them most of the week! baby JaR also makes matching bibs, blankets and clothing, although monogramming is only available on the burpies. Have a look at the Long Sleeve Anchor Tatoo outfit while you're there too!