Pooka's 1st Halloween: Spooktacular NYC Events

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays but the last few years Halloween have been rather lackluster in our household. My husband hates dressing up and abhors the candy and decorations (to be fair, he thinks all holiday decorations are a waste of time and money). I did coax him into hosting a Halloween party at our house a few years ago, but that has been the apex of our Halloween celebrations in the eight years we have been together. And then along came Pooka! I finally have a partner in crime to get dressed up with and attend Halloween parties. And I know Daddy will be more into the whole celebration too when he sees the joy it brings to little ones.

Living in NYC offers multitudes of Halloween events to attend with the wee ones. I've decided to give you a sample of what's out there to help you choose. Pooka and I will be attending one of Big City Moms My First Halloween parties. Held throughout the week at various Kidville locations and Appleseeds, these parties feature a mommy and me lunch, professional photographer (so make sure your baby is in costume), and music by Little Maestros. They will also host a party for the whole family on Halloween at Kidville's Upper East Side location with music, photos, face painting, cupcake decorating, and more on October 31st.

Similar events are being hosted by Baby Bites and Diva Moms. Baby Bites celebrates with three different events: a night time party on October 29th at Poppyseeds Pre-Nursery featuring the music of Moey's Music Party and a costume contest; a mommy and me lunch at Tavern on the Green on October 30th with a costume contest, a professional photographer, and a performance by Little Maestros; and two MoonSoup parties where little ones can play and party with MoonSoup's teachers and entertainers and enjoy a Rockin' Music and Spooky Songs Concert on October 31st and November 1st. Diva Moms will hold their 5th Annual Divalysscious Halloween Bash at Dylans Candy Bar on October 30th with a performance by Broadway Babies, a costume contest, games, cupcake decorating and makeovers by Cozy's Cuts for Kids.

For outdoor adventures, Central Park has a number of Halloween events scheduled in October. Festivities kick off on Saturday, October 24th with the 2009 Pumpkin Festival featuring a scarecrow competition, hayrides, a free pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, live entertainment, and more. Or check out the super cool Pumpkin Sail on Sunday, October 25th. Bring your jack-o-lantern to the Harlem Meer for storytelling, live music, crafts, and a costume parade at 5:00 PM, then watch your jack-o-lantern float along with hundreds of others at dusk. Hit the Central Park Zoo on October 30-31st for Boo at the Zoo to watch animals eat Halloween treats, hear a wildlife talk with a witch, get your face painted, do arts and crafts, or participate in a scavenger hunt. This event also takes place at the Bronx Zoo each weekend in October. Finally, Flaubert Frog hosts Tricks and Treats at Le Carousel in Bryant Park on October 31st for scary stories, games, crafts and a performance by magician Arnie Kolodner.

NYC's museums have events to offer as well. Head to the American Museum of Natural History on October 31st for their 14th Annual Halloween Celebration to trick or treat through the halls (what could be spookier than giant dinosaur skeletons), and enjoy arts, crafts, and live performances. The Children's Museum of Manhattan has a whole series of events going on in the week leading up to Halloween. Check their schedule to find out the days and times for pumpkin painting, making bat puppets, storytelling and more.

Finally, if you're looking for a safe and fun place to trick or treat, head to West 69th Street for their annual Halloween block party. Designed to entertain children and families, residents of the apartment buildings and brownstones between Broadway and Central Park West decorate their facades and pass out candy in full costume. Some even turn their living rooms into mini haunted houses. The street is closed down at 4:00 PM and candy passing usually starts around 6:00 PM. It's the place to be!

Black, white, & red all over: Developmental toys for the early days

The hospital discharges you and you head home with your beautiful new bundle of joy. They eat, sleep, poop, and spit up. You try and do the same. But isn't there more to this baby thing? What about playtime? Admittedly, in the early days your baby isn't much more than a cute little lump, but there are still ways to entertain them and help them move along the cognitive path to enlightenment (sorry, just read the new Dan Brown!). So what are babies interested in the first few months? Here's a few things Pooka seemed to enjoy.

Newborns spend a lot of time in their bassinets and cribs, so that's a good place to start. There are tons of mobiles to chose from that will keep your baby entertained, but the Wimmer Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile by Manhattan Toy is an award winning design with simple black and white images that can later be changed for color images as baby's eyesight improves. As Pooka got older, she would lift her legs to kick the mobile and watch it spin. The mobile wasn't the only thing Pooka has in her crib. We also placed Wee Gallery Art Cards for Baby around the crib's edge. The simple black and white illustrations of animals give her something to look at when she is falling asleep or waking up. We also use them the old fashioned way an hold them up for her to gaze at. Another option that one of our mom friend uses is the Double Sided First Book from Tiny Love to wrap around her co-sleeper, and I have also seen them used in stroller bassinets. Finally, we hung the Manhattan Toy Color Burst Mirror on the side of the crib. She didn't really look at the mirror in the beginning but she did like the pattern around the edge. Now she uses the mirror for tummy time.

What about the awake time outside the crib? The item that totally blew our minds was when we showed Pooka the Begin Smart Baby Faces book. She was four weeks old and just stared at the photos, particularly the black and white ones. I had heard babies are into these books, but was unprepared for Pooka's intensity. We also have the DK Eyewitness Baby Faces book, but Pooka prefers the black and white borders in the Begin Smart book.

It will be a while before baby will be able to hold a toy, but there are a few that will interest them now when held in your hands and they will eventually grow into them. One of our favorites is a wrist rattle, which helps babies learn where their limbs are (it's really fun to watch them figure out that they have arms, then elbows, then hands and fingers). We have the black and white Infant Stimulation Panda Wrist Rattle from Genius Babies. It is darn cute and Pooka loves to stare at it when it is on her wrist. These days we attach it to the wrist of her Mi Yim Organic Plush Benjamin Frog so it rattles when she grabs it. All of the Whoozit toys from Manhattan Toy are also fabulous. We attached the Whoozit Baby Whoozit to Pooka's stroller and play gym. The black and white side is perfect for the early days, and as her eyesight improved we flipped the Whoozit to the colorful side. It was also one of the first toys she reached for. She would grab the colorful stuffed loops and triangles hanging from the bottom. They are made with different fabrics and textures and are the perfect size for petit fingers, and at 5 months old Pooka is still fascinated by her Whoozit. We also had a Whoozit Rattle (which doesn't appear to be on thier site anymore) that had the same black and white bulls-eye on one side and face on the other. Even at two weeks old Pooka would track the high contrast rattle with her eyes when we held it in front of her. Now she holds it and shakes it all on her own.

The other fantastic and interactive toy Pooka loved was her Tiny Love Gymini in Black, White and Red. It is a bit difficult to find (it's not on the Tiny Love site but can be found on Amazon) but worth the extra effort. Pooka loved to stare at the black and white arches at first, then gradually took interest in the hanging toys, especially the mirror. This gym does not have crazy lights or lots of sounds like many of the others out there. It's all about contrast, although one of the toys does play a lullaby when squeezed. To compare, we also have the Garden Floral Activity Gym from Skip Hop (replaced by Farmyard Activity Gym), and Pooka wasn't nearly as engaged with it the first few months. Don't get me wrong, it's super cute and we love it, but it didn't capture Pooka's attention the same way the Gymini did.

This is obviously just a sample of the developmental toys available for the 0-3 month set, but these are the ones that worked well for Pooka. Definitely check out the Genius Babies site for the best assortment of developmental toys out there. It may look like nothing's going on in that tiny little head, but babies absorb tons in those first few months!

Eco-Slumber: Organic Bedding Sets

Gone are the days when buying organic baby bedding meant choosing between cream or ecru (you know, the natural colors). These days there is a plethora of options to chose from, so it's an easy decision to go organic for your little one. After all, babies spend the largest portion of their time slumbering in their cribs (hopefully). Here is a sampling of some of our favorite organic crib bedding.

Coyuchi crib bedding is a feel good choice all the way around. Not only is their bedding 100% certified organic, it is also Fair Trade and a portion of the proceeds goes to The Cow Project, a philanthropic project based in Andhra Pradesh, India that helps farmers purchase livestock. Coyuchi crib bedding is all this and cute to boot! I love the woodland creatures embroidered on the Thor collection, and the natural safari colors of the Jingo collection. You can also grab matching towels, rompers and t-shirts. And while you're at it, grab a gorgeous duvet for yourself too, the good stuff shouldn't only be reserved for the wee ones!

Another great choice is offered by Q Collection Junior, whose motto is "People safe. Planet safe." We love their Celestial Parade collection, especially the Roxie set's great watermelon pink color. The fabric and fill is 100% certified cotton, and the set offers more than usual with a reversible bumper, reversible crib skirt, and two different sheet colors so you can change the look of your crib bedding when the spirit moves you! They also have beautiful nursery furniture using locally-sourced wood from responsibly managed forests and non-toxic finishes. In fact, they are the first crib manufacturer to receive Greenguard's 'Children and School's' indoor air qulity certification. Oh, and we shouldn't forget to mention that Q Collection Junior participates in 1% for the Planet in support of Healthy Child Healthy World and the National Resources Defense Council.

Pooka sleeps in a Stokke Sleepi crib (perfect for small spaces), which gave us limited choices for going organic for her bedding (although we do have an organic mattress). Future Stokke Sleepi parents don't have to suffer the same fate with Dwell Studio's recent release of their new Organic Circles oval set. Long since available for conventional cribs, you can now get the same set for the Stokke Sleepi. They have also released a second organic set for conventional cribs, the understated Poppy Blossom bedding.


Despite having the oval crib, I fell in love with the Amenity Organic nursery collection. Featuring a sweet, modern, borderline abstract flower scene replete with bunnies, hummingbirds and insects, the Meadow collection works well in our modern studio apartment. We have the crib blanket with matching stretched canvas wall art. In addition to the Meadow collection, there are collections with fanciful squirrels, deer, ducks, and frogs that would be perfect for boys or girls. And with wall art, floor pillows, and towels you can coordinate the whole nursery. They also sell organic mattresses, making it truly a one stop shop. While you're there make sure to check out the wall art and pillows for adults too!

Still haven't seen something you like? How about the softly colored organic Chick pattern from Egg by Susan Lazar? Too sweet? Try the funky Animal Parade or Abstract Flower crib sets. While you're there, grab some organic footies and onesies with Susan Lazar's egg within an egg design symbolizing mother and baby. Pooka loves the footies and Daddy loves the ease of the full length zipper (snaps are tough sometimes!).

Serena and Lily, maker of one of our favorite organic slings (see the post on Baby Carriers), also launched an organic crib bedding line this past year. My favorite is the Maggie collection with it's fresh green and yellow print! And don't forget to pick up the new Gypsy Tote to match your sling!


As I have said before, it ain't cheap to be eco-chic but choosing organic bedding for your baby doesn't have to break the bank. For an affordable option try Brooklyn-based Argington's new organic bedding line. I absolutely adore the unique Fish and Pebbles bedding. With Koi fish on the bumper and a sheet mimicking pebbles on the bottom of a pool your little one can't help but be soothed to sleep as if in a Zen garden. Coming in at less than $200 for a comforter, bumper, sheet, and skirt this deal can't be beat. Still need a crib to put the bedding in? Argington is best known for their furniture, so take a look at their new Bam collection. For less than $1000 you can outfit your nursery with bassinet/crib and changing table with the clean and modern look of more high end furniture.

You can find the Dwell Studio, Egg by Susan Lazar, and Serena and Lily organic crib bedding sets at our friends Alex & Sam (see post). For a 20% discount for our readers, at checkout apply the code: POOKA

Citibabes and Alex & Sam fundraiser with Laurie Berkner band October 4th

Come out to support the fund for New York Public Schools Literacy Programs with a day of family fun at Citibabes in Soho, and co-hosted your friends at Alex & Sam (see our post on socially conscious gift-giving). What better way to spend a Sunday than supporting a great cause with fabulous guests and activities and the music of Laurie Berkner, a favorite of the preschool set! Pooka and family hope to see you there!

NYC Sample Sale this week

The Clothingline is having their kids sample sale this week with fall merchandise from Jacadi, Rachel Riley, Imps and Elfs, and Polarn O. Pyret. We are disappointed that there will be no Marie Chantal as had been originally announced but maybe their replacement, Polarn O. Pyret, will offer more practical choices. The sample sale begins tomorrow (Sept. 22) and runs through Thursday (Sept. 24) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at 261 West 36th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave.) on the second floor. If you are bringing the kiddos please note that they do not allow strollers inside the building, and it's not a neighborhood where you would leave your stroller unattended outside. I'll be sporting Pooka in the Baby Hawk. We got some great bargains at the spring sale, so see you there!

From the Clothing line:

Fall merchandise for infants, boys & girls
Jacadi - onesies, shirts, sweaters, skirts, pants, dresses, puffers, outerwear & more
Rachel Riley - shirts, blouses, sweaters, skirts, dresses, pants & more
Imps & Elfs - onesies, coveralls, knit tops, knit leggings, jeans, skirts, dresses, outerwear & more
Polarn O. Pyret - one pieces, sweaters, leggings, skirts, denim, outerwear, accessories & more

Alex & Sam: Socially conscious gift-giving for baby!

I recently had the opportunity to meet the founder of an innovative website named Alex & Sam: The Art of Giving. What I love about this site is that you can purchase a variety of baby products (as well as jewelry and products for the home) for the same price as you would from another retailer, but a portion of the proceeds goes to charity. Alex & Sam calls this "socially conscious gift-giving" and prides itself on carrying an edited selection of high quality products.

The site carries everything from baby clothing to bedding, nursery decor, and baby carriers. Some of our favorite brands are represented including Serena and Lily, Dwell Studio, Organic Egg by Susan Lazar, Kissy Kissy, Mia Bossi and Dante Beatrix amongst others. Check out the Egg by Susan Lazar Wool Girl Pea Coat, the Plain Mary "Hunk" onesie, Serena and Lily's beautiful Sausalito Moses Basket, and Dwell Studio's new Paper Doll crib bedding.

Want something personalized? You've come to the right place. You name it, and they can put a name on it! The selection of high quality personalized items is one of the largest I've seen. Choose from albums, burpies, blankets, nursery decor and even clothing. I love the Bon Bon Corduroy Dresses with monogram! How about a personalized yoga mat?

When checking out you can select from a number of non-profit organizations to support, or the donation can be split amongst all the selected charities. These charities include: Baby Buggy, Robin Hood Foundation, St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Fund for Public Schools (Shop for Public Schools), Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, New Alternatives for Children, WomenWork!, Friends of Yemin Orde (a youth village in israel), and more. The list is always expanding.

The best part of Alex & Sam is that you can create a baby registry on their site. Let's be honest, if you are having a baby you are going to get plenty of gifts. Wouldn't it be nice to know that other children and families can benefit from your gift too! Already had your little ones? Order holiday cards or thank you notes and spread the holiday cheer to the participating charities. Alex & Sam does personalized stationary, birth announcements, invitations, and holiday cards. We're thinking about ordering the Joyful Flowers holiday card by Stacey Claire Boyd.

Life with Pooka readers can receive a special discount when ordering from Alex & Sam. To receive 20% off any purchase or 30% off any stationary products, when checking out enter code: Pooka

Mama don't sew? The best homemade baby products on Etsy

When I was pregnant with Pooka it was very important for me to make her some baby items with my own two hands. I knit regularly, so it wasn't hard to make her some sweaters and hats. But I wanted to take it one step further and make her a hand stitched quilt. I took a fantastic hand-quilting class at Purl down in Soho, but unfortunately I didn't get in done before Pooka arrived and it sits laguishing away in a bag at the bottom of my closet (some day Pooka!). So if you don't have the time, skill, or interest to make handmade baby products, and neither does anyone else in your extended family, it's Etsy to the rescue! Etsy's motto is "To buy, sell and live handmade" and connects buyers directly to individual sellers of various handmade goods. You can find everything from nursery decor, to clothing, toys and baby carriers. There are also a boatload of sellers creating green and organic products. For today's post I have rounded up a selection of some of the cutest baby items on the site. And the best part is, these products are all reasonably priced, and some are downright bargains compared to what they'd retail for at an NYC baby boutique.

One of my favorite designers on Etsy for nursery decor is Almost Sunday Designs. A friend drew my attention to them when she purchased the adorable Owl Mobile. I'm hoping to order the Butterfly Wall Art and a Birth Date Print. All items are well priced, and it's unlikely that any of your friends will have the same one.

For an alternative to main stream baby carriers check out Lovely Duds 100% organic and Oeko-Tex certified Tie One On baby carriers. They remind me of a Moby carrier, which are fantastic for newborns, but with cute printed panels like the Baby Hawk Mai Tai carrier. They have dozens of colors and fabrics to choose from, and at a cost $45 it's not a huge investment. A mom I know loved this style of carrier for her baby those first weeks when acid reflux was a major problem for her little one and she could nestle the baby against her chest in an upright position.

For quilts with a modern twist, or classic dresses for babies and toddlers in fun hipster fabrics pop over to the All the Numbers store. Check out the Vespa (pictured above) and Reversible dresses, or the beautiful Fresh and Modern Quilt that gives a new take on pastels for baby.

Using cloth or gdiapers? Baby blow out their diaper and wipe out their outfit? You need a wet bag to store the dirty nappies and soiled clothes until you can get home and wash them. They are useful for anything that gets messy while out and about, and I never leave home without one. Sure, you could use a ziploc, but why would you when the wet bags at Monkey Foot Designs are so cute and reusable too! The medium size is perfect for stowing a dirty gdiaper and some soiled clothing. For more than one diaper or larger sized clothing I would recommend the larger bags. Mines been thrown in the washer several times and has held up well. The Icky Bags in the Petunias shop are adorable too!I love the owl applique on this one.

For one stop gift shopping check out the SewnNatural shop, filled with all natural and organic baby products ranging from quilts and burpies to toys and bags. I love the Retro Elephant Toy and Upcycled Duck Baby. The Modern Dandelion Summer 5 piece set would make you the toast of any baby shower, or try the organic quilts.

While searching for an alternative to the satin and tulle style headbands that seem to abound in baby stores I found this one from Billie Brand. I love the simplicity of the design and the incorporation of a covered button in the center of the flower. They even have some made from organic fabrics. If your baby is blessed with plenty of hair (alas Pooka is not) you can try their flower clips. Choosing a color is the difficult part, but I'm leaning towards the Roxie!

The designers listed here are just a fraction of what you can find on Etsy. Pick a search term like "organic baby" and hundreds of products will show up. Or be more specific by searching terms such as "baby sling" or "baby quilt." You may not have Martha in your blood, but if she is in your spirit than look no further than Etsy. There is no better source for handmade goods for the crafting challenged.