Custom Victorian House by Alan Mowrer for $23,400

Just to answer your first question, YES, this is a playhouse, as in, for a child. The second answer to your questions is, no I would not spend this much money on a "toy" for my kids, I want this for MYSELF!! Look at this most exquisite, beautiful and quaint little retreat for good quality alone time. It is two stories, has a kitchen, full living room and has the option of cable, running water, electricity, central air and wireless communication system. Hello!! Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!!! Although my fantasy is to sit peacefully to read, catch up on Weeds or online shop in this house, the reality is that my 2 girls would be banging on the door wanting to evict me. Everything is customized by Alan Mowrer so you can really have anything you want. This house shown is $23,400 but is just an estimate. More details and ordering info at Posh Tots.

It looks like I have been ignoring the boys lately and I do apologize. But I am going to make it up big time with these great finds for your loyal mama's boys. I am a huge Da-Nang fan, of course living in LA I feel justified in spending $200 on pants that look a bit worn and shabby. These pants, though, are ultra chic and cool enough for your most handsome. And if you have a true rebel on your hands, he will love these dragon canvas print cargos. How awesome is it to have dragons in your life? Right now all I have are lame princesses. Da Nang cargo in estate blue is $72 (also comes in pink for BFF sis) and the Tea Collection Sakura Canvas Printed pants are $50 at Milk Shop.

My Mommy's Pockets (Full Apron) and Wee Pockets, in "Funky Punkin"
As featured on Tot Snob in May

Win this adorable set of mommy and daughter apron set from Progeny with a total retail value of $87! All you have to do is guess who this adorable child actress is. She came on the scene in 1982 in a movie about a creature from out yonder. She is so incredibly cute, still! You really can't help but just love her. And you really can't help but love the My Mommy's Apron ($55). It keeps all my things on hand while I run around the house, a real helper! And of course the Wee Pockets ($32) will keep your other little helper feel involved and hopefully learn to be helpful very very soon! Please put your answer in comments by Friday July 25 at 11:59pm EST. One answer per person please and make sure to include your email address (will not be published) so I can reach you if you win.

A BIG thanks to Progeny for sponsoring the prizes!!

Celeb photo courtesy of inStyle.com

I know it is still summer and very hot but I am getting ready for the Fall, for myself and my kids. The Bag Leg leg warmers are the best things for cold weather, they may not be so relevant in my life now that I am back in sunny southern California, but they were essential when we lived in Boston. Hello! Humans should not be subjected to temperatures that are below zero much less 20 below!!! And little babies should NEVER come into direct contact with that kind of coldness. I bundled from head to toe but the pant leg opening was always a problem, you gotta shore up that gap to prevent the cold air from whisking up in there. That's one use for these. Also, when you get indoors, the heater is always cranked up to 90 degrees. Instead of stripping them down to remove leggings, these slip off easily without the need to remove the pants. I also use them at home when we're just lounging (the picture on the left is my daughter when she was 11 months old, see how cute the leg warmers are!!). They are perfect for crawlers as knee guards. I love the wonderfully bright colors and now they are available in organic cotton. Prices range from $15-20 at Baby Bella.

I always get excited when I see toys that I played with when I was younger still around, so I'm happy to report that you'll be able to pass on all the joys of Play-Doh to your little one! I just got word that come fall the Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe ($12.99), will be released! Not that Play-Doh was this cool when I was growing-up, but it's such a simple, classic fun pastime for kids. It's meant for kiddies 3 year and up and it comes packed with a faux ice-cream maker for children to make pretend treats and desserts (just watch-out that they don't get tempted and eat them..eeck)! The playset features a soft-serve style ‘ice cream’ dispenser that extrudes Play-Doh to make swirled ‘ice cream.’ Of course no treat would be complete without toppings and kids can finish their treats (whether cup, cone, or sundae), at the ‘topping’ stations where Play-Doh sprinkles, hot fudge, and whipped cream provide some extra deliciousness. The set also comes with dessert-themed molds to create strawberries, cookie crumbles, or a cherry, along with over 40 others, two ice cream cones, two spoons, one ice cream scoop, one sundae dish, one parfait glass, and one cake...just don't try this on an empty stomach or risk a big sweet craving!

Not only is The Treehouse Social Club a mother's dream come true indoor playground and relaxing escape but they also offer classes and seminars to help moms from head down to their soul. This article written by Carley Knobloch, founder of Mothercraft: Life Coaching for Moms shares her views on why "Me-Time" for mommies can make us better moms. I have always believed in me-time - just because I am a mom does not mean I am no longer a human being with needs and interests outside of motherhood. It also teaches your kids to respect you as a person, not just as their maid and caretaker.

Continue reading "The Case for Me-Time" »

I'm in the midst of ironing-out all my vacation plans for August! I'm going to visit my family in Munich (I'm first generation American), and then heading to Morocco for my friend's wedding..couldn't be more excited:) But, as anyone with young cousins, cousins with kids, or siblings with kids knows, visiting the fam means having to load-up on presents (I have a complex about being everyone's favorite aunt!), so I've been checking-out all the latest and greatest toys for tots and thought I would share with you some of my favs. First up -- Playskool Busy Ball Popper ($22.99). This toy from Playskool is aimed at tots 9 months and up and I love it because it's fun, simple, and playfully colorful! Drop one of the colorful balls onto the track and the balls pop out of the top, roll down the track, and then pop out all over again for your little ones enjoyment pleasure! Every so often the balls fall out, so your tot can pick them up and drop them back in to keep the game, that encourages hands on exploration and discovery, going. The Popper also comes packed with sound effects and songs:) Jump for another fun toy from Playskool!

Continue reading "Busy Ball Popper and Choo Choo" »

Marie Antoinette; Louise de Lorraine

These are really the most precious and beautiful dresses I have even seen for little girls. Of course they are for special occasions but I love the casual elegance of the look. I am not sure how comfortable they are with the corsets, I am pretty sure my girls will be unhappy in them but then again, my older one is pretty vain so she might already be willing to suffer for fashion at 3 years old. I sometimes wish we still get all dressed up like this but then again, that is my fantasy 3 year old princess brain talking. But that is also why your girls will feel so incredibly special and brighten your world with that extra sparkle in her eyes with this on. The Marie Antoinette is $188 and the Louise de Lorraine is $228, both are equally fabulous. More images of the dresses at Posh Tots. If you've never been to their site, it is an experience for sure, they have the most amazing things.

Not Your Mama's Mumu, $35; Queen of Hearts, $37

Shabby Baby is not so shabby, look at these totally adorable dresses! I guess the shabby part is the price! You get so much design and style, all at Gap prices. I have to get the Not Your Mama's Mumu for my daughter. My friend Joy actually complained that all I wear are mumu's. Uh, they are called kaftans. Yes, I may have an obsession with this particular style but they are certainly not mumus! Well, she will appreciate that I am also dressing my daughter like her "old lady aunties". But I doubt they are this cute! Queen of Hearts dress is just as adorable with the colorful flowers and contrasting print pockets. Kids are the only ones who can get away with this look so I am taking advantage of that fact. I stop myself at wearing prints like this =) There are other great selections at Shabby Baby.

How cool is this wall mounted tracker panel? All kids love these movable tracks and this one is like a train set except it is on the wall AND you will never lose the trains! I look for any toys that will not lose parts (you know that box of scattered toy pieces? hate that!!) but this one is even better because it does not need to be put away. It also is a colorful and fun decor to liven up bedroom or playroom. Measures 40"x33.5". At Oliebollen.com for $240.

Photos courtesy of InStyle.com

Nicole Kidman is my ultimate most favorite celebrity. She is smart, beautiful and eternally graceful. So how does a mega star look so fabulous during pregnancy? The secret, it looks like, is to NOT look like you're pregnant. Hello!! I forgot to add to my list of odes that her body is a freak of nature. She goes from red carpet chic to everyday casual effortlessly. I absolutely loved her look for the Oscars, she paired the simple black Balenciaga dress with super fabulous layers and layers of L'Wren Scott diamonds, over 1,000 carats in all. She took away the focus from her body and had everyone just looking at the diamonds! Just keep in mind girls, these people are not normal =) And what do you think of the name Sunday for her daughter?

After using Boon's Squirt Spoon, I became obsessed with the sheer genius of their designs. When it comes to mealtimes, we can all use a break with convenient contraptions. There are a ton of them out there but I bought all of these and they actually help keep you sane. I brought the Squirt Spoon ($7.95) on the plane with me recently and I achieved a miraculous feat, a mess free feeding of a 10 month old on a turbulent airplane!!! The spoon dispenses just the right amount of baby food and will even retract if you tip it back (you know, when the baby decides she doesn't want to eat anymore and wants to swat at your hand instead).

When you're safely at home and can experiment with food, the bendable adaptable utensils ($5.99) are perfect for squirming babies who wants to change angles. Or maybe it is just a change of her mood and your left handiness that is causing you grief - not a problem with this set!

My daughter cannot seem to grasp the concept of tipping her sippy cup back so at 11 months, I am still having to hold it for her. I mean come on, it is time to be more independent!! =) We are now on our way to self drinking with this flat shaped sippy ($5.99). How smart is this? The shape does not require as much tipping for the fluid to get in the mouth, as long as the cup is semi parallel to the ground, she is able to get some much needed water in her mouth. The donut shape is also easier to grab for tiny uncoordinated hands.

For my older daughter who is 3 years old, she is out of these baby gadgets but there is still one that is so brilliant!!! I cannot believe I have ruined countless shirts. This bowl with a catcher ($6.99), like the bill of a baseball hat, will prevent drippy foods like yogurt, ice cream, soup and cereal from getting all over. I am now ok with dirty clothes, but my dining chair is not so happy.

The best part is that all these are so well priced. It is worth every penny for the extra added joy it brings to mealtimes. They are all available at one of my favorite online stores, Baby Earth.

I went to The Sports Club/LA last week for an event they were hosting to showcase some of their newest classes and amenities and just had to share some of the great classes they offer for kids!

The Sports Club/LA calls the tot part of their club For Kids Only and they offer activities for kids from 6 months on. All of their programs are focused on fostering self esteem, creativity, and problem solving, and they're led by childhood education specialists. You don't even need to be a member to sign-up your tot for their classes! -- though it's slightly cheaper if you are a member and I have to say, if you're looking to join a gym, this one truly has unparalleled and luxe amenities (everything from spa to tennis-- my two favorites! --and considering I live in Manhattan their amenities are unbelievably expansive!).

Continue reading "Fun For Kids!" »

I have already gone on 3 big trips this summer with my kids and I am telling you, this is all you need. Well, not ALL you need, but if you've got this with you on the plane and in the car, you will make it. If you do not already have a Mess-Free Magic Board ($5.99 but comes in many variety packs ranging in price), get to the store immediately!! These "magic" paper boards will turn into a colorfully painted page with just plain water. There is a fun brush with water dispenser so your tot will feel like Van Gogh as he creates a perfectly painted scene every time. The best part is, once it dries, he can start all over. Perfect for summer travel because the only mess is water, so it also cools them off when they spill.

My favorite sunscreen (and I have them all) is the Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50 ($15). I have not had any problems with sunburns and this does not have harsh ingredients found in drugstore sunscreen for kids. It stays on all day, I know because I am not good about re-applying every 2 hours. We have gone to the beach in Hawaii for a full 4 hours without lobster skin of any kind.

This by far is the best invention in children's products! The
TravelJohn Jr.-Disposable Potty ( 6 pack) ($9.99) will save you from accidents and from having to use nasty gas station bathrooms (it is also perfect for amusement parks, if you have waited in line for 2 hours you will know that Murphy's law dictates that once you get to the front of the line, your tot will need to use the bathroom "RIGHT NOW"). This little doo-dad cups right up to your tot's privates to catch the pee-pee without a single drop coming out. There is a powder that becomes a gel so there is no sloshing mess if you cannot find a trashcan right away. I have a girl so, yes, it does work for the ladies as well. She actually loves it. To answer your fears of embarrassment (as I was before I used it), it is actually a very concealed operation so there is no need to worry about the crowds seeing this go down.

If you are flying, you must have the CARES airline approved seat belt ($74.95). It turns the regular plane seat into a 5-point harness in a quick minute. I just flew the new Virgin America and they told me that this was the ONLY seatbelt they approve of. Avoiding bringing your 30 lbs giant car seat on the plane? Totally priceless.

Happy Travels!

I just got back from the Best & Co. showroom where I had the chance to preview their new fall '08 back-to-school collection for boys and girls, as well as their most extensive newborn layette cashmere and prima cotton collection. The garments range the gamut from $18 up to $275 and the new layette pieces are absolutely gorgeous (though can you ever go wrong outfitting your little tot in pure cashmere!?). It was a little nostalgic for me because I remember wearing Best & Co when I was younger (the company was founded in 1871 and has long been known for making some of the best traditional, elegant fashions for young girls and boys). I was also told by Best & Co's gracious PR rep Louisa that they will be collaborating with swim wear guru Shoshanna for tot bikinis and bathing suits! If that's not enough for you, come Holiday they'll be teaming-up with Peter Som for a line of boys and girls dresses and separates - -can't wait to see what Som comes-up with:)

Read-on for some stand-outs from the Fall '08 collection which will be available this September!

Continue reading "Best & Co. Fall Preview" »

I was so excited when I heard about Tea Collection from my friend Sara. They make super-cute tot fashions and they've teamed-up with The Global Fund for Children for a series of shirts and bodysuits! They'll be donating 50% of each sale to GFC, whose mission is to help underprivileged kids. Tea Collection itself has a great philosophy -- they make clothing influenced by the beauty found in cultures from around the world (hence the name Tea, since it's a drink shared in nearly every culture) -- love it! Check-out some of the pieces below!

Little Citizen Bodysuit (3-12mos, $18) -- this onesie comes in off-white and aqua green and reads "for little citizens of the world" across the chest.

Mandarin Set (3-12mos, $58) -- this set comes in off-white and brown and has a button down top with mandarin collar and matching pants, both are made with Pima cotton.

Tissue Set (3-6mos, $94) -- this off-white set is made of Pima cotton and has a wrap-style jacket with an inside tie at the chest. The sleeve features a tiny "thank you" tag that's meant to be on behalf of the children aided by the Global Fund for Children who benefit from the purchase of this item -- what a great way to start teaching your tot about the value of helping those in need:)

I have Barefoot Dreams blankets, robes, slippers and hoodies for myself so why deny my precious babies of something I love and cannot live without? My kids love their blankets but this is another essential. I know you are thinking it is too hot for a robe in the summertime, but just thing of pool, beach, splash park and late nights with kids asleep when you are out. I know the first thing my daughter does when she exits whatever water feature she was in is rip off her clingy wet bathing suit - and at this point does not want to put on clothes, that's when the Cozy Chic robes enter the scene. These incredibly soft robes are like a blankie and favorite plush toy all in one. It comes in many soft comfy colors in sizes 2-5T, 6-8 and then up to 8-Junior. At Amazon.com for $55.95.

Photo courtesy of InStyle

Name this singer who is dad of these 2 cuties and the husband of a super model hottie. Guess correctly for a chance to win the Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel, a miracle worker to perfectly smooth out your thighs, tummy and bum. Put your answer in comments by 11:59pm EST tonight, we will select one winner randomly from all the correct answers. Please make sure to include your email address in the entry so that we can contact you. One entry per person please. Please check back tomorrow for another pop quiz, we are running this contest all week long!

Nivea Good Bye Cellulite with 30 day supplements at Amazon for $18.19.

UPDATE: Stephanie B or Colorado Springs is our lucky winner.

Photo courtesy of InStyle

Who is this footballer dad of these three handsome boys? Guess correctly for a chance to win the Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel, a miracle worker to perfectly smooth out your thighs, tummy and bum. Put your answer in comments by 11:59pm EST tonight, we will select one winner randomly from all the correct answers. Please make sure to include your email address in the entry so that we can contact you. One entry per person please. Please check back tomorrow for another pop quiz, we are running this contest all week long!

Nivea Good Bye Cellulite with 30 day supplements at Amazon for $18.19.

Photo courtesy of InStyle

Name this little girl whose dad is as cute as she is. Guess correctly for a chance to win the Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel, a miracle worker to perfectly smooth out your thighs, tummy and bum. Put your answer in comments by 11:59pm EST tonight, we will select one winner randomly from all the correct answers. Please make sure to include your email address in the entry so that we can contact you. One entry per person please. Please check back tomorrow for another pop quiz, we are running this contest all week long!

Nivea Good Bye Cellulite with 30 day supplements at Amazon for $18.19.