August 2009 Archives

Last Thursday my family was evacuated due to a fire (the Rancho Palos Verdes Fire). The fire began at 8pm about 2 miles from our house and by 9pm it was raging up the canyon directly next to us. We actually had no idea. We were in bed getting our girls ready for bed, reading and cuddling and doing all those bedtime things. Then someone started banging on our front door, it was like they were trying to break down the door so I was freaked out and had my husband go see what the crazy banging was all about while I closed the door in the bedroom to keep my babies safe. Then, I heard some screaming and I opened to door and my husband said, "There is a fire!". It was one of our neighbors who came to notify us.

I ran to the back of the house and opened the blinds in the living room only to see a wall of red. Nothing but red flames and red smoke. How did we miss this? The fire was extremely close and in the darkness, I saw nothing but flames. My mother bear instincts kicked in and all I wanted to do was get my babies out of there. I looked at my husband, trying not to panic in front of the kids and said, "We have to leave, right now". At that moment, nothing else mattered, I did not care about any material possessions, I was just so scared that something horrible could happen to my babies. I grabbed a few things the kids might need, diapers, clothes and covered shoes. As we were running around, my 4 year old was incredibly concerned, she was saying that she was scared and asking what was going on. There was no time to sit her down and explain so I tried my best to convince her that everything was ok. My husband found the carrier for the cat, we put her in there and we were out, within 5 minutes.

It wasn't until we got in the car that we thought about where we were going. Luckily, one of my best friends lives close by, but far enough away from the fire. In the car, my 4 year old voiced her stress, she said that she wanted to sit on my lap "right now" because she was scared and didn't know what was happening. I assured her that we are ok now, we are safe and that we will cuddle very soon. But my voice was shaking and I had developed a sharp pain in my ribs and had a hard time breathing. When we got to my friend's house, she got milk and cookies and put on a video for the kids. But all they wanted to do was cuddle with me as I watched the news, which was our only source of information. It was kind of surreal having to rely on local news to find out if our lives were going to dramatically change in the next few moments.

Dr. Andrew Weil is known for preventative care, as well as, combing nature with medicine. He brought the same philosophy to a line of baby products that are natural in form, safe (BPA free), functional, as well as incredibly stylish and fun! The bottles and sippy cups have a natural nipple that tots adore. The best part about the sippy cups is the one piece venting system, there are no small parts or valves!! You can even put the bottle nipple onto the sippy cup for a smooth transition out of bottles. In fact, all the parts to all the bottles and sippy cups are interchangeable so not only can you switch up the colors but also avoid frustration when looking for parts if you have multiple sets. The colors are bright and exciting so as soon as I brought these home, they instantly became my tots' favorite sippy cups. And boy am I glad because I am seriously tired of washing and keeping track of valves! So the big questions is, does it leak? It does a really good job keeping the liquids in, but a bit too good of a job because both my tots had problems sucking anything out, even my 4 year old. I had to carefully cut bigger slits in the nipple which did the trick and so far, it does not seem to have compromised the integrity. It comes with a tight cap that will prevent spills while traveling in a bag so I am not really concerned. All the products are made in the US with manufacturing practices that minimizes carbon footprints. They are making it really easy for you to feel good about easy to use products! And if that's not enough, you can download a $5 coupon for use at Dr. Andrew Weil Baby or at Babies 'R Us. Bottles are $8.99 for 9 oz ($17.99 for a 2 pack) and $9.99 for sippy cups (both 5oz and 9 oz sizes).

I love Hayao Miyazaki movies, Spirited Away is one of my all time favorite movies. So you can imagine my excitement when Ponyo came out so I can share it with my tots. We made a whole day out of it - we had lunch and I even promised she can have popcorn and Coke! We got all settled in and the movie begins with the beautiful imagery Miyazaki is known for, it is truly art. I was so happy and I turned to look at my daughter expecting to see a great big smile but instead, her hands were held over her mouth and she had the look of sheer terror in her eyes. We were only 10 minutes in! I held her on my lap and asked if she can give it another chance but I can tell she was really terrified so we left =( I did research and watched all the trailers beforehand, too, and nothing tipped me off as anything other than a sweet story about a fish and a boy. Now thinking about it, Miyazaki movies do have a dark cast to the theme and the bad guys are always eerily evil. The general mood of the movie jars your sense just a tad with the strange visuals and creatures, which makes you on edge and slightly uncomfortable. Maybe that was it because Ponyo, the goldfish with a real face, is totally adorable and the boy is the sweetest ever. Either way I am disappointed I didn't get to finish the movie and will now probably have to wait for DVD. If your tot is easily unnerved, I would probably skip this and save it for date night. The good news is, the theater manager gave me passes for us to go back for another movie.

I've officially run out of space in my house for any more tents and play structures. But that didn't stop me from canvasing the internet for all available options when looking for one for my nephew, who is due in December!! Hey, got to get my sister back for that Dora monstrosity from 2 Christmases ago. It literally took up my entire living room.

The most amazing looking tents are from Haba but you do pay for the luxury, the Haba princess play tent is $220 but is one that will actually enhance your property value! For a more affordable option that does not compromise on whimsy or style, the Woodland Fairy Hut, by Bazoongi for $79.95 works as a room decor and will turn any room into an enchanted forest.

For the engineer at heart, there is nothing more awesome than the Cranium Super Fort Mega Builder for $279. It is pricey but the structural possibilities are endless and you really get a chance to flex your tot's brain muscles. If your tot becomes an architect, you will know who to credit =)

The Guidecraft Tractor Loft for $768.88 is pretty much the ultimate when it comes to play structures. It is like owning real estate! It is made by Guidecraft who does incredibly high quality wood products so you know this will last much longer than childhood will. If you plan on having 5+ tots, this will pay for itself by your 3rd.

Any thing and any way to get a tot to be interested in science is a good thing! And who isn't intrigued by Star Wars and all the technology and mystical powers (which, after all, are forms of science)? I am sure your tot will be thrilled and excited to do a Star Wars experiment especially when it involves oozing lava and cool effects! This Mustafar Volcano erupts while Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anikan Skywalker fight their infamous first battle. And in the midst of all the excitement, your tot will learn how volcanoes really work! At Amazon for $19.48. For the ultimate experience, get the Hooded Jedi Robe, $22.37.

Muu is the only children's product in the running to win the prestigious International Design Excellence Award. That says something but what's even more important is that this line works for parents! The Sam Crib (which converts to a toddler bed) has a customizable panel that can be easily replaced (for only $95). You choose the design, color and personalized message. The collection also has dresser, nightstand and twin bed, but it is the storage unit that has me revved up! It has one large bin and a shelf. Toy bins with a lid not only has the risk of injury but what ends up happening is, you start piling things on top of the closed lid and the whole thing becomes a giant mess pile. This does what you need it to do and looks cute while doing it! All the design panels can be changed out when you tire of it or when you hand it down to a younger sibling. Sam Crib is $1175 and the storage unit is $495 at Muu Kids.

That's me on the shirt! Of course I will do ones for my girls but I have to admit my narcissistic side, it is so much fun to create my own avatars!! These Silly Shirts, as you can see, are adorable custom tees that has a lot of fun things you can add, like a guitar or teddy bear as well as fashion accessories - headbands, sunglasses, hair clips, earring and bags! These are a fun gift but for the bigger tots, they would have a total blast making their own! The onesies are $14, tees are $24-28 depending on style and sleeve length. They only have girls now but will soon have babies, toddlers, doubles and of course, boys! Get started on making your own Silly Shirt!!

OK enough about Martha's Vineyard and the Obamas, this will be my last mention but I HAD to share this book because it is so cute and has such a good message. It's also the most tasteful among all the Obama themed chotchkies and cheesy t-shirts being peddled at every shop. It is about Bo Obama, the First Dog (as the title suggests!). He travels around the world looking for a home and meets dogs of different cultures. He finds out the White House is searching for a dog and the punchline is funny. I won't give it away but if you voted for Obama, it will definitely put a smile on your face. The authors were on the island for a book signing but you can get it at Amazon for $5 less for $10.85.

I just got back from my annual Martha's Vineyard vacation (missed the Obamas by a day!). At Vineyard Haven is a new store, Tyler and Tallulah, which is by far one of the most fabulous girls clothing store I have ever seen. They carry all European designers - their buyer is not only a children's book writer but also a total Tot Fashion Snob!! The boutique is also crazy adorable with vintage children's books and a crafts area (which was a total delight because it was 86 degrees with 90% humidity outside so it was a nice escape for an hour!). I ended up buying a Deux Par Deux 2-piece summer tunic and leggings but it is sold out so I am featuring their endless selection of other incredible finds. Like the beautifully detailed Deux Par Deux Vichy en Folie Dress (on sale for $40!!), or the charming and bright Room Seven Splash Floral Tiered Skirt ($55.20, now 20% off). It's the end of the season so buy a size up for next year. In the meantime, get ready for Fall with the Paper Wings Ruffle Wrap Skirt ($82). She needs at least one exceptional piece in her wardrobe each season to show off in! If you are ever on Martha's Vineyard, do not skip out on this lovely boutique.

I just got back from a 2 week vacation with my family and it was wonderful and precious to spend 24/7 with my tots. Sure there were times my nerves were tested but with my normally busy schedule, there are days I hardly have time to cuddle with them, much less play with them. And now that I am back I am devoted like never before, which includes shopping for them!! I was greeted with a pile of mail and catalogs but the one I went to first, as always, is Chasing Fireflies, which has the most special and spectacular clothes. And I was not disappointed. There are a ton of things I will buy but the one that stood out is this Silk Ruffle Dress ($88) over Brocade Gauchos ($88). The dress is easy and elegant on its own but when paired with the gauchos with ruffles peaking out, it becomes a stand out piece that is not only stylish but cozy, too!