January 2010 Archives

A storage solution that doubles as a dollhouse? Sign me up and send this to me immediately!! This raffia basket is covered in embroidered cotton with the most adorable design with minute details of windows, flowers and even a cat. The top opens up to reveal a wide open space for storage. Keep this in the corner of her bedroom or even the living room as room decor. Great for those with small spaces with no room for clutter. Available at Tiny People, comes in 3 sizes, Large is 19.7in long, 12.6in deep, 17.3in high for $148.83, Medium is 17.3in long, 10.6in deep, 15in high for $119.06 and Small is 14.6in long, 9.1in deep, 13in high for $79.38.

I do not have this and have never used it but I have gotten great feedback from friends who have it. I am just bothered by the idea of putting your tot in a bucket, but that's entirely my own mental block barrier - you know, the idea of tots plus buckets in ingrained in you as a bad thing! But I have to say, when I step back from that, this Wash Pod does make sense. You avoid the feared slippage of a traditional tub, an infant does not need a ton of water and this allows for a deeper soak without the fear of getting water in the ears. Fits up to 6 months depending on how big your tot is but once you're done, you can use it as an actual bucket! Available at Giggle for $28.

I am not sure I want to go there but this fort making kit is certain to be a huge hit in my house, I just don't know if I'll ever be able to put it way. So far, we've used cardboard boxes (like everyone else), a giant blanket hung over furniture (again, not original and not too sturdy either) and of course actual tents (great but not awesome like this thing!). There are other playhouse/fort making kits but this one seems like it has the most creative options and is very easy to adapt and construct. It comes with all the pieces you'll need and the possibilities are truly endless. Now I just need a bigger house! You can take this outdoors but definitely take it back inside to keep it from moisture and mildew! At Amazon for an amazingly affordable $129.99.

Here is a great way to put an extra comforting friend in the room with your tots at night. Offi has a variety of pet friends that give a soft glow in the darkness of night. This can sit on the nightstand right next to the bed or farther away on a shelf if the light is bothersome for sleeping. The plastic it's made from is non-toxic and does not give off a scent (which the Pottery Barn Kids ones do). It even comes with a washable marker for your tots to draw on and customize. Choose from Teddy Bear or Piggy for $59 (more animals, as well). Each design comes in six colors, Soft White, Mellow Yellow, Sky Blue, Sunset Orange, Hot Pink and Misty Green.

Wish you can go to the circus everyday? No? Me either =) But you can give your tots the thrill of the circus with these daring acrobats! The magnetic acrobats balance, stack and perform but be careful not to topple them! This is so fun you will find yourself playing with them yourself. They are small enough to take with you to share on the road. At Giggle for $54.

Bassinets are only needed under very specific circumstances. And even so, they aren't needed for long. My sister got this Fisher Price bassinet and other than putting her tot in there to justify the purchase, it is mostly left unused. The gliding DOES NOT calm or soothe him in any way. Grown ups think having a bed that slides back and forth would be relaxing and awesome, but for an infant, nothing can replace the human touch. The bed is also so small, there is so much cushion that the space left for the tot would not fit more than a 3 month old. There is no room to change diapers even so it isn't even good for that. The battery life is ridiculous, one use and all 4 D batteries go kaput. It does look cute though, I'll give it that, so at least sitting there being useless is not an eye sore. Available at Amazon for $184.99.

I See Me has the most precious personalized books, I have all of them, so I am really excited about their new, "Who Loves Me" title. The theme is all about love and all those in your tot's life who him/her. The rhymes are amazing, one page reads (for a child name Shelly) "Who Loves Shelly? Auntie Alyssa and Uncle Anthony loves Shelly! How much? So much! More than the sun, more than the showers, more than the fields full of blooming flowers". See! How great is that? All the pages are just as wonderful and allows you to express all the love in the world for your cherished tot. Start your personalized book at I See Me, for $19.95. Allow two weeks. Free shipping on all orders that contain a Who Loves Me? book, now through midnight February 1st with code FSW745. February 5th is the last day to order and receive books in time for Valentine's Day

Story time is such a special time for tots. Not only is reading great for obvious reasons but the one on one focus you put into it is a major draw. You can make it even more special with a whole ritual - I already have a pre-bedtime routine of picking out books and bringing it to the bed, but having a special Book Buggee makes it even more special. There is even a seat up front for his/her lovie to ride on. This is so perfect and impactful, I absolutely love the concept behind this! P'kolino Book Buggee for $38.50.

HELP,
Expecting

Dear Expecting,

First of all, congratulations! And no, becoming a mommy does not mean you have to give up style. In fact, since becoming a mommy, I have never been more radiant and stylish =) As to your conundrum, YES, there is in fact a gizmo that turns all bags into a mommy bag. I bought diaper bags but never used them because like you said, it made me feel like being a mom meant that I had to step down from fashion. There are so many options, but basically all you need is a wash bag. Anya Hindmarch has a "Nappies and Wipes" nylon zipper pouch ($150, in black or purple) made just for this exact need. Oh, how she knows what we need! Another fun choice is the Marni Pochette Washbag ($170). You just need to get a diaper changing pad and a travel wipe holder (easy and easier), add your essentials and you're ready to go!

A couple of notes when choosing the right bag to use: make sure the shoulder straps fit comfortably and that there are plenty of organizational pockets. I would not use a super nice bag for newborns but as your tot gets bigger the messes will lessen so you can move up to your Chanel, etc. Totes are great but consider the practicality of not being able to get it on the shoulder. Or find one that will. Tod's is my all time fave - either the softy or the Bauletto Helmut tote!

Have a question for the Snob? Email me with your problems!

Rag & Bone Bindery's exclusive, four day only Online Trunk Sale, where they will featuring never-before-seen, hand-crafted photo frame albums, journals and other bindery items.

WHO: Rag & Bone Bindery
DATE: January 25th - January 29th, 2010
WHERE: Rag & Bone Bindery online
WHAT: For four days only, limited edition samples and specialty items will be on sale, with discounts starting at 25% off these select items.