Books for Toddlers, Part III

New favorites:

One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova - an adorable story about a girl and her dog heading out for a trip in her canoe and all the other animals that want to come along. 

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle - another great Eric Carle book (our other favorites are The Very Clumsy Click Beetle; Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, said the Sloth; The Very Lonely Firefly; and The Very Quiet Cricket)!  This one encourages readers and listeners to get active and act like animals.  It's impossible to get through without giggling fits!

A Good Night Walk by Elisha Cooper - a beautiful, quiet story about the things to see on a walk down the block near bedtime.  This book is gorgeously illustrated by the author, and I often find C looking at the pictures on his own and pointing out the things he recognizes.

My Go to Bed Book by Hildegarde Ford - This book was originally published in 1956, and it shows in a lovely, nostalgic way.  C calls it the "boy book" and there's something peaceful and sweet about it.

Best (Unexpected) Gifts

Once the Halloween candy goes on display at the store, I start thinking about holiday gift-giving.  My family has several birthdays and anniversaries between October and November, so it pays to formulate a plan early.  Isn't it the best when someone knows you well enough to get you something you never knew you wanted or needed, but end up loving?  Here are a few recent gifts I've received and loved, unexpectedly. 

Penzey's Herb gift box, $29.95
     - Penzey's has a number of gift boxes, or you can order a la carte.  This was a wedding gift, and
       considering how seldom I replace my herbs, it was much-needed.  I found the herbs to be of a higher
       quality than I normally purchase, but I loved this gift because it was a nod to the life we were
       embarking upon.  It came with a note about being conscious of little ways to make every day special,
       and something sort of cheesy, but true, about the spice of life.  I thought of it often in our early days of
       marriage, and it reminded me to light candles during dinner and turn off the tv to talk and laugh together. 

City guide book
     - I received a Las Vegas guide book as a Christmas gift from a co-worker shortly before we
       relocated here.  Although it's intended for tourists, we used it often during our first few months here.  I
       found it to be a thoughtful way of getting us excited about a scary step we were taking.  These are also
       good bridal shower gifts if you know the couple's honeymoon destination.

Framed nostalgic photo
     - Last Christmas my favorite gift was a framed photo of all of my cousins, my sister, and I that was taken
       more than 30 years ago on Christmas Eve.  It was perfect for a couple of reasons...a. it reminds me of
       how blessed I am to have such a lovely family; b. it reminds me that the fun of Christmas was not just
       gifts, it was togetherness; c. it reminds me that every day we are making memories not just for ourselves,
       but for our son; d. it reminds me to live in the moment and not get caught up in the stress of planning
       "perfect" events/holidays.  We will remember how we felt, rather than if the food was three-star Michelin
       quality or if the family pictures were perfect anyway.

Slippers
     - I'm not kidding.  I loved receiving those slippers as a baby shower gift because when I was pregnant I
       felt my job was 100% to take care of my baby, plan for my baby, and take care of myself for my
       baby.  Of course, that was mostly true, but those slippers were a really nice way of telling me that it was
       also a time to sit back and enjoy what was happening and also to take care of myself for myself.  A
       pregnant lady is not merely a vessel.  Now I always buy something specifically for the expectant mother
       that is wholely unrelated to the baby, as well as something special for the baby.

Blue ribbon
     - Yes, another odd gift.  We invited very few people to our wedding, including just one friend each. 
       When we sent the invitations I knew my invited friend wouldn't be able to come, so I wasn't surprised
       or disappointed when we received her regrets.  The real kindness, though, was that she sent a spool of
       blue ribbon with her RSVP and a note expressing how much she would've liked to attend.  The ribbon
       was just in case I didn't have a "something blue," but I ended up using it in my wedding scrapbook, and
       whenever I see it I'm reminded of the people that are not near physically, but are very close in spirit. 

No one ever thinks "oh, how I'd love to receive a spool of ribbon/old photo/rosemary/etc," but sometimes receiving those things mean more than a big tv or a beautiful bouquet. 

Tiffany blue

I've been considering switching from navy to Tiffany blue accents in my bedroom, so of course I had to visit the Tiffany web site.  You know, just to get the color right in my head.  Anyway, I accidently found a few things I may need......

Tiffany Infinity Ring, $125

Tiffany Twist Bow Ring, $250

Tiffany Twist Ring, $475

I regained control after looking at a few rings, though I'm sure I'll be back for more "window" shopping soon.

Topshop Las Vegas

At last!  Topshop is coming to Las Vegas.  Set to open in March 2012 at the Fashion Show Mall.  See you there.

Favorite Books for Toddlers

We've amassed quite a library in C's 15 months.  Here are our favorites:

This is My Tractor - a touchy-feely book with an audio button.  Cute illustrations, too.

That's Not My Lion - another touchy-feely.  C loved it when he was very small and now "reads" it to himself.

Goodnight Moon - Who doesn't love it?  C especially loves finding the mouse in every picture and likes to point out the balloon.

Sleepyhead, Sleepyhead - we got this for free in a Cheerios box, but I love the story.  The illustrations are less than captivating, but the story is pretty true to life, about a child delaying the inevitable bedtime. 

and the all-time, number one favorite...
Little Blue Truck - Our whole family love this book.  It has it all - a story with a moral, cute illustrations, nice phrasing (rhyming), and a lot of animal sounds.  We also have Little Blue Truck Leads the Way, but it's not as good. 

C has a really good attention span and loves to read.  Lately he's been more interested in longer books, like Curious George books and some of the classic Little Golden Books, like The Poky Little Puppy and The Shy Little Kitten.  We read them often when he was tiny, and put them aside when he started to want to turn the pages himself in favor of board books.  I'm so excited to have the longer books out again, and am so hopeful that C will love books his whole life.  What are the best books for boys through the years?  I loved the original Boxcar Children series and think a boy would, too, and I want to get The Dangerous Book for Boys one day, but what are a boy's must-reads?

Cups for Kids

When C was about 11 months old I started trying to transition him to a sippy cup.  He's 15 months old now, and uses a sippy cup for water and can drink out of a water bottle or open-topped cup if he needs to, but he refuses to drink milk out of anything but a bottle.  I'm thinking I need to get a special new cup to pique his interest.  Maybe one of these, all of which are bpa free....



lollacup, which has a weighted straw, $18



Klean Kanteen with sport cap, sippy top also available, $14.95 

Kid Basix safe sippy 2, sippy to straw bottle, $14.95

EIO kids cup, approximately $14.95.  See list of retailers

Does anyone know anything about these products or have a recommendation?

Medela Swing Product Review

Early on in my pregnancy I decided I would set a goal of breastfeeding exclusively for six months.  I expected the challenge to be first in getting established and second in returning to work full time when C was 10 weeks old.  Luckily, breastfeeding was easy for us, so that challenge was no biggie.  What I hadn't anticipated was mastitis after a little over two weeks.  Part of the solution for me (along with antibiotics and hot and cold compresses) was to start pumping sooner than I'd considered previously, so I set out to get a pump WITHOUT doing any research or really thinking about it much.  Hello, Target.  I went with the Medela Swing, and I honestly can't remember why, but I'm guessing it was because of the moderate price (currently $149.99), recognized name, and all-inclusive package (it came with two bottles/nipples/rings, two caps, extra membranes, the optional AC adapter, a breastshield, a bottle stand, and a drawstring bag).  In retrospect, if I'd had more time for research and had been in less pain, I would've opted for a double pump, such as the Medela Freesytle, but I have no regrets and saved some money.

In the beginning, I only pumped a couple of times a day, just to make sure I was properly draining each breast (my son fed best from one specific position, and I had overactive production), but when I returned to work I needed to pump throughout the day.  In this situation, the Medela Swing wouldn't work for most women, but I work from home and had the luxury of taking as long as necessary to pump, whereas most women would want to use a hospital-grade double pump to get it done as quickly as possible.  Anyway, I thought I'd make due with my Swing until I stopped breastfeeding at 6 months or until the pump gave out, when I'd just go rent one from the hospital to finish up.  However, my trusty Swing kept on going and going.  I experienced oversupply for several months before my body perfected the system and produced just about exactly what my son needed, so I was pumping a lot for awhile there.  Probably about six or seven times a day on each side for a month or two, dwindling down as time went on.  Soon the six months had passed and we introduced solids.  Things were going so well with breastfeeding, though, that I continued until my son was just over 13 months old before switching to cows' milk.  Oh, and I used it while traveling, too, since it can operate on battery power.  The Swing has now moved into storage, but it did the trick.  It was comfortable and easy and although it was time-consuming, it did the trick.  That $150 investment kept my baby fed for 13 months.  I'd recommend it to part-time pumpers for sure.  Full-timers, such as myself, might opt for a double pump, but if the Swing could handle my situation for 13 months with ease, it can handle almost anything.

Earth Day 2011

In honor of Earth Day, here are my favorite Earth-friendly products.
 
A Slice of Organic Life by Shererazade Goldsmith.  I love this book as much for its idealistic projects (raising pigs an chickens) as for its more realistic projects, like container gardening and homemade butter. Maybe you could be extra Earth-friendly and get the ebook or check it out at the library.

The Bamboo Bottle, $25.  The next time I need to replace my water bottle, this will be mine....assuming I can figure out where to find it.  It's not currently offered online.  Constructed of bamboo and glass, the bottle is free of chemicals, easy to clean, and easy on the Earth. 

Method Wood for Good, around $5.  It's safe for my family, it works, and it smells fantastic, too.

Mrs. Meyer's Countertop Spray, $3.99.  I make a lot of my own cleaning products, but this is a good alternatvie.  Natural, earth friendly, cruelty-free, and effective.  Nice fragrances, too.

 Whole Foods reusable shopping bags, $.99-about $2.00.  These are the best I've found in terms of durability and volume.  I love how I can easily fit them over my shoulder, they hold bigger items like cereal boxes, and that they're made of recycled materials.  Plus, if one does give out, WF will replace it for free.  There is one drawback.  It's my understanding that these bags are made and shipped from China.  That's a pretty serious drawback, but I think that a bag that I'll actually use, and use for years, is better than a locally-sourced but inferior bag that I won't use.  It's your call.

Improvements Catalog gets a gold star!

Before Christmas I placed an online order at Improvements for two Dynamic Artwork Frames for the grandparents to display C's future artwork.  In the process I located an online coupon code for a percentage off of any purchase over $40.  When I entered the code, a message came up saying something to the effect of you may or may not receive the discount.  Either way, you will not see the discounted reflected in the order summary, but it you receive the discount it will be shown on your billing statement enclosed with the order.  Seemed stupid to me.  I wanted them anyway, and they were on sale already, so I ordered the frames.  Weeks later I received a request for a review of the product and ordering experience.  I complained mildly about their weird coupon code system, and lo and behold today I received a call from a friendly customer service rep who assured me that they were working to improve that aspect of the order process, and told me that my order (since they were on sale) actually amounted to a few cents under the $40 threshold (excluding taxes).  Even so, she is going to credit my account the amount I would've saved!  Can you believe that?!  So, here I sing their praises, for excellent customer service, as well as excellent products (the frames I bought really are great - they hold up to 50 different pieces of artwork and look infinitely better than a fridge covered with stuff.  Plus, I figure when he's older, C will feel pretty special seeing his art framed on the wall in a place of honor.)  Kudos Improvements!



$24.99-$34.99 each in two sizes and two colors



Worst Gift Ever.

Meat.  Actually, a gift box of assorted meats. 


BB and I don't do major gifts for Valentine's Day, opting instead for meaningful time spent together.  Years ago, though, I received possibly the most terrible Valentine's Day gift (from a former boyfriend who should've known better after 4 years of dating), particularly since I don't eat much meat.  So, for today, here's my Valentine's Day gift don't:  Meat.

found these at the grocery store, $2.99, each.

Project 2011, January 31 - Goodbye splinters!

Dinner - Again with the soup.  Mrs. Grass.  Hello sodium.

C's Dinner - acorn squash, peaches, rosemary chicken and brown rice

So about 10 years ago I bought this large wicker chest to use as a coffee table, which I sold when we moved to LV.  Anyway, the chest came with two square wicker boxes inside that I've been using as end tables ever since.  When we got our kitty, he insisted on scratching them, and they're now really splintered and ugly (and unsafe for a toddler that likes to stick things in his mouth).  Yesterday we finally upgraded to this:

Avington Side Table, $89.99 (currently on sale for $69), Target

We bought two, but they're bigger than I'd expected, so we've only put one together.  Might take the other back.  Like the two other Avington pieces we own (TV stand and coffee table), it's very sturdy and was easily assembled.  Some of C's favorite hobbies are taking the newspapers and CDs out of the TV stand drawer and banging remote controls on the coffee table.  So far they've survived unscathed. 

In assembling the new table, I noticed a glaring difference between BB's methodology and my own.
He - believes instructions are just "one man's opinion" and feels nothing done without the aid of power tools is worth doing
She - reads and follows the instructions to the letter, including the part where it says NOT to use power tools and where it recommends counting all screws, etc, prior to getting started to make sure everything is there.

Of course I'm right, right?

Valentine's Day 2011

Thinking about Valentine's Day.....

My Mistress's Sparrow Is Dead: Great Love Stories, from Chekhov to Munro (proceeds go to free youth writing programs - bonus!)

Lovebirdies Vase, $44 from Etsy Seller redhotpottery

Tom's shoes (the recipient will love them doubly for knowing that another pair was donated to a needy child), this particular pair is $44.

Nothing is real but dreams and love poster, $18 from Etsy seller fifiduvie

Red Velvet Macaroons from the recipe at Delectable Deliciousness

Necklace Love

So it seems that lately everyone is selling engraved or stamped necklaces.  Normally that sort of makes an object less desirable for me, but this time I have to admit that some of these are fabulous.  Take these, for instance (base prices are shown):


Julian & Co Moon Necklace, $99 with up to 4 lines of text on the back

Lisa Leonard Designs Heartstrings Necklace, $64

The Vintage Pearl A Cup of Love Necklace, $42

The Noisy Cricket Hammered Names Around Pearl Necklace, $39

Refeathering the Nest

The house looks so drab now that the Christmas decorations have gone back into storage.  In an effort to perk things up a bit, I've located these goodies...

at West Elm:



Herringbone Bed, $399-$699


at West Elm:



Sweep Armchair, $499-$599


at West Elm:

Perennial Pillow Cover, $29

at Restoration Hardware:

Palladian Urn Table Lamp, $439

at Restoration Hardware:

Antique Planisphere Chart, $995

from Etsy seller MayDae:

Vintage Scalloped Plates, $24.50

at Urban Outfitters:



Dance Steps Rubber Bath Mat, $16


at Rugs USA (save 20% with code WSJAN20):

Surya Caesar Rug, $55-$1840

at Rifle Paper Co.:


Animal Parade Print, $24



Conspicuous Consumption

Not to sound too much like the Charlie Brown Christmas special, but when did Christmas become so much about consumerism?  This year I've done much of my shopping online, where I feel like I can really concentrate on finding just the right thing (singular) for each person, rather than being inundated by things, things, things and overbuying.  It still doesn't feel all that good this year.  2011 might be the year we migrate to "giving" by doing or donating. 

Do you find a million extra things you hadn't previously wanted or considered purchasing when Christmas shopping?    Here's what I found last night.  No one thinks they need an origami crane bank or baby tube socks.  Until they see them and are in the midst of a buying frenzy.
(Side note:  although you might not need them, $5 of the purchase price of the bank and sequin animals benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.) 



$9.97-$22.00 at West Elm



$9.97 at West Elm

Welcome 2011!

As we polish off 2010, I did a little searching for nice 2011 calendars.  I'm sort of obsessed with the passage of time, and have kept all of my planners and calendars for 10 years (they serve as a strange journal, since I don't keep one otherwise), so I am careful to choose a calendar I really like.  Round 1:

$22.95, Snow & Graham 2011 Wall Calendar at Patina

Okay, this isn't for "journaling," but it helps me focus on living in the moment to flip forward every day (losing the last day forever).  $16 Vintage Forever Calendar from Etsy seller Eclectic Home

$12 from Etsy seller bomobob

$12.95 Daily Doodle calendar from West Elm  Remember your year in doodles.

Tweak it!

I'm liking this...

La Mer Collections Cognac Brown Leather Watch
via Outblush, $98 at Metropark

...but maybe if it were just a bracelet I'd love it. 

money burning a hole in your pocket?

This would be perfect for a wedding or black-tie affair, and hey!  It's on sale! 

Satin Limelight Clutch from J Crew, $29.99

A Penny Saved...

The first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant was a bank for the baby.  Every Friday I empty my change and dollar bills from the week into it.  Once C is old enough to start learning about the value of a dollar, we'll take him to the bank to open his own savings account (right now we use gift money given to him to buy savings bonds and CDs that we'll put into his future savings account when they mature).  Anyone need a good baby gift??


Animal Farm Money Bank (Bella) by Present Time, at Pacifier for $21
(we bought a sheep version from another retailer and love it)



Silver plated airplane bank from Rumors, on sale for $17.95



Vintage mechanical cast iron horse racing bank from Ebay, starting bid $275

Moonjar bank teaches children to allocate money for saving, sharing, & spending

Vintage tiger bank from Etsy seller ismoyo, $50