I am a fan of the Baby-Book --- in theory. But it is so hard to actually stick to it, and follow through with all of its countless demands for time and literary journalism... I'm not saying that I don't have what to write about, I am constantly repeating tales of Freida's bravery/humor/fascination etc. to friends and family who all respond with a desperate "you must write that down!", but when it comes down to it... Baby-Books just don't seem that practical. Nikki McClure has toped them all - coming in at my #1 favorite baby journal! I always loved her quaint illustrations and tranquil artisitc outlook, but this one just takes the Baby-Book concept to the next level. It's not a keepsake for newborn hospital bands, fist pacifiers, and shrouds of worn blankies - its a chance to create an epic literary masterpiece of your child's first glorious days!
The First 1000 Days by, Nikki McClure $12.95
You'll fall for these laser-cut bamboo wall clocks. Modern animal cutouts to grace the walls of a kids room/playroom(/heck, I'd put this owl in my living room!), formated to function without the obtrusive ticking!
Bamboo Wall Clocks from Decoylab Etsy Shop
I am a plastic food antagonist. I admit it. It's just one of those things that irk me endlessly. The little velcro circles constantly falling off the "just like home" fruit and veggie sets, the amount of ruckus they produce when being chucked across the room or spilled out of their bins, the BPA and other chemicals found lurking in their DNA... it's just not my thing! I know the better stuff (wood, cotton, wool etc.) is quite a bit more of a burn in the pocket, and while I do feel it's worth it, I'm looking into a couple of DIY food options. Thinking about learning to use a sewing machine (for a number of reasons), I have some great homemade play food ideas using felt. But, until then, I thought I'd share one of my (and Freida's) favorite play food sets. Picked up some of these at a cute little childrens toy boutique while visiting my family in Chicago. Freida was only a few months old and I got them as rattles. She loved them then, and she loves playing with them as food and feeding them to her dolls (and uglydolls) now. I'm sure they advise you to spot clean them, but I can tell you that her watermelon (it was her summer lovey - went with her everywhere!) has gone through quite a few regular laundry loads (dryer included) and has come out perfectly clean and snug. And that's all aside from them being ridiculously adorable!
Knit Play Food by, Yellow Label Kids.
