A Skokie Summer Shoot

I've been blessed with having some wonderfully talented photographers in my family. To me, photographs capture a moment/time/place even more than words can ever tell. I grew up with my father, always with a camera, shooting even the smallest special moments with the kids. He diligently kept albums for each of us; photographs narating out little worlds, which have now become a treasury of life - a tale of childhood, youth, growth, and family. Photographs are worth all the time in the world, all the lugging around a camera, all the stopping mid-action to capture a smile, a laugh, a tear. These pictures become keepsakes for families and children to enjoy and pass on for years to come...

The most fabulous pictures come about through watching a child in action. Skip the posing, skip the props, skip the backdrops (inevitably skipping out the stress, time, and drama of family photos in studios). Photography is most captivating when it's honest. Take your kids to the park and let them play. A good photographer (or your own camera!) should be able to join you and capture their playful moments of happiness.

These photos were taken by my incredibly artistic brother, Yossi Belkin.

And Freida's wardrobe is by Peek...Aren't You Curious.

Play with your Food: Roundup!

Freida's first play kitchen should arrive any day now... I've got some high hopes for the entertainment-factor this kitchen will bring her, and I'm so looking forward to the long hours she'll spend playing mom/chef (whishful thinking, right??). Now that my little bugger is joining the jr. culinary world, all my play-food browsing/testing is bound to come in handy... gotta fill those little cupboards with plenty of nutritional basics & goodies! Here's a little roundup of my current play food favorites (not that you need more grocery shopping...)! Haba Biofino: (Almost) eatible food for the little dude - Haba has an incredible line of realistic looking and versatile play food options. By far, my favorite kid-kitchen collection.

Yellow Label: Whimsical and charming - hand-knit play food with rattles inside makes for a great toy from birth onward. Plus, they look super cute! I posted more about them here.

Mellisa & Dough: Can't go wrong with this classic! Beautifully painted wooden toys + the added bonus of fine motor skills development through their fun "cutting" factor. I also love their "food group" sets - wonderful for teaching early nutrition basics.

Ikea Duktig: Fresh food is on the market! New to Ikea, this line of felted play food seems wonderfully practical as well as totally affordable!

Take a Peek!

A friend of mine (thanks Briendy!!) introduced me to one of my new favorite childrens clothing stores - Peek... aren't you curious? is a fabulous little collection of both classic and hip childrens goods. Whoever does thier interior is seriously talented - the store is simple and chic with the perfect amount of charming little touches throughout the displays. They have the "peek" element subtly running through every aspect of the store; even their shopping bags and gift cards have a small cutout hole, enabling a sneak peek! They just launched their fantastic fall collection, and I'm smitten.

Their summer lines are all on serious clearance now - get fabulous threads for the price of your AM coffee! Check it out here.

My favorite thing about this company is their baby line Little Peanut - it's baby basics at their best, featuring pre-shrunk, pre-faded 100% cotton newborn essentials in vintage-style shades. This line makes for a perfect baby gift!! (That $12 tank quickly became my new go-to top for Freida.)

Here's a shot of Freida in her oh-so-sweet Olivia bloomer. Stike a pose. : )

Shades and Gray

I'm currently loving this artist, Aliette. Her art was recently added to the fabulous selection over at Kindergallery. Modern, simple, and charming - this Automne series is reminiscent of the fall in all its colorful splendor. (But let's just enjoy August for now...) : )

Kindergallery features a collection of fine art for children. It's a great place to explore hip and new artists from around the globe. Inspiring and stimulating, if you are looking to spruce up a nursery/playroom - art is a surefire way to go.

Stripes on Sale

Polarn O. Pyret, the beloved Swedish clothing line for kids (and expecting mums) has a 50% off sale going on now! Everything is made from 100% organic cotton - sustainable, durable, and affordable. Their iconic stripes and T-shirts, once available only in Europe, are now ours for the taking. Enjoy the sweet stripes, and other goodies at their new reduced prices!