Low-profile Play

If any of you mamas out share my nesting issues; you'll appreciate the concept of a good toy that blends into your home decor. I admit to being a total stickler for organization - i.e toys residing in the play room. And (unfortunately for my children)... I don't see myself wavering that often. It's great to have a nice looking toy bin (or an ottoman with storage) for stashing a few living room play things, but it's especially nice when the toys themselves don't wreak much feng shui havoc (I know, I'm psychotic). Found these wonderful foam blocks at an art store in my neighborhood, I thought they were the perfect weight and size for Freida to learn how to stack and build (to my architect-husband's delight), the fact that they were a well-designed faux bois was just a lovely bonus!

Step2 Soft & Sturdy Timber Blocks $12.71

(They seem to no longer be on the Step2 website, and they were rather difficult to track down online, so if you want some - grab 'em while they're there.)

In Daddyland

Happy Sunday everyone, hope your Fathers Day is full of love and laughter... and good eats (we all know that's what matters to 'em)!

I posted a great recipe for Challah French Toast on the FreidaFroo Facebook Page. (If you're a reader and not yet a fan, just letting you in - I often post things (links, videos, snippets etc.)  there that I don't post here on the blog... so join the party and "like" it!) If you're skipping the late brunch and you're more of a dinner family, check out some of the other wonderful recipes on the Epicurious Fathers Day Menu.

On a side note, the kiddos are bound to be super stoked for Toy Story 3 this weekend... The reviews were fabulous, check them here. I'll tell you this; if Freida was of age we'd be joining the throngs at the movies today, kudos to Pixar (and Disney, I suppose). Maybe my man and I will see it on date-night - I won't deny we're kid-movie-lovers! : )

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_FfHA5whXc]

Idiot-proof Pancakes

Came across this frying pan while browsing for some Fathers Day gifts... I think this pan should be called man-proof. Perfect pancakes every time - great for our mornings off (what? Your husband never offers to wake up with the kids and bring you pancakes in bed??) - or an easy morning on. Plus, this would definitely be payback for all the gifts they give us that are really for them (just think back...) : )

Alright, fine; not the greatest way to gift them on their day of honor, but an awesome gadget to have on hand for cooking with (older) kids in the kitchen.

Silver Dollar Pancake Pan, Crate & Barrel $29.95

Cups of Letters

How adorable are these cups?? I mean, common, they are paper cups - they must be pretty great if they can bring me to call them adorable! I think this is a fabulous idea for kids birthday parties, message-centerpieces, a great activity for new readers (brings cup-stacking to a whole new level!), planters forming a phrase on a buffet table, even as place-cards with each guests initial etc. The decor ideas are endless!

They are made in Korea (= almost impossible to get your hands on),  apparently sold through I am design, but you're better off waiting - they are super popular and I have no doubt someone will be doing a US import very soon. Stay tuned.

Corolle Doll Evolution

I usually talk about how I can't believe that certain toys have not evolved or upgraded their options since I was a kid, however once in a while comes a toy so great and so lovely that I'm super grateful the exact same versions still exist for my little one. This is the case with Corolle dolls. Way long before American Dolls became a fad and made their way into my little-girl bedroom, I grew up on Corolle's. This fabulous French doll company has been making award-winning baby dolls since 1979. The dolls are now sold in more than 29 countries across the world, and in my opinion are better than anything else out there.

Never mind the superior quality and look of the dolls, I just love how many options there are!  Corolle makes dolls in a myriad of sizes and forms; you can buy bald ones or babies with hair, dolls for infants, toddlers, and little ladies, and if you're searching for a soft-bodied doll that can go in the bath tub, they make those too!

Freida got her first Corolle from her Bubby when she was 4 months old - a soft rattle doll with a "lovie" blanket attached to its hand. We bought her a second at around 8 months old - a version a tad bigger, bean-filled body, and bald. Her third was sent from her Great Grandma in Chicago (who spent hours with me when I was a kid in FAO Schwartz picking out the most beautiful ones!) - perfectly short hair, visible teeth, and realistically well-shaped hands and feet.

My absolute favorite thing about these dolls is the fact that the "new-doll-scent" last forever, because they bake the doll "skin" with fresh vanilla beans!! Wait 'til you take a whiff - lovely!

And believe it or not, they are priced well, to boot!

If you don't know of a toy boutique near you that carries them, you can buy one here.