MoMA-Mia!

I'm a MoMA Store fanatic!! Heaps and heaps of  independent designeres bringing art at its very best to the rest of us. They do have a selection of sale items from their exhibitions (MoMA is one of the most incredible Museums/Art Galleries! Always hip and always current; if you are in the greater New York area and appreciate the Arts - definitely pencil this in on your itinerary. You can view a list of their current exhibitions here.), but the good stuff is a fabulous array of featured fresh designers and their take on home goods. I got an update from them in my inbox today (don't you just love good email??) and wanted to share their hot new collection for Fall 2010. Here are some of my newbie favorites:

1. Choco Tape Dispenser - nix Office Max and spruce up the workspace.

2. Chairs Wall Calendar - I'm a chair freak, remember?

3. Apple Jars - fresh, vibrant, and not too kitschy for the kitchen. (Honey jar, anyone?)

4. Dustpan & Brush - perhaps I'd be more prone to cleaning if I were using this...

5. Memory Card Reader - multi-tasking minimalist.

6. Mi Chair - speechless.

7. Safe Bamboo Radio - let's hope it's only used as an object of decor, but play it safe.

8. Mix Spoon Set - Wonderful wedding gift (it's been wishlisted).

9. My Backyard BBQ Set - now this is every grillin-daddy's dream!

10. Neo's Baskets - woven. neoprene. need I say more??

11. Rainbow Chopsticks - the life of the sushi party.

12. Washi Paper Masking Tape - I'm japanese tape obsessed.

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. : )

Kids in the Windy City

We're almost completely back to normal here... Pretty much back on schedule, and gradually syncing back into routine. Freida had a bout of seperation-anxiety the night and morning after our flight. Whenever Manasseh left her side she became completely frantic! Each time he left the room or walked out of sight, she went into full-on hysterics! Took a lot a coaxing and convincing to explain to her that she is home now, and both mommy and daddy are here etc... Late the next morning she finally cooled off enough to wave at her daddy as he left the house. Wondering if this ever happened to any of your kids after not seeing one of their parents for a while...??

Anyways, now that I'm back, I wanted to share a bit of a city-guide for trekking with children through the City of Chicago... There's really so much to do in every big city, but with kids in toe - things tend to get a bit tricky. Thought I'd give you of few of my favorite greater Chicagoland area destinations:

Chicago Childrens Museum @ Navy Pier - www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

We grew up spending many special Sundays at this classic location. Perfect for the little guys to have fun while learning, and the Pier has a myriad of hip attractions for the grownups as well.

The Skokie Park District Exploratorium - www.skokieparkdistrict.org

Called "Chicagoland's best rainy-day activity site" by Chicago magazine. And I can vouch for that!! Two thumbs up to the greatest indoor-playground I've ever seen! I'd highly recommend you check it out...!

Ken's Diner - www.kensdiner.com

Retro-styled glatt, baby! Feels like you walked into a set on Grease - diner styled burgers, fries, and even shakes (non-dairy, of course). The Burger Buddy, the most famous on the menu, is said to be the best kosher burger available!

  

Kohl Childrens Museum - www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

The beloved Kohl museum offers 17 interactive hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8. I loved this place as a kid, and it has only gotten better over time. The newly renovated modern facility is located in Glenview IL (about 15-20 minutes from Skokie), and really is a no-fail entertainment plan.

Millennium Park (Crown Fountain) - www.millenniumpark.org

There is so much to do/see at Millennium Park, but the most popular summertime attraction for kids is Spanish artist Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain, a shallow pool featuring by two giant video installations that squirt water onto the crowd. A great central place to hang out when visiting/touring the City. You're bound to love it.

Bagel Country - www.bagelcountry.com

My all-time favorite lunch-time destination! Offering over 25 different bagel options; everything from jalepeno to chocolate chip. This is sure-fire way to happily feed the family.

Enjoy your voyage, and travel happy!!

Redefining: Lounge on the Lawn

I fell in love with this photo of the Lazy Lawn (among many, many other things) at the Shoreditch House in East London. Then I found out it was designed by Tom Dixon, now I'm simply smitten!

(I've been sort of stalking Tom's design career. Mostly his lighting. No big deal. I just love him.)

Wonderful Onesies

Love, love, love these Estella striped onesies for boys! Made from the softest of cottons, pre-shrunk, and perfectly fitted. This little number will bring your dude from white gerber baby to punk-rocker lad. Really great for this sticky time of year, when all a babe needs wear is a onesie...

Estella striped onesie $25.00

For those of you in NYC, Estella is a fabulous boutique located in Greenwich Village. But they have an online shop as well, and ship worldwide. ($8 flat rate. Free shipping with $100 purchase.) Check it.