Arts Through the Lens of: Andrew Zuckerman

The hot-topic right now is Andrew Zuckerman and his newly published project, Music. I don't know anyone who is not a fan of his work - his lens produces epic captures! And I'm especially fond of his publication for kids, Creature ABC. Come to think of it, his Creature Floor Puzzles ($24.95) are probably one of the most timeless ways to gift a Wii-era child... lend them an appreciation for beauty and affection for creatures of the earth. With Chanukah around the corner and kids receiving way too many high-tech toys,  this may inspire you to take it down a notch - spend some time puzzled over on the floor again! These images are quite incredible, check this:

I can't wait to check out Music:

"The Music project features dynamic portraits of over fifty musicians of all ages, from across genres, who provide their perspectives on one of the most universal and yet unexplainable art forms. Music is available as a book, which includes portraits and interviews as well as access to a feature-length film; it is also available as an iPad app, with text and portraits from the book as well as individual films for each contributor exclusive to the app."

Here's a sneak peek:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o1hP_Mlc_A]

Tripods Gone Wild!

Chanukah gift-giving is just around the corner, and I've recently laid eyes on one very convenient gadget: The Gorillapod; like no other tripod on earth! This nifty number can fold up to fit into your pocket/purse/glove compartment/diaper bag etc. I've been browsing through my iPhoto library recently (on a quest for a casual family photo) and realized how seldom the three of us actually make it behind the lens together! I wish-listed this gizmo immediately, and I'm sure lots of others would love the concept of an easier family photo, as well... Gorillapod by Joby, from $19.95

Sunny Days: Gone Green

Freida (and I!) have really been enjoying the 41st season of Sesame Street!

At 7am the red light on the DVR box lights up, and within the hour, after sharing AM oatmeal and vitamins, we cuddle up together on the sofa (me - still groggy, sipping coffee) and skim through the episode for our favorite segments: Theme song, intro, mad men, music videos, and of course, Elmo. (Yeah, sometimes she feigns for me to switch to Yo Gabba, but once we get started she laughs on through... and she doesn't stop trying to learn the Elmo Slide!)

Folks,this is definitely not the Sesame Street we all grew up on - it's the iconic characters, classic values, and educationl-factor + a fabulous new and modern artistic view. And (I admit), while some of it is rather on the corny-side of the arts fence, most of this new season seems to be fun, upbeat, and genuinely entertaining! Not to mention so darn educational!!

Here's a sneak peak of some of the seasons highlights:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4mllBjgr4U]

P.S. I'm loving the Envirosax/Sesame Street collaboration. Only these beloved colorful characters can bring such vibrant cheer to simple re-usable bag! I always have a bag like this stashed deep in my purse - never fails to come in handy!! Extra shopping, farmers market stop, an unexpected set of wet/dirty baby clothes etc., these bags help keep me sane on-the-go.

Environsax Sesame Street Exclusives, from $9.95

Hope your days are sunny!!

Sweet, Sweet William

Got wind of the fact that charming little Sweet William opened a brand new shop in downtown Manhattan on Kenmare off of Lafayette. What sweet news!

New York mom-to-watch, Bronagh Staley, former editor at Cookie Magazine (if you can't tell, I'm still mourning its' end...), opened the original Sweet William shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn a few years ago - featuring small and socially responsible labels this boutique offers a unique, natural, and fanciful spot to pick up children's clothing, gifts, gear, and accessories.

I've been long-time loving the fabulous collection - she simply puts together all the greatest out there - and wanted to spread the word and wish her heaps of luck at the new location:

85 Kenmare Street New York, NY 10012 212 343 7301

Here's a little roundup of some of my favorites, so you can get an idea what all the fuss is about!

1. April Showers Dada Wool Baby Shoes

2. Atsuyo Et Akiko Alphabet Sweatshirt

3. Oeuf Moose Hat

4. Wovenplay Ribbon Socks

5. Finger in the Nose Snowbird Down Baby Warmer

6. Tane Organics Mushroom Rattles

7. Kidsonroof Totem Tree

8. Bear Feet Cool Boot

9. Oeuf Sparrow Grey Crib

Fill-in the Blanks

Whilst browsing around for projects, activities, and favors for Freida's birthday party, I came upon some of the most wonderful "blanks" ever! It's such a wonderfully creative venture for children to create "something from nothing" - starting a book (thinking of a story line/pictures), painting a set of dolls (the clothing/the expressions), coloring a puzzle (the challenge level/the color-coordinates), penning up a comic (the illustrations/the bubbles and starbursts) etc. It's just so expressive and inevitably heaps of fun!  Here's a little roundup of my favorites:

1. Blank Board Books

2. Blank Nesting Dolls

3. Blank Comics

4. Blank Hardcover Story Book

5. Blank Jigsaw Puzzle

6. Blank Ragdoll