Kids + Casa

I landed upon "Where Children Sleep" by James Mollison, over at Creative Review last week, and I just can't stop thinking about it! The whole project was so intellectually and emotionally provoking! Maybe it's just me, and although this is nothing novel, I still find it so incredibly interesting that a room - the most physical and tangible of things - can say so much about it's dweller! Perhaps it is just the magic of Mollison's lens that manages to provide such deep insight from the life of the child as well as from the room. While most of these stories provide keen insight to the lives of children around the world, some of them are more heartbreaking... I found it fascinatingly educational, and this is definitely something I think all (older) children would benefit from - as an exploration of the many diverse lives of other children the world over.

You can read Where Children Sleep here.

Playmat: Down to Earth

Spotted these playmats over at a little online shop I just discovered called Shak-Shuka - a "stylish eco boutique for baby, child, and mama". These are by far the most useful and practical (not to mention beautifully designed!) playmats I've ever seen. Made of 100% organic cotton (hello, washing machine!) and all natural dyes, these mats are safe from infancy onward: tummy time, toddler play-animal zoology, endless train track play, imaginary autobahns, picnics in the park - heck, I'd even hang these on the wall as art!!

Tapikid Playmats $55.00

It's (Purim) Party Time!!

Last year I leaked a preview of an Alice in Wonderland-themed Purim party flyer designed by my brother Yossi (over at Yossi Graphic Design) for his Purim Stock collection. I don't know who said Jewish advertising has to be cheesy (but it is more often than not!) - there's something so refreshing about modern, well-thought-out, well-designed Jewish graphics! This year, I'll grace you once more with a peek at my favorites - but you've got to head over to the site to check out the rest of the fabulous line of Purim Stock!! Take a bit of a break from the mainstream and up the fun-factor by doing something novel - host a Purim shin-dig like it's 1982, or for a more glamorous effect; a Purim speakeasy!

Weekend Round-up!

Wishing you all a fantastic extended weekend! Hope you manage to get up to something adventurous (even if it is just a new recipe for dinner!) with the extra free-time...

Here's some links of things I've seen this week that I've been meaning to share:

- Little wooden action figures - of American Presidents!

- Those needle felted alphabet balls make for an instant heirloom + heaps of learning: letters, numbers, shades of colors...

- Did you hear the fabulous news from H&M??

- How fun would this concept be for a Purim? (Too bad my husband is hooked on being DJ Lance!)

- This has got to be the most glamorous way to jot down a mom's many little blurbs.

- This puzzle rug is pretty rad!

- Did you see the Justin Beiber Shema video? It's gone viral! Gotta be tough to have so many different "gods" to pray to. Boy, am I glad my life is simplified by having just The One.

- A modern and tangible take on the Family Tree puts it right up there on the wall!

Thankfully, the sun is peeking through those stubborn rain clouds; we plan on doing some serious outdoor shopping this afternoon, then having family dinner of spinach-pesto cheese lasagna, arugula salad, and garlic toasts. After Freida is tucked-in (and when my husband returns from playing Sunday basketball) we'll be sitting down to enjoy the new Sofia Coppola movie Somewhere (we landed a Screen Actors Guild "for your consideration" copy from a friend of a friend - all about the connections!). Enjoy your weekend!!!

Spring/Summer by Stella

It may still be nippy outdoors, but the new line over at Stella McCartney Kids is beamin' with sunshine! Featuring both bright and muted hues of summer, this line seems to be more french-vintage-inspired than her usual hipster spin (I was downright shocked to see a throwback to some nasty old-school-blue-jean-washes!).

Here's a peek at some of my favorites:

You can check out the rest of the line for boys, girls, and babies.

And yes, this also means that her previous line is now on sale here!!!

(The highlight is definitely the "Bonnie" - the shot at the top is another view of that strappy red culotte-suit, and has detachable wings!)