the hippest kid

Tea Collection Nopales Raincoat

--Quick Pick--

I've never seen such a unique choice for a kids' raincoat. I didn't know there was an alternative to ladybugs and firemen slickers.

Available at Childhood Bliss.

Make a Plate

I think there is a Melamine meme going on.

First, I found these adorable aliens. Next came these trashy-hip mud-flap cuties and retro wallpaper designs. And just today I learned that The Wurst Gallery is curating an online exhibit of "Dishwasher Safe" art. 

After seeing the super cool hand-drawn creations by Eddie Martinez, I decided that Jude needed in on the action.

Using a Make-a-Plate kit, original artwork is converted into an unbreakable plastic plate. It won't be long before we'll be eating off our very own mealtime masterpieces.

Available at the Wurst and Target.

Poofs by Zid Zid

-- Quick Pick --

Coolest little home decor item... a Poof! I was smitten by the elephant, but they have designs for all tastes.

Available at Arte Bebe.

My Many Colored Days

When you get to be 40 years old, you think you've got most stuff figured out. You know how to live within a budget, how to avoid pants that make your butt look big and the fastest route to work.

However, becoming a parent for the first time was NOT something I had figured out. I think younger moms have an easier time of parenting because they don't freak-out about getting it "just right". That lovely trait seems to develop the day after your 30th birthday.

This desire to get it just right led me to sign up with Parents as Teachers. I felt better with someone "trained" in child development looking over my shoulder. Someone that could say "Hey, if you keep doing that, you'll end up with a kid that kills kittens."

Gayle, our Parent Educator, is a dream. She suggests inexpensive ideas that help Jude learn and gives great all-around advice.

My latest find "My Many Colored Days" comes from her recent visit. Although not a new book, this beautifully illustrated work about our ever-changing moods is charming. I would even venture to say it is "just right."

Available at Amazon.com

The Fairy's Book of Fairly Good Manners

I so look forward to my newsletter from the Toymaker. Her beautiful paper crafts remind me that you don't have to spend big bucks to entertain the kiddies. The latest edition announced the arrival of "The Fairy's Book of Fairly Good Manners".

Those that know me know that I'm a real stickler for etiquette. I have a hunch that we would have a lot less war and crime if people were taught better manners at an early age. Shooting people just isn't polite.

From her newsletter:

"Print out this little book to give to someone who likes tiny things or needs a nudge to remember to say please and thank you."

Available from the Toymaker.

Railway Cake Pan

-- Quick Pick--

Holidays are a bit dreadful for non-bakers like myself. However, with this adorable cake pan that bakes nine train cars at once, "I think I can" becomes "I know I can".

Available at Williams-Sonoma.