the hippest kid

Purple Hooded Towel Monster

I would save myself a lot of time every week if I just blogged the inventory of Mahar Dry Goods. Robert Mahar has exquisite taste and a really intuitive sense of what is cool and fun for a kid.

One of Jude's favorite things about bath time is at the end when I wrap him in a towel and sing a song to him about being a "baby burrito". Since he's really not a baby any more, I've been meaning to update the lyrics to something toddler-witty but I always come up dry in the moment.

Now, however, I have been inspired. I can only imagine Jude's reaction when I pull this puppy out, wrap him tight and croon about "monster burritos". I just hope he doesn't explode from joy just like his mom often does.

Available at Mahar Dry Goods.

ABC Belt at Myself Belts

Finally, someone designed a belt that a kid can operate. I'm so glad I don't have to choose between easy potty training and plumber's crack.

The extra handy belts come in a variety of colors and designs for both boys and girls. I'm partial to the ABC belts myself.

Available at Myself Belts.

The Harmony Branch by Schmutzie

One of the better gifts you give to your kids is the ability to keep problems in perspective. My dad once said to me that if something isn't bugging you a year after it happened, it probably wasn't worth getting upset about in the first place. While I don't necessarily agree about the elapsed time he cited, I got the point.

There are quite a few sayings associated with bringing our problems down to size. "It's water under the bridge", "Don't sweat the petty things" and my personal fave, "Making a mountain out of a mole hill". (OK, my obsession with rodents is getting out of hand!...) The disturbing number of cliches around this subject indicates to me that this must really be a problem for us as a species.

Maybe that's why I think The Harmony Branch™ is such an awesome concept. I found out about this on Leahpeah and definitely share her enthusiasm!

It looks remarkably like a riding crop, which worries me a little bit. Given the emotional situations in which you may need some perspective, this should come with some caution tape.

Someday, may be available at Schmutzie.

Tiara at Mommyshop

After seeing one of my Flickr friends wearing a tiara, my inner princess began to covet it.

I don't really hang out at pageant girl supply stores so I wasn't sure where one would acquire a tiara if one wanted one. Really, really wanted one. So I tried to push the idea out of my head.

While hunting for Jude's birthday ideas, I somehow stumbled across "The Ultimate Tiara". I guess even a blind pig finds a truffle once in a while. In this case, a shiny, jewel encrusted truffle.

My inner princess is giddy with joy.

Available at Mommyshop.

Peppermint Hairpins by Snapcrafty

These tasty bobby pins cater to my penchant for adorable, quirky, one-of-a-kind goodies. Handmade from vintage baubles, your kid will not only be the first but quite possibly, the only one on the block to have them.

Minty fresh indeed!

Available at Snapcrafty.

Mommy Heart Tattoo by TinyBigs

Regular readers of this site may have figured out that I have a bit of an obsession with tattoos. (See here and here for the details.)

I also have an obsession with trying to keep skinny Jude's pants from sagging. In this era of mashups, I guess it was only a matter of time before someone combined the two.

Tinybigs are patent-pending accessories designed to keep pants pulled up. The tattoo-inspired designs are a fun alternative to belts and suspenders.

Currently available at Craftsbury Kids.

Rolling Suitcase by Room Seven

We have a nightly ritual where Jude says good night to all his friends. Included in his list is "flying saucer". Where does he come up with this stuff?

So when I saw this child's suitcase by Room Seven featuring a little green alien, I realized it was the perfect companion for any upcoming extra-terrestrial joyrides.

Currently available at Totshop.

Giddy Giddy Hair Clips

Special thanks to Claire for introducing me to the Mahar Dry Goods site. You're a doll! I'll be mining it regularly!

I was never faced with the dilemma of trying to secure a bow to Jude's extra-fine hair. This is definitely one of the upsides to having a boy. However, I wanted to share these lovelies by Giddy Giddy so that no little girl has to suffer the humiliation of having a bow scotchtaped to her head.

By the way mom, I think I've worked through my issues. No apologies necessary.

Selections available at Mahar Dry Goods.

Temporary Tattoos by California Tattoos

The first two-syllable word uttered by my little boy Jude was "tattoo". He absolutely adores the faux versions we regularly put on his forearm, Popeye-style.

Here he is sporting my all-time favorite from California Tattoos:

Petunia Picklebottom Diaper Bag

I was given this Sunset Dragon Roll diaper bag by Petunia Picklebottom as a shower gift. I have received more compliments on it than any handbag I had in my "BC" (before child) existence. It comes in so many delicious colors and now, a extra-hip messenger bag style.