the hippest kid

Lions, Tiger & Kitties Toddler Bedding

Jude has officially graduated out of my bed and into his toddler bed. Three and a half years of getting kicked in the ribs is finally coming to an end. Woot woot!

To celebrate, I want to reward him with new sheets. I'm trying not to feel the pressure of creating fond recollections. I don't know about you folks, but I still remember my Underdog and Marimekko sheets as a child. *sigh*

Fortunately, Pixel Organics has the good sense to use eco-friendly materials and uber hip designs. I don't know how he couldn't love these Lions, Tiger and Kitties on his bed but I suppose if he doesn't, he can tell it to his therapist. I'm sure they'll have  p l e n t y  to talk about.

Available at Pixel Modern.

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.

Slumber Bags

--Quick Pick--

When I was a kid, I had a sleeping bag that vaguely resembled a lion... albeit one that was pancaked by a semi. The flattened head functioned as a pillow and the lion's body was the bag. It even had little paws and a tail. Quite simply, I LOVED IT!

I think these super cute bags at Hearth Song have the potential to be just as endearing to the little Dude. And bonus, he won't lie awake wondering if all sleeping bags look like roadkill.

Available at Hearth Song.

Forest Friends Bower

It seems that Jude's imagination just exploded overnight. Sticks have become magic keys. Mom's legs now span rivers as bridges and an empty refrigerator box is transformed into a scary cave.

I saw this Tolkeinesque hideaway and thought about what wonderful enchanted adventures it could inspire. Some Middle Earth fantasy play can't hurt unless it goes on into adulthood.

Available at Magic Cabin.

Bed Tent

--QUICK PICK--

Grab a flashlight and have a camp-IN. I know I won't miss the bugs and peeing in the woods!

Available at Target.

Redhood by Camilla Engman

Camilla Engman makes amazing prints and paintings. Her style is strangely sweet and dark at the same time. Little Red Riding Hood gets a "Mini-Me" companion in this made-new fairytale.

The lighthearted nature of the print almost made me forget the sad fact that Red's Grandma gets eaten during this macabre story. This now begs the question: does anyone know why so many people get devoured in German children's stories?

Available at Mahar Dry Goods.

Pinch Guard Bear by DigitSaver

Jude has just gotten tall enough to start opening and closing and opening and closing and opening and closing doors.

Every time he starts this delightful behavior, I turn into a hyperventilating, neurotic hummingbird. I'm certainly not one of those helicopter parents that hovers around my offspring, protecting them from the scary, dangerous world. However, I do know the pain of smashing a digit. I once managed to shut my "FU" finger in a SAFE. I know our hollow-core doors are not the same as a 500 lb. steel door, so maybe it's the post-traumatic stress talking. But just the thought of his tiny little fingers getting smashed activates a sympathy pain in my still-not-quite-right-bird-giver.

These plush little devices are super-sweet and a bit unsettling at the same time. I love that they keep the doors from slamming. However, it feels a bit wrong that the creature's head takes the blow, over and over and over and over and over and over...

Available at Babyplayroom.com.

Babylicious Happy Bedding Collection

This bedding collection from Babylicious is aptly named "Happy" because the cheery colors make me smile and feel all warm inside.

Looking at adorable stuff like this triggers brief episodes of baby fever. I'll lapse into dreaming about babies, smiling at babies and once again, posting about baby gear.

However, I'm returned to reality pretty quickly these days, since we are in the throes of some pretty ferocious two-year old tantrums. Makes my ovaries shrivel at the thought.

Someone needs to make toddler bedding named "Grouchy". It could double as birth control.

Available at Target.

Rugby Stripes Quilt by Denyse Schmidt

I come from a family of quilters. I didn't inherit the talent, but I have an unbelievable respect for the craftsmanship and time that goes into a quilted piece.

I still wonder how the hell the women of yore were able to make these things in their spare time. What spare time? Man, after cleaning the house (with no Swiffers... gah!), cooking everything from scratch, washing and making clothes by hand AND canning, I'd just want to sleep, not poke myself with needles for relaxation.

So what's a modern sewing-averse, quilt-loving gal to do? Why, Denyse Schimdt to the rescue!

Her offbeat vision can be found in a line of quilts for kids and adults. Not only is she a domestic goddess, anyone that creates a quilt called "Drunk Love in a Log Cabin" is a rockstar in my book.

These future heirlooms aren't cheap, but neither is blood, sweat and tears, which is what I would shed if I had to make one myself!

Collections available at Denyse Schmidt Quilts.
Rugby Stripes from the more affordable "Works Collection" is shown below.