Tracey Clark Giveaway

It was so much fun to have a photoshoot with Tracey Clark, that I thought I'd share some Tracey love with you in today's Giveaway. The lucky winner will receive 2 things:

1) A free registration to attend Picture Spring — it's a 30-day online photo course being taught by Tracey. And you won't want to miss it. Here's a description: You'll use the daily photo prompt to help open your mind and guide your lens to see and capture your life and the world around you. Whether you are an expert photographer, or just starting out, this project will help you see things in a completely new light. Doesn't that sound wonderful?




2) The winner will also receive a copy of Tracey's beautiful book, Waiting for Baby. I've seen this guided journal in real life and it is gorgeous. A perfect gift for yourself or for that pregnant someone in your life.

To enter, just leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

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Congratulations to Emskyrooney! You are the lucky winner. Enjoy the class and the book!

Baby Goods from Mom 2.0

It is endlessly interesting to me to see how the products-for-baby market has changed in the last decade. Every year there are loads of pretty new things to try (and lots of gimmicky things we can all ignore). At Mom 2.0, a handful of excellent, new-to-me baby lines crossed my path. Check it.



Weil baby, who makes sleek, colorful (bpa-free!) baby bottles gave me a charming basket full of baby soaps and baby shampoos and baby lotions by Erbaviva. They smell fresh and clean, they're totally organic, and I love the little illustrations on each container. (If I can get myself to the post office, I know the perfect person to send this basket-full-of-loveliness to.)



The sweet sisters of Sama Baby sent me home with a yellow-lotus print dress in Betty's size. Made of organic materials (like everything in the Sama Baby line). As soon as it's even a little warm, you can bet Betty will want to wear that dress every single day.



Aden & Anais had a booth in the Mom 2.0 expo. They were giving attendees generously-sized cotton muslin swaddling wraps in pretty prints. Plus a lovely little accompanying book. It's a wonderful thing to wrap up a baby in something cozy — and these really are the perfect size. The bright, star prints made me smile.

See what I mean? Great stuff. What about you? Do you have any baby products on your list to try?

Ask Design Mom — DIY Baby Photos

Ask Design Mom Question:
My question is this, I am wanting to research how to take the best baby photos DIY style and I swear there is a website out there that you can sign up for (pay a subscription to) to get tips, hints, etc. I also swear I learned about it here on Design Mom. Does this ring a bell to you? Thank you so much. Danya (like Tanya but with a D)

Design Mom Answer:
Great question, Danya! I'm not sure if it's pregnancy brain or what, but I only have the vague-est memory of mentioning a website about DIY baby photos. I can not for the life of me remember what the site is. So I'm going to put this lovely question to my readers, and I'm sure they'll come up with wonderful answers.

Dear Readers, do you have any favorite sources for learning how to take photos of your babies? Maybe a website or book that has taught you some terrific tips? (This doesn't answer the question, but I love these polaroids my sister Jordan had taken during Roman's birth.)

Bonnie Baby

I'm feeling kind of gaga over the Bonnie Baby clothing line, designed by Tracey Samuel. My favorites are the rainbow-y pieces for the boys and the super feminine Spring line for the girls. Everything looks so cozy, don't you think?

Holiday Giveaway #14 — Kistner Supply

The fourteenth Giveaway is sponsored by Kistner Supply. This lovely company is offering a Mother Stork’s Baby Book with handmade gift bag and 2 extra packets of photo corners — a $150 value. Yay!

This baby book has a pretty great story. Basically, the Kistner Supply founder discovered her Grandmother's baby book, filled in by her Great Grandmother, and she loved the book so much that she made a goal to get the original 1904 version republished and started a company to do just that.




Happily for all of us, she succeeded. The republished 100 year anniversary edition of Mother Stork's Baby Book is now in its third printing. And clearly, to purchase one for your child is to have an heirloom in the making. You can take a tour of the inside pages here. Vintage and charming and really just lovely.

By the way, the book was so successful, that Kistner Supply has expanded their offerings. Don't miss their gorgeous cashmere goodies. Leave a comment to enter. The winner will be announced on Monday 12/7. Find out more about Holiday Giveaway Week here.

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Congratulations to Kris Livovich! You are the lucky winner. Happy Holidays!

Custom Crib

Very cool. A time lapse video of a DIY crib being built. And the light-up S E X Y in the living room is all kinds of awesome.

Ask Design Mom — First Christmas Present

Ask Design Mom Question:
So, here is my dilemma. Because of when my baby is due — and the latest date my doctor will let me go before inducing — the little guy's first Christmas will be when he is at most a few weeks old and at least, 3 days old. So what to do? What kind of gifts do you get for a brand new baby? I, of course, want it to be special since it will be his first Christmas but it seems silly to buy a bunch of stuff that he will be too young to use or even know exists. Any feedback you or the readers could give would be great! Thanks. — Jennifer

Design Mom Answer:
Early Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby, Jennifer! How exciting. I think many mothers with babies born in December stress about the closeness of the birthday and the holidays. I don't blame them — it's a lot to think about in one month.

But for this first Christmas, you're super lucky. I agree that it's "silly to buy a bunch of stuff that he will be too young to use or even know exists." Instead think "heirloom" and look for something more commemorative that he'll appreciate when he's older. For example, when the new millenium was coming, I had two babies and wanted to give them both something to mark the event. For Ralph, I had a sterling silver yo-yo engraved with an R. For Maude, I had a sterling silver star-shaped pendant engraved with her name and "2000." My thinking was that they'll be able to tell their grandkids they were alive (just barely) when the new millenium arrived — and pull out their souvenirs to make the story more interesting. : )



Julian & Co. just introduced a product that might be perfect for this. It's a 6-sided pendant that can be engraved on each side — and further used as a wax seal imprinter. Very cool. You can read more about it here.

What about you Dear Readers? What would you do to celebrate a newborn's first Christmas?

Tiny Sprouts Giveaway

Another generous Giveaway today — from Tiny Sprouts. Where the lucky winner will receive a whole lotta goodies. (As in $486 worth!) Take a look at the list of prizes:

-Grow With Me Chart
-Take Me Home Outfit & Blanket
-Hand Embroidered Hand Prints
-Crayon Tote
-Nightgown & Booties set

Plus.
-A $200 gift certificate to Tiny Sprouts — to pick out whatever you'd like. For you. Or for a friend. (But it's okay if it's for you.)



How sweet are those goodies? How sweet is that hand embroidery? And don't you just want to eat that baby right up? Leave a comment on this post and you're entered to win. I'll announce a winner next week.

Suggestion: while you're waiting to see who wins, you can get your fill of newborn eye candy by browsing the Tiny Sprouts site. If you see something you love, type in designmom09 to get 10% off of your purchases through November. Sweeet!

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Congratulations to Aaron and Karrie! You are the lucky winner. Won't it be so fun for you to receive your big box of goodies? Happy shopping.

Ask Design Mom Week — Baby Names

Question:
I'm wondering about baby names. I love love love your kids names and wonder where you got them. Is there a story behind each one or are they just favorites? Also, do you have any favorite resources for baby name finding? Ideas for baby #6? Thanks! — Sarah

photo credit here

Answer:
For Ben Blair and I, baby names have sometimes come easily and sometimes taken forever to decide. What we look for: well-recognized names (not invented ones), easy to pronounce, possibly fallen out of fashion — so that they're relatively unusual. If they have family connection, that's even better. Our baby name stories in brief:

-During my first pregnancy, once we knew it was a boy, he was instantly Ralph Wallace Blair. Ralph is my dad's dad. Wallace is Ben's dad's dad (and Ben's middle name). We really liked the name Ralph. And my father passed away while I was pregnant with Ralph, so we like honoring his family.

-Once Ralph was picked, we felt like our future kids' names should fit with it — maybe come from the same time or generation. We decided on the name Maude at a family funeral on Ben's side of the family, where we discovered it on two family gravestones (Ben's great grandmother and great aunt). At the last minute we added Emma as a middle name, because there was some nervousness that the name Maude would be too unusual. So she's Maude Emma Blair. (Sometimes we regret the Emma. It's a little random.)

-The name Olive we found in a book. It was the name of the mother of a great man (can not remember for the life of me what the book was). I could imagine two old ladies named Maude and Olive playing canasta at a card table and I knew it fit. Olive's full name is Olive Jean Blair. Jean is my mother's middle name and a popular name on Ben's side of the family as well.

-Oscar was suggested by our friends. It was on their short list, but they ended up not using it. The full name is Oscar Stanley Groberg Blair. (Stanley is my maiden name. Groberg is Ben's Mom's maiden name.) Once, someone (mis)heard the name and said, wow, Oscar and Grover? You guys must really love Sesame Street.

-I have no memory of where or when we decided on the name Betty. But we deliberately did not give her a middle name. Because Betty Blair sounds so great — like the name of the alter ego of a superhero.

-We don't know what we're naming baby #6. We've decided we won't even think about it till we know if it's a boy or a girl. Any suggestions?

I'd love to hear your name stories, Dear Readers. How do you come up with names? What are your favorite name sources?

Ask Design Mom Week — Playroom Mats

Question:
Have you ever put together a play room for an infant learning to crawl and walk? I'm looking for something for the floor. I've been looking at Jigsaw Mats but wondered if you've ever come across anything a little nicer looking. Thanks. — Sarah



Answer:
Fun to put together a playroom! Those jigsaw mats look cute, but I think an easy upgrade would be Flor tiles. They come in dozens and dozens of patterns, thicknesses and colors. And they are designed to be easy to care for. In fact, with some of Flor's options, if you have a spill, you can just pick up the individual tile and run it under the sink. Nice.

In the Room To Grow article I designed for Parents Magazine, we used Flor's circular rug kits and they were adorable.

Dear Readers, what do you like on your playroom floor?

Ask Design Mom Week — Stroller Advice

Question:
I am pregnant with my first and am doing a lot of stroller research. There are so many to choose from. Cost is an issue with me but I don't want a cheap one that will fall apart. I like the idea of having one for newborn to toddler that can be converted into a double stroller. Any advice? Many thanks! — Meghan



Answer:
So smart to be doing your research, Meghan. The first thought that comes to mind, is that it makes a big difference if you're a city dweller or living in suburbia. You'll use your stroller differently, and want different features, depending on your location. (My current stroller is the Micralite Toro, pictured. We love it, but it wouldn't have worked for us at all about a few years back — I had completely different needs.)

The second thought that comes to mind, is that you're not alone. I actually get a lot of stroller questions. And I see the topic discussed around the interwebs pretty regularly. In fact, a week or so ago I heard about a new site called Stroller Source. They don't actually sell strollers — so that they can remain non-biased. But they have tons of research and comparison information. They're like the Good Samaritans of the stroller world. Stroller Source would be a really good place to start.

What about you Dear Readers? What kind of stroller advice would you like to offer?

Trifle Shoppe Giveaway

I've got a crazy huge giveaway for you today from one of the most stylish baby stores around: New Zealand's very own Trifle Shoppe. I'm not kidding when I say it's a big giveaway. It's so big I have to describe it in list form so that I don't forget anything. Take a look at what the winner will receive (just imagine the giant box waiting on her doorstep):

-Organic Merino Set by Natural Star — booties, beanie and mittens.
-Feeding Pillow and Skincare Pack by Babybaby.
-Merino Newborn Set by Three Bags Full — top, pants and hat.
-Nudey!Rudey! Trial Pack — including a pocket cloth nappy, a triple layer microfiber insert, one reuseable liner and six biodegradable liners.
-A Treasure Hand-stamped Customized Necklace by Lovestamp.
-Whimsical Giraffes Fabric Wall Decals by Sticky Tiki.
-Baby Hair clips with Matching Display Box and Kimono Frame by Mini Lala.
-A Babywedge.
-Millicent Mouse Toy by ATLDL.
-Unido Baby Sling.
-Blanket with Cocolatte Trim by Babyjo Bamboo.
-Baby Pack by Ramalama — bamboo bodysuit, baby wrap and bib.
-Nesting Kit by Westcoast Baby — Infant Kimono Wrap, Infant Beanie Hat and Cocoon Swaddling Blankets.
-Newborn gift pack by Green Bean Kids Ltd — baby gown and baby swaddle wrap.



Friends. That's one very big Giveaway. With a prize totaling over $1000 in goodies. ($1000!!)

You'd be crazy not to enter. If you're having a baby you'll be totally set up. If you're not having a baby, your gift closet will be totally set up. Just leave a comment and you're entered to win. I'll post a winner on Monday, November 2nd.

By the way, while you're browsing the Trifle website, which features over 60 designers hand-picked from around the globe, you should take a minute to sign up for their newsletter — then you'll be the first to know when the diligent buyers from Trifle have spotted a fantastic new line.

How's that for a Halloween treat?

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Update: Congratulations to Becky L! You are the lucky winner. I hope this package is as fun to receive as it was to write about.

Smitty Baby

Cute imagery, great colors and smart products at Smitty Baby. I love the aprons.

Orange & Pear

Online gift shop, Orange & Pear, just introduced a line of baby goods. Love that puppet!

Little Alouette Giveaway

Fantastic Giveaway today! Really lovely. You can win a Wee Wood of the Month Subscription, worth $150.00, from Little Alouette.



What in the world is a Wee Wood of the Month Subscription? Good question. Here's the deal: for three months the winner will receive a goodie box of Wee Wood — teething rings, teethers, animal shapes blocks, rattles. Each product is made by hand (made by hand!). And they're gorgeous.

Imagine the Wee Wood coming to be while surrounded by cups of tea, laughing children, and disco music — this is a family company that infuses each product with love and bliss. Doesn't that sound fabulous?



If you've moved beyond teethers and other Wee Wood, I'm certain you should enter anyway. You know this would make a gorgeous gift for your pregnant bff-sister-cousin-neighbor.

Enter by leaving a comment. I'll post a winner on Monday, October 12th.

You find the Little Alouette shop here, with additional goodies at their etsy shop. Get to know this great company at the Little Alouette Blog.

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Congratulations to Lisa R. Lewis. You are the lucky winner of the Wee Wood Subscription from Little Alouette. Hooray!

Baby Shower

Katie sent links and photos to the beautiful baby shower she threw for her friend, Rachelle — and I just had to share. So lovely. You can find Katie's post about the invitations here. And her post about the party here.

Ouef Fall Collection

I felt the first chill in the air this weekend and I immediately thought of this charming image from Oeuf (you can see their Fall Collection here). Are you ready for cozy fall clothes?

A More Convenient Crib?

Michelle just emailed me with photos of the crib her husband designed and built(!). It looks super hip, but the best part is the bonus feature. Apparently her husband polled a bunch of moms to find out what they would change about their cribs, and the overwhelming response was: it's hard to access the mattress when it's time to change the sheet.



His solution: a roll out feature for full access to the mattress. Fantastic, no?

Sakura Bloom

Ooooh. Here's a sneak peek of the pretty new packaging for some of the prettiest slings out there. By Sakura Bloom. I heart good packaging.

Biisoo

The handknit collection at Biisoo is making me drool. Do you know 3 of my siblings are expecting babies? Isn't that wonderful? Lots of excuses to buy pretty things like these.

Wee See

Ladies. I think we've found the next Baby Einstein. But it's way cooler. Well designed. And completely fascinating to watch. It's called Wee See.

You can read about it here. "Part art installation, part pacifier, Wee See is a collection of black-and-white animations built from basic shapes to delight both child and parent. As vision develops slowly over the first months of life, Wee See provides surfaces of bold, well-defined artwork to engage your baby’s curious mind and bring the screen to vibrant life."

Or even better, you can watch examples here.

wee see - collection one from Rolyn Barthelman on Vimeo.

Tees for the Not-Urban Crowd

Charmed by the t-shirts (and onesies) at Southern Brand's Company Store. Lots more if you click through.

Some sentiments seem explicitly Southern. Others make me think of my Western upbringing. Kind of surprised there's so much overlap — I had no idea.