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 Kaela! 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.

Giveaway — $150 Layette from Zutano

Another great Giveaway today — win a layette from Zutano! The winner will receive a $150 shopping spree toward any items in Zutano's Itsy Bitsy line. And when they say itsy bitsy, they mean it. This line is only available for newborns — two sizes to fit 4-8 pound and 9-13 pound babies.



The spring patterns are bright and sweet with flowers and snails and toys and tractors. I think Celery Dot is my favorite. Available in every sort of clothing you need for a new baby. Gowns, bodysuits, kimonos, leggings, dresses, blankets and on and on. So sweet!

Leave a comment to enter. Happy weekend, friends! I'll announce a winner on Tuesday morning.

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Congratulatons, Windhula! You are the winner. Happy shopping. Yay!

Tooby Doo

So great that the renaissance of children's clothing design is still going strong. Look how terrific this line called Tooby Doo is. Makes me grateful that at least two of my kids are small enough to wear this lovely stuff.

Changing Diapers, Changing Minds — by Guest Mom Amy of Progressive Pioneer

We started out using cloth diapers with our baby Sam from the very beginning, so I have little to compare them to. However, it seems to me that cloth diapers have come a long way and are far more user friendly than the white squares and pins of the past. Most have velcro and stretchy legs, and many even have pockets so you can adjust the absorbency by adding extra layers. I often get questions from curious moms, who want to know, "But... how exactly does it work?"

Jillian's Drawers has a wonderful solution for those unsure of how to get started. You can try out all the most popular brands for $10 and just return the ones that don't work for you. They call it their "Changing Diapers, Changing Minds" program.

We use and love the Bum Genius one-size-fits-all diapers. They have ingenious snaps that let you adjust the size from newborn to toddler.

Other diapers I've heard good things about are Fuzzi Bunz and Bummis. Go ahead and try them out for yourself!

Handknit Layette

The handknit layette at Zia & Tia has me all baby hungry. Gorgeous, right?

Bloch Shoes

If you grew up taking dance classes (like I did) you'll recognize the Bloch name from the dance shoe catalogs. And in fact, Bloch still makes dance shoes. But they've expanded their offerings beyond dance shoes as well. They now have a line for ladies, a line for girls, a line for babies. And this year, they're introducing shoes for toddlers.

Everything is dance inspired, but made for everyday wear. How irresistible are those little ruffled baby shoes on the right?

Rikshaw Design

My fascination with Indian block-printing (done by hand) continues. Look at this pretty line of baby bedding and baby accessories from Rikshaw Design. Aren't the patterns delicious? A little birdie told me the line will be available in twin sizes shortly.

Ami Suma

I believe this is the first time I've ever seen Japanese-style illustration done as a mural for a child's room. I can't believe how much I like it. All of these spaces were done by Ami Suma. She is clearly a rock star. And if you visit her about page, you can see her standing below a rainbow. Which is awesome.

Bubble Wrap Up 2

In addition to the new-to-me companies I featured yesterday, while attending Bubble, I also saw fun new products and even line expansions of some of my favorite shops — shops that I've featured here on Design Mom more than once.



-Toby+Rei is offering their iconic robot graphic on all sorts of items, even an hip lunchbox. Watch for new colors and a ballet robot graphic this fall.

-Baby Bear Shop, maker of the yummiest lip balm around, has added beautiful candles to their line up. All eco-responsible of course.

-Kate Quinn Organics is a name you probably know well. They are the go-to shop for organic baby and toddler basics — and at Kate Quinn, "basics" go way beyond onesies and leggings. What's new? Kate will be adding prints to the fall lineup. And they are adorable.

-Oeuf, one of my very favorite baby/toddler lines is offering all sorts of pretty little gift items that I hadn't seen before. Take a look at their "goodies" category.

-Sarah Waldo is a company I discovered quite recently and it was wonderful to see these clothes in person. All sorts of great new prints in their fall line. I'm especially in love with their pajamas and nightgowns.

-Kice Kice — a clothing line designed and run by twin sisters, has a gorgeous spring line currently posted on their site, and a fall line that is going to knock your socks off this September. I wanted one of everything.

-Frazier and Wing makes beautiful cut-paper mobiles that I've posted about a few different times, but this was my first time actually seeing one in real life. They are amazing. And would do just as well in the living room as they would do over a crib. Watch for a new offering from this company — gorgeous garlands coming soon.

The Modern Baby Co.

A year or so ago I posted about some colorful and really cozy-looking baby supplies from Quilt Baby. Since then I've learned two things about these items:

1) I've now seen them in person and can promise you are they even more gorgeous and soft and well-made then they appear online. Blankets, bibs, changing mats, bedding — all in prints and patterns that are sure to please.

2) The company name is no longer Quilt Baby. Instead, I'm pleased to introduce you to The Modern Baby Co. New name. Same pretty products.

Baby Hank Vintage

Super cute finds at Baby Hank Vintage. And everything is very reasonable priced. It's like I have a new best friend that shops all the best tag sales and second-hand stores so that I don't have to. I want the frilly bloomers and the classic sailor jumper.

Wooden Mobiles — by Guest Mom Stephanie Brubaker

About six months ago my little family walked towards Paris' Luxembourg Gardens in search of some old-fashioned fun. En route we passed a toy store called Pentagram with a window full of gorgeously crafted wooden toys. The display was breathtaking and I ached to take a look. Thoughts of Christmas gifts danced in my head and I convinced my husband to move along without me (and take the kids!) while I perused the beautiful books and the German and French toys for a few minutes. It was heaven to be in a store full of toadstools, stacking blocks, and mobiles...and no plastic :) It took a great deal of self-control to only buy two little toys per child, especially since everything was very reasonably-priced.

Perhaps my favorite purchase was this wooden mobile I gifted my son. It depicts a mischievous little boy from Sweden named Nils, who spends his days riding on the back of a goose and discovering the world around him. I thought it perfect for my own little mischievous boy! As we discover more about Nils from the book I included with the mobile, I'd like to think my little guy will go to sleep dreaming of his own adventures. Upon further research I found other beautiful mobiles made by the same German company...Kinderkram, and was thrilled to find it possible to procure them in the US too. I think mobiles are a clever way to add visual interest to a child's room and also create a more finished look.




Here are a few other wooden mobiles I thought you might love:
Airplane Mobile
Goose Girl Mobile
Falling Stars Mobile
Flower Fairies Mobile

Find more of Stephanie at Stephmodo

Giveaway — Olli and Lime Baby Goodies

It's back-to-back Giveaways around here. Crazy! But so many great companies want to give you such pretty things. What can I do but oblige? The prizes for today's Giveaway are sponsored by and created by the fab England-based-company Olli and Lime. Take a look at what you can win:





It's the total Olli & Lime baby collection! The baby trifecta — including a $60 blanket, a sleeping bag that retails for $70 and a bib/burp set that sells for $30. In patterns and textiles that appeal to any style-seeking parent. The winner gets to pick the items from any of Olli and Lime's three collections — George, Billie and Egg. That's $160 worth of stylin' baby delights.

Olli and Lime is all about good-looking items for the small set. And like any fine, upstanding, modern-day company, they have a heavy focus on both great design and eco-responsibility. Are you loving their baby goods as much as I am? Then you'll also love this. When your baby has moved on to toddlerhood, you can continue your Olli and Lime obsession with their pint-size bedding:



Quilts, sheets, pillowcases, throw pillows. Everything you need to create a luxurious little modern toddler bed. Love it. And now that I've introduced you to Olli and Lime, I suggest you get your comment in right away so that you don't forget and miss out on this chance to win all these deluxe baby goodies. Even if you don't have a baby in need of new bib, you certainly know someone that does. Happy commenting.

Many thanks to Olli and Lime!

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Guidelines:
-You have until Midnight PST on Sunday, February 22nd to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment. One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Monday, February 23rd.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Fierce Hugs Tees

Cute tees and onesies at Fierce Hugs. Don't miss the Confused Cloud.

Baby Bean Vintage Daywear

The ladies at Baby Bean sent me an email about their Spring/Summer line. It is adorable and very much geared to warm weather. But I'm still craving the offerings in their Fall/Winter line. Most of the items look light-weight and very wearable through mid-June or so. (I guess that completely depends on where in the world you live.)



The thing of note about Baby Bean: Each item is made by hand from assorted vintage fabrics. No two are alike. But if you want to choose your fabric, you can contact them to view swatches before ordering. The other thing to note about Baby Bean: I want one of each.

Umi Shoes

Betty has had a total growth spurt — particularly in the feet department. It's so cold right now that we rarely go on outings — on most days she wears fancy dressup shoes alternated with snow boots — and I've been able to put off buying new shoes for quite awhile. But eventually, she's going to need sneakers again.

I picked out the Ithaca shoes from Umi. Because they're adorable and I want them for myself. Plus, they came with glowing recommendations like: great quality, long-lasting, flexible and carefully constructed. I like that they look like childrens' shoes — and not tiny versions of grown-up shoes.

(Betty's too big now for the version with the upturned toes, but I think they are the cutest things ever.)

P.S. — This is fun. I just heard from an Umi Rep. She said that for the entire month of February, anyone who signs up to receive the Umi newsletter will be automatically entered in a daily giveaway to win a free pair of UmiPram pre-walker shoes worth $40. That's 28 chances to win. Nice.

Ask Design Mom: Baby's First Shoes

Ask Design Mom Question:
Gabrielle, I had my first baby a year and half ago and I have her first pair of shoes sitting in my closet because I don't know what to do with them. I wanted to silver or bronze them but I can't find anywhere they do that sort of thing anymore. The reason I ask is that I wanted to give them as a gift to her grandmother for Mother's day. I would really appreciate your creative help. Thanks, Ruth P

Design Mom Answer:
Hi Ruth! Thanks for your question. I agree that finding a service to bronze your baby's shoes is becoming harder and harder. I suppose it's because instead of sturdy little white leather booties, many babies first shoes these days are more of a slipper — and are worn practically from birth. Who knows.

This is what I'd suggest. Petrie Point Designs makes gorgeous framed pieces from antique baby items. Your baby's shoes would surely look just as lovely displayed so elegantly. You could inquire with Petrie Point Designs or any frame store to help you with this. Or you could even make a composition yourself with a shadow box frame from your local craft store.

If you're heart is really set on bronzing them, try this company or this company. Whatever you do, I'm sure Grandma will love the gift!

Soiree Dress

My blogging friend, Crabmommy, is a Guest Curator at Etsy this week. She has all sorts of great picks. Go take a peek. I think my favorite is this Soiree dress by Rockerbaby.

Clothing Deals for Last-Minute Shoppers

At our house, each child receives something to read, something to play with and something to wear for Christmas. Santa is still working on the "something to wear" part. I think I'll send him to Peek...Aren't You Curious and Oeuf. Both are having terrific sales.



At Peek, I found things like great-looking sweatshirts, hoodies and jackets in the $20 range — marked down from $78. And lots of beautiful skirts on sale too! Find their selection for Baby, Girls and Boys on sale here.



Oeuf offers some of my very favorite items for babies and toddlers. Including all sorts of gorgeous knits — clothes and accessories with detail and personality. And everything is currently 30% off (through January 2nd) with coupon code: DCOEUF.



Shouldn't every child own a Hug Me Sweater with built-in mittens? In colors for girls and boys.

Seven Smooches

The products coming out of the Seven Smooches shop are gorgeous. The fall/winter line is made from recycled sweaters. The spring/summer line is made from recycled sheets and feedsacks.

And because of the nature of the source materials, every single item is one of a kind. One of a kind. And super soft. And full of tiny delicate details. All this, while remaining fully machine washable.

It's an incredibly impressive collection — especially considering the entire line is conceived, designed and sewn solely by two women — mothers of 7 kids between them (thus the company name seven smooches). I met the talented ladies behind Seven Smooches, Jennifer and Stacy, at the Startup Princess Retreat. I fell in love immediately. With the ladies. And the products.

I want to buy a pair of charming bloomers and a sun bonnet for every baby I know.

Little Alouette

Shopping for baby gifts? Don't miss these gorgeous, handmade rattles/teethers. Lovingly designed and handcrafted by the husband-wife duo Amy and Joe Sharp (you may remember Amy from her week as a Guest Mom here).

Actually. There are lots of gorgeous things for all ages in their Little Alouette shop. Like these beautiful wooden egg shakers. And these bundles of bakers twine. And this little lap chalkboard.





Extra fun: Amy and Joe are featured as a Forest Find over at one of my favorite shops, Fawn and Forest. Congrats to Amy and Joe!

Extra, extra fun: I heard through the grapevine that Amy might be hosting a teether/block giveaway on her super cool blog...

bieq Knits

It is suddenly chilly here.

This is what I am craving: a clean white closet full of bright, knit, hats and scarves and mittens. And I would start by buying out the collection at Bieq. By the way, it's worth a visit to the site just to see the pretty photos.

Little Boogies — by Guest Mom Mrs. Dub

Next month, we're headed to a baby shower for a friend who doesn't know the sex of her unborn one. As someone with no self control, I have to tip my hat to her. If I could place a phone call to my babies the minute they're conceived, my first question would be, "How's it going?" shortly followed by, "Are you a he or a she?"

I'm thinking about giving her a onesie from little boogies, unless she's reading this, in which case, I'm totally not. Many of the animal designs are gender neutral and all are very charming. I love the ducky.

Since my sister is part-owner of the company, I might be able to get a discount. Then again, she's the same girl who made actual client files when we used to play office as kids, so maybe not.

Baby Zee — by Guest Mom Laura Warner

As I mentioned in my intro, I prematurely delivered a daughter in February, who passed away momentarily due to a chromosome abnormality. Her death was not a surprise. A couple months into my pregnancy I began to experience extreme pain, bleeding and nausea. Early ultrasounds suggested the baby was fine. At my 17-week appointment, however, an ultrasound showed cystic masses in my placenta and swelling on the baby's brain. An amniocentesis confirmed our worst fears: I was suffering from a partial molar pregnancy, caused by a (very) bad egg. As a result, Baby Zee had an extra set of chromosomes and would pass away during pregnancy or soon after birth.

It was devastating, of course, but in a way it was very peaceful. It was a beautiful experience to know that I had been chosen to carry a unique soul. My only mission as her mother would be to give her a body, share my love and send her home. I was honored, and I was distraught.

Our doctors offered termination due to increased health risks, but that didn't feel right for us. Waiting for her die in utero was unbearable, but sending her away wasn't any better. After much prayer and contemplation, we decided to carry her as long as she would let me. Within minutes of that decision, I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with preeclampsia. I would have to be induced to save my life, even though I was only 19 weeks along.

The doctors recommended a surgical removal, but Baby Zee asked for a traditional chance at life. They induced me in the early morning hours on February 4. Within hours, I began to hemorrhage severely. Ultimately, I received an emergency C-section and blood transfusion. My life was spared, as was Zee's. While I lay under anesthesia, Zee slipped away after taking a few shallow breaths. She lived.

The weeks that followed were bittersweet. I was empowered by my birth experience and thrilled to have pictures and mementos of my tiny little girl. At only six ounces, she fit in the palm of my hand, but all her miniature parts were perfect.

Since then, I've had many hard days. I feel sad others can't understand the loss of an unborn child. I feel sad that I don't have a 4-month-old baby to nurture at home. I feel frustrated that the pregnancy has caused ongoing health problems that keep me from trying again. But mostly I feel joy that I got to be her mother.

While most people have been understanding, some are so uncomfortable that I have to comfort them so they don't feel awkward. I don't mind doing it, but I know other people in my situation who are too fragile to bear that added burden. As a result, I'd like to share a few tips for someone who is mourning, especially the loss of an infant or unborn child:

1) Don't judge – Every situation is different. Don't speculate on what might have caused the death. Don't hypothesize why it happened to that particular person. Don't criticize them for how they decided to handle their medical care, funerals, etc. And never, ever critique their grief, even if you think they are overreacting. The only way to get better is to get all the hurting out. For some people, this takes a lifetime.

2) Don't minimize their loss – Don't tell them it was meant to be. Don't tell them to appreciate what they have. Don't tell them they are strong enough to handle it. Just listen. You don't have to make it better, because no words will change what happened. Just be supportive, sympathetic and available.

3) Don't avoid the subject – In the two weeks between diagnosis and delivery, my every thought was consumed by Zee; yet, many people who knew our situation didn't bring it up. I'm sure they thought I didn't want to talk about it, but they were wrong. I did, and I still do. Talking about Zee validates her existence. I love every opportunity I get to share her special life.

4) Do show your love – Call, visit, mail a card, send a gift. Showing you care about our pain makes it hurt less. One of the best cards I received simply said, "I don't know what you are going through, but I do know this: you have always seemed like a happy person, so it hurts me to know you are suffering."

5) Do read about it – Knowing about their situation will help you understand them better. In my case, a partial molar pregnancy put me at risk to develop placental cancer. I had to get weekly blood draws to ensure I wasn't growing malignant masses. Most people assumed I was better, but close friends continued to check on my health.

Enough lecturing! How about some pretty things? Following Zee's birth, I received a tremendous amount of cards and packages. One friend sent me candy, magazines and some cozy pajamas. (Perfect.) Another friend sent me a gorgeous gold necklace from Anthropologie adorned with the word "February" and a small amethyst. My sister made me a stamped necklace with both my daughters' names and a birth announcement for our memory box.



Here are some other bereavement gifts ideas:

1) A box - Most hospitals provide a free box for mementos, but it's usually flimsy. A special box, like these padded leather ones by Inside Avenue, is a great way to hold all the pictures, kind notes and memories of their little one. Our memory box for Zee is pictured at the top of this post.

2) A blanket - If you know someone who is expecting infant loss, a small blanket like this mini lovey from Yatoil's Esty shop is a perfect gift. They can use the blanket to hold the baby after birth, then save it as a keepsake or include it in the burial services.

3) A necklace - Most mourning moms want a daily reminder of their child, especially in the weeks following their passing. A delicate necklace like the J'taime necklace by Urban Outfitters is a great way to keep their memory close. Plus, it's just a chic accessory.

4) A letter - A written letter is great, but so is a letter hanging for their home, like these from Anthropologie. Buy the first initial of the baby's name as a subtle memorial. (We have a Z hanging in our house.)

5) (Not pictured) A hug.

First Birthday in a Box

How adorable! CityBird Designs is offering a First-Birthday-Box-In-A-Box-Kit. In a girl version. Or a boy version. The perfect solution for any parents out there craving a stylish party, but without the time/energy/resources to make it happen. I love how sophisticated it all looks. Because let's be clear. The first birthday of the first child is all about the parents.

This is what the box includes:
-"Happy First" banner, strung with a grey grosgrain ribbon
-12 invitations plus envelopes
-12 thank you cards plus envelopes
-12 goodie bags
-Mixed Confetti — some of it printed with the child's name
-Five place/food identification cards
-A decorated case that holds all of the birthday party supplies

Hand Knit Sweater

Remember the Nie Nie Day auctions? Well. I bid on half a dozen or so different auctions and was lucky enough to win one of them. And just the other day, the gorgeous prize arrived on my doorstep. A handknit, cashmere baby kimono. Made by Phoebe Beacham. Complete with it's own beautiful wire hanger.

Won't this make the most wonderful baby gift?

Cucuyo Designs

My friend just had her 4th baby. Her 4th beautiful girl. She is a total mom on the go — busy, busy and doing, doing, doing. So I picked out these two lovelies from Cucuyo for her: The Ori Changing Station — I love the pocket for a diaper and wipes. And the Honu Travel Blanket. It's super cozy and tucks right into itself.

Lotus Springs

This is another find from the children's clothing trade show. Just for babies and toddlers. Lotus Springs Collection — their tagline: Luxury is our Philosophy, Green is our Commitment.



There is something wonderful about the simplicity of their offerings. Only a handful of (gorgeous and subdued) colors. Only a handful of (high-end, eco) fabrics. But really interesting shapes and details. I think pieces like these would be perfect for special events where you need to have your baby looking luxe.

They don't have a list of retailers online — and I'm not even sure of their price points — but I noticed their online shop is "coming soon".

Kistner Supply

I received an email from Kistner Supply last week and was so delighted to see their offerings. They have a pretty great story. Basically, the 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.



Extra fun: the book was so successful, that Kistner Supply has expanded their offerings. Don't miss these gorgeous recycled-cashmere chime balls. They look so charming. I want a basket full.

Serena & Lily Sale

Serena & Lily are having their first ever sale. That's right. First. Sale. Ever. 168 items have been marked down.

Plus. Here's a bonus for Design Mom Readers. Enter DESIGNSLING at checkout on an order of $100 or more, and you'll be entered to win a Market Sling of your choice ($129 value). Plus, plus. If you'd like to receive the free Serena and Lily catalog, you can sign up here.

Diaper & Wipes Case — by Guest Mom Jane Maynard

This is one of my all-time favorite mommy “gadgets” so I just HAD to share it with you. My friend Marie’ made this diaper/wipes case for me and I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. I am not kidding when I say I was using a brown lunch bag to carry a few diapers and a wipes case in my purse before I received this beautiful gift.

So, how can you get one of your very own? Well, they do sell similar products like this at Babies R Us. But if you are crafty, you can really make something cute, and patterns are popping up everywhere. For inspiration, here are other cases Marie’ has made. And my artist-friend Melissa made this seriously stunning “poopy clutch” based on a Martha Stewart pattern for something completely different. Talk about creative.

Regardless of how you get your hands on one of these puppies, you’ll be glad you did.

Custom Summer Hats from Small Potatoes

Looking for shade? These cute sun hats at Small Potatoes caught my eye. This clever company will make you a hat from any fabric they offer on their site.

Weatherproof Blankies

Crabmommy sent me a link to these beautiful, functional, weather proof baby blankets by Rugged Idea. Just in time for summer picnics, parades, and fireworks watching. In three sizes. And lots of colors. Perfect to keep in your car or stroller for just-in-case weather.

Fancy Pantsy Onesies

These super-fancy onsies from Lou and Lee's etsy shop are making me happy today. They're so over the top that they've moved beyond silly and into the super-chic zone.

Random Giveaway — Serena & Lily Cribset from Layla Grayce

[ Congratulations to natalie who said, "I would be in heaven if I won!!!" Yay for natalie! Please email me from the link on my blog and I'll put you in touch with the sponsor. ]

It's Friday. The last day of this iteration of Ask-Design-Mom Week. I think it's been a great week — I hope you do to. Thank you to everyone who has sent in a question, answered a question or read a question. This is one seriously inquisitive bunch. Seriously. Had I all the time in the world, I could have covered twice as many questions and still not run out. Impressive.

And now it's time for a big finale Giveaway to show you my gratitude. How about a gorgeous cribset of your choice from the Serena & Lily collection — sponsored by one of the loveliest little shops around, Layla Grayce!! That's right. The winner gets to pick from one of five beautiful designs. In fact. The five most popular Serena & Lily designs. Each valued from $539 to $969:


There's the Ben. Animals on parade in the coolest way. In the coolest colors.


The Greta. Soft and pink and a subtle sort of girly.


The Kate. A bolder version of the Greta in a luscious lime green.


There's the Rex. Laid back in madras plaid.


And even the Ruby. Flowery and pristine at the same time.

How will you ever choose? Each one is adorable. Each one would improve your nursery in a major way. And each one is just a tiny sample of the elegant collection of wares found at Layla Grayce. A shop full of the finest things for you, your children and your home.

Thank you Layla Grayce!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 2 days — until midnight PST on Monday, June 9th (Not Friday, June 6th — oops!) to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced at the top of this post on Tuesday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Ask Design Mom Week: BPA-Free Bottles

Ask Design Mom Question:
Hey Gabrielle. I'm pregnant with baby #2, and am planning on buying BPA free bottles (glass or plastic) and sippy cups. Trouble is, they are so new that I have no one to ask recommendations about the best brands. Do you think you could ask your readers to share their favorite BPA free bottles and sippys? I've heard some complaints (online) about the nipples of these bottles. I hate to invest in these before I hear any personal recommendations. Thanks! — Carrie B.

Design Mom Answer:
Thanks for the question Carrie! I'm sure you can count on Design Mom Readers to give you lots of good PBA-free recommendations. (Design Mom Readers, thanks in advance for chiming in with your PBA wisdom.)



From a purely aesthetic standpoint — I'm design-focused after all — I love the Wee Go Bottles from Baby Life that I spotted in the March 08 issue of Parents Magazine. Aren't they pretty? I'll take one of each, please.

Random Giveaway — Onsies by Alyssa Coberly and Blanket by Jacqueline Yeo

[ Congratulations to lovelylittlelovelies who said, "absolutely adorable!" Yay for lovelylittlelovelies! Please email me from the link on my blog and I'll put you in touch with the sponsors. ]

Everyone has been so helpful — answering Design Mom questions, sharing their best tips, leaving kind feedback. Thank you!

So, how about more gorgeous baby stuff to give away today! The handmade, etsy sort of gorgeous baby stuff. Because the current baby boom is going to overwhelm all of us with gift giving. Count on these fabulous giveaways to ease the burden and give you great ideas for the stack of baby announcements on your desk.

[ And remember, you've got two days to enter each of this week's Giveaways. Which means, you can also enter Tuesday's Tiny McSmall and Persimmon and Pink Giveaway until Midnight tonight. For reals! ]

Now. Let's get to the prizes:






First, a set of 3 baby onsies from Alyssa Coberly of {jig.}. A girl set. Or a boy set. Your choice. In a beautiful box. A perfect gift!

But there's more. The winner can customize them with the name (or names) or their choice. Sets are available in sizes 3-6m or 0-3m. And all the onesies are very high quality 100% cotton interlock with short sleeves. They will ship out from Chicago the very day the winner places her order.

Everything Alyssa makes is adorable — she has one of the best etsy shops and most charming blogs out there. Go Alyssa!




Second. An instant-favorite blanket, designed and crafted by Jacqueline Yeo, and sold on her For The Record etsy site. Another perfect gift idea! It's made with the softest fleece on one side, and very fine jersey on the other side. The appliqué is done on the jersey side of the fabric. The blankie measures 30x38" and is stitched all around.



Bonus: since each piece is handcrafted, you can have it customised with the baby's initial or name! Fantastic. Who wouldn't want to own such a beautiful blanket?

Thank you to our sponsors: Alyssa Coberly and Jacqueline Yeo!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 2 days — until midnight PST on Thursday, June 4th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced at the top of this post on Friday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Ask Design Mom Week: Nursing Covers

Ask Design Mom Question:
Gabrielle, Hey. I just recently found your website through a friends blog and I love it! I was wondering if you know of any stylish, but affordable nursing covers. Thanks, Justina

Design Mom Answer:
Hmmm. Depends on what you mean by affordable. : ) A quick google search will give you lots of good-looking options in the $30 to $40 range — from shops like Modest Mums, Obuba and Peanut Shell.



But if you're looking for a real deal, here are two suggestions:

1) Pick up a yard of pretty fabric and ask a friend to whip one up for you. My sister in law, Megan, posted about a cute one she made here. It sounds like a very straightforward project.

2) Use this $7 clip to turn any baby blanket into an impromptu nursing cover.

What about you Design Mom Readers? Seen any especially good deals on nursing cover-ups?

Random Giveaway — Binth Baby Book from Tiny McSmall and Handmade Doll from Persimmon & Pink

[ Congratulations to sarah starr who said, "Happiness is all around in this giveaway. DM - you rock." Yay for sarah starr! Please email me from the link on my blog and I'll put you in touch with the sponsors. ]

After the last post, I've got Baby Journals on the brain. So why not give one away? Enter your comment to win two super stylish products for your own little bébé — a gorgeous Binth Baby Book from the lovingly-edited collection of Tiny McSmall and a charming Wool Doll or Blastoid Cat of your choice from the lovingly-handmade collection of Persimmon & Pink.

[ And remember, you've got two days to enter each of this week's Giveaways. Which means, it's not too late to enter yesterday's Tiny Sprouts Giveaway. You lucky duck! ]




Let me tell you about this Binth Baby Book. It's fresh and modern and completely original. It arrives in a handsome keepsake box and is bound to become a cherished family heirloom. Nicely sized, with lots of space for both photos and notes. It retails for $110 — which is basically a bargain for a book that is entirely screen printed. Printed on recycled white stock with cotton cloth cover.



And it's just one of dozens of perfect items available from Tiny McSmall (don't you just love that name?!), one of my very favorite shops to find "just right" items and gifts for babies and children.




Plus. I want to introduce you to these fantastic creations — wool dolls and blastoid cats — by Persimmon & Pink. Too charming for words, right? And lots of choices so that you can find the ideal new best friend for your child. The lucky winner gets to pick any doll. Or any cat. And you might want to keep checking the Persimmon & Pink etsy shop, because new additions arrive all the time.




Happy Commenting. Thank you Persimmon and Pink! Thank you Tiny McSmall!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 2 days — until midnight PST on Wednesday, June 4th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced at the top of this post on Thursday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Ask Design Mom Week: Baby Memory Book

Ask Design Mom Question:
Hi Design Mom, I've just been blessed with my first child — a big beautiful boy called Spencer — and am at a loss as to where to find a great memory book/album to record all of his milestones. My husband and I were lucky enough to have wonderful mums who recorded all the little, and big, details of our youth and we would like to do the same for our son. Particularly those events that happen in the first few years. Any advice or suggestions you have on where I can find one will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, new mum, Stephanie (Cairns, Australia).

Design Mom Answer:
Hi Stephanie. Congratulations on your new baby! And thank you for the question. Discovering the perfect baby book is a treat. And luckily, there are lots of interesting choices out there — and new ones created everyday. I've posted about some of my favorites here and here. Rachel, a previous Guest Mom showcased a couple of gorgeous custom books here.




Of the several I own, my favorite is a smallish one that is sold at the Metropolitan Museum (for less than $20). It's called simply Baby's Journal and it's written and illustrated by Marie Madeleine Franc-Nohain. It was adapted from Le Journal de Bébé, a book in the collection of the Museum that was first published in Paris in 1914.




It's lovely. Full of mostly blank pages with charming illustrations across the top, where you can record thoughts or attach photos. It's beautifully made and very well-loved by my kids. (As you can see, the silver ink on the book cover is wearing off from all the handling by little hands.) The current printing has a cover that's different than the one I own. If you'd prefer the cover I have, it looks like Amazon lists some vendors here.

Another favorite, although I don't own one, is the Binth Baby Book, which I've exclaimed over before. But I'll wait until the next post to tell you a bit more about it (wink).

What about you, Design Mom Readers? Do you have a favorite Baby Book to recommend?

Random Giveaway — Tiny Sprouts

[ Congratulations to threeunderthree who said, "Please please pick me! I've been trying and trying to win a giveaway forever and I promise I'll share the love if I win this one!" You are the big winner of the Tiny Sprouts Giveaway! Send me an email and I'll put you in touch with the sponsor straight away! ]

To thank you for helping me out with good ideas and suggestions during Ask Design Mom Week, I'll be hosting a new Giveaway Monday through Friday — and each one will be open to entries for at least 48 hours. So let's get started!

The first one is a great one. It will make you popular and win you friends. And I'm not even kidding. The lucky winner will receive 12 months of adorable gifts worth $350 from Tiny Sprouts!



Here's how it works: each month you can choose a darling item from Tiny Sprouts' darling offerings. Then. You can choose a recipient. Then. Tiny Sprouts will send off the gift in your name. Making you look like the most thoughtful person ever. See what I mean about being all popular?

Would you rather keep all 12 months of gifts for yourself? Well. I promise I'll never tell.




Tiny Sprouts offers hand embroidered items for newborns, babies and toddlers. That's right. HAND-embroidered. As in embroidered by a hand holding a thread and a needle. How cool is that? Onesies. Hats. Cozy pajamas. Bibs. Blankets. Even a darling Growth Chart. It's definitely worth browsing the site just to see all the cute photos.



Thank you Tiny Sprouts!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 2 days — until midnight PST on Tuesday, June 3rd to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced at the top of this post on Wednesday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Ask Design Mom Week: Cradle Bedding

Ask Design Mom Question:
Gabrielle, in your travels online or in boutiques have you ever come across bedding for a cradle? I see anything and everything for cribs, but not a cradle or bassinet!! I'm on a desperate search for something beautiful and stylish, and if it could be organic, that would be fabulous. If anything comes to mind, please let me know! — Stephanie

Design Mom Answer:
You're absolutely right Stephanie! There are dozens of excellent options for crib bedding, but cradle bedding can be hard to find. I'm going to go search some of my best sources and see what I can find. In the meantime, I'll ask Design Mom Readers to chime in with their favorite sources.



And I should also mention, when I was faced with the same problem for our bassinet, I picked out some beautiful fabric and hired a friend to sew a few sheets. (Yes, although I'm not any sort of impressive seamstress, I could have probably sewn these myself. But let's be honest, it would have been procrastinated for. ev. er. Hiring it out got it done.)

Cradle pictured by Leander — I love how it can hang from the ceiling.

Beaba

In one week, I heard about this little appliance from three of my best sources — leading me to understand the Beaba is one hot little number. All three mentioned that it was French. That is has been all the rage in Europe. And that it's just now available in the US. You know how I get that longing look in my eye for anything Euro-chic. . .

Why all the fuss? Because the Beaba is a multi-tasker. It steams. It blends. It warms. It defrosts. All in the same compartment. And it does it under 15 minutes. Enabling you to make healthy, fresh meals for baby without much trouble or mess.



I'm thinking this will make a perfect baby gift — especially for my friends who've already had a baby and still own all the traditional gear. Especially cute paired with this wholesome baby cookbook.

Apple Shift Dress

I would put Betty in a simple dress every single day of the summer. Like this cute little shift dress from Little Season's etsy shop. Apple-y delicious. A steal at $20.

I HEART HEDGEHOGS. — by Guest Mom Amanda/aka Crabmommy

Owls move over. It's hedgehog time.

Anyone with an eye for sweet kiddie stuff has noticed the proliferation of the woodland theme in children's décor. Me, I'm all for it. I love little toadstools and owls and woodland critters frolicking across a vintage curtain or needlepoint cushion or what-have-you. But while owls have had their share of attention on sites that love good design and kid sensibilities, my favorite animal of all is shy and reclusive online. So I thought to do a little hedgehog-hunting myself and bring you some sweet and also cheap hedgie inspiration. Like these absurdly adorable ponytail holders, perfect for either mom or tot or both!



Can you stand how cute they are? So dang delicious, I almost can't look for fear that I might lunge at the screen and murder them with love!

As if that's not enough, see these baby booties:



Okay, so generic crappo baby shower present from some lame-o registry or one-of-a-kind booties for twelve measly greenbacks? COME. ON.

I've always loved hedgehogs. Their babies look like Rod Stewart (they have no neck and sport a spiky coiffe of hair). Did you also know that hedgehog genes can help determine your child's height? Did you also know that a man in New Zealand was accused of using a hedgehog as a weapon? Me neither.

Hedgehogs: cute, enlightening, inspiring. Brought to you by Crabmommy. I leave you with a link to paper artist eric joisel's amazing origami hedgehogs, and humbly invite you to visit me at my personal website or at Cookie magazine online, where I like to talk about hedgehogs, paper dolls, lame parenting advice, and so forth between predicting your month in motherhood as Astromommy, or talking a smack about momhood in general.

Enjoy!

XX
AMANDA

Itzy Bitzy

Could I be more predictable? I love me some polka dots and stripes. And I love these happy Spring prints from the Itzy Bitzy line by Zutano.

The Itzy Bitzy collection is designed for babies up to 8 lbs. Now, I've never had a preemie, but I do have very small babies. (Betty was my smallest — she was a week early, weighing in under 6 pounds.) So I have loved having a few "newborn" or "preemie" size options that actually fit. (0-3 months size looks absolutely clown-like on tiny babies.)

I realize they grow out of them within a month. But for that month, it's nice to have at least a few cozy little things that fit. Also. Isn't it a treat to see newborn babies? Heavenly.

Random Giveaway — Put Some Spring in Your Step

Aren't you itching for a Giveaway? I totally am. Spring Fever or something. So let's do it. How about a set of three pretties for Mom and a set of three pretties for baby? A little something to put some spring in your step. Because in my neck of the woods, the blossoms are on the trees and it's time to celebrate the fact that Spring has Sprung. Take a look at what one lucky winner will receive:



The Fleur Collection from My Sunset Road. retail value: $175.00
Earrings. Necklace. Ring. Gorgeous. What's the saying — April showers bring May flowers? Well it looks like the flowers arrived a bit early this year in the form of these gorgeous pieces. Don't they feel just perfect for Spring? My Sunset Road, and Courtney, the artist behind the jewelry, has such a fantastic aesthetic. The line is modern. But it feels totally handcrafted and organic. I love checking the site from time to time just to see what's new — so inspiring!



A new baby gift set from Toby & Rei. retail value: $90.00
This luscious eco-minded gift set includes a baby blanket, a onesie and a matching hat. For the blankets (made from a super-soft bamboo knit), choose from five gorgeous colors — natural, celery, pebble gray, chocolate and modern orange. For the onesie and hat, choose from four different cute graphics — robot, elephant, modern flowers and shark . I'm such a fan of Toby and Rei. Their knits blankets are the thickest and coziest I've seen. I sent my sister Jordan some of their lovely goods when Mr. Moses was born.

Now isn't this Giveaway just the perfect way to end the work week? A treat for you and a treat for baby. No baby? Then a treat for you and treat for your dear expectant friend's baby. Have fun commenting. And if you've got weather that's as good as the weather here in New York, I hope you get the chance to get out this weekend and enjoy it!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until midnight PST on Monday, April 28th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Tuesday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Little Baby Company

I discovered another great online baby boutique. It's called Little Baby Company and I think that whoever put the collection together has great taste and style. They stock lots of long-time favorites and a several items that were new to me. Like this Birds of a Feather mobile. And this gorgeous splurge of a ride-on Saab Roadster.

Allen Ave. Diaper Bags

I like the look of these don't-look-like-diaper-bags diaper bags by Allen Ave. Very glossy. They seem like a good fit for a metrosexual sort of Dad.

Burp Armor

Designed by a Dad — and with name as manly as Burb Armor, it's no surprise. Made of organic cotton and hemp. Good-looking. Triple-thick. I haven't tried them, but they look extremely stay-put functional. You can imagine their genesis: tired mom, wearing spit-up covered t-shirt, holding baby. Dad enters room and thinks: must find problem to solve. Spots spit-up covered shirt and gets to work making sketches for a burb cloth that's strong enough for a man, but made for a baby. Love it!

If you happen to have a spitter (and you'll know if you have one), good burb cloths really do become essential. These look as if they're industrial strength.

Random Giveaway — Serena & Lily Ben Crib Set

I think I've mentioned that I'm loving this week. I mean how could I not? It's April Fools Day, a new month, new ads in The Marketplace, all sorts of great stuff. The only thing is, I'm not going to be very blog-available for the next few days. I'll be here in New York, but I've got meetings and get togethers and other happy distractions — enough stuff that I may as well be out of town. So I won't have any posts on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday this week. But to make up for it, I have a couple of fantastic surprises today. The first one is this very generous Giveaway from Serena & Lily!!



If you've been stopping in at Design Mom from time to time, you already know I'm a big — no huge — fan of Serena & Lily. I really love their concept of children's rooms. Nothing too cutesy-cheesy. No commercial characters. Somehow sophisticated and child-friendly at the same time. Plus super high quality.

From time to time they add new collections to their line-up, and recently they added the Ben (pictured above) and the Francis, (pictured below). Gorgeous right? I'm thinking they're my new Serena & Lily favorites. Very up-to-date. Great colors. Simple designs.



And guess what? Everyone who comments on this post is entered to win the full 3-piece Ben Crib Bedding Set — that's $539 worth of turquoise and coral animal-y loveliness! How delightful. (Plus it's call Ben, so I'm especially fond of it. All of my favorite things are called Ben.)



Questions:
1) Don't need a crib set? I'm willing to bet you know someone who does — and won't you be their favorite person ever when you gift them something so glorious?!

2) Have you fallen for the Serena and Lily as much I have? Then you'll be happy to find out that all Design Mom Readers can get 15% off the entire website with code designmom15 — all the way through April 30th!

3) Not too familiar with Serena & Lily? Well prepare yourself for a treat. It's way beyond bedding for cribs. Find inspiring rooms for girls and boys of all ages. You can ask for their free catalog here.

Because I'll be gone for a few days, I'm extending the entry deadline through Sunday night. Happy commenting! I'll miss checking in this week, but I'll be back Monday — with an excellent Guest Mom too.

Thanks, Serena and Lily!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
- Extra-long entry time: You have until midnight PST on Sunday, April 6th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Monday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Baobab Clothing

Another boutique Australian clothing line I've fallen for — say Hello to Baobab. The tulle skirt. The dragon graphic. All the stripes. And a haven't-seen-one-before-and-I'm-in-love kimono hoodie. Oh how wonderful.

Oliver + S Children's Clothing Patterns

Good morning! You may have noticed my missing posts on Friday. I'll explain. We had dear, dear friends come visit for the night on their way to Jamaica, and I spent the morning straightening up. While doing so, I realized I had better spend the entire day straightening up because the house was in such a state of disgust-o. But I missed you terribly.

So today I have big plans to post lots and lots of cool things so that I can get back into your good graces — plus I'll announce 5 winners for the Blurb Giveaway. Yay!



Let me start by sharing this fantastic site where you can find simple, contemporary patterns for children's clothing. It's called Oliver + S and the patterns are designed by the talented Liesl Gibson. Although modeled by adorable paper dolls, these patterns are indeed very real and, I've been assured, will allow even not-very-good-sewers (that would be me) to whip up something darling for the kiddies.



Extra fun: while you're busy at the sewing machine, your little ones can keep themselves busy with the actual paper dolls included with every order.

By the way, we loved having Wes and Em come to visit. We could talk with them forever.

Chic Papoose Slings

A friend of mine was looking for a pouch-style sling (read: no rings or snaps) featuring some color or pattern. I sent her to Chic Papoose. They're reversible, so you get two fabric options in one sling. They're compact, so they roll up small to fit in your handbag. And they're easy care — machine wash and dry.

Little Poco

Say hola to Little Poco! Everything you need to add a little Latin flavor to your child's lifestyle. I'm particularly taken with the guayaberas (pronounced at my house as why-a-ver-us) for the papitos and the hand-embroidered poblano dress for the mamacitas. I am fully coveting both.

From the website: "Maybe it's because he looks like a mini-man, or that he stands out at the playground. Nothing makes Abuela smile more than seeing her little boy in a guayabera." I feel the very same way.

Oh. And don't miss the piñata and futbolistas onesies with a vintage illustrations. Fantastic.

Little Deer

Ooooh! Stylish Chelsea just sent me a great link. Feast your eyes on the lovely felt wares of Little Deer based out of Portland. My favorite thing ever is that little cap. And happily, it's available in 6 colors. Perfect little details and just the right weight for spring.

Hand Picked Pumpkin

Have I told you about Hand Picked Pumpkin already? It's like choose your own adventure, but for baby clothes. You start by picking from a great selection of baby and toddler basics in thick, soft, interlock knit — all the classic playwear shapes are available. You pick the base fabric color. You pick the accent fabrics for the trim. You can mix and match to your heart's delight.




Design a hat to go with a romper. Design a hoodie to go with some pants. Because we all have a little Project Runway trying to get out.

See Kai Run

I first saw these amazing shoes on Backwards Attraction. For boys. For girls. I'm feeling the green today, but they have dozens and dozens of choices on the site.

See Kai Run is a family-owned and operated business located outside of Seattle, Washington. Their shoes are thoughtfully hand-crafted from buttery soft leather and promise to be kind to developing feet. Twice a year they come out with a collection of 15-20 designs — and I'm having to fight back the urge to collect one of each — as if they were baseball cards. Don't you just want to eat them up?

Monthly Baby Photos

What a great idea! Ohdeedoh posted about Kathy who took photos of her baby from one month old to 12 months old, lying on a Stendig calendar. A very visual way to see the growth of your baby — plus it looks so cool!

(FYI: the Stendig calendar is oversize and classic and famous. You may remember seeing it on this post. Every other month switches from black background to white background. They sell a new one every year.)

I saw this on say YES!

Love You Baby

I'm for sure impressed with Love You Baby. The site looks really cool and the collection is hot.

Love You Baby focuses on hard-to-find children's clothing lines. Like Imps & Elfs. And Uniform Studio. Super high quality stuff. Colors and designs that make grown-ups envious. Not inexpensive — but you'll keep these items forever and hand them from baby to baby to baby.

I want this dress by Neige in my size.

Tag Sales

A couple of sales you won't want to miss:


1) Oeuf, the fine purveyors of mitten sweaters, leggies and a million adorable items, is having their first ever sale. Up to 70% off. And everything is on sale. Seriously. Stop reading and get over there.



2) Sophie & Lili is clearing out their entire inventory. Not familiar with Sophie & Lili? Then maybe you're not spending enough time at Saks Fifth Avenue (wink). Their line has been exclusive to the most stylish boutiques since they launched. But. The husband and wife team behind the gorgeous clothes have recently closed their doors to get ready for the arrival of their second daughter. The inventory is going fast and the prices are rock bottom.

Yay for Tag Sales!

The Little Seed

I just discovered The Little Seed and I think the collection they've put together is thoughtful and lovely. I'm especially drawn to these animal tees by Salvor Fauna (available as onesies too!).




And I'm tempted to have another baby just so I could see them wear something as simple and lovely as this ensemble.



One of The Little Seed's claims to fame: Punky Brewster is one of the founders. If you were wondering wear Soleil Moon Frye ended up, you'll be comforted to know that she grew up and became a mom just like the rest of us. And now she sells t-shirts.

Nix All Star Socks

I have a new crush: old school socks for babies. By Nix Baby. Girl colors. Boy colors. Man, I'd love to see Oscar tooling around in a pair of these. Too cool for school.

Wee Gallery Newborn Wall Decals

Wee Gallery, the makers of those cards we love, has come out with wall decals with newborns in mind. Full of high contrast colors, and blacks and whites, and geometric figures. Available through Blik.



Question: are you so over wall decals? Because I'm totally not. I think we've barely seen the tip of the iceberg of amazing cool things designers are going to do with all sorts of wall decals.

A Picture A Day — by Guest Mom Leah

Happy Valentine’s Day!



One of my favorite people I’ve met in my short travels here at Tiny McSmall is Kim O’Neil from Good Stock Press & Bindery.

Not only is she one of the sweetest people, she is also a wealth of talent. Kim designs custom heirloom memory books that capture the essence and personality of a family and the story they are sharing. She inspires me to no end with the creative work she does but this latest project she’s working on stopped me my in my tracks…I only wish I had thought of it!

When their daughter was born, this Mom and Dad took a picture a day for her 1st year and then had Kim design a book around the collection. One of the many things I love about this book is that the parents wrote down some of their hopes and dreams and wishes for their daughter, Seneca, and Kim interspersed them throughout the book next to photos. Something to inspire us all!








…and if you’ve never seen one of her pre-designed books, Good Stock: A Family Tale, you need to check them out as well. I did one for my daughter’s first birthday and LOVE it.

Oeuf Knits

Neckies

I'd seen bits and pieces from the Oeuf collection and loved them, but until I saw the whole line at the Gift Show, I didn't realize I was in-love-with-them.

Elegant furniture. And altruistic clothing. It's time to think Spring, but Oeuf's inventive knits are the kind of coziness I'm still craving. Any one of these items would make an excellent stand-alone gift.

Plus, the knits have a worthy story: "Oeuf partners with indigenous women in Bolivia to create a unique collection and sustainable flow of income that allows their children to go to school. Each piece is Fair Trade for the benefit of all people."


Squeeze-me Mittens


Leggies


Cover All Hat


Hug-me Sweater

You didn't hear it from me, but I understand an Oeuf bedding line may make an appearance this year. . .

Oeuf, will you be my Valentine?

Girly Day Post #4: The Girls Room

For a final Girly Day post, here's a tour of my daughters' room. This room has kind of its own vibe going on — different than the rest of the house. It's a very sentimental room. Lots of its furnishings and decor have a story; in fact, a lot of what is charming to me about this room is that we were able to draw from from some pretty random pieces to pull the space together. The room was also tricky because it needed to be the baby's room and still feel appropriate for Maude and Olive who are 8 and 6.

The fabric "girls" sign on the door was a gift from my Mom. She picked it up from Anthropologie. The paint on the door is peeling and the original shade of vintage turquoise is revealed in spots — the crumbly-ness and color work well with the rest of the room.

The five original birth announcements, done by illustrator Apryl Stott are on the far wall and continue around the baby corner. The crib is a hotel crib we picked up on the street — Oscar is still using our original crib. This one is such a great size, it has a very small footprint but fits a baby comfortably. I wish I'd had it for each of my kiddos. You can adjust it higher or lower — we moved it down as soon as Betty could reach up and touch the artwork.

The dresser is from an antique store — we brought it with us when we moved to NY. I love the narrow shape and tall legs. The blanket hanging over the side of the crib was made by my mother for baby Betty.

The porcelain little boy on the dresser was made by my Grandma Daisy. She poured the porcelain, painted the face and sewed/knitted the clothes. I think his faded turquoise sweater works nicely with the other aged turquoise colors in the room.

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Taken in (See more photos here)

The dress is the same gown I was "blessed" in (blessing is the version of christening in my church). My oldest daughter was blessed in the same dress and I'll give the dress to her when she's older.

The desk is from a tag sale. We picked it up for $40, sanded it down and changed the knobs. It's not technically a child's desk, but it has good kid-size proportions. The bulletin board is fabric-covered homasote in an old frame we picked up on the street. The chair is a vintage café chair my friend Kathryn C gave me.

Kathryn C is a tag sale superstar — she also found the vintage turquoise toy chest and knew I would love it. It houses the stuffed animals and dolls. Most of the family toys are stored in the family room, but we keep the girliest stuff — the My Little Pony's and Barbies/Disney Princesses in the bins on these shelves.

The darling print of the girl reading is from Sarah Jane. My own mother kept images of children reading around the house. And I do love to read. I wonder how much the images influenced me.

Can't have enough good books. One third of our children's library is in the girls' room. One third is in the boys' room. One third is in a little reading nook on the landing.

The hanging ceramic vase was a gift from a friend and former client who opened a wonderful flower shop. Isn't it lovely?

The full-size bed is another Kathryn C find. She picked it up on the street, knowing she could find a good home for it. I gave it a quick paint job and it has made its way through many bedrooms. It was our guest bed first, then my son Ralph's bed. Now Maude and Olive share it. The floral bedding is from PB Teen. I've had the eyelet sheets forever — I have no memory of where I picked them up. The cute bunny is French.

The paperdoll watercolor/mixed media above the bed is an original by Brooke Morrison. This was in my home as a child. My father was a public school teacher and had a framing business on the side. He framed this artwork.

The bedside table is yet another Kathryn C gift. It was dark, dark wood and I painted it pearl pink by Benjamin Moore. The lampshade we picked up when we lived in Greece. It's perfect in a little girl's room. The clock Santa picked up from our local drugstore and gave to Olive from Christmas.

The chandelier is maybe the best thing about our rental. It had no shades when we moved in. I picked these up at Target.


These pics have been on flickr for a few weeks, but I haven't shared them here yet. How's that for the girliest day of posts ever?

Girly Day Post #3: Bébé Shooz

The lovely Danika sent me a link to Bébé Shooz. Oh my. The detailing is so beautiful. Shoes fit for Cinderella.

Tee Round-up #2

So many cute tees for the cuties! (Whoa. Where'd the cheese ball come from?) These are my latest discoveries:




Little Uni
Classic shapes. Funky patterns. Hand-crafted. I especially love the hungry hippo and little scooter.




Birdlette Tees
Funky images and great colors from Birdlette Design Studios — they believe that "form and function should tango with each other."



Tiny Sprouts
Hand-embroidered everything — tees, onsies, hats, blankets, and on and on. That's right. Hand-embroidered. With whatever name/message you want.

Petrie Point Designs

I received an email from Susan of Petrie Point Designs a couple of weeks ago and started oohing and aahing at her charming collection immediately. Susan takes actual antique/vintage items (teddy bears, baby shoes, and my favorite: bathing suits) and has them perfectly framed and preserved. What fantastic accents for a nursery! A great way to bring in some history — especially if you haven't inherited your own heirlooms to display.

These aren't budget items, but it's understandable considering their one-of-a-kind nature and fine framing.

Random Giveaway — Virtual Baby Shower

I am so psyched about today's giveaway that I'm typing standing up. It's that good. Seriously. It involves fantastic prizes from 5 different vendors that I love, totaling almost $250. And it's all about the baby. Which means it's all about you. Because as you've come to find out, that baby can't do a dang thing for itself. Your happiness = baby's happiness. And if you win this Giveaway you are going to be soooo happy! Take a look at the goods:


1) A Mini Minky and Bib & Burp Cloth set from Quilt Baby.

Quilt Baby is a fairly recent discovery for me and I'm still in that crush stage where I go and wander their website just to see the pretty colors and great photography. They're adding 4 total items to the prize package: 1 Mini Minky blanket, plus a Bib & Burp Cloth set that includes 1 bib & 2 burp cloths. Best part is: winner's choice! And what a choice it is. So many cute prints and patterns to choose from. It's a decision I would savor for hours. How fun to be able to wrap your baby in such coziness! The 4 items retail for $48.


2) Appreciate Gift Set from Baby Bear Shop.

Baby Bear Shop is a no brainer when you're looking for organic body products and gorgeous packaging. Their pretty little lip gloss tins are a staple in my handbag. This is what's included in their Appreciate Gift Set: Lavender Vanilla Lip Balm, Cheeky Baby Butter, and Mama Belly Oil. Completely organic. Completely effective. Completely yummy. And to top it off they're beautifully packaged: earthy, amber-hued bottles with vintage story-book illustrations, packaged in recycled kraft paper box with brown polka dot bow. Just reading the product descriptions makes my skin feel softer. The gift set retails for $48.


3) Two Pairs of Shoes from Isabooties.

What is it about seeing tiny little baby shoes that makes me so happy? I love the options at Isabooties! They look so well made, simple and clean. Little embellishments and details but no major animal or truck themed additions — sometimes you just crave a simple shoe. Isabooties are made in the USA of super-soft ultra-suede. They're machine-washable & dryable and they don't slip off little toesies. Lucky you — if you win you get to pick two pairs! Any size. Any style. One for you and one for a gift? Or one for you and another for you. Extra bonus: type in coupon code "designmom" for 15% off your order. Each pair of Isabooties retails for $29.


4) One set of Baby Stationery from Blonde-Designs.

Of course your baby needs his own stationery — he's that kind of baby — ready to send out thank you notes and thoughtful correspondence at a moment's notice. So you might as well set him up with something charming and appropriate. Like a set of 25 custom notecards from Blonde-Designs. 12 great choices with super-sweet illustrations. And the winner gets to pick her favorite(!) and have her darling baby's name printed right at the top of every card. The two artistic minds behind Blonde-Designs are former Martha Stewart art directors — and I bet they're missed. Because their clean designs and sophisticated color palette are so good. I'm a total fan. A box of 25 custom notecards retails for $50.


5) One Warmsie Set from Snug-a-Bug Baby.

The timing is simply perfect on this item — because it is so dang freezing cold outside it's ridiculous. At first glance you many think: ummm. That looks like a basic onesie and pants sets. Cute. But why the fuss? Well this is the fuss. Instead of being made from basic cotton, these Warmsie sets are made from super-hi-tech Temp-Rite fabric — which provides lots of warmth, without the bulk. So instead of wearing 15 pounds of layers, your baby can perch happily in her stroller and still move her arms. Available in lots of styles and colors — and the winner gets to pick size and pattern! Each warmsie set retails for $40.

What did I tell you? Great Giveaway today. So many treats it's like a Virtual Baby Shower. Happy commenting and a big thank you to our excellent sponsors!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until midnight PST on Sunday, January 27th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Monday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Two Inspiring Baby Rooms

Two great nurseries I've seen in the last week — both ready for the baby before he/she/they arrive. Both a good balance of adorable, high-style and calm.

1) The Chan Nursery via Decor 8:



Notice the great prints and the loveseat — they're having twins! See this link for more pics. Tracey Harvey-Chan, the mom of this nursery, listed Design Mom as one of the sites she visits for inspiration. Tracey, thanks for the compliment, and congratulations of the forthcoming babies.

A note on Decor8: Tracey's mention is the second time Design Mom has recently been posted on Decor8 — Yeah! Holly also listed DM as a good resource when she had her big kids posts a little while back. What a treat to get a mention on such a great blog. If you're not reading Decor8, you should start. Lots of high quality content. Lost of eye-candy. And never a waste of time.

2) Laura of Orange Beautiful's Nursery via Oh Happy Day

See what I mean by calming? Lots of pics at this link. They did an amazing job. Congratulations on the new addition, Laura.

Quilt Baby

I think the textiles and designs at Quilt Baby are so happy. Bibs, bedding, mobiles, onsies. I'm especially loving the Minky Blankets. What great colors — and the little tab for a toy or a binkie seems like a bright idea. Has anyone tried one? Are they as cozy as they look?

Tee Round-up

I get such a kick out of all the amazing t-shirts out there for babies and kids. Some are high style. Some are down right clever. I love them all. Here are some that have caught my eye lately:


Spring St. Designs
Organic Tees. Great simple designs. Love all the initial options.


Tiny Revolutionary
Political Statements for the yet-to-speak. Well-designed website — and discount in the Marketplace.


Little Capers
Yours kids get to be a super hero without all the spandex.


Sandbox Threads
Funky statements on culture and Pop culture for the wee ones.


Little Lark
What it looks like when a letterpress company makes tees — lovely.


SATees
Big words for little people. Find out what these mean and see all the other big words on their site.


Trendy Tadpole
More cultural commentary. With a more stylized feel.

Which great tee companies do you love?

Random Giveaway — Five Lands' End Diaper Bags

Here's a Giveaway especially for the new moms. Or for the expecting moms. Or for the people who know the new moms and want to give them pretty things. Even better: lots of chances to win on this one ladies! Up for grabs are Five Patterned Diaper Bag Totes made by the always reliable, always dependable Lands' End. That means FIVE WINNERS. So let's get commenting!



When I had my first baby ten years ago (yikes), there was pretty much one option for diaper bags out there. It was Lands' End my friends. At the time, they offered a conservative (navy, burgundy, forest green, or black), sturdy, lots-of-features version that did the trick nicely. Every new mom carried one — like a badge of honor. Mine lasted for ages, showing very little wear and tear, and was eventually donated to Good Will when my diaper bag needs changed.

These days there are diaper bag companies galore. And Land's End is still at the top of their game offering lots of fresh choices and options for every sort of diaper bag phase you can imagine. One of their current (and very adorable) iterations is modeled after their super-famous, award-winning tote. And that very iteration is the prize for this giveaway. Three diaper bag totes in the sweet, pink floral print. Two in the charming, embroidered, frog pattern. Each bag retails for $34.50.



The features include everything you want in a diaper bag:

-6 mesh pockets inside to help you stay organized
-Outside pocket to keep items easily accessible
-Cushiony changing pad included
-Full-zip top for extra security
-Made from sturdy cotton canvas to withstands daily use

The particular styles above are so popular, so perfect for spring, that sadly, they are no longer even available. But don't be too bummed out, you can still find the same bag in a very cheery appliquéd design.

Thank you Lands' End!

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Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until 2:30 PM (EST) on Friday, January 11th to enter this giveaway. NOTE the unusual end time.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The FIVE WINNERS will be randomly picked and announced Friday afternoon.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Tiny McSmall

I know it's barely January and we're all shopped out post-Christmas and everything, but can you believe I've got Oscar's birthday coming up this week and am out feeding the economy yet again? For those of you that are shopping already as well — or even just window shopping, did I tell you I've fallen in love with Tiny McSmall?

So in love that I don't even know what to feature from their super-well-put-together collection. In fact, my instinct is to show you a picture of every item they carry — I couldn't find a single thing that I disliked or even raised my eyebrows at.

Go take a look. At every single item. It's so worth your time.


Day of the Week Barrettes by Little Something
Chocolate Mini Dots Baby Set by Kit+Lili


Anja Dress by Neige
Crochet Terrier by Anne-Claire Petit


Child's Apple Pear Apron & Baking Set
Lucien Striped Sweater by Oeuf

Camille Dress by Dagmar Daley (at the top)

Natursutten Paci

I like the look of this one piece rubber pacifer from Zoë B Organic. Pretty little loop for a handle.

Albers Quilt

Oh my. Someone should plan a whole room, maybe a whole life, around this beautiful Albers Quilted Blankie by Miss Natalie. Available in her etsy shop.

Hedvig Bourbon

In my latest diaper bag discussions, I've been introduced to Hedvig Bourbon, a new-on-the-scene line of diaper bags and coordinating accessories, like changing pads and stroller liners. I really like the styling and color choices. And I'm impressed with the extensive features listed in this write-up:

The Lucas diaper bag is designed for moms and dads on the move, with emphasis on function and style. Its unique strap design hooks around the handles of all strollers. A leather strap converts the diaper bag with an easy switch from a stroller tote to an over the shoulder bag. There are several pockets to help you stay organized; a large pocket in the back with a magnetic snap for changing pad, and 2 pockets on the front for other quick access needs. Inside there are 2 pockets for diapers, wipes and bottle, a deep zipper pocket, and an interior cell phone pocket and key-ring clip.



Things I especially like about this bag are the stroller/shoulder option and that it doesn't look like a diaper bag. Very mom chic.

Edit: This just in! Design Mom Readers get a 20% discount at Hedvig Bourbon. Just email sales@hedvigbourbon.com after purchase with the code "Design Mom" and it will be applied as a refund.

Toby & Rei

If you read CJane, you may have noticed her post about how she'd like to dress her forthcoming baby boy: "I plan to dress my baby to look like a baby which means that I am somewhat (very) picky. No to khakis, jeans, and heaven forbid--HEAVEN FORBID--anything with bow ties. Yes to knits, soft cotton and kimono tops. No to anything with race cars, frogs, trains, dinosaurs, or turtles. Yes to plain layettes, gowns and bodysuits. No to shoes. Yes to booties. Basically, I fantasize about raising this man-child of mine by putting him in a plain white onesie everyday and to hell with the rest."

Although the general population may not be as (admittedly) picky as CJane is, think she is not alone in wanting her baby to look like a baby — but it can be harder than you might guess. And if were even a few short years ago, I would read CJane's wishes and think to myself: Good luck with that. And give a deep sigh.

But it's 2007 my friends. And having babies is so popular, and there are so many excellent options now, that if you so desire, you can keep your baby dressed like a baby until he's 10! Or at least until he's size 6T.



This is a long way of saying that I love the simple, undyed clothing options that have been cropping up lately. One of them that I find very appealing is Toby & Rei. First, they're all about sustainable. Organic cotton. Lots of bamboo. Second, their designs are simple and clean. Their palette is muted and gorgeous.

Look at their cozy robes. I'm craving one for Oscar in celery or pebble gray. And their blankets! I've held one of these in real life. They are thicker than a typical baby blanket. Super soft. And just the right size. Perfect to cozy up your baby in this winter.

I know I won't remember, but in a couple of years, when CJane's boy is toddling around, I hope I remember to send her a Toby & Rei robe. Simple. Unadorned. Perfect.

Obuba

There are lots of options for nursing cover-ups out there and recently, this one called Obuba (pronounced oh-boo-baw) especially caught my eye. It's much bigger than most and seems perfect for cozy winter nursing. Like a poncho/baby blanket/nursing cover all in one.

Available in 5 colors — doesn't the red look so holiday chic? Made of really soft, easy care cotton.

Holiday Giveaway #19 — Baby Star Crib Bedding

Here's a little something for baby's room. Our 19th Sponsor is Baby Star. And they're putting a crib set up for grabs. A really cute, $380 crib set. And since pretty much every Design Mom reader is either pregnant or knows someone who is pregnant, it seems like a good idea to jump at this chance to win.



Now your baby's nursery can be even more super stylish than it already is. Baby Star's bedding sets are new on the scene. and they're made from Baby Star's hot fabrics — two of their exclusive prints merged together. The bedding set has three parts: bumper, fitted sheet and flat front skirt. Plus, the bumper has a zip out insert for easy washing and 9" ties to fit any traditional crib. 100% cotton. 203 thread count. Available in styles for girls or boys.

If Baby Star is new to you, take a peek at some of my other favorites from their long list of fabulous products:



Cariboo bassinets. Yummy blankets. Cute bibs. And a portable diaper/wipes carrier called Quick Change.

Super cute. Super generous. You know the perfect recipient for this high-end bedding set. Maybe it's your daughter. Thank you Baby Star!

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Holiday Week Giveaway Guidelines:
-Deadline extended through the weekend. You have until midnight pst on Sunday, December 2nd to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Monday morning.
-What is Holiday Giveaway Week? Read about it here.

Holiday Giveaway #10 — Baby Linens from Spongy Feet

It's been all about practical for a few posts. Time to remember baby and beautiful and cozy. Enter your comment to win a gift package for baby girl or baby boy — winner's choice — that includes a crib blanket, a burp cloth set,
a mini lovey blanket and a bib — all from the small vendor we love: Spongy Feet!



What a generous package. Everything you need to keep your baby warm and cozy. Want to see how cozy? Check out the sweet photos in the gallery section of babies wrapped up in their Spongy Feet finest. Cute retro prints on one side. Super-soft chenille on the other. The part I like the best? Picking from the vast collection of fabrics choices.



This gift package will make a perfect addition to your own nursery or a smart gift for someone else. Extra bonus: Although Spongy Feet doesn't carry holiday fabrics, I have been assured by Sara, the designer behind this great company, that this package will be wrapped in all the holiday finery possible. Ready for giving. Ready for getting.

Thank you Spongy Feet!

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Holiday Week Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 24 hours or until 9:00 AM EST on Thursday, November 29th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Thursday Evening.
-What is Holiday Giveaway Week? Read about it here.

Holiday Giveaway #5 — 10 Tracey Clark Books from Chronicle

I've got a really good giveaway to greet you this morning. And this one is especially good because there are 10 winners — making the odds of you winning increase like crazy. Enter your comment to win one of 10 gorgeous books by Tracey Clark from the generous Chronicle Books!


Five winners will receive Waiting for Baby. A beautiful pregnancy journal. And a smart gift for any expecting someone. It will help you record all the joys, fears, and memorable moments of your pregnancy and includes guided prompts throughout to help you write about your emotions and experiences. There is even space for photographs so you can document your ever-growing bump.


Five winners will receive Baby of Mine. A memory journal to help you make a record of baby's first year. Another smart gift for anyone with a new baby. It goes above and beyond the traditional baby book, recognizing the journey that mother and child embark on together. With room, of course, to add pictures and other mementos.

If you're not newly expecting or newly delivered yourself, I'm sure you can think of the perfect recipient for one of these lovely books. So comment away on behalf of new mothers (and newly expectant mothers) everywhere.

Tracey Clark is a talented woman and I am delighted to know her. Thank you Tracey and Chronicle Books!

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Holiday Week Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 24 hours or until 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, November 28th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter — any comment.
-Anonymous comments will be ignored/removed.
-One entry per person, please.
-The winner will be randomly picked and announced Wednesday Evening.
-What is Holiday Giveaway Week? Read about it here.

Baby Quilts

I'm drooling for these gorgeous baby quilts from Bronwen Handcrafted.