Oahaca Windups

I posted my Father's Day Picks a couple of weeks ago. But when I saw these Oahaca pullstring windups, I thought I would add them to my list.

My own Dad was fond of "grown up" toys — the kind of things all ages like to fiddle with and enjoy — something cool-looking to sit on a desk or dresser. Throughout the year, my whole family would be on the watch for the hip new thing to give him for Father's Day or his birthday. These sophisticated wind up creatures would fit the bill perfectly.

Available at Kikkerland. Thanks for the tip, Anne!

Little Jules Giveaway

Oh goody! Today's Giveaway is something for you. And something for your sweetheart. Loot worth $200. A beautiful locket from Julian & Co. Plus a handsome pair of cuff links. Just think. If you win, Father's Day shopping will be done and done. Speaking of Father's Day shopping, you might want to use this prize as inspiration for a new tradition: a gift for him that happens to come with a little something for you as well (wink).



Both the locket and the cufflinks are handcrafted from sterling silver and completely customizable. A photo can be added to the locket through a little slot at the top. They are delicate and gorgeous — as are all the pretty offerings at Julian & Co. The cufflinks and locket each retail for $99.00.

Leave a comment to enter. I'll post the winner on Thursday. Yay!

----------

Congratulations to Randi! You are the lucky winner.

And for those of you who have been waiting, I finally managed to get the winners of last week's John Segal Book Giveaway posted here.

5 Things You Could Buy for Father's Day

What? It's really the end of May?

Here are 5 things I've been considering for Father's Day. (Ben Blair, don't read this.)

1) T-shirt from Robotcha.
They come in kid size and grown up size. Ben Blair is sort of obsessed with robots.

2) Custom Fingerprint Cufflinks from Womily.
Womily has this amazing line of jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, keyrings, etc) called Touch, that feature the fingerprint/thumbprint of someone you love. They send you a kit to capture your print, you send it back, and they form it into jewelry. So cool! You could capture your babies thumbprints. Or if you have two kids, you could capture one fingerprint from each. Ben Blair is all about a great collection of cufflinks.

3) Comic Book Wallet.
Made by the disabled from pages of recycled comic books. Available as passport holders as well. I don't think Ben Blair read many comic books as a kid, but they are certainly the basis of his favorite movies as an adult.

4) Belt from Strapped Belts.
Made in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (where we honeymooned), I think these glass buckles are beautiful. And manly enough to keep Ben Blair's jeans around his waist.

5) Black Lacoste Polo Shirt.
Apparently Ben Blair's most recent version of this shirt was misplaced in the move. Bummer. Because he looks really good in it. In fact, I'm not sure if I've met a man that wouldn't look good in a black Lacoste polo.

Seeing the Everyday Magazine

One of my favorite magazines, Seeing the Everyday, just relaunched their website. Take a peek. This is a quarterly magazine with no advertisements. It is beautiful to read and beautiful to look at.

If you're not already a subscriber, this is what you should request for Mother's Day. You will not be disappointed. Seriously. It is so good. I can't believe how happy it makes me to see a new issue waiting in my post box.

Random Giveaway — Tretorn Shoes for the Family

It's the 4th of July tomorrow. Which is wonderful. I LOVE July 4th! And I think we should celebrate our freedom with some new shoes. Because being able to walk around — when you want, where you want, in whatever shoes you want — is a lovely way to model independence. So how about new shoes for the whole family? A pair for Dad. A pair for Mom. And a pair for your child. All sponsored by Tretorn!



That's right. The winner will receive 3 pairs of shoes from Tretorn. And the winner gets to pick which pairs and which sizes. And it's going to be kind of a big job choosing those 3 pairs of shoes. Because Tretorn carries all sorts of really good-looking options. Check out the men's shoes. And the women's line. And the adorable children's sneakers and boots.





Why is Tretorn feeling so generous and All-American? Well. It's because in addition to the 4th of July, they are also celebrating the opening of their new shop in SoHo — yay Tretorn! It's located on 150 Spring Street, and I for one am dying to pay it a visit. If only so I can see this lovely pair of boots in person.

Thank you Tretorn!

-------------

Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until Midnight PST on Sunday, July 13th to enter this giveaway. (I know that's super, extra long for one of my Giveaways. But I'll be at camp all next week and won't be ready to announce a winner until the 14th. So I thought: why not have an extra-long 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 on Monday, July 14th.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Ben Blair is Looking Hot

Because Ben Blair was out of town last Sunday, we had a belated Fathers' Day Celebration. He's been sporting his Dad Day Gifts all week and I've noticed that I'm especially loving the following items:

Flip Video Camera.
This gift was a huge hit and has been in pretty much constant use since the box was opened. But Ben has hardly touched it. The kids on the other hand, won't put it down. It's so awesome. All three of the older kids are suddenly movie-making moguls. I picked this for Ben, because he has wonderful visions of making fun movies with the kids. And he's determined to open up some time this summer to make it happen. FYI: I chose the black version, knowing my kids would be handling it a lot, and hoping the dark color would hide some of the wear-and-tear.

Carnaby Sneaker.
Ben has been wearing these with pretty much everything in his summer wardrobe. And they always look just right. I have such a thing for white sneaks right now.

Skinny-er Tie.
It was time to update Ben's tie collection. I picked out one by Joseph Abboud, similar to the one shown. It seemed like a good place to start. And Ben looks great in it. He pairs it with his favorite dress shirt, the Windsor slim fit from TM Lewin.

shirt and tie image from GQ

Random Giveaway — Two Diapers Bags for Dad

I'll bet you can't wait to tell your husbands and fathers Happy Fathers' Day! How about a Giveaway that you can enter especially for the Dads. Two lucky winners will each receive a $98 manly diaper bag from Allen Avenue!!


One will receive the Cevan Metro Black Stars & Gear.


And One will receive the Cevan Metro Brown Biplane.

What good-looking bags! And I love that there's nothing overtly "diaper" about them — they're cool enough to be totally unisex. Plus, check out the long list of features here. Clearly, they were designed to fit and carry everything a modern parent could need.

Won't your husband be relieved to have a non-quilted, non-embroidered, non-flowery bag to carry when he heads out to the park with the kids? And if he's not into it (cross your fingers), you can always claim it for yourself.

Thank you Allen Avenue!

-------------

Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 2 days — until midnight PST on Monday, June 16th 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 on Tuesday.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.

Ask Design Mom Week: Daddy-to-be Gift

Ask Design Mom Question:
Dear Gabrielle: I wanted to ask if you could post something that would make a unique/thoughtful/creative present for a daddy-to-be. My husband (like myself) is a graphic designer, and I'd love to find something to show him how thankful I am for all his support throughout my pregnancy. He's been amazing, super-caring and just wonderful all around! Any ideas? Love, Sabrina

Design Mom Answer:
Perfect timing on this question, Sabrina! Father's Day is just around the corner. I've got a couple of suggestions for a Daddy-to-Be, keeping in mind you're both super-cool graphic designers.



You could get him the Photographing Your Family book produced by National Geographic. Your husband may not know it, but taking photographs of his beautiful baby is about to become his new obsession. And this book goes a long way to taking the mystery out of capturing a great shot. If he already uses a good camera, you could also include a new lens with the book. Or. If he doesn't own a good camera, now would be a smart time to invest. Sometimes, when a new baby arrives and Mom is busy nursing on the sofa, Dad doesn't quite know how to get involved. A camera in his hand becomes very empowering.



For something more fun-loving, consider these very cool tin wind-up toys designed by Jesco von Puttkamer, hand-made in Nuremberg, Germany. Although not designed for children (watch for sharp edges) they are the sort of item that can make your workspace both sophisticated and welcoming-to-kids at the same time. A collection of these is sure to make you the coolest Dad in town. Available at Unica Home.



For an heirloom gift — something your husband can hand down to this forthcoming child of his — a vintage Rolex would be ideal. Thousands less than the price of a new one, and somehow much more young and cool than the latest editions. A few of my hippest friends sport refurbished originals from the 1970's with re-painted faces in orange and green — beautiful timepieces that I fully covet.

If you're in New York, you can find a selection at Bergdorf Mens. If you're not in New York, Travis, my friend and vintage Rolex connoisseur, recommended doing a search on ebay. The four watches pictured were found with a "Rolex California" search. Travis also mentioned that he'd found Samson328 to be reliable — and that Samson would probably be willing to locate a timepiece if I had something specific in mind.

How about you, Design Mom Readers? What are your best Daddy-To-Be Gift Ideas?

Man Stationery

The best thing about today is that it's one day away from Ben getting home. He's been on a business trip since Monday night and I've been trying to pace my Motherhood Patience so that I'm not completely worn out before he gets back. But alas, my patience is running on fumes today and I've been offering up incessant prayers that my children be especially charming today so that my only desire is to hug and kiss them and buy them yellow balloons.

Because my mind is on manly Ben, I remembered this fantastic line of stationery I spotted on kirtsy. They're called Man Notes and you can find them (and their silly names) on Pretty Bitter.

DB Clay Wallets

I have vowed to get a head start on Fathers Day this year. I'm eyeing these gorgeous screen-printed wallets by DB Clay. They look so interesting and masculine and not at all boring. My very favorite is the Time To Swim.

Plus, they're made from an eco-friendly synthetic (instead of leather) called tope. What is tope? I'll let DB Clay explain: Tope is a specialized and sleek material that we've custom engineered specifically for constructing artfully printed wallets. Tope not only improves the look and functionality of our wallets but also reduces db clay's ecological footprint by using environmentally friendly manufacturing solutions. Tope is strong. Tope is durable. Tope is heat and cold resistant. Tope is smooth textured. Tope is water resistant. Tope is robust. Tope is eco friendly and our material of choice for producing Version 3 and Version 3.1 wallets- the only product of their kind in the world.

Don't you feel like pulling out a wallet like this would help your wears-a-tie-everyday-husband feel like he's pretty cutting edge? Like maybe he drives a Harley. Or owns tech stock. Or is kind of a skater. (I've always had a thing for skaters.)

Wallet version 3.1 just came out. Twelve very cool options. And you can own one first. At a hefty discount no less — type in dmom30x and you'll get 30% off your order!! Feel free to spread the word. This isn't just a Design Mom exclusive — anyone can take advantage of this awesome deal.

Seeing the Everyday

There's a newly launched magazine that has completely hit a soft spot for me. Seeing the Everyday.

First of all, it's gorgeous. (And you know I have kind of an obnoxious why-bother? attitude about anything poorly designed.) The photography is excellent. The layouts are well thought out. The paper has a lovely feel. It's a pleasure to hold and read.

Second, the concept is unlike anything I've seen out there on the magazine racks. And it is needed. And at the end of the day, really important. Seeing the Everyday aims to cover the "in-between" moments of parenthood. The non-events that actually make up the bulk of the act of parenting. To shed light on how important these small moments are.

I found the stories and articles authentic and compelling — and loved them for being affirming and positive without being patronizing. I was wiping the tears right and left as I read cover to cover (I'm not kidding when I say it hit a soft spot with me). If it celebrates parenthood and families I can typically be counted as a fan. I'm fully aware that parenting is the most important and meaningful thing most of us will do in our lifetime. It is always good for me to be reminded that the birthday parties and big events aren't any more important than the down days — and probably much less important.

Lastly, Seeing the Everyday is ad free. As in sans ads. As in there aren't any advertisements. No really. (And of course, this is partly why it's so gorgeous.) Consider how lovely that is. Every page is content. Every page is beautiful. How to get one? Via internet of course. Sign up for your subscription here. If you check it out, I'd love to hear what you think.

How to Knot a Tie

Seeing that photo of my mom has me thinking about different necktie knots. I found this very helpful website giving illustrated directions on 4 variations. Have you ever worn neckties? I loved to wear them in high school and college — it always felt mildly rebellious — but haven't attempted to put one on for years.

Great photo from Imeanhoneybee's photostream on flickr.

Holiday Giveaway #6 — Two Necklaces from Julian & Co.

Oh Goody! More Jewelry to give away. And this time, it's something for Mom and something for Dad. Today is your chance to win two gorgeous necklaces from Julian & Co.


The Grande Baby Coin and the Piccolo Baby Coin.

These necklaces are both beautiful and well crafted. I'm drawn to their simplicity. The Piccolo Baby Coin is solid silver (.999) and is 5/8" in diameter. You get to send in a photo of your darling bébé, and an artist will make a simple line drawing from the photo, and inscribe the image on the front of the coin. You also get to include two lines of text on the back. The Piccolo Baby Coin hangs on a sterling silver cable chain. It retails for $79.

The Grande Baby Coin is also solid silver (.999) and is a larger 3/4" in diameter. It can also be inscribed with an image of your baby on the front and two lines of text on the back. The Grande Baby Coin hangs on a sterling silver ball chain. It retails for $89.

Is Daddy the photographer in your family? Pick one of his favorite shots and have it inscribed on the coin. What a happy surprise for him on Christmas morning. Is he not a jewelry kind of guy? Then more bling for you, you lucky girl.

Thank you Julian & Co.!

-------------

Holiday Week Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have 24 hours or until 10:30 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 Coins by Julian & Company

Tania from Julian and Company just announced a new product and I am totally intrigued. Check it out. You send her a photo and she makes a tiny outline etching of it and engraves it onto a pure silver or gold pendant. Stats are included on the reverse. She calls them Baby Coins. I call them charming.



Available as necklaces, bracelets, cuff-links — or my favorite — a guitar pick. Bonus: use the Marketplace and get $10 off your order.

Tom's Shoes

I've got a great new reason to go shoe shopping: Tom's Shoes. Tom, is the tall, bearded fellow in the group photo and he created a line of good-looking, really comfortable (so I hear) shoes. And best of all. Everyone single time someone buys a pair of shoes, Tom donates another pair to a child in need. Buy one. Give one. You can read about it here.





Shoes for babies, men and women. And like I said, they're good-looking too.

Thanks Joslyn!

Giveaway: Lego Cufflinks by Jacqueline Sanchez

It's wonderful Wednesday. It's the end of May. It's time to look ahead to June. Let's do a giveaway for the men in our lives — to help us get in gear for Father's Day. The talented Jacqueline Sanchez sent me a link to her Forever Young line of lego-based-jewelry and I was an instant fan. So we set up a Giveaway for a pair of impeccably designed, finely crafted, absolutely happy LEGO CUFFLINKS!!




What's not to love? Legos are practically a symbol of parenthood. You can find them tucked into the corner of many a child-filled home. When you step on random piece in the middle of the night and muffle your scream of pain so as not to wake your slumbering children, legos serve as a not-so-subtle reminder that your priorities are in order, that your children are cherished.

These lego cufflinks let you wear your parenthood on your sleeve — like a badge of honor. Plus, they're a good compromise for the man who is all grown-up and working for his family's benefit, but still loves a good toy. But don't let the playful aspect fool you — all of Jacqueline's jewelry is exquisitely made and a bit extravagant. The winner of today's Giveaway can choose their cufflinks: red squared or black rounded like the ones above. Or. The winner can contact Ms. Jacqueline herself and she'll tell you the additional colors that are available. Her cufflinks retail for $150 — a perfect Father's Day Gift splurge.

Ladies, you're also in luck. Jacqueline designs lovely lego jewelry for Mom as well. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces rings. Everything made from the finest sterling silver — and plastic legos. Some pieces are blinged-up with diamonds and gold.






If legos aren't your thing, you'll definitely want to check out Jacqueline's other jewelry lines. She's a woman of many talents. She even offers a gorgeous bridal line and stunning custom work. What a fun find!

Thank you Jacqueline Sanchez!

-------------

Random Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until midnight PST on Thursday, May 31st 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 Friday morning.
-What are Random Giveaways? Read about them here.