All-Natural Abstergents

I’ve long been a loyal fan of all-natural brands like Mrs. Meyer’s and Dr. Bronners (among others) for my around-the-home cleaners. It’s just safer, both for pets and kids (both of which get into the cupboards on an equal basis, it seems). And I love them for myself because they don’t irritate my lungs or skin. Now Caldrea enters the market with their line of sweet-pea scented purifiers: wipes, detergents and hand soap. I’m especially keen on the wipes –- they are perfect to keep alongside the changing table for any, um, “overflow” cleanup, and you can throw them in the diaper pail with confidence –- they’re completely biodegradable. Keep some in the bathroom as well and flush them when you’re done, they won’t clog pipes like paper towels do –- and now you don’t have to keep a grungy sponge under the sink to save the environment from disposable cleaning pads. I’d even throw a baggie full of them in the trusty SkipHop and take them with me to clean up messes in the stroller!

Banish the Uninspired

One of the big trends in nurseries this year is a modern look –- clean lines, bold colors -– definitely a step away from the soft pastels we’ve seen in the past. One thing I’ve noticed is that although there is a great deal of modern furniture and plenty of mod-print linens and fabrics, the pool of nursery art is rather shallow. So I was thrilled to stumble on Avalisa, created by an artist who wanted to be positively influenced by her living environment. Just as you might find a dull, grey cubicle completely uninspiring, a nursery without engaging walls is uninspiring to your little imp. Thanks to the hand-stretched canvases, you will never worry about lifeless walls again! I’m currently smitten with these orange pandas -- and I love that they come in three sizes, from 12” square all the way to 28” square. Avalisa will also create custom pieces for you –- name the subject, size and shade and it’s all yours! I'm curious, for those of you reading -- what's your favorite source for nursery art?

Coveting Quintana

The market is awash in diaper bags these days -- dad bags, mom bags, special waterproof bags, bags that could fly you to the moon... Okay, not the last one. But it's true - our diaper bag options have increased exponentially in the last few years. No longer are we relegated to plasticky fabrics and cheap nylon florals.

One of the hottest bags on the market right now is by Paulina Quintana, whom you probably already know from her chic kids' wear. I came across this particular bag at Barneys, but they are available all over the net -- just Google her name and have your pick of the boutiques carrying her masterpieces.  Metal grommets and gunship grey give it a slightly harder edge -- all the better for disguising the Pampers within! Each one is made of gorgeous, buttery soft leather with adjustable straps, making it adaptable for different purposes (so if you are like me, you can sling it over your chest messenger-style and not worry about the straps falling off your shoulders!). The bag scores practicality points for its washable nylon liner, which means leaky nappies don't stand a chance of ruining your bag (your melted lipstick is another story, however). The liner also snaps out, so once the potty-training days are over, you can convert it into a full-time handbag. As with any good diaper bag, there are bottle pockets and several large compartments for storing wipes, binkies and anything else you care to carry.

The Importance of Wearing Earnest

  From low-rise, super-skinny jeans to the Cutter, a rakishly cut asymmetrical skirt, Earnest Sewn is denim at its best. Because everything can be customized, you can easily turn their offerings into pieces that will sit below your blossoming bump. Pick your fabric from Earnest’s rolls of hand-picked denims, choose a design to be embroidered on your pockets, and Earnest Sewn will create the perfect pair. Then cozy up to the espresso bar, converted from meatpacking locker space, and appointed with fixtures from the early 1900s. While you sip your java, your jeans are being sewn on-site by a team of just three workers and approved by President and designer Scott Morrison, who hand-stamps each pair of jeans along with team members after completing each step of the construction process. Each signature is a testament to the personal investment each team member feels in the product. You’ll go home with a piece of clothing molded to your body – a true throwback to the days of personal tailors and seamstresses. And truly, don’t you deserve denim that allows you to "play with wonderful expression"?

The perfect storytime companion...

Meet Octavio the Owl. He's a far cry from Mister Rogers' X the Owl, to be sure (but probably would be perfectly at home in the Land of Make-believe).

Octavio comes to us from the good people at Mahar Dry Goods, who have this to say about him:

Octavio owl sat in an oak,
The more he heard, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke, the more he heard;
A young vibrant fellow dressed like an old bird.

Although he be silent, watchful and wise,
The blue jay’s bright plumage delighted his eyes.
From his feathery brown cloak he decided to part,
His wisdom did not preclude dressing smart.

Octavio (who also comes in a jaunty tangerine color) is perfect as a child's first treasure -- he's not cut out for rough play, but makes the perfect companion during quiet time. He's a work of art from Los Angeles-based artist Chika, who embroiders details that Martha herself would envy.

Tub Time: It's not just soap crayons anymore.

Spicebox is one of my favorite websites at the moment - and not just because of the stunning design. They offer gorgeous gift collections for moms, dads and our wee ones, too! Your little tadpole will grow to adore bath time with the items included: a Little Giraffe hooded bath towel, washcloths in bright colors (perfect for creating washcloth puppets for some bath time entertainment) and super silky body wash, moisturizer and diaper cream from Baby Silk. You even have the option of personalizing the super-soft bath towel -- use your child's name, or a cute nickname, like "Wee Bairn." 

Can't you just smell the honeysuckle?

Spring started this week, and since Spring is a time for new beginnings and fresh growth, well, it only felt natural to launch My Posh Baby Blog at the same time!

For those of you who are still trapped in Winter's grasp (despite what that rascally Punxsutawney Phil said!), here's a little taste of those daffodil-filled days to come:

Matti & Me creates these gorgeous frocks by repurposing vintage textiles and pairing them with luxurious fabrics -- think silk, the softest of cottons, linen. Their pieces do nothing short of evoke memories of my summers in Rhode Island, cracking lobster claws over my grandmother's hand-embroidered linens; racing barefoot through the cool grass at dusk, catching fireflies; pulling the stamen out of the honeysuckle's freshest blooms to catch the drips of sweet sap. Pair this with a sweet cardigan and I'd say you have the perfect Easter (or Passover) outfit.

The line also includes gorgeous bibs, baby-bubble onesies, hats, and separates - all constructed with the same attention to detail. It's fair to say I'm smitten (I wonder when these will be available in Mom sizes?).