The Terminator's Arch-Nemesis

There have been some great arch enemies throughout time: Voldemort, Cinderella's stepmother, the Joker. But none are so lethal, so pervasive, so arch as the Poopinator. And all you moms out there have one. Our kids have been poopinating since before they were born -- and it's high time the whole world gets a whiff of what's about to be unleashed upon them. After all, the only way to defend yourself is to know your enemy! Nina & Tom make that possible with their cheeky Poopinator onesie. All their wares are screenprinted by hand with water-based inks -- better for babies and environment alike! And the garments are made to last, so like the Terminator himself, the Poopinator will love on long after your little one has outgrown the onesie.

How Prosh!

If these teensy slippers were alive, there's no doubt that they would be featured on cuteoverload.com -- they are just that cute! The booties are made in Peru, out of cotton -- making them soft for those sensitive little tootsies. Paired with a little red polka-dot dress (I'm a sucker for the polka dots) and a little hat -- either the matching hat or another cute cloche. How perfect would these be for a summer garden party? Naturally, there would also be pink lemonade and a child's size hammock. The only downside?  You may be jumpstarting your little one's Sex-in-the-City sized shoe collection!

Goodnight Moon...

Nursery Works has some of the coolest baby furniture I've seen in a while -- though if you enjoy traditional styles, perhaps it's not the site for you. You'd be hard pressed to find a crib with hand-turned bars or a chintz rocker. But they do have this gorgeous glider, which has more than a dash of Eames-inspired design. I grew up with my mother rocking me in an actual rocking chair, but the trend seems to be towards gliders these days -- with that ultra-smooth motion I suppose I can see why! I'd love to see this chair in a blue, or even yellow nursery. Naturally, there would be an accompanying end table to hold much-loved copies of Goodnight Moon and Hop on Pop.

It's Friday, I'm in Love....

In high school, I was completely, but completely, smitten with Robert Smith. And pretty much all things Brit-pop. I even went through a phase in which I loved Erasure. Morrissey still holds a spot in my heart. So when I found this CD from Rockabye Baby, I almost wept with joy. (Okay, I didn't weep -- but I was very, very happy.) The quirky jangles of the guitar in the original Cure tunes may be slightly less than soothing -- but transform them into lullabies and I fail to see how you can go wrong. I've a picture in my mind of playing this for my child in utero, and then, come her high school years, the little one suddenly has a mysterious affinity for the Cure. If the nouveau-British invasion isn't your thing, Rockabye also offers similar CDs, featuring lullaby versions of Coldplay, Radiohead and, for the industrial fans out there, Tool.

Hybrids Aren't Just for Automobiles

These days, when you hear the word "hybrid" what springs to mind is the Prius, the Insight and yes, sometimes even Al Gore. The Pick-Up from designer Alfredo Häberli introduces your toddler to the hybrid concept, though in a slightly round-a-bout way. Instead of cutting greenhouse gases, your little one learns the importance of a multi-tasker, and of movement powered by something other than the norm. In no time at all, your little one will be pushing these chairs about the house: first as car, then as bookmobile (complete with a copy of The Inconvenient Truth, natch). The product description says the piece can be used to facilitate first steps, a la the walkers of old, but I'd be careful with that -- no one wants their baby's first steps to be face first!

Cozy Cocoon

As Betsey Carr, artist behind Foundling, says: is there really a cozier word than cocoon? Created from recycled and repurposed vintage materials, this charm necklace is comforting and warm -- indicative of the blossoming baby bump that the recipient shall have. (I've a friend who just announced her pregnancy -- and this is perfect for her.) The necklace is oxidized sterling silver, with a gorgeous blue aventurine bead to accompany the pendant, which is created using a page from a vintage dictionary and a coating of clear resin. Betsey wants the piece to remind the wearer that she is warm and safe -- but I think it doubles as an indication that the wearer is a place of warmth and safety, at least for the wee bundle cooking away inside.

Can't. Tear. Myself. Away.

I've been spending an obscene amount of time browsing net-a-porter.com lately. Do they offer even one thing that isn't positively gorgeous and crave-worthy? I think not. I'm always on the lookout for clothes that can double as maternity wear. Even though there are some really gorgeous maternity fashions on the market right now, I still lean towards non-maternity clothes -- especially now that there are so many gorgeous pieces like this one from Little Joe by Gail Elliott. The bow detail on the sleeves is twee without being too twee, and the crochet trim? Satisfies my nostalgia for all things smocked without having to actually fill my wardrobe with smocked items. In a fabric other than silk, I think this might not be quite dressy enough, but the familiar sheen and texture of the silk give it just enough for me to feel comfortable wearing it both to work and to dinner. But I don't think I'll be pairing it with skinny jeans any time soon (a la the picture on the site); no matter how trendy they are!

Not Exactly Steiff...

Even babies can be label-conscious, right? So satisfy that desire for the luxe and need for snuggly bears in one fell swoop: The Dior logo teddy bear. A Steiff it is not -- though that doesn't mean it won't become a classic in its own right (or in your home). With "fur" of the iconic Dior-logoed canvas (softened for baby) and shimmery embroidered flowers on his chest, this teddy may well be the next Velveteen Rabbit. The eyes, nose and mouth are also embroidered, this time with a soft blue -- to invite playful nuzzling, no doubt.

Fit for a Queen

And by "Queen" I mean "me." This necklace is stunning -- simple, dramatic, bold yet neutral. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I love bright colors: MAC pigments, robin's egg blue paint for the bedroom, fuschia peonies. In my jewelry though, I tend to prefer pieces that are neutral enough to work with everything I own, and I think lots of modern women are the same way. We just don't have time to always match our earrings to our cocktail ring to our necklace (though, it's still nice to do sometimes). So when I shop for jewelry, I seek out pieces like this one from Joia Style Studio. I love how the hammered gold warms up the smoky grey quartz. The facets on the gems play nicely with the texture of the hoops that surround them. It's chunky and delicate at the same time -- I could see wearing this with my Sevens and also with a linen suit to work. Surely that justifies the purchase, no?

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

The turquoise! The brown! That texture! This little number has scooted its way into my top five most coveted bags -- which is, of course, subject to change at any moment. The Teflon-coated canvas means I can slosh the Starbucks at will (don't laugh, it happens more than you'd think), and any kid-related spills (cracker crumbs, mashed banana, you know how it goes) come right off. It also has one of my favorite features: a thermal bottle holder. Milk, formula and juice stay at the right temperature, and your bag is saved from the threat of drippy bottles and condensation. A changing pad is also included -- which I love, because it means that the pad fits perfectly into the bag. Another great feature is that it's sturdy enough to stand upright when you place it on the floor. I've seen lots of diaper bags lately that have very little structure and are so flexible that they flop right over. They are beatiful bags, but it makes it difficult to fish for a bottle or wipe when the sides have folded in on themselves. This one seems to have it all, though.

Say It, Don't Spray It

Jurassic Park was a groundbreaking movie when it was released -- brand new digital imaging technology, the works. And yet, what I remember most about that movie is that it's poison-spitting dinos inspired every 8 year old I knew to run around proclaiming "Say it, don't spray it." And that's exactly what I think of when I look at these adorable jammies from Skivvydoodles. Regardless, I love the print, the lively colors, the sensible (and required) flame-retardant material. You can put your little fire-breather to sleep knowing he'll be safe and inspired to dream of far away places and long ago eras.

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty...

This has to be one of my favorite dresses of all time. It's universally flattering in color and cut -- no surprise, really, because there are few better at dressing a woman than Michael Kors. There isn't anyone who doesn't look stunning in an A-line frock, and I love how the empire waist and gentle fluting cover any flaws -- such as the ubiquitous twin-skin that a few of my friends profess to have. I think you could even use it as a maternity dress, at least for a little while. This is the kind of dress that required a twirl from you when you were young, just to see how far the skirt would flare. It falls just to the knee, making it demure yet still a bit sexy. Now to find the perfect pair of heels to go with...

Turkish Delight

Red Flower has created a travel-sized set of products based on the rich tradition of hammam -- Turkish bathhouses. The bathhouses were sites of rituals that prepared the body for complete cleansing and relaxation. Bathers moved from a room of warm, dry heat designed to increase circulation and encourage perspiration. From there, they moved into an even hotter room, and finally splashed with cold water. After a full body wash and massage, bathers moved to a cooled room for a final relaxation period. The Red Flower products are designed to take your skin through a similar ritual, with each step designed to prepare your skin for the next one -- all intended to detoxify and leave your skin healthy and glowing.  The kit includes a mint tea purifier, olive stone scrub (I love scrubs -- they are so satisfying!), clay polish, a steam room mist, cardamom oil and tangerine butter creme. The scrub will open your pores and increase circulation, while sloughing off all that dead skin that accumulates, and everything else will leave you moisturized, and dare I say, gorgeously scented.

Flutterby Little Butterfly

First, an admission: It took all of my willpower not to title this entry "I Love Lamp." Now that I've let slip my fondness for Steve Carell, I will attempt to distract you with an absolutely stunning lamp. (It shouldn't be too hard -- this piece would stop anyone in her tracks!) The Delight pendant lamp from 2jane.com would be perfect in a nursery -- perhaps suspended over a favorite reading chair? It's hardwire only, but I actually prefer that, because it means there aren't any hanging cords for little tots to entangle themselves in. The white wool felt shade allows plenty of light to filter through, casting shadows that flit across nursery walls just like the migrating Monarchs that share my garden each fall.

Adorable Animal Blocks

Much has been made of the alphabet blocks sold at Il Cocco di Mamma -- and they are quite beautiful. But if you are looking for something a little different, the Naef animal blocks at Yoyashop.com are perfect! They are puzzle and building blocks in one, and the wood is sustainably harvested maple, so you know they will last long enough to become heirlooms. The colorful paints are non-toxic, of course. The entire puzzle is 25 pieces, but the sides of each block feature parts of  different animals: elephant, monkey, lion, owl, rabbit or bear. If your wee one is particularly imaginative, you may even spot a few rablions or elepowls in the final construction!

Monkeying Around

My near-constant quest to discover unique nursery art led me to Blue Sage Arts this morning -- and what a good thing it did! The site is fabulously full of gorgeous baby gear, including artwork by Meghann O'Hara. I'm torn between pieces but after a good deal of deliberation, I have settled on her Oopsy Happy Monkey as my favorite. It's a lightweight stretched canvas -- which means those little grabby hands can reach for it without fear of glass breaking or heavy corners landing on tiny heads. The canvases have a decorative edge, so there really is no need to frame it at all. Even though this little simian is my favored piece, I can easily see pairing it with the other pieces in the collection to form the basis of a nursery theme. Since the pieces are canvas, you could even use them in a bathroom or kids' powder room! While you're on the site, check out the other artists -- if cheeky monkeys aren't your thing, something else is bound to appeal!

Paint? Pshaw!

I love the idea of chalkboard paint -- finally, a surface the kids can draw on without repurcussion! I do not, however, love painting. The endless taping, and retaping when you realize your line isn't straight. Priming. Rinsing the rollers. How to reconcile this love/hate relationship? Chalkboard wall decals! It's as if my very own fairy godmother came along -- please, refrain from referring to me as "Cinderelly," even if it is in your best mouse imitation. These decals can go up and come down according to your whims. As someone oft struck by whimsy, and who likes to rearrange her rooms on a monthly basis, decals like this are perfect. And, when the kids write on your freshly painted wall anyway, you can just move the decal to cover the unsightly spot.

Belly Shots

Where I live, maternity photographers are a dime a dozen. The trick is to find someone who really sees the beauty of pregnancy; someone who can make the bright light of her subject's soul shine through. It's a rare quality. Brandy Anderson at Fresh Sugar Photography has that rare quality. She shoots with 100% natural light, so there are no harsh shadows or hot lights to sit under. The resulting photos are nothing short of stunning. Even though she's located in Calgary, I'd think seriously about booking a trip out there to have her shoot for me -- making a little time for a visit to Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut while I'm there. A girl has to have her priorities in order, you know.

Hushabye Baby

Ask anyone who's been through the first year with a new baby, and they'll tell you that a baby swing is one of the smartest investments they made. Unfortunately, those swings are almost always something of an eyesore -- certainly nothing you'd want to make part of your permanent decor! The Hushamok is different, though. The sleek design and bright, modern colors would meld with anyone's home -- but more important, the Hushamok provides a safe (and portable!) sleep solution for your wee one. It is now recommended that babies sleep on their backs in order to reduce the incidence of SIDS; the Hushamok allows this while also positioning the baby to reduce flat head syndrome. The gentle swinging motion of the hammock can help ease the symptoms of colic, while also keeping baby's head elevated to prevent acid reflux. And for those particularly restless sleepers, the hammock provides a gentle, constant motion to help lull them away to the Land of Nod, allowing you to catch a few Winkens yourself.

Koo-Koo for Karakuri

The word "karakuri" refers to a mechanical device intended to tease or take a person by surprise. Karakuri tradition requires concealing technology with puppetry and robotics, which is embodied by designer Keisuke Saka's delightful collection of miniaturized Karakuri models. The delicate paper used to create the models means this probably isn't the perfect craft project for toddlers, but older kids would enjoy the process. And I've no doubt younger kids would find themselves enchanted by the mechanical workings of an already-assembled Karakuri. Each model takes about two hours to assemble -- sounds like a perfect rainy day project to me (at the very least, the cheery colors will ward off some of the gloom)!

Because Dads Need Storage, Too.

With companies like DadGear and SkipHop in the mix, there has been quite a trend in recent years towards including dads in diaper duty. And as thankful as I am not to have to carry a frilly diaper bag, I am certain that the men in my life are doubly happy for the same reason! JJ Cole has a slightly different take on the daddy diaper bag, and while I wasn't quite sure about it at first, the design has grown on me. It's sort of a tool belt in sling format; an over-the-shoulder messenger-style. The streamlined sling is bagless ... but aren't all great things equally so? (Cases in point: my beloved Dyson, our eyes after a luscious spa treatment.) Even minus the bag we are so accustomed to, there is plenty of storage -- for bottles, diapers, wipes and passies, too. And, like all our favorite diaper bags, this one easily attaches to your stroller with a simple quick-release latch.  I wouldn't be surprised to see this show up on a few of Dad's wish lists.