Kids in the kitchen

Learning, measuring, messes, memories... all good stuff! Kids are great in the kitchen, I remember my first cookbook at seven, we made chocolate chip banana pancakes for a week! Here are some helpful little things for helping little hands. I love this little children's apron at Anthropologie. The Comfort Food Kid's Apron is priced at $24
Naturally Williams-Sonoma has their selection of adorable children aprons in a variety of colors, starting at $24.

Teaching healthy eating habits starts young, try this wonderfully illustrated DK book to inspire everyone! The Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook by Nicola Graimes and Howard Shooter is priced at only $12.95I love this Kids' Learning Tower priced at $189.95 at Williams-Sonoma. Helping boost your little ones to the counter safely, no more balancing on stools that could tip.

Cooking for baby

Everyone is more conscious of what they are eating today. If you are what you eat, any parent would want their children to have the best nutrition. These wonderful things from Williams-Sonoma prove that making your own baby food does not have to be a hassle, or even time consuming! Try this amazing, efficient and easy to clean! I love this little machine, the Beaba Babycook, brilliant and only $149.95
Beaba Multiportion Freezer Trays enable you cook and freeze enough for the week, at only $19.95Cooking for Baby, the go to guide for $19.95

Children's poetry

Continuing with great children's books, I love poetry for children! There are so many beautiful books out there but today, let's feature some of my favorites! As school lets out, this book is so perfect. Lemonade Sun, by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Jan Spivey Gilchrist is a collection of poems about summer.
This book is so beautiful, Twilight Comes Twice by Ralph Fletcher, Kate Kiesler
As a classic,the Shel Silverstien books were a favorite when I was little, including Where the Sidewalk Ends

Little citizen books

Every parents worries about developing their chilren into little citizens. I was at the bookstore the other day and saw some children books titles to help! I loved this book. It is hilarious! Perfect for adults and children, I can just imagine the birdwatching to ensue! United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds by Hudson TalbottI love this book's illustrations and I think it is important for children to understand the symbols they see everyday. O, Say Can You See? by Keenan and Ann Boyajian

I think the illustrations are beautiful and I love how this book teaches children empathy for others that may be different. Free to Be You and Me by Marlo Thomas, Peter Reynolds

I have to admit I didn't vote for him but as a military wife, I recognize and truly value the importance of teaching children about our leaders and their role! I thought this title was a great way. It talks about his childhood and allows children to relate to our President. Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes and Bryan Collier

Felix Doolittle baby!

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of stationary and Felix Doolittle's work is at the top of my list. I first used them for our wedding announcements and have been hooked ever since. I love the little watercolors and just look at the huge baby selection!

At $3.50 per card I think these birth announcements are so chic and elegant, but sweet a the same time.
I LOVE these playdate cards, how adorable!! And only $30
Personalized Stickers for only $15, I could stick them everywhere!
Children's bookplates starting at $10, personalized at $40

Slings galore!

I remember when I first started noticing slings about fifteen years ago. The ones I saw were all homemade, beautiful but very plain in design and fabric choices usually. More utilitarian than beautiful... today there are so many options, that clearly is no longer the case! I love how colorful they are now, and the embroidered ones... ugh! So lovely! My favorite favorite baby slings are the ones from Serena & Lily like the new Peacock Market Sling at $129.00
And the Prague Market Sling at $129.00Another great sling store is the Sling Station. I love how organic this Maya Wrap looks at $65.95I also LOVE their Storchenwiege Wrap Baby Sling. At $109.00 it is the most versatile design I've ever seen!
Then there are the classic Hotslings, I love the pattern of this one at $48By far the most economical, this one also has an adorable pattern. Sold through Target.com this Munchkin Jelly Bean sling is only $29.99

Modern, affordable baby furniture

So if you can't tell already, my tastes tend to be more classic. This doesn't mean that I can't appreciate the fresh, clean lines of modern nursery furniture. Naturally Ikea is always a great place to shop for affordable, Swedish modern furniture. A Sniglar crib for only $79.99!
Gasell Toddler Highchair for only $34.99
How about this $59.99 funky indoor Vipping seesaw?
Check out the affordable Baby Mod line from Walmart.com of all places!

Stuffed Animal Zoo

Something about life sized stuffed animals is so captivating for children and adults alike. Perhaps it is because I remember going into FAO Schwarz on Fifth Avenue as a little girl and seeing the magical toy zoo! They still carry their Gentle Giants collection on their website.
My favorite maker of life sized, realistic plus toys is Hansa. Just look!
I also just love the selection of Classic Play Toys and Menagerie at Source Perrier

Best of all, I'm so glad I found this site - This Place is a Zoo specializing in those jumbo stuffed animals. Here are a few of my favorites on their site.
Can't you just picture a gentle ewe watching over your nursery?

Miracle Baby Blanket

I was recently introduced to a mother of two at a dinner party. When I asked her what her number one, hands down, favorite baby item was, she said emphatically, "Miracle Baby Blanket!" She said it was the best $29.99 that a person could ever spend because it put her energetic little boy right to sleep. Reason enough to register for it!

Fuzzy Fabric Toys

I have to admit that I'm a big of a classic, in terms of my tastes. I really love toys that looks like something your grandparents would have had. This means that wooden toys and fabric toys are hands down my favorite over plastic toys!

Felt cars are the perfect plush toy because they're so portable. These lovelies are from Etsy seller absolutefelt and are very reasonably priced!

Look at the beautiful felt foods from this Etsy seller, bugnikdesigns. Reasonably priced, these are some of my favorites.

I have been really impressed with the selection at Pottery Barn Kids. Tea for two? Cooking in the kitchen? How lovely are these little fabric foods? This Dessert Collection is modestly priced at only $19!On Sale at $79, this Large Pirate Ship features pirates made of fabric and wood. I can just imagine how this could keep someone preoccupied for hours!

At $69 this adorable, portable and (let's not forget) quiet Puffy Dollhouse is perfect for entertaining les petits-enfants during functions or road trips!

And of course, you can always make your own felt play board, thanks to Martha Stewart!