Storybooks Online

I love these sites. Much better than watching a cartoon. Now http://www.onemorestory.com is a subscription service (what a great gift) but http://www.storylineonline.net is free!
Photo courtesy of Time Inc.

Creative Stocking Stuffers

Candy canes, chocolates, gloves, fruit etc were things that were usually in my stocking every year. I always admire people who can be so creative with their stocking stuffers so I had to see what's out there:
For those stuck in warmer climates like myself, I love this Suddenly Snow for $4.95 from the Bibelot ShopsSquirt Gum and Ring Prank Set from Restoration Hardware for $5Magic Cabin Crayon Rocks for $8.95

Dollhouse Treats

Anyone considering giving (or writing to Santa) about a dollhouse this year? This is such a creative blog about miniature food that I had to share: http://theminifoodblog.blogspot.com/

Thanksgiving

Happy belated Thanksgiving, be back in December!
image from allposters.com

Nursery Ideas!

One lovely friend decided to give her son's old nursery set to another expecting friend. The furniture was in perfect condition and it made for just a beautiful nursery. I had to share her innovative nursery ideas here. This is the crib and changing table from Bratt Decor, she added the white star finials to the crib for such a unique look:
She accented the white washed walls with bead board and this adorable bedding from Pottery Barn Kids:And lastly a sweet navy blue custom gingham rocker form Posh Tots. Her lucky little boy has such an adorable room, I had to share!

Tat'r Tots

Car seats are supposed to be safe but sometimes the designs are less than aesthetically pleasing. Tat'r Tots is a brilliant company that makes car seat covers, among other things, that can really jazz up any old, dreary, grey car seat for around $100! They are available through their website or one of my favorites, Tickatoo.

Conversation Starters

So the other day I saw these Expression Pacifiers and I thought they were just a brilliant playground conversation starter for $14! Here are my favoritesAnd the ultimate, ridiculous, something-to-talk-about pacifier? The It's My Binky The Diamond Pacifier priced at a mere $17,000.

Making Music

So try as I might, I am still a terrible, terrible pianist. Hours of practice get me nowhere - let's face it I'm not musically inclined. For little ones who, unlike myself, are musically inclined these Schoenhut Children's Pianos take the cake! They rang in price from $144 for the Classic Baby Grand to $2,999 for the Pro Baby Grand String Piano.

Little Crown Interiors

I have two Auntie weaknesses 1. gifts and 2. nurseries. I have a minor obsession with interior design and have thus been on at least 50% of all the historic house tours in America - yes it is an addiction. You don't even want to know how many preservation society memberships I carry around... On that note, I recently stumbled across the design duo at Little Crown Interiors and -wow! They have created some truly unique and funky nurseries that any little munchkin would be proud to call home! You have to see their website, their blog and their work. This little gem was featured on Rate My Space on HGTV's website.

Bundle Up!

It is getting really chilly out and it is time to bundle up! I am loving these lambswool boys' scarves and hats from Brooks Brothers with their bright, classic colors! Each under $50!

Steiff Teddies

The other day I was chatting with a German friend and she reminded me of these beautiful bears by Steiff. Specifically her story was regarding a new puppy who knew exactly which of her teddies, as a little girl, was the most expensive to adopt as a new chew toy! Started in 1880, the original design still resembles the bear that first debuted in 1902. You just have to see these beautiful bears and animals with their little trademark "Button in Ear."

Etsy Love

I have to rave about Etsy. Just like most people who have used this site, I love it! Lately one of my favorites have been the little things that remind me of yesteryear. For example, these bookplates by Oiseaux, at only around $15, are a beautiful way to personalize a child's library. They make such beautiful gifts too!

Halloween XIV - Happy Halloween!!

Image from allposters.com

Halloween XIII - Ghoulish Cookies

I have been browsing the adorable Halloween desserts on Martha Stewart's website and had to just share these (slightly less work) from Eleni's in New York. How great would these be for a little party at $45.50

Halloween XII - Natural Candy

What would Halloween be without candy? And can candy possibly be good for you? While dentists will surely disagree Natural Candy Store.com specializes in organic and, shall we say, less bad for you sweets! Here are my two favorites:
Natural Gummy Bears, a 50 pack will run about $33.71Or how about these Spooky Milk Chocolate bites which run about $25 for 132 pieces!
There is a lot more, you have to see for yourself!!

Halloween XI - Tea Anyone?

How sweet is this Monstrously Cute Halloween Tea Set? I love the ghoulish description on Magic Cabin too: "Even the most rambunctious little tricksters morph into pretty and polite party guests when invited to partake of tea with this adorable porcelain tea set. The bewitching pattern is so upbeat and unique, everyone is happy to follow its example." Hot apple cider anyone?

Halloween X - Gingerbread House

I thought they were just for Christmas! I love this Haunted Gingerbread House kit from Magic Cabin for $9.98

Halloween IX - Trick or Treating Safety

When I was a little girl I remember my mother being very, very particular about safety while trick or treating. She always made me wear a glow in the dark necklace such as one of these from Oriental Trading Company where they carry a dozen for $12.99

While times have changed, safety is still very important for the Halloween Season, especially as children run to and fro, crossing streets. I love this Don't Go Bump in the Night!: A Halloween Safety Book which comes with a glow in the dark armband.

Halloween VIII - Best Baby Costume

My friend Mike was nice enough to share this with me!

Halloween VII - Pumpkins

What would Halloween be without Pumpkins? And they are definitely something the whole family can do, as witnessed by one of the early episodes of Jon & Kate Plus Eight - yikes! I love these craft Martha Stewart Templates. Even if you don't use them, maybe they can help get those creative juices flowing!

Halloween VI - Pet Costumes

Perhaps a little off-topic but how fun is this? Thanks Martha Stewart!

Halloween V - Baby Costumes

Since this is my nephew's first Halloween, we have to consider the adorable baby costumes out there! This little flower costume at the Children's Place has booties that could be used as slippers long after the holiday, not too shabby for $15.75
Or how about this little Polar Bear? It could be used again on another child since it seems pretty gender neutral and like the flower costume, it comes with booties that can be worn again! Pottery Barn Kids has it marked at $34

Halloween IV - Budget Costumes

Oriental Trading has got to be a mom's best friend. They manage to carry a wide array of adorable and affordable things. These are my favorite, budget-friendly, children's costumes:
Angel Wings & Halo $7.99 and all you need is a pretty dress and stockings!
Or how about a Pirate Set for only $5.99? All you need for this one is a black or striped shirt!

Halloween III - Crafty Kit Decorations

Sometimes I feel like Martha can do no wrong... obviously not true for any person but the woman does make some darn fine craft kits! Check out this wallet-friendly sampling from her line at Martha Stewart Crafts. While my Halloween tastes tend to be more towards the cute and child-friendly, she has some glam and spooky options for you brave souls too!

Halloween II - Costumes

After seeing the adorable treat bags, I had to see what costumes Pottery Barn Kids has this year. These are my favorites!
Lady Bug Tutu Costume for $69Puffy Spider Costume for $29

Halloween I - Treat Bags

So the start of October really gets my mind working on Halloween fun! I love the fall with just so many holidays. For a budget buy I am loving these little "trick or treat" bags from Pottery Barn Kids. From $12 to $19, my favorite thing about them? After Hallowed Eve they store flat waiting for next year!! Here are my favorite designs:

Fall Vacation

Be back at the start of October! image by allposters.com

Pedal Cars

I have to admit, I love the pedal cars that remind me of a bygone era. These are from BabyBox.com and I can imagine hours of fun play with any of them! They have this Deluxe Fire Truck for $275 which I could see bundled with a play fireman's hat and coat!How sleek is this Chrome Racer?! A little pricier this one is $510This last one is from Posh Tots. My husband is inclined to buy this one for himself! This Navy Corsair pedal plane is $475. I think you would have to pair this with a mini flight jacket too!

Janie and Jack Birthday Tees

Janie and Jack's beautiful website makes manic mornings and last minute gifting easy by putting together adorable outfits, all just a click of the mouse away. They even have the most adorable birthday tees which could easily become a family tradition!
For girls, starting at $24.99For boys, starting at $20

Janie and Jack Sale

There is nothing I like more than frugality... it is a virtue, right? Well Janie and Jack have some adorable things in their sale section, I had to share. How cute is this Embroidered Poodle Cardigan for chilly fall weather? On sale for $33.99.This Pirate Sweater is very fun and it is on sale for $23.99!