Obaibi...Oh baby!

I have been wanting to write about Obaibi for a long time. Unfortunately every time I went in there the last couple of months, they had low inventory because their merchandise was stopped at customs because of some paperwork glitch. Well that has certainly changed and we can now put that aside. I went today and they had great things and so many sales, some items were up to 50% off. Basically Obaibi is a french chain store that sells their own designed clothing. It is quite popular in France and their clothes definitely show their French origin. They are a mix between Jacadi and Cadet Rouselle. The designs and fabrics are wonderful. The prices are great too. In fact it pretty much costs the same as if you bought it personally in Paris! So save your money and skip the airline ticket and check it out at 1296 Madison Avenue and 92nd. Also I can't wait for them to open their older children's store, appropriately called Okaidi since Obaibi only goes up to size 5!

We have a great way to display our art!

The Lil Da Vinci frames are fabulous. They come in 2 sizes 8 1/2 x 11 and 12 x 18 and hold tons of art work. The new 'masterpiece' can be placed in the front of the frame for all to see, while the old ones are stored behind in the same hinged frame. Your 'chic one' will love participating in the framing process. Lil Da Vinci also comes in different frame colors (...great birthday gift).

Yummy custom made cupcakes

We are a little Sesame Street crazy in our house. And it goes without saying that since cupcakes are the new doughnuts, we happily oblige the cupcake trend and try to grab them where we can. So imagine our excitement when we happened upon Ruthy's at the Chelsea Markt. They had pretty much every cupcake character available...Big Bird, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie, Oscar the grouch and Elmo. We settled for a Cookie Monster cupcake. Ruthy's delivers anywhere in the US in special temperature controlled shipping, so give them a ring if you have cupcake Sesame Street addicts like we have at home or just pop on over to Chelsea Market yourself. Would be great for a 'chic ones' birthday too!

Fun crayons

I wanted to start highlighting some more eco/organic/ green items since I have been pretty environmentally conscience myself, after living in Europe for years. I am happy that this year, Earth Day and frankly, the whole month of April, received much more attention here in the States, then years past. I will probably be adding a weekly addition to the blog, maybe a 'green toy Tuesday, or an 'eco friendly Friday' to post about some ideas or items I have found....but it's Wednesday and I couldn't think of a catchy post title and since I have been remiss in my postings as of late, here goes....

Eco stars from the same company that brought you Miss Brittany's Fun Dough. These crayons come in fabulous star shapes, different colors, and write superbly ( I have tested these myself). They are made out of crayons collected from the National Crayon Recycling Program ( I didn't know there was such a clever program either). So basically they are 'upcycled' or recycled. Available directly from their website for $ 8.95. Makes a great add on or party favor gift.

I love these tshirts!

I am absolutely buying these as gifts for some friends who are about to have a baby! The 'production' version is too funny...you can personalize it with your the parents' first names or last names/ maiden name. My other favorite is the copyright version with the year printed right next to it. The copyright version is available till size 6T, so it would be a great photo opportunity for every child in a family to wear them simultaneously, with their respective birth years printed, of course. They cost $26 and are available in both long and short sleeves from Mitetees.

Alphabetizing their rooms.

I love these initial alphabet hooks from Anthropologie. They have that old time, classic feeling and are black and white so they can easily adapt into any bedroom's decor. We all need hooks whether in the closet, behind the door or on the wall. Something to consider for only $12.

Personalized baby Moses baskets makes sleeping that much warmer!

What a wonderful way to make your new 'chic baby' feel like a special new member of the family. You can personalize the baby's Moses basket with the baby's name or even your last name to make a true family heirloom. Available from Makaboo for $179.99 including the monogramming.

The go to travel toy...memory!

We love this toy both at home and on the road. It is the Memory Game from Melissa and Doug. It says it is from 5 years old and up but it works from pretty much 2 and up if you don't leave the 'chic one' alone. The game has 7 different topics, such as shapes, vehicle, animals, fruit, etc. These topics have 2 inserts each ( math geniuses like myself realize that means there are 14 different games to choose from). It is a really small and portable game, and unlike other memory games, there are no small pieces or cards to lose. So if you thinking what to pack for entertainment this holiday week...this is greatand suits a lot of ages. Available for $12.99 from Melissa and Doug.

Our favorite gift to give at birthday parties.

The 'go to gift' for us is something that has been a big hit in our own home...it is the Aquadoodle Draw N Doodle. You basically take the pen the drawing mat comes with and fill it with water and viola! You draw and within minutes it dries back up so you can start again and again and again, so you have a chunk of time with entertained 'chic tots'. I would also recommend getting the extra brush & pen set, which is sold seperately, for when a friend comes so your 'chic' playdate can go smoothly without the typical lesson of 'sharing' and you and your mommy friend can actually get a moment to have a cup of coffee. Available at Target, Amazon and is best priced at Walmart for $22.57.

Baby doll needs new wheels.

There is something old fashioned ( maybe the wood) yet at the same time airodynamic ( maybe the reversable handlebars) about this baby doll stroller. I like it even though it is pricey at $260. Available at Y Living, called the Troll Doll Stroller.

We have a new favorite game at home!

We do have a new favorite toy...it's called CooCoo the rocking clown. It is made by a fabulous company called Blue Orange which has been consistently winning toy awards for the past few years. The wooden ( 2 thumbs up) Coocoo Clown is basically a game of balancing a bunch of colored 'logs' on the extended arms of a clown, as you watch with glee how the clown tries to maintain its balance. Eventually the clown losses its fight and topples over to the amusement of your 'chic little one'...thankfully as our little ones dont have so much patience, the waiting is not too long. I can't wait to try out other products from this company such as Zimbbos and Chickyboom. Costs range from $ 18.49 ( amazon) till about $24 for the Coocoo the Rocking Clown game.

Spring in the air, Spring in your step...Gap has it.

I am loving Gap's shoes for kids this Spring. Especially for the boys. They have such a large selection, it is hard to chose just one, especially with the great prices.

They have slip on sneakers, I love the Gap's girl's hot pink color, they look like a Euro version of Keds, $20. The boys version ( above) is cute too.

Driving Mocassins that look amazing, $30.

Striped flip flops, $17.

Just in case you forget your card for a birthday gift.

Since our little 'chic one's' are always going to birthday parties, this wrapping paper is perfect! You know how it is, you buy the gift, the wrapping paper ( or gift bag) and then the card... 3 step process. Why not cut down one step while making your gift that much more cute on the presentation scale with this personalized wrapping paper. The personalized wrapping paper measures 24" by 6 ft., which should fit about 3 to 4 boxes. Available at Namemaker.com from $10.95, they have many other designs and gift paper lengths.

The ultimate stroller hooks!

These stroller hooks have finally come stateside. I bought mine in London and even posted about these stroller hooks on my British blog about 2 years ago. They have a thick plastic hook and velcro strap that goes around the stroller. Whenever I came in from London to visit in NY, I was always stopped on the street where to get them, I even bought them as presents for friends here in NY....well they have arrived. $ 8.95 at Lullaby Lane and if you live on the UWS, you can pick them up at Therapie on Columbus. They are called 'See Me Smile', but it is the same company as the Britsh version.

Tory Burch has stolen my heart.

I just couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the new Tory Burch Reva Ballet shoes for little kids. These ballet slippers are so adorable up close. I felt like I was literally holding baby princess shoes. They start at size 9 ( bummer for us because we are not there yet...1 and 1/2 more sizes to go!) The Reva model comes in orange, red, patent black, silver, gold and leopard. They are $95, except the Tory Burch leopard which are $125. They are so cute...you could totally get the mini me going on with your 'chic baby' princess. Available at Tory Burch.

Keeping your children entertained at mealtime!

Looking to bring the kids to the table? Well here is a personalized place mat that comes with chalk for your little 'chic' picassos. The outside is embroidered and personalized with your 'chic one's' name and the placemats can be rolled up for travel...makes it great for restaurants. Available in 2 colors for $29.99 from PersonalizedPresents.com

The ultimate baby teether.

The newest teether comes from a company called Lifefactory which has other innovative items as well. It is a multi sensory teether with many grooves for those little gums to sink into. Comes in 3 colors and can be worn as a bracelet by mom in case you need your hands free without dumping a teether, that goes into your child's mouth, onto the floor...smart! $ 6.99.

M&M's make friends or just great party treats

I looked on my recent purchase of M&M's and saw that they offer you the option to personalize your m&ms with either a message or a photo. They recommend it to use it for business favors, Valentine's day, teacher gifts and of course ( where my ears perked up) children's party favors! Available starting at $16.99 for one bag of M&M's with a message. The price gets better if you order more bags. Very cute and great memento from your party that everyone will talk about. Order directly from My M&M's.

Tommee Tippee is in America!

Tommee Tippee baby feeding products are THE brand in England. It is basically comparable to our version of Playtex or First Years products in the USA. After having lived in London, our house if full of their products and they are very good and BPA free. They are available at Toys R Us exclusively at the moment...which quite frankly, Toys R Us is really impressing me with a few of their exclusivity agreements with some 'cutting edge brands', such as Tommee Tippee and Handysitt, lately.

Organic first foods

I love that there are now organic first finger foods that melt in your mouth from Happy Baby. It's nice to see alternatives come to the market, plus I like this company's other products. Their whole concept is pretty nouveau as well and being much needed...so welcome Happy Baby Organics to the baby world!

Even if you only crawl...you too can now be a NY Jets Fan!

In honor of our beloved NY Jets who are doing us New Yorkers proud at the moment. A great gift to grab the attention all sportsfans, a personalized football baby blanket from Neiman Marcus for $145 (including personalization). So get into the NY Jets team spirit if you want. Makes a cute gift for a new baby too, if you know a football fanatic family! Also available in other sports themes, such as a baseball tummy blanket and a soccer personalized blanket.

Leggings that rock!

I have recently seen 2 very cute sets of leggings on my friends' daughters.

The first one is from a company called Chopstix. They are denim skinny leggings that look like skinny jeans, making it easy for your chic girl to climb and not feel encumbered by actual denim...and they really look amazing on. $39.95 from Tutti Bella.
The second are ruffle leggings from Europe from a company called Ewers. They are so soft, almost like thick tights with a few layers of ruffles flairing on the bottom. It comes in pink, chocolate, navy and white from Glee Kids, $23.00.

Having a cute place to put away the little things.

Having an adorable place to put away your 'chic baby's' little things (nail clippers, ointment,etc) that fits in with their room and actually makes it sweeter looking, is what these personalized cube boxes are about. They look like a big version of letter blocks but they also have your chic one's name on it. Choose from pink or blue, 4 inches squared and fits so nicely on a book shelf. $19.95 from Personal Creations.

Insider Tip- My Gift to you

Friends share insider tips and because you read my blog ...you, dear reader, are my friend...so here it is. The lost mitten club from Land's End. If you loose your glove or mitten, you can buy the mate from Land's End and will only be charged half price...brilliant concept! And since our 'chic one's' usually do ( as well as our spouses and even, ahem, ourselves), this is perfect for any family. Makes you want to buy all your gloves from Land's End!

Lights, camera...personalized!

Personalized lamp shade for your 'chic one's' room....beautiful! Available at The Silly Wagon, they have a few different designs of personalized lamp shades available. Takes a few weeks to ship.
$97.95 and comes in many different designs, you can choose any message, name, etc.

Maternity Denim Therapy

A company called Denim Therapy takes your favorite jeans and basically makes them into maternity jeans so you can enjoy your favorite jeans while pregnant...even if you can't enjoy your favorite other clothing items during the 9 months. Clever idea and located right here in NYC! They will also put them back to pre maternity form once you give birth. Check out the rest of their site because they do basic repairs on any type of denim..holes, rips, hems...nothing even to do with maternity.

Helping our noses get through this terrible winter!

Maybe it's too much information, but we love Boogie wipes this winter (specifically this week). Saline tissues created, of course, by 2 moms! Available in drug stores across NYC.

Another toy with only capital letters...yay!

A toy that teaches reading using capital letters and not mixing upper and lower case...a rare items in the toy world. Has 4 sides and all the letter combinations together make about 3 dozen words. Available from Nubius Organics, made in the USA, costs $7.95.

Styling...in a bib kinda way

Having just returned from abroad, I was reminded of the baby kerchief or bandana bibs that many a European tot,sports around their neck. European parents have been using these for ages because they are a multifuctioning accessory. They can be used as a bib, a drool or spit catcher, a scarf or just a stylish splash of color to liven up an outfit. So, I decided to scour the web to see if it has arrived stateside and voila!

Eco Modern Baby has some kerchief bibs that are made from cool mod fabrics with plush backing and a snap closure at the neck. It is made in the USA from organic fabric. $18.

Bazzle Baby has a wide selection of cotton stylish prints on their bandabibs. They feature a velcro close and have a flannel backing. $12.

Did you say warm and personalized?

Bundle up your child this winter with these beautiful knitted sweaters. Your chic one's name, initial or monogram is knitted along with your sweater and not appliqued or stitched in later, making it a truly bespoke piece. It is machine knitted in the good ol'USA from 100% cotton and available in an array of colors. Sizes start from newborn on up. Available from babyknitsandmore.com starting at $52.95.