Ok, we admit it. We're obsessed with etsy. But how can you not be when the online marketplace sells things like these adorable 1960's flashcards? Each $15 card has a letter on one side and a picture on the other; find them here.
How cute are these? You can make them for your next party (or just for your child's cherished trinkets) by buying the template for $4 from A Little Hut. This series is called "Let's Go," but she also sells a Spring set with a daisy, bunny, egg, and butterfly and a Gift Box series with a heart, flower, bird, and circle. See pictures of all of them here.
We're big fans of Target over here, and we are so excited for the arrival of their Whim by Cynthia Rowley summer collection. Starting Sunday and through June 27, you can glam up your backyard at incredibly reasonable prices. (Who would of thought an inflatable pool could be such a style statement?) Here are some of our favorites from the line, which includes everything from a cute turquoise mini grill to a hot pink hose.
Madras Plaid inflatable pool, $10
Badminton set, $13
Blue/Green hooded towel, $10
From top to bottom:
Napkin Catch placemat, Josh Jackus, $19
The napkin holder is cut right out of the recycled-tire rubber mat. (Also available in aqua, black, cream, grey, and orange.)
Monster placemat, Modern-Twist, Uncommon Goods $15
This graphic beaut is made of nontoxic silicone (the design is silk-screened on). It'll stay put on the table and can even handle ballpoint pen scribbles.
Sticks Print placemat, Sandy Chilewich, MoMA Store, $15
The playful design on these woven vinyl placemats is hand-printed silk screen. They also wipe clean. (Also available in green.)
Photography by Philip Ficks
Taking your little one to a wedding? Having to wait at the doctor's office? Going to see the in-laws in their perfectly-not-child-proof apartment? We know how hard it can be to entertain a little one, when all they're allowed to do is 'sitting still'. We found a wonderful, easy to carry along entertainment solution: the ingenious Oil Cloth Chalk Mat . It's the perfect travel toy for the wee artist. It measures 17 x 12 and rolls up to tie closed. Comes with 2 pieces of chalk and a terry cloth wipe.
This past July, we posted about the egg nightlight, which lets out tiny beams of light to create a starry ceiling. Well, here's another out-of-this-world nightlight: The remote-controlled National Geographic moon has twelve lunar phases and an authentic lunar landscape. How great would it be to read Good Night, Moon under this lit-up light? (All you'd need is a bowl full of mush...)
Dinner with kids can feel like a feeding at the zoo--food goes flying, whimpers are sounded and each creature demands his own type of grub. Celebrate the chaos with these adorable (and easy-to-clean) placemats from France. We're sure the tiger, buffalo and ostrich will be welcomed into the fold.
Inspired by the movie Ratatouille with its adorable cooking rat (Have you seen it? It's hilarious with surprisingly pretty cartoon scenes of Paris), we present some fun plates for fledgling foodies.
Folk tray featuring friendly Russian nesting dolls.
Bo Boo tray with cars and trucks -- do remember this pattern as bedding, which used to be so popular?
Polka dot plate to brighten up up sleepy mornings.
Swedish designer Teija Bruhn is the genius behind Tim & Tilde, a series of children's kitchen tools with funny cartoons; her goal is to bring kids into the kitchen. Our favorite is this lovely pitcher, ready to be filled with water or lemonade. Best part: It's only $12. Check out her other kitchenware here.
Email your home photos and design questions here.
As we've seen on this blog and in the magazine, a great nursery is all about the details. So instead of a ho-hum lightplate, what about cowboys or cars or the rumble-tumble Jack and Jill? Vintage-loving moms will appreciate that these plates are decoupaged using real wallpapers from the 1930's to 1970's. Available here for $10 to $15.
What little babe doesn't love watching the rain (or the bathtub faucet, for that matter)? Dutch designer Arnout Visser has tapped into that enthrallment with his set of eight window drops. Simply stick them to the bedroom window to give baby something to gaze at during naptime or to inspire your toddler to dance in the rain. And, who knows, you just may like looking at them, too.
