Saturday, December 30, 2006

Sorry...I'm boring

This week I am a celebration of relaxation...hence I am slow to blog.
But heck, it is the holidays and there is no time better for down time now.

So relax people...I'll start posting more hip stuff next week.
But for now...If relaxing ain't your thang and you've got some time to burn
head over to ian's shoelace site and research cool new ways to tie your hipkid's sneaks...

pretty hip...huh?

P.S. checkerboard lacing sees pretty fresh!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

happy feet

do you know about Baby Loves Disco?

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All across the country, Baby Loves Disco is slowly but surely transforming the hippest night clubs into child proof discos as toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post naptime, pre-dinner fun. Make no mistake, this is NOT the Mickey Mouse club, and Barney is Banned. Baby loves disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes From the 70s, & 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving.

The fun spills out from all corners of the club: bubble machines, baskets of scarves and egg-shakers, a chill-out room (with tents, books and puzzles), diaper changing stations, a full spread of healthy snacks and dancing, LOTS of dancing. But at it’s core, Baby loves disco is a community event that brings kids together with kids and parents together with parents. Started by professional dancer (and professional mom) Heather Murphy, the idea was to create an alternative to the pre-packaged world of entertainment for young kids. “We’re parents, we’re always looking for something new and different to do with the kids,” says Murphy whose lifestyle (like most of the baby disco parents) was changed when she gave birth to her 4 year old son Max.

The monthly event, which started in Philly where it has sold out club Fluid since inception, caught the ear of Brooklyn-based music guy Andy Hurwitz who brought the party up to New York City in the fall of 2005: “my kids had a blast, but the real bonus was that my wife and I had a great time too,” said Hurwitz, founder of ropeadope records and father of two young boys. He added, “It’s more than just something to do for the kids, Baby Loves Disco is fun for parents, we get the chance to mingle with other parents, dance with our kids and have a Saturday afternoon cocktail to boot.”


serious funk for groovy hip kids!!!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

More FREE

This is info I poached from The Simple Dollar - go check out her blog.

It is about things the might keep your baby happy so you can get something done.
Hooray. We love FREE things that keep might H occupied!

Make a homemade rattle. We had tons of leftover baby food jars, so we simply turned one into a rattle. Put four pennies in a baby food jar, make the lid tight, and coat it in a few layers of packing tape (so that if the toy somehow gets broken, the glass will be contained). My son absolutely loves this toy.

Turn over your old unusable electronic devices. My son plays all the time with an old remote control and an old cellular phone. He pushes the buttons and talks on them.

“Laminate” pictures. Print off pictures of family members and laminate them heavily with packing tape (so (s)he can’t chew them up). Make sure the pictures are fairly large so there’s no choking hazard. My son loves these as well - he has a set of pictures of many family members and friends. We also make homemade flash cards, too, with letters and numbers and colors, using the same “lamination” method.

Make a soccer ball out of …. socks! Got some older socks that are starting to wear out? Clean them thoroughly one last time, then make a ball out of them by tying one in a knot, then putting them inside of each other. With the last one, tie a good knot to keep it closed. My son and I roll this “ball” back and forth to each other all the time.

Old plastic cups make great toys. My son has a set of measuring cups he plays with at Grandma’s house; at home, he has a big red plastic cup. He pretends to drink out of it and likes to talk into it because it makes his voice sound funny.

Fun Stuff people...F.U.N.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Toasty Baby...Mmmmm.

I have eyed this product for the past year.
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The Walk With Me Baby Carrier Blanket in soft fleece.
Super smart right?

You can buy it here

Monday, December 18, 2006

Bib Rant

Lately H has taken to pulling his bib off mid-meal and winding up a food covered mess. It is getting me down. The other bad bib nonsense is the velcro closures. When we do laundry the velcro sticks to our other clothes and has ruined a few pieces of clothing.

New Moms: Don't buy bibs with velcro closures. You'll regret it. Spend the extra time finding bibs that snap.

Wiser Moms: Where can I get bibs with double snaps (you know, baby proof snaps) or bibs that slip over the head?

Help...I'm in bib hell.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Victoria Staten - One Cool Mamma

I hadnt heard of her - but check out her site HERE

Following a 15 year career at Nordstrom, Dayton-Hudson, and most recently as Group Vice President for Kenneth Cole Productions, Victoria believed that it was time to start a company that could make the kind of baby gear that moms like her would prefer to purchase. Her prior success fueled her desire to build a team that will change the face of how baby products are designed, marketed and distributed across the globe.

Her goal is to provide sophisticated consumers with products that combine superior functionality, with a sense of style that is uniquely attuned to each consumer's lifestyle. She wants to ensure that everyone she touches enjoys the experience. Whether it is an employee, a vendor, or a consumer, her goal is to make sure that each and every one of them has a positive experience when touched by the brand.

Check out the Baby Carrier
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Really sweet diaper bag that you could definetly carry after baby is out of diapers
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The High Chair is very "Aspen Mountain House"
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and this is the coolest pack-n-play I have ever seen...
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If anyone is feeling super generous when our next baby comes, we'll take the play yard!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Out with the old...

If you want to clear out some old toys to make room for new ones, I’d like to remind you about this worthy cause.

Asha from Parent Hacks has spread the word about sending our used stuffed animals and toys to children in Iraq. She was recently contacted by a member of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers who is currently stationed in Iraq. She offers to distribute any and all toys she receives.

Read more about Edmay Mayers’ passion for the Iraqi children and also about Asha’s toy drive.

The mailing address is as follows:
Edmay Mayers
USACE - GRS
APO AE 09331

Seriously, your kids probably have a bunch of toys they are through with...think of the joy one of these discarded goodies could bring to a child who's life has been destroyed by war.

Tis the season folks....

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A table and a toy chest

We are considering this table from DucDuc for the big H.
It is like a play table and a toy chest in one as it has this cool center drawer that comes all the way out.
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This playtable provides two options: cool gray chalkboard on one side (for the kiddos) and smooth lacquered paint on the other (for you). Table top is specially sized to accommodate most train-set boards, and rolling drawer beneath is large enough to fit toys and train-set pieces. Rolling drawer can be removed and becomes a separate storage bin for maximum versatility. Made in the USA.

From our friends over at Sparkability!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Music Together

Do you have a kid's music program in your area?
We have music together and H has been going since he was about 10 weeks old.
They have classes for babies, toddlers and bigger kids and it is AWESOME.

H loves music.
He dances when he hears a song on the radio - granted 'dancing' is a bit of head bobbing and bent knees. He loves the drum and shows definete interest in guitar.
When he is beside himself...a bar or two of a familar "music together" song seems to calm him right down.

They (the infamous THEY) say that music helps children with math...and between H's papa and I - he needs all the help he can get.

So music for babies rocks! You should check it out.

BONUS: Mamma gets to sing her heart out once a week in public in the name of baby love. Pretty groovy...right?

Monday, December 11, 2006

Fake Keys

Argh
We have an extra remote control, 2 fake cellphone and 3 sets of plastic keys...
But H only ever wants the real thing.

So for Christmas H is getting his own set of keys.
Real shiny ones from Home Depot.
Uncut keys are less lethal and so unnecessary that losing them is no big deal.
A few keys, a few bucks, one cheap key ring...hours of fun.

Genius, right?

Friday, December 08, 2006

Dollar Store Boredom

When we go to the mall, you know the ugly cheap mall, the one with the Spencer's Gifts and Forever 21, we like to hit the Dollar Store.

I am sure you have been to a dollar store so stop snickering...

Did you ever think that this store should be called the "Mecca of all things that only cost 100 pennies that might entertain my toddler for 10 minutes so I can...(insert dream here...take a shower, make a phone call, poop in peace...)

Things like a wide tooth comb, a plastic soap dish, a tooth brush, a pet toy, a fly swatter...

Who is snickering now...Miss Can't wait to hightail it to the hundred penny store...uh huh...right.

Get your tushie to the dollar store, spend a few and stock up for those precious moments.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

No More Tears

Check out this cool shampoo rinse cup...
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This easy-to-pour rinse cup helps keep shampoo and water out of your child's eyes during bath time. A soft, flexible edge along the front forms a watertight bond against the forehead.

Best yet, it is under 7 bucks at Baby Center

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

How to stay clean

Having a kid makes life so much more hectic..and dirty!
My house has never been such a wreck.
I vacuum everyday so H doesn't eat dirt off the floors...(love my RICCAR vacuum by the way!)

But thought I would share a site with you on cleaning
Mrs Clean
has lots of tipes for cleaning just about everything.

You never know when you'll need to know how to
get wax off hardwood floors or blood out of your new silk blouse.

Ahhh....kids.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Blocks

H needs blocks.
Ones he can stack and especially ones he can knock over!

They are so many one the market so here are a few of our faves:

I am a fan of the plain blocks and they have to have a container or else they would be everywhere!
Melissa & Doug makes these great ones
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60 blocks for 40 bucks

And these are quite nice from Genius Babies
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These look strangely the same but more moohlah
60 blocks for 50 bucks

And how about some GROOVY BLOCKS
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These are cool too...32 blocks, 34 bucks

FUN!

Monday, December 04, 2006

Just the BEST!

Ok, I am in lurve with these new sleepers from Snugabye

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During the night, you cover the feet to keep em toasty warm. Then, for morning playtime, uncover and cuff so baby has good traction for walking.

We just bought our first pair at KMART and we're headed back for more.
I want to give my Carter's sleepers away and just use these.

Good Work Snugabye Folks!!

Oh and they make em for infants and bigger kids!

Friday, December 01, 2006

Baby Bumblebee

Has anyone heard of these Baby Bumblebee Videos

Baby BumbleBee and BumbleBee Kids provide parents and children with quality programming that is appropriate for a child’s earliest stages of development.
Real world images, children, toys and playful music are used to explore a broad range of early learning topics.

We're suckers for anything that we think might give H an edge. So after reading some pretty awesome parent reviews we bought the Vocabulary Builder 5-DVD Set
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But I have to admit I bought it on eBay and saved a few bucks.

You should check out the BabyBumblebee site.
They even have free flashcards to download and print out!
Go here immediately if you want smarter babies!

Thursday, November 30, 2006

High Chairs

Modern parents with contemporary tastes abhor standard fare for their tots.
High Chairs are no exceptions.

Here are 4 fab ones to choose from:

Our favorite (we chose this for H) the Svan

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The single best feature of the Svan™ Chair is its tremendous versatility. It can be used as a traditional high chair with a tray , but remove the tray and even a young infant can be seated up to the table for a meal with the family. Later on, the safety guard can be removed so your child can step up into the chair on their own to seat themselves up to the table and eventually it becomes a full-size chair.
About $235


The Babylon High Chair

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The Babylon Toddler High Chair can support children and also most adults. It can handle more than 250 lbs. The seat adjusts to as high as a bistro or countertop and as low as a coffee table. Shown with optional cushion and infant tray. For babies older than 18 months.
About $200

The Nest High Chair
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The NEST® High Chair combines minimalist form with superior function. The compact shape and stable powder coated tulip base enable NEST® to be pulled right into to the table with no tripping hazards. The UV stabilised polyethylene curved seat and tray simply wipe clean. A machine washable 5-point safety harness is supplied with NEST®.

Every NEST® High Chair is designed and built to last. This chair fits babies and children from 6 months to 6 years. The removable tray is suitable for baby feeding. For toddlers and young children who want to join the family at meal times, NEST® easily converts to a standard table height booster chair by removing the tray. Is your child too old for a high chair? In just moments NEST® converts to Nester - a cool low chair that will last you child to 6 years of age. Height 32" – Base Diameter 18.9" – Overall chair diameter 17.7" – Weight 25.4lbs. About $575

The Calla HighChair - not yet available but very cool.
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Designed by Yves Behar for Fleurville this very mod high chair will be highly coveted by the jet set...maybe you can get on a waiting list somewhere??

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Homework For You

This post is not about cool baby products.
It is about YOU!

Me? you ask??
Why yes, it may be just for you!

Learning to Love You More is a cool site we were turned on to.
A super duper inspirational source to get in touch with your inner artist, it provides some structure to turn on your creative juices.

We felt compelled to share.

Check it out.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Gifts for Hip Kids

People keep asking what to get H for Christmas.
He will be just about One on Christmas day and just about any toy would do.
He delights in all things "new", casting them aside once the novelty wears off.
Like Mamma like child....

So here is our Top 5 list:

1. Books
Any book that has hard pages, lots of pictures and very little words.

2. Bath Toys
The bath has become play central at our house and especially if we take a shower in the bath tub and H can stand up and play. Cups, water toys, sponges...they all are fascinating when you are 1!

3. Teething toys
Anything H can safely sink his teeth into with out shredding is a big hit. IQ makes these great hands and feet teethers that we have and keep losing...we are big fans.
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What's better is that they are vanilla scented and washable.

4. Blocks
Anything wood and hard that can be stacked and knocked down. Wood blocks by Haba or Melissa & Doug are nifty. Even better if they come in their own case
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5.Videos
Baby Einstein aside I like the Fisher Price videos, musical baby will be in H's stocking. It has lots of real babies on it and music we can dance to.
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Go get your shop on people...time is a tickin!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

It's in the bag!

I know, I know...another diaper bag post.
Perhaps I am obsessed with them.
I never get to carry a handbag anymore.

I am really digging this new company (well, new to me)
Baby Kaed

Look at this sweet bag - it is too stylish to be a diaper bag but hooray it is!
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How do I know that?
Because it has Accessories! Galore!
A changing mat, zippered pouch, drawstring bag for messy days, pacifier purse, cell phone pocket, Baby Kaed wipes case and a handy clip for your keys or pacifier purse!

You can buy Baby Kaed on a cute site called Potato Ears!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Whatsup Chief?

I love me some Appaman.
H had quite a collection.

Check out this orange chief shirt

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Cute Stuff right?

Monday, November 20, 2006

H's First Birthday

H turned 10 months last week
Which means I have 2 months to get it together an plan birthdaypalooza 2007.
We were going to keep it tight but now the guest list is about 40 people.
We are doing a Sunday brunch with lots of champagne (this is a celebration that HipMamma and HipDaddy kept the Doodle alive and thriving for the first year!)

Working on invitations and color scheme now.
Thinking Red and Turquoise for our colors.

Someone from American Crafts visited HipKidArt and so I checked them out.
Woo-hoo people - get over there.
I am not a scrapbooker but fell in love with their designs.
(wouldn't some of it look super on canvas?!)

I am going to try to make party hats from some of their paper for the children.
Kind of like this
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but with printed ribbon ties.

Stay tuned for more of the party planning...I have 2 more months to stress about this, right?!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Cookie Hair

I heart Cookie Magazine

Check out the story on cool haircuts for kids.

My favorite is this little guy
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The Menace:
A spiky, mildly mischievous style for straight and slightly coarse hair
The Rules:
On the playground, hair roughed up with a glob of gel is visual code for cool. For best results, have him rub no more than a quarter-size dollop of gel between the palms of his hands and apply to damp hair from roots to ends. To get this thatched look at the salon, ask your stylist or barber to scissor in texture, and steer clear of blunt ends.
The Tools:
Lightweight, kid-friendly hair gels can be combed or brushed out in a flash. Try Propoline KIDS Fun Hair Gel, $11,


I have 2 Christmas wishes people
#1 that H gets more hair soon
#2 that H gets better hair than his parents thin mops

C'mon Santa!

Friday, November 17, 2006

More Cool Furniture

I will be very poor soon.
I keep finding amazing things that H *needs*

Like this little CHILDCHILD CHAIR by maartje steenkamp

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This combination of two child chairs and a small table is a playful variation on the idea of the Mother Child Dining. Perfect for letting your children sit, play and have a nice child-to-child conversation on their own level.

Note to HipDad: I guess we don't need this until #2 comes along. Phew...we're not poor yet.

$375 at Modern Child

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Paper Mama

This is a shout out to the fab-U-lous Erica - Queen of Paper and Mamma to
PaperBride and Paper Mama

Check out these super hip cards

One for the new mamma you know:
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One for the new big sister
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making your sister an aunt?
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even one for your fantastic pediatrician
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We *heart* cool paper.

baby journal happiness

most baby books are pretty horrid...especially the ones from your local Hallmark store. When H was born I looked and looked for a great one and wound up with something so-so. of course now that I dont need one I have found two gorgeous options.

ONE: Check out Nikki McClure's first1000days baby journal
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Nikki's beautifully detailed illustrations divide this lovely baby journal into sections celebrating the first 1,000 days of life, from the story of birth to jumping into her first mud puddle. Modeled after the journal Nikki herself started when she had her son Finn, the sections focus on recording a child’s interaction with the natural world, including baby’s first tree, moon, and garden.
Perfect gift for the expecting mom or dad, with pages of illustrations and ample room for notes and note-taking about baby's firsts. This is the baby-book you've been wanting.
Best of all it is only $12.95



TWO: Binth
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A fresh and modern take on the genre. Handcrafted and designed to be as special as that new someone in your life. Beautiful woodland illustrations will lead you from the day of birth through the 3rd birthday celebration. With ample room for photos, and to jot down thoughts and memories. In it's handsome keepsake box this book will become a cherished family heirloom. Entirely screen printed. Entirely original. And kinda pricey at $110 - but gorgeous!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

V. Cool Cards

Ahhh these made me smile today.
Cards by Mina Lee


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Mina, you are crazy cool.

Janie and Jack Sale

If anyone is interested - I have a coupon for
Janie & Jack
$20 off a $100 order.
Not sure if several people can use it but the promotion code is
106464286262

H had this sweet footed one piece
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And if Mamma only had a little girl
this darling top
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would be tops on my list.

Janie and Jack - cute....but cuter with a coupon!
Enjoy

Cars and Cars and Cars!!

We love finding out about new sites selling stuff for hip kids.
Point your browsers to UrbanKidsPlay and shop your little hearts out.

My faves...all cars. Ahh to be a boy's mamma.

Check these AUTOMOBLOX Cars
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Automoblox cars are designed to be taken apart and put together again and again. It's interlocking componenets interchange with all other Automoblox models. All Automoblox vehicles feature: Family of passengers (folks..they come with little people inside!!!!), changeable wheels, changeable tires, interchangeable roof, interchangeable body blocks, removable connectors, 17 digit VIN number and premium packaging!

And how cute these Birthday Cars
Birthday Cars by Vilac
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Choose the birthday car for your youngster with their corresponding age with this wonderful keepsake. Recommended Ages: 1 Year +

H is definetly getting a HUGGY BUGGY (and only $10.00)
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they come in a bunch of colors & these bright-colored, soft Huggy Buggys will delight preschoolers. Recommended Ages: 18 Months +

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Thinking Outside the Jar

I have seen quite a few organic fresh baby food companies pop up in the past year.
Who doesn't want to feed their baby the healthiest food out there?

Bohemian Baby
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offers basics for the littlest ones and blends for bigger babies. Flavors like pear pomegranate or apple butternut squash will have even the p[ickiest baby making his baby sign for "more."

Happy Baby Food
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has basics like pears and sweet potatoes but also random flavors like Mama Grain which is bananas, black beans and quinoa!

But what I like most about them is that they support
Project Peanut Butter
which feeds undernourished babies in Malawi.

If, by chance, you are looking to give a little this time of the year
a small donation of just $10 would help them alot.

I will if you will....?

Monday, November 13, 2006

Building Kid Karma

While H is only 10 months old I have to say that I am starting to think about things like:
Will he play well with others?
Will he share well?
Will he do the right thing?
Will he build good karma?
And as I think about these answers I realize that his Daddy and I will have to teach him all of this.

Well, check out these KIDS KARMA CARDS


Kids can have a powerful impact on those around them, and these cards are a great way to get them started affecting positive change each day. They just shuffle the deck, pick a card and, with your help and supervision, follow through for an inspring activity that will bring insight, reflection and a lot of fun, too. From making cards for a faraway family member to becoming a closer friend, the child will have each day enriched by these enjoyable, thoughtful cards. Printed in Canada. Ages 5 and up.

I have a little time with H I guess. But thought some of you with older Hip Kids might wanna check em out over at Uncommon Goods.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Modern Toy Chest

Can anyone help me find a modern toy chest?
Right now I have an ugly rubbermaid plastic box holding all of H's toys in the family room. I would love something *not* see thru and made of wood.

I adore the Argington Fuji Wood Toy Box Chest
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but it costs over $400...not in the budget at the moment.

Can anyone steer me in the right direction?
I have googled my brains out.

thanks team!

Fantastic Invitations

You know Hip Kid Art LOVES Toccare Design.
But did you know that you can buy the whole line from Fine Stationery.
Why not use the mod rings design for a baby shower



and the when the baby is born, give the parents the ModRings HipKidArt Canvas for a "welcome baby" gift?
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Friday, November 10, 2006

Super Baby Books

It is really difficult to find just the right books for infants.
You want to encourage reading but all they really want to do is turn pages and occasionally look at a picture or two.
Mammas...your sorrows are over.
Tana Hoban's books fit the bill.
Mostly black and white images with no words these hard-paged books will keep your baby's attention.
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You can probably order them from your favorite bookstore or shop at one of the mega-stores online like Amazon or Barnes&Noble.