Product Reviews

As the new school year draws near my search for the perfect lunch box goes into full swing. I was looking for a PVC-free and lead-free bag that is insulated and can accommodate a Sigg bottle and bento box lunches. Of course it has to be modern, good looking and easy for my preschooler to carry. After a thorough online search I have found the perfect lunch tote. The Stoh lunch tote by Milkdot meets all of my wish list requirements and it comes in a sweet pink/brown color combo. The Stoh also comes in blue/brown. Not to mention the fact that the Stoh lunch tote is designed by a very chic New York mom named Janet Cho who is a graphic designer and founder of Milkdot. The Stoh lunch box has modern appeal for me and I'm sure that we'll be taking the tote on outings as well. I'm impressed by the thoughtful functionality of the Stoh lunch tote. For one it can fold flat, a plus for storage. It has ID tag which will hopefully prevent it from going missing, inside pockets to hold ice packs, a water repellent finish, outside pocket for utensils and napkins, and there is a magnetic closure to keep the handles together when carrying the tote.
From our friends at the www.thefind.com

Baby bottles are coming of age.  We are so excited about these fantastic stainless steel baby bottles, pumped up a notch by great trendy design. These are not your grandmothers bottles!

These bottles have no leaching chemicals, no lead, phthalate, BPAs and the bottles are unbreakable ... in fact, they don't even dent.  Stainless steel is naturally resistant to bacteria and it is recyclable.

Available as 4 and 7oz single hulled bottles, that are easily warmed, and a 9oz version that is vacuum insulated so you can keep liquids cold or warm for up to 5 hours. Bottles cannot be used in a microwave but all the other benefits greatly outweigh this fact.  These wonderful stainless steel bottles were designed by a Canadian company, OrganicKidz.   The bottles include silicon nipples, which is another plus.

Available from OrganicKidz

Kids love simple graphic illustrations like those found in children's picture books.  So we know they will love this adorable Alphabet print that you can hang in their room.  Artist Chris Gregori, from Denver, has a truly unique style that makes his work fun for kids.

And this Alphabet print will help kids learn their alphabet and beginning words for letters.  With the multitude of colors in the print, it can be framed in any number of colored frames.  Available from Chris Gregori for only $12.

Diego started tugging at kids hearts when he first appeared on tv, saving all the little animals from harm and reuniting them with their parents.  Who wouldn't love Diego!  He's a great role model for kids and he teaches them to be kind to animals, something we all try to impart to our children.

We have compiled a bunch of fun links to all things Diego to help in your search for items and printables for your kids.  And go, Diego, go!

Diego Website

Diego Printables

Diego Games

Diego DVDs

Go Diego Toys & Games

Dora ...  Dora ...  Dora ... that's all some kids can think about.  They just love Dora and for good reason.  Dora is a great little role model who enjoys taking adventures and likes to help her friends.  So, we think Dora is a good friend for kids to have.  If your child is "gaga" over this little character, we have compiled a great list of links for you to quickly find everything you might want for Dora.

Dora Website

Dora Printables

Dora Coloring Pages

Dora Coloring

Dora the Explorer DVDs

Dora the Explorer Toys & Games

This Eames Elephant Chair was originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames, a fantastic design team,  in 1945. Any child would love this in their room and, personally, I would love it in my room too.

The original toy elephant was made of plywood.  However, it never made it into mass production.  The Eames elephant is now available for the first time in a plastic version for those it was originally intended for ... children.

This wonderful Elephant can be used indoors or outdoors and it measures  16 1/2" X 16 1/4" X 31" and it is available in white red, pink, lime or grey.  It is available from Nova68

What incredible Dragons!  Walter Ruffler, one of Europe's most accomplished automata designers, makes humorous and sophisticated mechanical paper kits. These paper machines use cranks, levers, wooden sticks, and thread to simulate amazingly lifelike movement. They are truly amazing.

Although these are more suited for older children, they could also be purchased and made for a younger child to display on a dresser or shelf until they get older. 

These are papercraft kits that make amazing Chinese Dragons with lifelike mechanical movement. This Chinese Dragon has jaws that snap and a body that twists, truly fantastic!  Price from www.nova68.com is $17.99, which includes free shipping!

Kits requires glue, scissors, a craft knife, and needle and thread to assemble.

It is back to school time and with it comes buying school supplies for your kids there are tons of choices when it comes to Lunchboxes but we love the bright, fun and bold lunchboxes from Crocodile Creek and Stephen Joseph.

A few of our favorites are:

Flower Power and
Pirate Lunchboxes by Stephen Joseph for $14.00.

Solar System
and Horse Lunchboxes by Crocodile Creek for $16.

Is orange the new yellow when it comes to gender neutral baby gear? It appears so! Retro and modern at the same time, these baby items create an awesome pop of color. The sleek design of the Flair Highchair allows new parents to retain some of their pre-baby style in the kitchen. Take that style on the go with a trendy baby buggy and fashionable diaper bag! Planning on having more than one child? Purchasing orange baby products ensures the items will be able to be used a second or third time (or more!), no matter the gender of future babies.


From our friends at TheFind.com

What will they be today?  A Princess, a Fairy, a Pirate, a Wizard?  Little kids love to dress up and pretend they are in fantasy land.  At Fairy Finery you will find all the accessories and dressup costumes for your little fairy, princess, pirate, knight or wizard.

We especially love the Fairy wings and Princess hats that will make your little girls feel really magical.  Boys can dress up with King hats, swords and shields.  Other fun dressup included Pirate finery and Knight costumes.  Some of these fun outfits can even be intermingled with the decor in your child's room, making it a Magical room for play and sleep.

Fairy Finery  http://www.fairyfinery.com