They Do The Math
Ever since becoming a parent faced with the inevitable incoming flow of kid stuff, I’ve become increasingly obsessed with our household “stuff in, stuff out” mantra. And if you're eager to recycle outgrown books, music, movies, or games, check out Swaptree. Just set up “want” and “have” lists by inputting an item's UPC code or ISBN, and Swaptree’s fancy trade algorithms determine users who want what you have and have what you want. We also dig that, unlike other online selling services, Swaptree is free (users just pay for shipping), and you can opt to have them calculate an item's weight and generate printable shipping labels.
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners (the few not on vacation today!):
In addition to a seemingly limitless supply of cookies, one nice byproduct of this week’s holiday slowdown has been the ability to attack a few projects long sitting on my to-do list. So in this vein, two bits of housekeeping: First, I just designed a series of “cute as a button” (as one mama I know called them) 
Whether you're disappointed that folk singer/songwriter 
Looking for a way to work off those holiday cookies and experience the winter weather without a shovel in hand? Check out the 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Having spent most of my college summers and winter breaks temping in downtown Boston, I really feel for 
When I was very pregnant with Laurel (i.e., unable to reach my toes), I developed my deep love for professional pedicures. But in the winter, when my dry skin needs the TLC most, even this devotee can’t bear pedi flip flops in the snow. Luckily, there’s the 
Are you the parent of a young daughter and are dreading - or already are deeply entrenched in - arguments over questionable clothing choices? Today, 
Whether you share my status as an apartment dweller with walls made challenging to adorn by aged plaster or attic-level angling, or simply want a blissfully easy kid’s décor solution, check out 
I’ve 
Whether you’ve just started reading labels, or already are committed to organic produce and natural foods, you’ll likely find inspiration to fuel your family well in 
. Created by the founders of Earthbound Farm, Food to Live By is an excellent general cooking resource, covering all the major meals and categories via clear instructions, helpful cooking tips, and resplendent photography. Also included are demystifying notes on everything from selecting produce to USDA organic certifications. We’ve enjoyed easy-to-make classics (apple bran muffins) and classics with a twist (an herbed turkey loaf that cleverly embeds a layer of spinach and arugula), and next plan on trying ethnic favorites (such as lamb curry).
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We first heard about 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
I never would have thought a preschooler could be so adept at shoveling snow, but Laurel really rocked yesterday’s storm, thanks to a pint sized snow shovel borrowed from our neighbor’s granddaughter. The shovel is the perfect solution for busy, cabin fevered kids on light and fluffy snow days (we spent an hour shoveling and Laurel could have kept going). The shovel Laurel used isn’t labeled but the Suncast Kids Snow Shovel (shown) looks similar and is inexpensive (at 
Let your holiday baking season begin with this masterpiece by 
Your little yogi or yogini deserves better than typical yoga mats made of PVC (a plastic material containing toxic additives). Luckily, 
Dear Readers (and potential writers!): I am looking to expand my merry band of 
Never has the importance of glassware been made more apparent than when I sniffed the inside of one of Laurel’s older (but clean) milk cups and the plastic stank. The glass revolution has gained another advocate, and especially so now that I know about 
As someone now professionally obsessed with color and fabric, one of my aesthetic regrets from Laurel’s babyhood is that I didn’t properly outfit her crib. All the individual bedding component options (and their price tags) quickly overwhelmed me; so Laurel didn't have much else other than a lonely little crib sheet and blanket. 
Having grown up in a large household with little in the way of material luxuries, I am grateful on a daily basis for what our household has. We subsequently made a point this weekend to celebrate the collective joy of giving and receiving by trimming a Christmas tree with Laurel, purchasing gifts for our school’s holiday drive (it was really marvelous to involve Laurel in the shopping process), and depositing several bags of warm clothing and shoes to a donation station. In the latter vein, today 
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It’s amazing how the right little details can make all the difference. Despite our regular use of cloth napkins, Laurel oddly showed a tendency towards our party stash of paper napkins…until 
Today, 
I freak in the presence of chic little details so it’s no surprise that I love 
We've recently received some useful leads for toy and safety guides, good for the holidays and all year round. Locally organized Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment (
Congratulations to Julie from Brookline, MA, the winner of our