As the mama of a round-the-clock little artist, I’m always looking for interesting ways to post or preserve Laurel’s work. And the personalized child art posters by TADABABY offer a nifty way to do just that. Just pick your artwork faves from the pile currently obscuring your refrigerator, then email the images or send in the original art to be scanned. TADABABY will digitally touch up the juice spills and incorporate up to 9 pieces of your child’s art in a personalized 20 x 30 poster that will do justice to your little artist's masterpieces.

Want to win a personalized child art poster from TADABABY*? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Personalized Art Posters" »

Posted 8 May 2008 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (4) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Weekend reading. Coochicoos features the way a family of four makes it work in a 640 square foot NYC apartment. One Chic Mama recommends The Find Green search engine to lead you to all things green. Moms’ Buzz wants to know what you do to stay green at home. And Kris at Clever Parents shares her journey to Disney with baby Charles in tow.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted 25 Apr 2008 in Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; For Grownups; Gifts & Paper; Home; Solutions | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Whether it’s due to laziness, a desire to not rush the process, or not having a 2nd child waiting for the crib (one of my girlfriends needed to transition her older daughter early to a big girl bed when #2 was on the way, and the older child responded by climbing into the crib, removing her diaper, and leaving an unpleasant surprise…), it occurs to me that we’ve had a tendency to let Laurel’s growth - or, let’s face it, claustrophobia – determine her nest transitions.

Continue reading "Nest Transitions" »

Posted 7 Apr 2008 in Decor & Furniture; Development & Behavior; Home; Sleep | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Home, sweet, home: Submit your best nursery decorating tip to The Nest Baby and you could win a crib set of your choice from DwellStudio. Visit Coochicoos to learn more about the perfect playhouse design competition. Clever Parents offers a play list to groove - and get organized - to. MomFinds rounds up their favorite time saving products to use with baby, at home, and on-the-go.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted 21 Mar 2008 in Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Little Ones; Home; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool goods: Coochicoos showcases a light for little kids who love spaceships. Classy Mommy gives her stamp of approval to Born Free’s BPA-free bottles. Clever Parents finds Fabkins fabulous. Car & Caboodle features the new Maxi Cosi Priori convertible car seat. And Healthy Bump reviews Belly Bars.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted 22 Feb 2008 in Decor & Furniture; Feeding & Nursing; Gear; Home; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

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 Fun To See’s room makeover kits. Available in a variety of general or character-specific themes, these wall stickers are impressively easy to remove, stick, and reposition, and Laurel had enormous fun transforming her room with the Fairies kit. This set creates a truly lovely sense of depth via the varied sticker sizing (from 3 inches to almost 3 feet!), and the striking contrast between the colorful, detailed fairy and wildlife illustrations against the simple, peaceful elegance of the nature silhouettes.

Want to win a Fun to See room makeover kit? Here’s how:

Continue reading "Extreme Makeover" »

Posted 19 Dec 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (185) | E-mail this link

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.

Continue reading "Marvelous MiGi" »

Posted 11 Dec 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Classy Mommy has raves for the groovy blue crib collection from Babylicious. Clever Parents reviews a kit for tending to that next scraped knee or bug bite. One Chic Mama reviews a site where you can keep informed on toy recommendations, ratings, and recalls. Healthy Bump and MomFinds offer guides to getting fabulous gifts from the comfort of your keyboard. And Moms’ Buzz is offering up a case of Starbucks coffee for the winning.

Posted 16 Nov 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Our October featured contest is in partnership with our new friends at The Pepper Kids. One lucky winner will receive the vibrant 8" x 10" giclee reproduction "Blue House" (shown; valued at $129)! This item will soon be unveiled on their website; meanwhile, feel free to check out their amazing collection of artwork for boys and girls. Click here to enter to win. This contest is open to US residents (non US entrants may enter if they are willing to pay for shipping of the prize) and closes at midnight, EST October 31, 2007. Good luck!

Continue reading "Pepper Kids Contest" »

Posted 2 Oct 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home; Web (Admin) | Permalink | Comments (23) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Coochicoos features photos of the new line of children's furniture for Small Paul designed by Eric Pfieffer. Healthy Bump reviews The Diaper Clutch by Kristen Lemoine of AB Baby Boutique. MomFinds showcases their favorite products to help move your toddler from diapers to big-kid pants in no time. One Chic Mama reviews Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld, a cookbook to help get veggies into your kids (check back for our review in the coming weeks!). Moms’ Buzz features a special edition of sweet savings, coupons, and deals. And David and Kris of Clever Parents welcome the newest member of their team, Charles Jackson.

Posted 28 Sep 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Gear; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Healthy Bump reviews SmartMom Jewelry’s "Teething Bling" (shown). One Chic Mama features the O, Yikes! Bag, which combines style with function to create a perfect bag for busy moms (and dads). Classy Mommy’s fantasy find is Table Five Design’s Cinderella Carriage bed. Moms’ Buzz showcases hot product picks for September.

Clever Parents tackles the question “Will my body ever be the same as it was before I got pregnant?” And MomFinds features the best tips, tricks and products to help send your little one off to dreamland.

Posted 14 Sep 2007 in Bath, Beauty & Health; Decor & Furniture; Gear; Home; Sleep | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

There’s no better way to spruce a room than with color, and Cheeky Monkey's lovely murals and painted pieces are sure to transform (see our review). For today’s birthday contest, one lucky local winner will receive a custom painted child’s rocker (example shown) OR a $300 gift certificate to Cheeky Monkey Murals. Entrants must live within the 495 belt to be eligible for this draw. To enter to win, email us (by midnight EST tonight, Weds., Aug. 29) the answer to the following question: Name one of the many amazing mural jobs in Cheeky Monkey's portfolio (also indicate the town you live in so we can verify correct entry).

Posted 29 Aug 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home; Web (Admin) | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Laurel’s toddler dreams about Ya Ya the Yellow Cat made clear to us that her unconscious operates in vivid color, and the mom artists behind Bubbles Decor believe in bringing colorful dreams and inspiration to life via their collection of hand painted children’s furniture.

Continue reading "Bubbles Decor" »

Posted 3 Aug 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Over the years, Jon and I have received repeated confirmation that making space in life and taking leaps of faith – whether they are physical, financial, or emotional – allows good things to breathe into existence. We’ve found this to be the case with situations as mundane as unexpectedly receiving household items right after getting rid of older versions (but before buying replacements), and as important as quitting unbearable jobs before figuring out the next step (and then having an opportunity open up).

Continue reading "A Desk to Call Your Own" »

Posted 24 Jul 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home; Mama in the Workplace | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:

Cool Stuff: Clever Parents features BabySmarts (shown), a fun new twist on old baby shower games. MomFinds offers tips on how to pull together a fabulous baby shower. The Stylish Child features Livie and Luca’s fun and funky line of European inspired kids footwear. Classy Mommy reviews MediBags’ first aid kits for kids.

Continue reading "Weekly Web Roundup" »

Posted 20 Jul 2007 in Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; Gifts & Paper; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

For your budding artist, Kate has praise for this welcome upgrade of classic grade school desks:

“Our 17-month old daughter has become increasingly interested in arts and crafts over the past few months - encouraged by her wonderful daycare teachers - so we started stocking fun art supplies and decided that it would be a good idea to have a designated art space in the apartment, both to foster her creativity and independence and to try to preserve our floors and furniture from stray marks. Many companies sell desks and chairs for toddlers, but they often are large and require more space than we have to spare in a city apartment. Fortunately, the Offi Doodle Desk provides the perfect solution: an all-in-one seat, desk, and storage drawer, the Doodle Desk is a good size and shape for little artists, while being stylish and space-efficient enough to suit most parents. Available in sky blue and orange, the Doodle Desk features a pine veneer which is remarkably easy to clean: most child-friendly markers and paints wash right off."

Posted 5 Jun 2007 in Art Supplies & Toys; Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Cool Finds & Bargains: Learn more about Boon’s funky stuffed animal organizer/chair (shown; from Swanky Moms), baby shower invites designed for babies born in this year of the pig (from Coochicoos), and the luxurious swaddling receiving blanket by Swaddle Designs (from The Stylish Child). Win a chance to create your own D-artCompany.com Photo Realistic Canvas Print of your favorite memory (from Classy Mommy). And get 15% off a hip new (spill proof!) laptop bag made of WeatherTac Nylon (from Mommies with Style).

Cool Candy: Check out Friday Eye Candy: TV Hotties (from MamaPop), and the report on Shiloh Jolie Pitt’s first legal battle (from Celebrity Moms)

Cool Organics: Peruse eco-friendly organic finds for babies and Earth Mamas (from SheFindsMom), luxurious Erbaorganics products for mother and child (from One Chic Mama), fun Earth Day activities and crafts (from Clever Parents), and the organic, early bond between a father and son (from Babyfaces).

Posted 20 Apr 2007 in Bath, Beauty & Health; Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; Eco Living; Fashion; For Grownups; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gear; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m afraid Laurel has been ready to transition out of the crib for some time now, and we’ve totally been dragging our heels about it due to inconvenience. We don’t use gates in our house, which isn’t a problem during the day, but seems disastrous for night. (Although I know a family who, rather hilariously, has dealt with this issue by teaching their daughter to knock from inside her bedroom door when she wants to come out.) Plus, the freedom of a big bed seems likely to fuel Laurel’s periodic midday nap resistance.

But the cool bedding collection available at Mason & Matisse might just inspire change. This boutique features modern furnishings, clothing, gear, and toys; we especially love the Deep Sea bedding, whose fun underwater graphics are represented in a gender neutral, refreshing color palette (shown; $119 for duvet and pillow sham set; $58 for coordinating fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillow case set).

Mason & Matisse currently is offering a 10% discount to our readers; use code BOSTONMAMAS at check out.

Posted 11 Apr 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

And now for our weekly dose of fabulous web highlights from our stylish blog partners:

Check out four amazing modern nursery designs at Coochicoos (shown; design #3). She Finds Mom reports on readers’ picks for the best nursing bras. See a video review of a toddler testing Aqua2Go at Classy Mommy, as well as the latest vidcast at Clever Parents. One Chic Mama recommends a professional photographer based out of Raleigh, NC to capture your family summer vacations, and Babyfaces features a boy and his wagon for its photo of the week. And in the celebrity corner: MamaPop investigates how new celebrity moms seem to snap right back into shape. Celebrity Moms dishes on Halle Berry, who is ready to start a new chapter in life. And the Celebrity Baby Blog announces the winners of their first annual celebrity baby poll.

Posted 30 Mar 2007 in Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Grownups; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

We’ve recently partnered up with some fellow stylish bloggers to bring you a weekly dose of cool web finds for your weekend reading. This week’s treats include:

A very fetching round up of the best-fitting, figure-flattering maternity jeans, from SheFindsMom. Kudos for Babyproofing Your Marriage, from OneChicMama. Tips on how to use color to inspire kids, from Coochicoos. The peaceful deal behind the names of Angelina Jolie’s kids, from CelebrityMoms. And the baby photo of the week, from Babyfaces.

Posted 16 Mar 2007 in Books & Entertainment; Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Grownups; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

The parenting journey thus far has made it clear that little people have passions. Laurel and her friends have long shown fierce devotion to certain areas of play and expression, whether it is art or song or books or trains.

Now you can express your child’s passion via YoonKids, a collection of hip, customized wall art suitable for babies to tweens. YoonKids allow for the ultimate expression of kids’ passions and diversity; choose a themed kid (e.g., girl drummer), background color, hair and skin color (hooray!), and canvas size. YoonKids currently are available in girl designs; the boy line is forthcoming. Other collections include the Yoonies, an endearing series of chubby, wobbly critters (pick a character, background color, and size), and the Silhouettes line, which features classic imagery - such as the gorgeous, vibrant Bird Tree (shown) - styled with modern graphics in cool color palettes.

Continue reading "Express Yourself" »

Posted 23 Feb 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Eco Living; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

These days, environmentally conscious parents have ample cause for concern about the world our children will inherit. Lucky for us, amazing artisans committed to stylish sustainable design are working tirelessly for parents and the environment.

Lilipad Studio offers a stunning collection of children’s hand-painted furniture that is eco-friendly from start to finish. Furniture is built using FSC-certified responsibly forested hardwood; each piece then is intricately painted using non-toxic, no/VOC paints, and finished with three coats of a low-VOC sealer to render durable, easy-to-clean heirloom quality pieces.

Lilipad’s totally green collection currently includes table and chair sets and step stools; toy chests and toddler beds are forthcoming. We especially love the warmth and elegance of the Butterfly Rhapsody collection, which includes 10 1/2" step stools (shown; two-step stool; $300) and table and chair sets ($1100; $300 per additional chair).

Posted 29 Jan 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Eco Living; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

A recent conversation with a girlfriend who is planning a wedding shower reminded me of what a challenge favors can be in party planning; it’s tough to find meaningful, pretty, or useful favors that don't break the bank.

Coincidentally, we just learned about a nifty twist in the favor market that comes from Keepsake Concepts. Keepsake Concepts' Couture Keepsakes line takes traditional candy favors to a new level by encasing them in sweet, little outfits that will last long after the Jordan almonds are gone. These impressively appointed favors, which come on wooden hangers in styles for wedding, boys, and girls (shown, Emily, $5.50) measure 4.5"L x 3.5W" and include a miniature wooden clothespin that holds your custom message tag. These keepsakes can serve as party favors or baby announcements, and would preserve beautifully in a shadow box, or make for easy décor hung on a nail or a cute little clothesline.

Posted 24 Jan 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Gifts & Paper; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If the tired browns and greens of winter are getting you and the family down, you’ll do well by bringing color into your home with the pretty murals and painted furniture by Holly Johnson of Cheeky Monkey.

Check out Cheeky Monkey’s online portfolio, which includes murals inspired by nature, storybook, or hobby, and painted furniture of all kinds. We especially love the fusion of paint and decorative paper for Wan’s Room, the groovy graphic circles of the Moore’s Bath, and the red and white nature inspired table in the furniture collection. Cheeky Monkey serves the Boston area and you might have already seen some of Johnson’s work at Bellini Baby; click here to contact Cheeky Monkey for a complimentary consultation.

Posted 10 Jan 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Domestics; Home; Local | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

As someone who is personally and professionally obsessed with color I was blown away when I checked out the vibrant, modern designs of Avalisa.

Avalisa offers vivid wall art suitable throughout the home or in professional settings; their animal, color block, and things that go designs are particularly fabulous for kids’ décor. Designs are offered on a variety of colored backdrops (shown; green pandas), printed on canvas and hand-stretched on 1 1/2” deep stretcher bars, and come ready to hang. Three canvas sizes are available: 12x12” ($45), 18x18” ($75), and 28x28” ($115).

Posted 5 Jan 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I certainly appreciate, and have benefited from, the practicality of baby shower registries, but sometimes you stumble on a seriously fabulous shower gift that warrants diverting from more mundane necessities.

Case in point: Pink Olive Boutique's stock of beautiful, vivid blabla knits. Especially impressive is the Small Jungle Mobile (shown; $78), a hand knitted work of art measuring 8” in diameter. We also love the cheerful ladybug booties and hat ($28 each).

Pink Olive just launched in November but this web boutique carries a cool collection of chic baby items, gifts, and stylish warm weather getaway gear. And Pink Olive is offering Boston Mamas readers a little New Year's gift; type “Boston Mamas” in the comments box before checking out to receive free ground shipping on orders over $50. (Shipping fee will be removed manually on order processing.)

Posted 2 Jan 2007 in Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gifts & Paper; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I have this terrible retail habit of developing an idea in my head of what I want, and then being repeatedly disappointed when I can’t find it out in the world. It’s a problem with perfectionism that is proving resistant to therapeutic intervention.

But I digress. As I have mentioned before, given Laurel’s love of painting, we have great fodder for very cool holiday art gifts. Yesterday I decided to try Target again for frames; I wanted a combination of elegance and quality for cheap (don’t we all?) and every time I visit Target I always hope that the frame in my mind (simple matted format, but in small, single window sizes) will appear. I braced myself for disappointment, given numerous failed missions to date, plus the possibility that the stores would be demolished after the shopping weekend.

I literally heard angels singing when I arrived at the frame section and found my dream frame in a number of sizes and finishes. The 4 x 4” Thin Metal Pewter Frame (shown, $7.99; 8 x 8 frame, white mat with a 4 x 4 inch opening) and the 4 x 6” Wide-Mat Maple Frame ($9.99; 8 x 10 frame, white mat with a 4 x 6 inch opening) are especially pretty for creating gallery style photos or art, and are exactly what I had conjured in my head.

Posted 13 Dec 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

If a complete overhaul or your child’s room décor seems overwhelming, you’ll want to check out the pretty Mimi'lou wall art decals by French artist Miriam Derville. Offered by Zoë b, a company that specializes in stylish maternity and baby tees, Derville’s collection of colorful line drawing decals will transform your walls (or any other flat surface, e.g., furniture, windows, or mirrors) in minutes, and can be removed easily without leaving a trace.

Choose from a variety of animal, nature, or kids’ themes (shown, Bubbles, $25), or even get a portrait of your little one created as a wall decal.

Posted 28 Nov 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

There’s no way your kid will be able to be picky about food in the face of the good enough to eat beanbag chairs from Babesta ($199). Offered in green apple (shown), eggplant, blueberry, and tomato, these chairs are 31" in diameter and are constructed of 100% brushed cotton with detachable cotton velveteen leaves.

Babesta features a rockin’ collection of hip and unique children’s clothing, accessories, décor, toys, books, and music from innovative artists and designers. And Babesta is offering Boston Mamas readers an exclusive discount this month: use the coupon code "BostonMama10" to receive 10% off your order until December 1, 2006. This discount cannot be combined with other offers.

Posted 3 Nov 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I'm continually amazed by how well little ones are able to abstract animals from simple shapes or cartoons; but if you’re looking for more realistic, kid-friendly art, check out the amazing collection of Round Art critters at PoshTots.

Offering a modern aesthetic that will last well beyond the baby years, each print originates from an acrylic painting that has been scanned and printed on watercolor paper; the print is mounted on plywood and coated in acrylic for protection. The back features a keyhole for easy hanging.

This collection includes an ark-load of animals (badger, bear, cat, dog, elephant, giraffe, gopher, ladybug, leopard, panda, peacock, penguin, sheep, zebra) set against modern, vibrant background color options (shown, Giraffe Round Art in Bright Orange) in three sizes ($17 for 5 inch, $22 for 7 inch, $32 for 10 inch at PoshTots).

Posted 25 Oct 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

When we moved this summer, Laurel’s new room seemed cavernous compared to her old room. She was scared of the big new space and her previously easy sleeping routine went out the window; we needed to up the cozy factor in a hurry. Laurel definitively wanted a yellow rug and I was thrilled to discover the Shaggy Raggy Rug collection. Made of hand dyed 100% cotton, this soft, nubbly rug instantly transformed Laurel’s room, has fascinated all of her little pals, and is so comfortable that we love stretching out on it during play or quiet reading time.

This rug series is offered in a variety of fabulous colors and shapes at Shop.com (see our bargains page for coupon codes); we ordered the 4.7’ x 7.7’ ($338) rectangle and matching 3’ x 3’ star ($78; shown). Life has been grand ever since!

Posted 25 Oct 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Is the mere thought of impending holiday travel and family chaos already making you anxious?

Engage in some preventative art therapy with the Couple’s Genealogy Tree from Red Envelope ($120). This beautiful do-it-yourself kit allows you to interact with your family at a creative distance. The set includes: two espresso-stained wooden frames, 100 orange and red maple-shaped leaves in two sizes (denoting maternal and paternal family members), ivory mounting board, family name placards, instructions, mounting tape and template. Each frame measures 12" x 1 1/2" x 19" high.

Posted 29 Sep 2006 in Arts & Crafts; Decor & Furniture; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Making a mess in the kitchen never looked saucier.

You’ll want to get your June Cleaver groove on with the fun and flirty aprons available at Chloe in Style. These cheeky, multi-tiered masterpieces come in half and full apron styles ($38-$42). And if you have a little helper at home, several of the styles come in matching kid sizes ($28-$32).

In addition to these nifty aprons, Chloe in Style’s chic collection includes paper goods, baby products (apparel, accessories, gear, décor, gifts), and women’s apparel (including soft and stylish maternity tees).

Posted 7 Sep 2006 in Decor & Furniture; Fashion; For Little Ones; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Gifts & Paper; Home | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Fall is coming, but that shouldn't stop you from trying to preserve visions of spring and summer indoors.

The handmade, hand-painted nylon Madame Butterflies ($12) from Land of Nod measure an impressive 22 x 10 inches and come in purple, pink, and green. Suspend these fluttery friends with the accompanying clear, 54” nylon hanging line.

Posted 31 Aug 2006 in