Archive for May, 2009

You’ve always taken the road less traveled, and hopefully your kids will follow in your pioneering footsteps.

A new edition of The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds encourages readers to observe, wonder and maybe event diverge from the pack to pursue their dreams. Originally published more than ten years ago, this updated version features beautiful illustrations in this universal fable that children and adults will connect to. A kid-friendly version of The Alchemist, the book reinforces the fact that life is a journey — even for those who are just beginning.

Available at amazon.com.

A fairy mural might look nice, but Sonny and Cher is more your speed when it comes to a quirky kid’s room.

Mr. T, Andy Warhol, Spock and Joey Ramone are just some of the people painted by artist Seana Corcoran, who creates these hipster portraits after her three children go to bed. The original artwork, done in fun, bright colors, grow with a little one and blend from crib to big bed.

Plus it’ll teach him about who was cool in your day.

Available at lumalum.com.

While your personal chef lives only in your dreams, you still fantasize about yummy homemade meals delivered to your door.

Pomme Bebe in Orange County ships its fresh, organic baby food throughout the United States. Every meal is flash-frozen to lock in freshness and vital nutrients then shipped overnight each Thursday in environmentally friendly packaging. A rotating menu of fresh seasonal recipes (apple strawberry, carrot lentil) is prepared in small batches at the company’s onsite kitchen in Newport Beach, CA, and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Put a fresh spin on frozen food.

Available at pommebebe.com.

Now that you’re pregnant you know what you should not eat — but what are the best foods for the next 9 months?

Feed the Belly by new mom and nutrition expert Frances Largeman-Roth features nearly 70 easy-to-make recipes smartly categorized by craving (salty, sweet, spicy). This healthy eating guide for pregnant women shares easy-to-follow tips, like what should and should not be on your shopping list, how to choose the healthiest fish and what to eat to boost fertility. Kick off your new and improved diet with the book’s simple seven-day eating plan that will boost your bump and your pre-baby bod.

Available at amazon.com.

You’ve got the picnic basket, the delicious and health lunch, and plenty of games for a family afternoon in the park. The only thing missing is something to sit on, and your old Christmas tree skirt won’t do.

Lina Bean’s Throw & Go blanket from its eco-friendly Green Bean group is a cozy fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Trimmed with a cotton/bamboo fabric leaf print, the 5-foot throw is sustainable, organic, and low impact dyed. Keep it on hand for any occasion where you need a cop a squat.

Sit back and relax.

Available at shoplinabean.com.

Hospital nurses know the secret to swaddling — a little tuck here, a little twist there. Unfortunately, you are not as skilled, and the baby is on to you.

Fool her with a shortcut. Lala’s Pequenos does 100-percent cotton or organic Noonies, a cross between a sleeping bag and a swaddling blanket that’s designed to create a perfectly cozy place to rest. Tuck your tot into the soft folds, and bundle using two buttons. Designed by a mother of two, the line is handcrafted in Virginia using bold and bright fabrics.

No one needs to know you cheated.

Available at lalaspequenos.com.

The all-chicken nugget diet isn’t exactly ideal, but it’s the only thing he’ll eat. “Vegetable” is a dirty word, but you’ve got to get some beta-carotene into the little bugger.

Add a little nutrition without the kids noticing. Hip Hip Puree does ready-made, frozen, organic vegetable purees. While making your own from scratch sounds nice, becoming a junior Jessica Seinfeld just isn’t in the cards. Packaged in single serving (1/2 cup) pouches, these purees in four varieties (carrot, broccoli, sweet potato and cauliflower) can easily be added to sauces, side dishes or desserts. Try Hip Hip’s recipes for banana bread (with cauliflower) or muffins (with carrot), or start building your own yummy creation.

Mind your Ps and Qs (peas and quinoa).

Available at hiphippuree.com.

Lately it’s all about truth in parenting, but the only place you feel truly honest is on the UB message boards.

Read a relatable dose of reality. Afterbirth: Stories You Won’t Read in a Parenting Magazine is a collection of essays based on Dani Klein Modisett’s popular live show of the same name. Hollywood types, from Sex and the City writer Cindy Chupack to Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner, contribute personal takes on parenting. First family vacations, fertility, fear and father-daughter bonding are just a few of the topics tackled in this collection of personal stories.

Available at stmartins.com.

Your entire household has memorized the contents of the bookshelf — time to restock.

One Potato was recently launched by a father of two whose love of children’s picture books turned into an online guide. The site advocates for the lesser-known quality kiddie literature that may not get shelf time at the bigger chain stores. With more than 500 titles currently listed, recommendations range from the foreign or fables and folklore to the familiar and familial. After filling your cart with formerly unknown titles, the site directs your order to Amazon — it couldn’t be easier.

It’s for those times when getting a great new book for bedtime reading feels like finding a needle in a haystack.

Visit onepotato.net.

If your daughter had her way, she would wear her ballet recital costume every day. Unfortunately, last year’s tutu is too too worn out.

Restock her dress-up supply at Tutu Girl, a virtual warehouse of tulle and satin ribbon. A wide selection of sizes (for babies and up) in more than 50 colors ensures years full of fluffy frill. Whether she’s a prima ballerina or a princess, there’s a style just right for the next birthday party, holiday or play date.

Enjoy the priss and pouf.

Available at tutugirl.com.