Mind the Gap

Whether you're pregnant like me, nursing, or just hanging onto a bit of baby weight for nostalgia's sake, we all have one thing in common: Major boobage. ... [More]

I See London, I See France...

Now that Spring is here (okay, so it's still freezing out; minor technicality.) I'm ready to get a little girlier with my daughter's wardrobe. Is there anything cuter than little girls in sweet little dresses, with their bare, chubby knees poking out just below? The only thing that can possibly ruin the photo op is a glimpse of Cookie Monster stamped onto a pair of saggy size 4 Cruisers. ... [More]

Peeing In Peace, If There Is There Such a Thing

I have developed a wee bit of cynicism about the recent spate of irreverent momoirs and advice books out there for parents. The vast majority have terrific titles...and that's pretty much where you'll want to stop reading. So I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I heard about Peeing in Peace: Tales and Tips for Type A Moms. ... [More]

Kid Rock (Not the Creepy One)

My first concert: Elvis. I was four. And I was singing at the top of my lungs. Now, three decades later, I'm more in love with music than ever. And like any lovesick eighth grader worth her salt, I like... ... [More]

When You Think of My Family, Think of Booze

We have seen any number of ways to incorporate your kids' photo into gifts - mugs, keychains, jewelry, purses. I think we've unearthed something that tops them all: Alcohol. ... [More]

Coming Out of the Dark

Nothing says motherhood like waking up in the morning to find a little baby with his diaper on half-backwards and the snaps on his onesie done up wrong. Funny things happen at 2:30 AM when you can't see a damn thing you're doing.

Baby Brings the Funny

I've groused before about the practice of sending thank you notes that are supposedly written by the baby. I know it's intended to be cute, but it induces involuntary eyerolls in me. ... [More]

Silver is the New Black

All the 3-going-on-14 little girl's clothes have forced me to become a traditionalist when it comes to dressing my daughter. I'm into the fairly standard tops, bottoms, and dresses -- no ridiculous mini skirts or shiny half-shirts for my toddler. But when it comes to shoes, I like to live on the wild side. ... [More]

A Pinch of Flower

With each change of season I feel the call to update my jewelry drawer. It's a sickness, I know, but with Spring in the air, I just can't be asked to accessorize with the same old same old. Why, even the suggestion of it is shocking. ... [More]

Beautiful Inside and Out

I’m a sucker for great packaging when it comes to beauty products. I know, I know (for all of you with way more common sense)…it’s what is inside that counts, but I can't help being attracted to funky, fresh designs. So trust me when I tell you that Mama Mio has got both the inside and the outside covered. ... [More]

Call Me? We'll Do Cheerios.

A desk full of odd scraps of paper with names and phone numbers scribbled on them - that's what I face each time I want to schedule a playdate for my older daughter. And I know that's what her friends' mothers face too, since I typically scrawl my details on the back of a grocery receipt. ... [More]

Two, Two, Two Pants in One

I love the concept of reversible kids clothes. And not just because I'm a shameless laundry avoider. It's more so because I am at times too indecisive to choose between two items--I want them both. So when I came across the entirely reversible swingy, Springy pants from So Anna I knew they were calling to me. ... [More]

Hide (The Veggies) and Go Seek

Despite continued reassurance that we only serve delicious meals at our house, my older daughter stubbornly resists trying new foods. The tears, tantrums and intense negotiation are exhausting. For once, I'd like to sit down to a meal without ever uttering the words "...or you can go straight to bed." ... [More]

Matchy-Matchy, Not Tacky-Tacky

As a fairly style conscious woman, I always thought that looking put together, in body, mind and home was an easy, natural thing. Until I had a kid. And then another one. And now it takes as much energy as I can muster just to pick out a bag that goes with my barely matching outfit. ... [More]

Making Date Night a Reality

There are a few things about parenting that you just don't get until you actually have kids. Okay, a lot of things. But one of them is how difficult it is to find reliable, trustworthy childcare if you're not one of those lucky folks to live near willing family and friends. ... [More]

The Joan Crawford Seal of Approval

I have been known, on more occasions than I should admit, to saving those cheap free hangers you get with purchases. But lately, the sea of plastic has been taking over my daughter's closet, and they just don't cut it for those extra special outfits that deserve a little more TLC. ... [More]

Yoga Moms Do It With Zen

With the massive morning sickness-turned awful reflux that I’ve experienced for the last 6 months, I have gone from yoga enthusiast to...well let's just say a deep forward bend brings with it more than limber muscles (like my breakfast, for instance).  Needless to say, I’ve been dying to get back to my practice as soon as my baby is born.  ... [More]

She Works Hard for the Money So You Better Treat Her Right

One of the hardest aspects of being a working mom is that first day back to work after maternity leave. All things being equal, most of us would rather be at home wiping bums than at the office with our noses up one. Or at least for a few more months. ... [More]

We Can't All Be Arists - Or Maybe We Can

Admittedly I'm a little opinionated when it comes to art. Sometimes I come across a piece I'm considering buying but then I think "hm, if only they'd have done this one little thing..."Apparently I'm not alone here, which is where... ... [More]

Boyz in the Hoodie

As much time as I spend on the web tracking down cool clothes for kids, I'm admit I'm still often at a loss for gifts when I hear a friend has a boy on the way. If only I liked those sailor suits, things would be a whole lot easier. And then I discovered Sir Hayes

Maternity Clothes Guaranteed to Fit

A Bag for Every Season

Why is it that it's acceptable to have fifteen purses in your closet that serve very specific functions, but then people look at you funny if you want to register for more than one diaper bag? Sometimes a girl needs a little variety. And there's no more perfect time for a new bag than the first day of Spring. ... [More]

Couch Potatoes No More

One year ago, two other movie-loving moms, Sarah Bowman and Diane Shakin, founded Kids off the Couch to help LA-area families turn the passive act of film-watching into active adventures around town that get kids psyched about film, culture and yes, even spending time with you. ... [More]

Honor Thy Belly

Yes, we'd all like to be the type to embrace and adore every crease and crevice, every jiggle and wiggle in our figures as we evolve from imperfect to imperfect and pregnant; but I'm afraid those types are limited to Dove ads and Dr. Phil segments. So I don't know about you, but I'm willing to try pretty much anything to stave off the dreaded stretch marks. ... [More]

I Don't Have a Drinking Problem

Just this week I was browsing the juice box aisle for my toddler, thinking how convenient it would be to be able to stash one of those in the diaper bag and forgo the sippy cup. And then I remembered that  the last time we tried juice boxes it entailed a change of clothes. For both of us. ... [More]

Children of the Children of the 70s

Some trends in kidswear cannot be short-lived enough. That whole pimp genre of little boys' tees? If I never see another one again that would be just fine. But one trend I'm loving: The groovy 70s-inspired designs on kids tees, that look eerily like the ones I might have worn back in my way younger days.

No Songs 'Til Brooklyn

I'm not always crazy about theme-y kids albums. 100 Songs About Spiders - whoopie. But when I hear the theme revolves around my own home base of Brooklyn, En-Why--well then I have to check it out ... [More]

Making Even the Most Disorganized Mom Look Put Together

Having a baby can even the most organized of mothers a run for their money. And save having a personal assistant, it seems like it's a common known fact that moms just aren't going to be able to keep everything together as well as they did pre-kiddo. ... [More]

Mommy Needs a Daquiri

I'm all for books that teach my kids more than just their animals. I mean, cripes, if we have to take the time to read it to them 500 times, it might as well teach them other things too, right? Like how to make their own breakfast, mow the lawn, or even better, make me a cocktail. ... [More]

The World's Least Girlie Barrettes

Even tomboys need hair clips; after all, how are you supposed to catch a frog if your hair keeps falling into your face? But unfortunately most of them are so...girlie. ... [More]

Gift Baskets Get a Much-Needed Update

There have been a few occasions for which I have put aside my obsessive gift-picking regimen and sent a gift basket; I blame it on postpartum dementia. Not that all gift baskets are bad, but there always seems to be one or two lame additions hidden in there. ... [More]

Coloring Books Meet Couture

My daughter is a certified coloring addict. We've no shortage of crayons, coloring books, and completed pages (and walls) all over our house -- and if I have to color another Elmo, I might just lose my mind. ... [More]

Bed-dazzled

I can't be the only mother who's tired of seeing the same old themes for kids' rooms, especially when it comes to bedding. Not all boys want a sports-themed room, and not all girls want a ballerina-themed room. Licensed characters are even more limiting - they go in and out of style quicker than boy bands and that's saying something. ... [More]

Kiss Me, I May Or May Not Be Irish

While I'm all for going festive for the holidays, the problem with buying shamrock leggings and an "Erin Go Bragh" shirt for your toddler is that it looks pretty out of place every day but one. But this gorgeous capri dress and green bolero from uber-fabulous boutique Bean New York? ... [More]

This Nest is Best

With an infant and a rambunctious toddler to chase after, I quickly relearned the value of the sling. Basically, it's like my hoop earrings -- the essential accessory that I never leave home without. But considering I'm trying to keep some semblance of my own style, I'm still concerned with how it looks almost as much as how well it holds my baby. ... [More]

White Walls No More

I admire parents who have the talent and motivation to paint murals for their kids' bedrooms. My own kids' rooms remain stark white, because I haven't had the free weekend to devote to acquiring supplies, emptying rooms, designing murals, and... ... [More]

See How They Run

In the spring, a mother's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of... shoes, of course! I love browsing the ballet flats and strappy sandals available for my little girls. But I get tired of the selection at my local big box store, and don't like paying the extra bucks for shoes adorned with the latest TV character du jour. ... [More]

Beechwood is the New Plastic

Back when I had imaginary children, I was confident that my house would be filled exclusively with old-school wooden learning toys that were always put away by shiny, happy tykes who sat in their fancy wooden high chairs and ate every bit of their nutritious meals. ... [More]

Drool Gets Cool

It's no secret among those who know me that I hate newborn bibs. Yes I know they're essential for very drooly babies but still. They're bibs! I've held out hope that an alternative would come along by the time my own newborn started teething. ... [More]

Minty Fresh

Moms are people too which, I know, is hard for some non-moms to believe. Sometimes we even like to shop where cool people shop. And sometimes--just once in a very blue moon--we like dress like we're not moms. You know, pants from this century? Shirts with no formula stains? ... [More]

Doctor? Lawyer? Donut Tycoon?

Anyone can print out a baby registry and dutifully purchase an infant bathtub and bouncy seat. But we'd rather find something that breaks up all the cliched "oohs and ahs" with a hearty guffaw at our friends' showers.

Where is the Love? Right Here, In this Book

I've got a few friends involved in adoptions these days and I've gotta say, it's really hard to find the perfect gift. I love the idea of something unique to their circumstances, but not all of them are the types to wear an "I'm an adoptive parent" tee shirt either. Then I stumbled across the Adoption Book and I thought, aha! That's it!
... [More]

Sucking Face

All hail the binkie, that great pacifier (pun intended) of babies, and best friend to sleep-deprived new mamas across the globe. However if I have one complaint about them, it's that they fit ever so perfectly out the crib slats at 3 am. I have more experience with this than I'd care to detail.

This Has Grandma Splurge Written All Over It

I've heard about those grandmoms who look for any excuse to spoil their grandchildren and grandfetuses. If you've got one, you lucky mama, don't send her off to buy boring essentials off your registry. She'd much rather get you the mother of all baby gifts:

The bedding.

Out of This World

We know there's no shortage of leather baby booties on the market these days -- all of which are terribly cute and perfect for those crawlers and early-walkers. But if you're looking for a shoe that no one else in the playgroup is likely to have, you might give Cute Baby Shoes a try. ... [More]

Just Stick It

I have loved the clever, collagey, distinctive tee designs from Vancouver-based Dirty Laundry ever since we featured them last year. But the only problem with wearable art for kids - they most certainly can't wear it forever. ... [More]

My Milk is Cooler Than Yours

One of the great benefits of breastfeeding is that you don't need to remember to pack your boobs when you head out with the baby. But once you're onto bottles... ... [More]

Your Greatest Work of Art: Your Child

I'm always tempted to get one of those caricatures of my daughter at local art fairs. While I love the concept of my progeny immortalized at the skilled hand of an artist, something tells me that that's not exactly what I'm going to end up with for my 20 bucks. ... [More]

The Pregnant Woman's Dignity Saver

I don't care how convincing the saleswoman in the overpriced maternity shop is when she assures you "oh but no, our super-overpriced maternity pants can't possibly fall down around your ankles every time you bend over"--she's lying. And I have the incriminating plumber's butt snapshots this pregnancy to prove it. ... [More]

Blanket Snobbery

Who knew that I'd ever be a blanket snob? But after receiving more baby blankets than I know what to do with, I admit I've become a bit particular abo ... [More]

Yes, It Will Look Good Over the Sofa

I'm all for cultivating sophisticated aesthetic tastes at a young age. Kids may be kids, but their bedrooms and bathrooms don't have to stuffed to the gills with licensed characters to be appealing to them. And when you're spending big bucks on decor anyway, shouldn't your nursery art actually be...well, art? ... [More]

Let's Go Fly a Kite

I hadn't flown a kite since I was a little kid at the Jersey shore, but on a beautiful windy day at the beach last year, my daughter and I spent hours watching our little kite fly -- until it broke and we had to retire it way too soon. ... [More]

Reinventing the Highchair

I'm pretty low-maintenance in the "carrying baby gear around" category. Okay, I'm pathetic. We rarely remember to bring bibs when we go out to dinner, let alone a portable high chair But as I've learned, it does make feeding her a little tricky in a hotel room or at the home of a friend with no young kids. ... [More]

Have Your Art and Eat Off it Too

I'm a firm believer that presentation is everything, particularly when it comes to feeding toddlers. So why not take that concept a step further and serve your cool shaped sandwiches and alphabet fries on some equally entertaining plates? ... [More]

A Bib That Actually Does What a Bib's Supposed To

Don't let that transition from cute little drooly bib to "holy cow there's food everywhere" bib catch you off guard. I'm not sure how many cute outfits I had to retire thanks to my unpreparedness. ... [More]

Shiny Pretty Things

I am what you might call a classic mom when it comes to accessorizing. It's easier to wear the same pair of diamond studs every day than to navigate the continuum between tasteful, trendy, and tacky. Boring? Guilty as charged. ... [More]

Pour Some Sugar on Me

I'm not crazy about saccharine-sweet girls' clothes. Too much pink and lace and I start to get a toothache. But real sugar? Bring it on, baby. ... [More]