coos & ahhs

Ahhs: Who Needs Pants with Diapers Like These?

2013-05-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

i've been cloth diapering my little guy since he was a month old, and besides the environmental advantages, cloth diapers are just so darn cute these days! there are so many great options out there, so i thought i'd save you the trouble of searching and put together a nice roundup of the best looking ones i've found. even your baby's bum doesn't have to miss out on the looking good.

1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9

if you're cloth-curious at all, please ask me anything you'd like in the comments. i'd be happy to share my experience and tips with you.

but i will say that i am not, by any means, a cloth-tyrant. at night and sometimes for long outings, we use honest disposables because they're biodegradable and also come in the most adorable patterns.

they have several more patterns to choose from that aren't shown here. shop honest

Ahhs: Teething Blankets That Don't Suck

2013-05-23T14:37:00.002-04:00

finding a decent looking teething blanket is no easy task-- i file them in the same category of attractive activity seats (a.k.a. excer-saucer. gag.) -- but the search is over thanks to the smart people at petites frites. they not only created a beautiful range of teethers, blankets and bibs, made from a custom fabric blend of ultra plush cotton and eco-fiber lyocell, but it's all made in the usa and totally affordable. talk about overachieving!

the fabric comes in their signature chevron print and is available in lots of fun colors or, for the minimalist, a simple dark grey, which i love! the unique blend makes these pieces both impossibly soft and thanks to the lyocell super absorbent and quick to dry.

petites frites is all about the details, from the soft hand-crocheted teethers and maple wooden ring on the little blankets to the contrast trim on their big ones, nothing is overlooked. what we love the most? the large size of their baby blankets, at 50 x 50 inches you will be using these for everything! shop the collection at petites frites.

Fashion Coos: Wolfechild

2013-05-21T21:48:00.001-04:00

hello summer! temps hit the mid-90's today in new york. the hot sweaty days of summer are here! i am part polar bear, but these pieces from wolfechild are having me giddy about warm humid nights at the playground and hauling out the a/c unit. dying over the ombre jumper. shop wolfechild here and at darling clementine.

Adorn: Petit Home Collection from Blabla Kids

2013-05-19T21:13:00.000-04:00

i have to say blabla kids can do no wrong in my eyes. their sweaters and knitty dolls were some of the very first baby things i ever bought and i still love what they do. they have just launched a beautiful home collection for kids including travel playmats and, my personal favorite, handkerchief beanbags. all offered in simple, yet whimsical prints. shop the petit home collection

Giveaway: $100 to Spend on GOATMILK

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

***congrats to winner liz***

i have a confession to make, you guys. i am a huge skeptic. i've been hearing and reading about goatmilk kidware for quite some time as it has amassed an incredibly loyal and enthusiastic following in the past couple years. but every time i'd check out their stuff online, i'd think to myself, "what's the big deal? it's just underwear." as recently as last week, i asked amanda the same thing, and she said she couldn't quite explain it, that i had to see for myself.

so our friends at goatmilk sent over a couple samples, and let me tell you, there is a reason everybody loves goatmilk. yes, they specialize in basics. but don't let that fool you, these tanks, tees and onesies are anything but simple. they're made of organic, fair trade cotton that's not only soft to the touch, but also tailored impeccably so the fit on your child is incredibly flattering and comfortable. no strange puckering or riding up in the wrong places. these are the kinds of pieces that can be passed to the next kid, even after a lot of wear, and the look is so classic. ok, i'm not going to make my kids share skivvies, but tanks and shorts this nice, sure - why not? i am officially a goatmilk convert!

and here's the awesome news: we're doing a goatmilk giveaway!

what you will win:
-$100 gift certificate to goatmilk

how to enter (giveaway open to all, shipping world-wide!!!):
-leave a comment (mandatory)

additional entries:
-share this giveaway on twitter and leave a separate comment letting us know you did
-share this giveaway on facebook and leave a separate comment letting us know you did
-share this giveaway on pinterest and leave a separate comment letting us know you did

the winner will be chosen at random at close of giveaway on thursday, may 23, at 9 am est.

Fashion Coos: Tane Organics Spring/Summer 2013

2013-05-14T22:15:00.000-04:00

when i was pregnant with my first son, the very first item of clothing i ever bought for him was from tane organics. they make adorable, basic pieces in the softest organic cotton and wool. i just love their new spring/summer line - i'm definitely going to need a few of these pieces for boy no. 2 (just found out today!) shop tane organics

Ahhs: Playful Dinner Wear for Children

2013-05-13T21:56:00.003-04:00

i am always on the look out for interesting tableware for kids. we like to eat here so the more fun the better. here are some products that will delight your little one and make you pretty happy too!

landscape dinner set

donkey products spoons

puzzle dinner tray

modster cup from boon

Adorn: OYOY Living Design for Kids

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

oyoy is a new danish interior design company. they design functional products for home in playful colors, shapes and patterns--simple yet unique. the versatile range offers products for children that would work in any room in your home, which how i like to decorate! shop oyoy

Happy Mother's Day!

2013-05-12T20:48:00.001-04:00

i just sorted through piles of photos and this is the best picture i could find of me and my mom. this was taken at mt. mckinley in alaska. i am five. needless to say, i need to find some better pictures of the two of us, especially since my mom has been such a big part of my life.

you never really understand your mother until you become one, and even then, you don't completely. being a parent is the best and worst job that you love more than anything else. i can only hope i am as good at it as she is...happy mother's day mamas. i hope everyone had a special day. xoxo

Ahhs: Ingela P. Arrhenius Plates

2013-05-09T14:34:00.000-04:00

brighten up meal-time with swedish illustrator ingela p. arrhenius' delightfully graphic melamine plates. we just got the apple and the lion and already breakfast, lunch and dinner are more fun and stylish! shop plates at huset-shop and stay tuned to my instagram to see them in action.

Fashion Coos: Eponime - ooh la la!

2013-05-08T20:36:00.000-04:00

i may be late to the party, but i just ran across these lovely pieces from eponime, a french brand that makes sweet, yet sophisticated childrenswear in classic shapes with an updated twist. they use beautiful prints and high quality natural materials that are comfy for baby to wear, and easy on the eyes and practical for mom. best of all, they pay just as much attention to making great boys clothes as they do for girls.

you can shop for eponime on their website here, bibaloo and french blossom.

Books to Coo About: Line 135

2013-05-07T21:05:00.003-04:00

this beautiful new book by germano zullo and illustrated by albertine is a meditative journey through an intricate landcape. line 135 explores the concept of travel from the eyes of child, as the landscape transforms from a bustling city to a richly inventive world, the child’s sense of wonder and independence flourishes. line 135 would make a lovely gift for an adult or an engaging read for a little one. buy line 135

Adorn: Roxy Marj

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

obsession. i am really into bold black and white designs these days. not just because it's a bit of a thing, which it is, but black and white looks so good with the chaos of colors of toys, books, and whatever else my kids have dragged into their room. the snap of a high contrast piece likes these from the amazing shop roxy marj make a statement without adding to the clutter. roxy marj is created by a very talented illustrator in utah who hand paints the designs on muslin. i want one of everything! learn more and shop roxy marj

What We Wear: Winter Water Factory

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

brooklyn-based winter water factory pleases both parents and kids alike: beautiful screen-printed organic cotton pieces at a price that won't make you hide the credit card bill from your husband; and bright playful designs that appeal to both boys and girls with lots of unisex options in between.

we love and wear winter water factory for the clean fun graphic patterns and the high quality organic cotton that wears like iron. i appreciate that you can get a blue dress with fish on it for a girl and there are endless options beyond stripes for boys. these are the clothes your kids will ask to wear time and again. shop winter water factory and follow on facebook to find out about sales and news.

Fashion Coos: Girlie Summer Goodness from Misha Lulu

2013-05-05T19:14:00.000-04:00

misha lulu is a la-based children's wear brand for girls--and soon for boys! i met the husband and wife team this spring at playtime and i instantly fell head-over-heels for their vintage inspired designs.

the spring collection features sweet nostalgic dresses, skirts, tees, tanks and shorts for little ladies. the handmade pieces feature prints and pattern galore: mix-and-match bright gingham with a clucky chicken graphic or a stripy dress with a an all-over print tee--these could be plucked out of a 1950s children's book. needless to say, these clothes are fun. and it doesn't stop there, misha lulu teamed up with hello kitty to create a capsule collection featuring my favorite kawaii kitty. see more at misha lulu

Fashion Coos: Best of the Best Boys Swimwear

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's already May? Even though we had the world's longest winter, it's hard to believe summer is only a month away. And you know what that means...beach season is just around the corner! Here are my picks for the cutest boys swim trunks.

1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9

Giveaway: Mother's Day Goodies

2013-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

***congrats to winner christena gunther***

i know you've probably reached your limit of mother's day reminders from all that email spam you've been getting these past couple weeks. but before you jump off the ledge, sit back, grab your coffee and stay for just a minute to check out this ridiculous mother's day giveaway we've put together for you. this is the real deal. i'm not kidding. amanda and i have been whoring ourselves out all over town to get you these hand-picked goods. ok, i am kidding about that part. but seriously, check out the swag we are giving away! and happy mama's day to you!

what you will win:
we are actually jealous of whomever wins all this (total value of $600):

1. from anna bee: personalized necklace
anna bee creates a line of delicate, personalized pendant necklaces that any stylish mom would wear. they're simple, so they go with everything, but also unique with tiny lettering and a hand-made feel. her necklaces are the kind that you end up wearing all the time and never take off, even to shower or sleep, because they're so light and also so personal. a real keepsake. you get your choice of silver, gold or mixed metals.

2. from coral + tusk: adorn crescent necklace
the uber talented brooklyn-based designer has had us smitten ever since we first discovered her brand years ago. best known for her sweet and impeccably embroidered pillows and kitchen linens, we want to share with you all her new line of gorgeous crescent necklaces - the perfect statement piece to brighten even a simple jeans and white v-neck t-shirt combo. you get your choice of any four adorn crescent necklaces.

3. from baggu: a duck bag, standard baggu, a large zipper set, and a daypack
one of our favorite brooklyn brands, baggu, has offered oodles of the most important tool in any busy mom's artillery: bags. you might recognize the baggu original -- made of lightweight ripstop nylon, it's so easy to stuff in your purse and pull out at a moment's notice because, c'mon, who doesn't do impromptu shopping?

4. from shak-shuka: women's bobo choses red-stripe leather belt
if you've been a long time reader, you know how in love with shak-shuka we are. but the love affair doesn't stop there; we are also in love with bobo choses. it's just a huge lovefest up in here - someone hose us down! shak-shuka has offered this fabulous, versatile belt from bobo choses (for mama). it's the perfect addition to your chambray shirt dress, linen tank dress, or just about any dress, really, there are no limits with this belt!

5. from seventy tree: scallop round serving tray
seventy tree is the brainchild of london-based designer kerry layton. kerry creates beautiful prints, kitchen items, paper goods, and even our favorite crafting toy, washi tape!, in bold geometric prints and designs. we just can't get enough of her products, and if we had more space, we'd fill every corner of our homes with all things seventy tree!

6. from areaware: white distortion candlesticks
you get a pair of incredibly unique white candlesticks from another one of our favorite nyc-based shops. made of resin and marble and designed by paul loebach, these candlesticks will definitely be a conversation starter at your next dinner party. is it just me, or do they remind you of that "be our guest" scene in beauty and the beast?

7. from reid.damnit: ikat apron
kelly reid makes a wonderful selection of personal accessories including clutches, purses, aprons and belts. we asked them to offer up this cotton ikat apron because it totally caught our eye. we love ikat everything and can't think of a better way to show it off this summer than alongside a (virgin) margarita while grilling some steaks.

8. from wanderluster: tulipa II earring
how gorgeous are these earrings? inspired by the designer's time in istanbul, these come straight from her brand new SS13 line. you get your choice of 18K gold plated brass or rose gold.

how to enter (giveaway is open to U.S. residents only):
-leave a comment here (mandatory)

additional entries:
-share this giveaway on facebook and leave a separate comment letting us know you did
-share this giveaway on twitter and leave a separate comment letting us know you did

for color and size optional items the winner will choose after the giveaway is closed. winnings will be sent to the winner in multiple shipments. the winner will be chosen at random after the close of giveaway at 9 am est on thursday, may 9.

Fashion Coos: Eco Tights by Luna Leggings

2013-04-30T22:00:00.001-04:00

i love finding eco-brands that break the mold of eco-ness. luna leggings are just that: bright, graphic, nature-inspired organic cotton tights for girls ages 0-8. styles feature super-high quality footless or footed tights in a wide range of colorful designs and quirky patterns.

created by an eco-minded designer-mom, luna leggings are made from cotton sourced from local organic farmers and a portion of the proceeds go to the edible schoolyard project and project night night. shop luna leggings

Coos & Ahhs Grows

2013-04-29T21:31:00.003-04:00

some of you may have noticed a new voice posting in recent weeks and wondering when did i become a korean-american. well, dear readers, the time has come to add a blogger to the team. so please welcome our newest contributor cindy!

cindy is a fellow new york city mama with an adorable thirteen month-old boy and another coming in october--the girl's been busy! cindy hails from the great lakes state and came to new york by way of the windy city a decade ago. a lover of all the pretty things and some killer writing skills, not to mention a bloodhound on the internet--the lady can find anything!--i knew i needed her on the team.

when not being hand fed french fries or hunting down the perfect croissant, cindy will be bringing you fabulous giveaways from all your favorite brands--have you seen our plated giveaway?--and sharing her finds around the city and across the ocean. follow cindy on twitter and pinterest or feel free to drop a note at cindy [at] coosandahhs [dot] com.

Fashion Coos: Found on Etsy

2013-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

have you ever gone on etsy in search of something cute and unique for your munchkin only to end up burrowing yourself deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole? and admit it, 99 percent of what's on there is not your bag. it's definitely not mine. my brow needs some maj botoxing from all the furrowing that went on up there as i was researching this post. that's the bad news.

the good news is that i did find a few things worth sharing!

1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8

p.s. we actually own 2 pairs of those swag booties because they're the only shoes that will stay on my (almost walking) son's chubby feet that don't make him cry, and they have a non-slip bottom. on a side note, how do i get my kid to wear real shoes?!

A Good Place

2013-04-28T21:45:00.001-04:00

every once in awhile i like to pull the computer up close and talk about my life here. i get a lot of mail asking what life is like in the city with two kids. i always say it's hard and it has been a really difficult year for me and my husband. we both work full-time (plus i run this blog) and pretty much tag-team parent throughout the week--meaning one of us has both kids solo.

my daughter is coming up on one-year (already!) and i feel like we are just getting our heads out of the water. a lot of it has to do with our kids being in a fun place now. they play together and on their own. like here, my son is really getting into coloring. i know a lot of mama readers are thinking about number two and i have to say it isn't easy, but gosh, soooo worth it.

also i thought it would be fun to show a little craziness of my home. i might start a tumblr on the real lives of bloggers. (ha! ha!) have great week. and enter our plated giveaway or else! and i have a big announcement this week... (no. not pregnant)

Giveaway: A Free Month of Meals from Plated

2013-04-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

***congrats to winner sam***

i don't know about you, but i have been in a serious cooking rut lately. i go to the grocery store and i end up buying the same boring items over and over again like a zombie on autopilot. the change of season is helping a little with fresher fruit becoming available, but still. i need some help, and i'm thinking maybe you do too.

so, we, at coos and ahhs, called in the reinforcements and reached out to plated, a food delivery service that sends you pre-measured, super fresh ingredients to create a gorgeous chef-designed meal for you and your family. it's such a helpful service for busy moms (and dads!) who want to cook and serve healthy meals in the home. and you know...mother's day is just around the corner - hint hint!

the process is simple. you log in on the website and choose your "plates" the week before and it arrives on your doorstep perfectly packaged with easy to follow instructions on how to cook each meal.

the first thing i noticed when i opened the box was how fragrant the fresh herbs were. the scent of basil filled the entire room, and let me tell you, it was glorious -- and most importantly, so was the meal!

so let's get down to business.

what you will win:
-3-month membership and a free month of plates
(that's 16 meals to spread out however you want over 4weeks -- a value of $190!)

how to enter (do any one of the following, or all three for more chances to win!):
-check out the menu at Plated, and leave a comment here on what your favorite menu item of the week is.
-follow @plated on twitter and comment here to let us know you did
-share this giveaway on twitter using #coosandahhs

plated ships from DC up to boston, so this giveaway is only open to MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, MD, VA, DE residents. apologies to our international readers and those in the south, west and mid-west. we'll make up for it with other giveaways - promise!

the winner will be chosen at random after the close of giveaway at 9 am est on thursday, may 2.

we're also running a great discount with plated. use code "coosandahhs" to get a free one-month membership and 50% off your first order. good through mother's day may 12, 2013.

Fashion Coos: Little Creative Factory

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

i am not sure if it's me or the designs, but i am swimwear crazed this season! the spring collection from little creative factory, a new-spanish brand, is channeling a vintage-euro look that is both super chic, but practical--hello sunhat!

these pieces make me want to style a summer photo shoot--i love the unisex mix-and-match! everything is produced in barcleona in small batches, so pieces are limited edition--something lcf is calling "slow manufacturing". shop little creative factory at sweet william or visit their website here.

a funny sidebar to this post is that last summer i was on the train carrying my playtime new york (the kid's fashion trade show) tote and a women started talking to me, asking me about the show and if i owned a store, etc. etc. she was lovely and we ended up exchanging cards. time passed and not until i was at playtime again this spring that we ran into each other again, did it all come together. it took us a minute to place one another, but it was really great to see cristina and the spring collection is adorable.

Ahhs: Attention Babies! Breakfast Just Got Tastier

2013-04-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

in the landscape of baby cereal, things have been pretty bland for a long time. (i actually almost never give my babies cereal since it usually tastes like nothing.) then comes along little duck organics, i guess since they are the new chicks on the block they are trying to impress everyone with their deliciousness. well, it's working!

might oats is a mix of ancient grains: quinoa, chia, buckwheat, oats and millet with organic freeze-dried fruit in tasty combinations like coconut/banana and strawberry/vanilla. making for a really flavorful and wholesome baby food isn't enough for the show-offs over at little duck, they had to make their packaging work just as hard as what is inside. in an innovative zero-waste design, the cups are completely biodegradeable and the cardboard wrap around the cups has seeds (tomatoes, carrots, lettuce) imbedded in it, which can be planted when you are done! learn more about little duck organics.

Fashion Coos: Scandinavian Minimall

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5

ever since i was a little girl, i have had a real love for all things scandinavian. so, when the babies started pouring in, i found myself scouring the web for the best in scandi-mini-style. thanks to the brillant team over at scandinavian minimall, i don't have to look far.

the uk-based shop is full of minimal, yet playful clothing and decor for your little ones, featuring the best from scandinavia (duh.) as well as other brands like mini + maximus (us) and beau loves (uk). shop scandinavian minimall