coos & ahhs

Adorn: For the Birds {Lighting}

2012-05-31T09:21:00.000-04:00

i know it's been decor heavy here lately, but this mama is focused! i swear i am going to load you up with some summer fashion and toys soon. but for now, check out this selection of birdie themed lights. all make perfect night lights or accent lights in a room. put a bird on it!

1. inke birdhouse light (shak-shuka) 2. egmont chicken light (pomme) 3. j schatz egg light 4. owl light (mod cloth) 5. ferm living house lamp (ugh! i want this one!!!!) 6. thorsten van elten pigeon light

Books to Coo About: Backseat A-B-See

2012-05-30T10:24:00.000-04:00

i get extreme guilt when i am constantly throwing the iphone in the back seat to keep my toddler occupied on long trips. with several big road trips planned this summer, this new book from chronicle couldn't have come at a better time. backseat a-b-see engages little minds as the road becomes a treasure hunt for spotting graphic signs along the way.

Fashion Coos: Treehouse by Anja Schwerbrock

2012-05-29T11:20:00.000-04:00

when this new baby collection landed in my inbox last month i literally let out a gasp! now your turn...

this is my kind of baby clothes. soft shapes. simple details. natural fibers. check, check and check!

check out treehouse here

Let's Play with Olive Juice {Sponsor Highlight}

2012-05-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

if you don't already know olive juice, their soft cotton pieces pair classic details with modern silhouettes. the summer collection features a rainbow of bloomers for baby, sweet and simple dresses for girls and shorts and tees that will make your little boy look oh so dashing. perfect for laying in the grass with your family under a shady tree. (look out the coos & ahhs critters are on the loose!)

shop olive juice

Books to Coo About: The Onion's Great Escape {Phaidon}

2012-05-24T10:15:00.000-04:00

from the publishers of some of the most important and beautiful art books comes a new genre of children's activity book and a feat of paper engineering.

the onion's great escape invites little fingers and minds to help free (literally) the onion from the book to avoid falling victim to the big fry. along the way, the reader is asked simple questions like how old are you? and beautifully abstract ones like how big are an elephants thoughts? and what is the length of happiness? with spaces to write in answers. once the onion is free is stands alone in all its glory and the book is forever changed.

a dazzling book that will challenge and inspire both children and adults alike. available for pre-order on phaidon's website or on amazon. now feast your eyes on these illustrations...

Adorn: Fabriko

2012-05-23T21:41:00.000-04:00

i am lover of patterns and prints. it is hard to find interesting ones that you won't get tired of in a week. that is what caught my eye about this collection from the swedish company fabriko, at first glance they look like your average (classic) prints. upon closer inspection you will see buttons, scissors, bugs and factories making up these fun designs!

Books to Coo About: Art School for Tots

2012-05-22T07:22:00.000-04:00

road trip? cross country train? overseas flight? whatever your summer travel plans are, you'll need to be prepared with activities for your little ones. check these four super creative books that will be sure to keep hungry minds occupied while thunderstorms close down o'hare for the next three hours.

color-play coloring book: moma is a creative force. they are pumping out high quality children's products and color-play is no exception. kids learn about color and drawing in this oversize book with lots of room to experiment. i want to frame every page of this book.

doodle cook: this book combines two of my favorite things in one: cooking and art. hervé tullet's silly instructions transform each plate-palette into new concoctions like dash stew, hand salad and zigzag soup.

my museum: another great moma product, my museum let's kids create their own galleries while learning about masterworks of art. activity sheets are included so kids can make their own modern masterpiece. this would be a lot of fun to talk along on a city vacation.

dragon, robot, gator, bunny: this sketch pad style book features the silly drawings of calef brown. kids will be giggling their way through the pages as they sketch animals, cars, robots and more. also has stickers in the back!

and hello? when did coloring books get so damn cool?

Today is the Day!

2012-05-21T08:20:00.000-04:00

evagelione handmade dolls

this morning i am having my baby. it's weird to write this in advance and know that today is the day. (thank you scheduled c-section.) i hope it all goes well and even if it doesn't everything melts away when you see that baby for the first time. i am so curious to know what she'll look like. don't worry posts will still be coming thanks to a small army of guest bloggers!

Pretty in Pink Curated by Tada! Shop {Guest Post}

2012-05-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

i am blushing with excitement over this guest post from two of the chicest moms on the web. hadley and holly the editors of the online boutique tada! shop share how to do pink that doesn't stink! thanks ladies!

when amanda asked us to guest edit, we thought here's our chance...a virtual baby shower! imagine us all in a room with amanda sitting front-and-center with a pile high of gifts. with her second (a girl!) due any day, let's pinken up her life, add some cool new gear and update those staples that the well worn hand-me-downs just don't cut it. the opening begins and a big congrats! xx

1. Pomelo, $14.21 2. Talc Bunny Dress, $68 3. Coyuchi Jingo Hooded Towel, $63 4. Pixie Lily Converter, $54 5. Yume Bunny, $58. 6. Lovell Storage Bin, $105 7. Vilac French Handle Car, $20 8. Smiling Planet Plate Set, $36

9. Kids Case Play Suit, $68 10. My Quotable Kid, $10.17 11. Muny Dolhar Blanket in Pink Chevron, $60 12. Mustela Body Restructuring Gel, $39 13, Elsa Peretti Baby Brush, $200 14. Aden + Anais Wash Cloths, $20 15. Kayce Hughes Moses Basket, $150

Ahhs: The Honest Co.

2012-05-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

i know everyone is buzzing about this company founded by celeb-mom jessica alba, but i can't help myself! i just did the free trial and even though i am pretty sure it's a bit more expensive than my swedish diapers, i signed up for both the monthly diaper and home essential bundles. why?

well, the diaper are to die for cute--i am such a sucker for design!--not to mention biodegradable/made from plant based materials. as are the bath, body and home products and everything smells like heaven. i am obsessed with the hand soap. also, with the baby just a week away, i like the idea of not having to think about ordering bubble bath, soap and diapers. just having everything arrive sounds like a nice treat for a tired mama! website:: the honest co.

Fashion Coos: Splashes of Red

2012-05-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

with the new inclusion of girl's fashion here, i still have the most fun putting together post like this for boys. did i really write that?!! (although a girl would look adores in any of these outfits.) i find it more fun to play with prints and colors. with girl's clothing it is so easy, you walk into a shop and bam! there is a dress that makes your heart skip a beat.

by the way, check out that tiger braces sweatshirt the mouth unzips open! i know my son would flip for that.

1. milk on rocks tiger braces sweatshirt (black wagon) 2. bobo choses shorts (sweet william) 3. goat-milk striped tank (sweet william) 2. nadadelazos jungle print pant (darling clementine) 5. zara jelly shoes 6. estella big apple print tee 7. saltwaters 8. gap over dyed shorts

Ahhs: Photos by Sarah Sloboda

2012-05-13T20:56:00.000-04:00

a few weeks ago when i was at pomme photographing the shop for my post, i ran into sarah sloboda, the kids photographer about town. we had been in email contact, but never met, so i was delighted to meet her and she took this beautiful snap of henry. i have to say, i was astounded she got this (and a bunch more) since he never seemed to sit still while she was clicking away. we are definitely calling her up when it's time for family photos! website:: sarah sloboda photography

Operation Nursery: Gingiber Decor and More!

2012-05-10T09:13:00.000-04:00

between kenziepoo, who gave me a gingiber fox, and darling clementine, who's been taunting me with gingiber chalkboards, i can't believe it took me so long to discover this shop!

a self professed doodler, stacie bloomfield creates insanely sweet prints, pillows, bags and wall art from a cast of animal characters. simple yet whimsical gingiber drawings are timeless and modern. her artwork is just what i was in search of for the room! i cannot wait to share with you in the reveal. shop gingiber

Adorn: XO in My Room

2012-05-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

this is one to watch... xo in my room is a new blog (at the moment) and soon to be webshop focused on furniture for kids. based in spain, the family run company handmakes everything out of reclaimed wood, using natural products and eco-friendly processes. the pieces are named after and inspired by their children--they have five so expect lots more designs to come!

Operation Nursery: Perch! for Alma's Room

2012-05-06T21:47:00.003-04:00

i feel like i have been on a treasure hunt for this bird light. my dear friend originally found it for me online at a dutch shop and started my obsession. as i kept searching, i found it on a ton of european sites which makes sense, the danish company alma's room makes it. then by a fluke, while researching a different post i came across the ceramic designer perch! who are the designers of this early bird lamp...and (wait for it...) it is made/designed in brooklyn!!

amy adams designs and handcrafts not only the early bird light--which i am hoping isn't going to jinx my baby's sleep schedule--but a range of simple and unique ceramic pieces from lighting to gardening to the most adorable selection of cups-- i wanted to buy every single one.

perch! is selling what is has left till alma's room takes over the u.s. distribution too. i picked up my little birdie this weekend for the room. can't wait to share with you the reveal! follow me on twitter and instagram to stay updated #operationnursery

Operation Nursery: Hooked on Hooks

2012-05-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

i am on the hunt for a good coat rack/ hook thing for the wall. i think the front runner at the moment is this one from all lovely stuff (available at oeufnyc). i like the simple design, yet somehow it feels warm and not overly modern. here are some other finds that i like, although not all go with the room...

1. land of nod flashy forest wall hook 2. shak-shuka rough seas hook 3. fawn & forest brave space coat range 4. chocolate creative wall hooks

5. smallable constellation wall hook 6. mini bulles wood animal hook (also available in store at pomme) 7. petit home children's coat rack

Hunt & Gather: Baby Goodies from Shak-Shuka

2012-05-03T10:38:00.000-04:00

it is no secret i am devoted disciple of the house of shak-shuka. shopkeep joslyn selects some of the most interesting and beautiful items for baby. the best part is she gives us north american mama's access to the best goodies from europe with easy flat rate shipping worldwide. love that!

with the countdown to this little bundle ticking away, i find myself shopping/wanting like a crazy lady.

here are some of the latest additions to the store that i have my eye on:

1. grimm's rolling bear toy 2. kidsonroof playmat 3. winter water factory mushroom romper 4. mini rodini anchor romper 5. ferm living musical toy

Adorn: Laura Rittenhouse Crib

2012-05-01T21:23:00.001-04:00

need i say more? this drop dead gorgeous crib by laura rittenhouse studio is inlaid with sterling silver and can be customized. i am thinking the coos & ahhs masthead creatures would be cute! check out the collection.

Hunt & Gather: Pomme {Brooklyn}

2012-04-29T21:47:00.000-04:00

when i go into pomme in dumbo, brooklyn i liken the experience to eating a rich dessert. i want to close my eyes--in this case open them-- and say mmmmm.

shop owner ria is one of those effortlessly stylish ladies that is both warm and knowledgeable. she hand picks each item for the store and it shows, from nursery items like auggie bedding to impossible to find egmont animal lamps to makié jumpers and everyday essentials like saltwater sandals. mixed in with high-end designers like stella mccartney and dagmar daley is an amazing selection of hard to find european toys from vilac and miller goodman as well as books, crafts and more!

don't be fooled, pomme isn't the kind of store you feel like your child has to be strapped in his stroller and can't touch anything. there is a play corner with a cardboard rocket ship and books. surprisingly, they also offer haircuts, as well as food, art and music classes in the spacious back room. (the blur in all the pictures is henry running around like a wild man in the shop and no one gave us side eyes).

shop pomme online!

Blogger Baby Shower!!!

2012-04-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

i have been extremely emotional this week, so please excuse me if this post is overly melodramatic...

i came home today to find a huge box in my hallway. inside was literally a baby shower in box! a group of amazing blogger friends that i have admired and shared with over the years showered me with gifts. none of these women have i met in real life (except for elisabeth), but all the same, they reached out with thoughtful generosity. i feel so lucky and grateful to know you talented and creative ladies. needless to say all the gifts are freaking amazing! and extra bonus they sent me images so i don't have to worry about a post tonight. who says the internet is impersonal? love you gals. xoxo

check out what i got...

thank you rachelle kenziepoo, mr. fox is perfect!

so sweet! brianne at stroller in the city

can't wait to bath little baby girl! chantale at the adventures of skinny mini kiki, mwah!

sneaky esther at buymodernbaby...organic and bright? i love them and your nails!

eeeek! elisabeth at the itsy factor/apartment therapy!!! i died when i opened this. looove!

mari at small for big, thank you for these fun and adorable toys!!

Fashion Coos: Nununu

2012-04-25T23:08:00.000-04:00

dear noeuf, wondering what to get me? well anything from the new nununu collection would do! ha! nununu makes fun, edgy, cool baby & kids clothes that are still sweet and comfy. i am assuming they are based in europe since the only shop to carry them is french. hopefully we'll get them in the us soon.

UPDATE! thanks to a very in-the-know reader i just learned that you can get this at estella! woot woot!

Mother's Day Giveaway from Love & Victory! Closed

2012-04-25T08:59:00.001-04:00

meg over at love & victory is wishing all you mama's a happy mother's day by giving away one of her custom paper cut silhouettes! these beauties are based off photographs that you submit and come in in a rainbow of colors to match any room. a true keepsake.

what you will win: a framed custom paper cut silhouette of your loved/little one.

how to enter: leave a comment on this post telling us why love & victory rocks your world. (1 entry, mandatory)

open to u.s. and canadian residents. winner will be chosen at random at close of giveaway at noon est on may 2, 2012. good luck!

congratz to am12pm for winning!

Fashion Coos: Beach Hats from Roberta Roller Rabbit

2012-04-24T10:07:00.000-04:00

crazy week here. gala. exterminator hell. thank you notes. and more of life catching up with me with

d-day 4 weeks away! on a more fun note. i love these sun hats from roberta roller rabbit!

Operation Nursery: Areaware

2012-04-22T21:37:00.001-04:00

the room is coming along...i am still in desperate need of some decor items. it is feeling a bit sparse at the moment. my favorite decor pieces are ones that can go anyway. kids's room, adult bedroom, living room, etc. areaware's range of products fit the bill, their popular animal pillows look great in any part of the home. we have a little areaware zoo snuggled in the baby's crib at the moment. (don't worry, i will move them before i put the baby in there). here are some of my favorite items that will make a splash in a kid's room or your room:

1. lucy the crocodile 2. bank in the form of a pig 3. pickup 4. dovetail horse

Ahhs: Dinoware from Love Mae

2012-04-19T21:20:00.000-04:00

we are blessed with a good eater. i know so many parents struggle with picky eaters and i am crossing my fingers that number two eats with as much gusto as number one.

just like having a special toothbrush or potty seat to encourage good habits, a special dish doesn't hurt the situation at meal time-- no matter what kind of eater you got. love mae has some beautiful dinnerware options for kids. i am especially wild about the dinosaur set--it's so hard to find boy-friendly designs that aren't cheap looking. shop here.