Nurture

Tamar Mogendorff fabric art
September 4, 2012


I’ve received two emails today about this blog, so you guys must still want to read about new finds despite my extended vacation from writing lately. So here it is, a new obsession I almost want to keep to myself it’s so good. Tamar Mogendorff’s fabric creations. I found them at ABC Carpet and Home in New York, and I’m not going to admit how many pieces I bought for the baby’s room. I seriously cannot get enough. Check out the gallery of photos and shop online at www.tmogy.com.


Start Restaurant – Dallas
August 19, 2012

Alright loyal readers, I’m sorry for the lack of posts lately. Really. The babies and the move and slow internet connections and summer vacation and life. You know how it is. I am going to try to get back on my regular post schedule. So let’s start with some of my favorite finds. Some new, some old. Here’s a new restaurant concept that’s time had come. I was considering starting my own restaurant, simply because I am so tired of all the terribly unhealthy kids’ menus. Kids pretty much all love chicken. And it’s almost always fried and who knows what else. So here is one place where it isn’t. Start. A fast food restaurant without the “fast food.” Hormone-free and mostly organic menu options. A lot of things that relatively health-conscious adults will like (breakfast burritos with cage-free/organic eggs, quinoa salad, veggie/quinoa burger, hummus, grass-fed beef burgers, etc.) And the kids can eat baked and breaded or grilled chicken without the hormones, or p and jam, or cheese pizza on whole wheat flat bread, etc. We tried it and had a great experience. Plus, it’s nicely designed. Read more here and definitely check it out for yourselves and your kiddos. Photo from Pegasus News.
Location: Dallas
Tiny Sprouts Personalized Baby and Toddler Clothing
August 1, 2012
I LOVE LOVE LOVE finding a goto source for baby gifts, and Tiny Sprouts has exactly what I like to send new arrivals. Super chic and soft baby and toddler clothes and blankets all with the option of personalizing with names or initials. And while I was “researching,” I couldn’t resist ordering this ensemble for my own new arrival.

My Square Meal
July 18, 2012


Excuse my spotty posting while I move. But as I packed my tot’s lunch for camp last week, I was reminded of the perfection of her My Square Meal lunch box. We both love the multi compartment design. I love coming up with the contents to fill all the spots, and she loves discovering what I’ve come up with each day. Easy to wash and environmentally friendly. Add a monogram and it’s also a great gift.

Rocking Horse Ranch – New York
June 14, 2012



If you are looking for a fun family vacation that young kids will love and you might actually enjoy yourself, check out Rocking Horse Ranch in New York. We just spent the weekend at this “ranch” resort for a family reunion, and kids of all ages were thrilled by it. It was also easy for me to bring my new baby everywhere in the stroller (even in the pool areas) while Big Sister tried out every water slide and pool activity. Each morning you receive a lengthy list of the day’s special activities, from softball tournaments to dance lessons to trail rides to bingo. But the best features are the staple activities that are open all day every day, such as the indoor/outdoor water park, horseback riding, water-skiing, paddle boat rides, arcade, “bungee” trampoline, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and more. For the adults there was even a blackjack tournament, and yes, there is an onsite bar.
Location: new york
Aden + Anais
April 15, 2012


Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I am back in the throws of new motherhood. That’s good for all of you soon-to-be moms, or those looking for the perfect baby gift, because I am suddenly reminded of my favorite must-haves for the baby months. The all important swaddle is the first thing I became reacquainted with, and Aden + Anais has the best (and most stylish) swaddle blankets by far. The bigger size makes it easier to swaddle, and the muslin fabric is super soft and won’t cause skin irritations. In fact, my all-knowing baby nurse won’t even consider using any other brand. I love this whole line, from the burp cloths to the dream blankets to the wash cloths. This site should be the first stop for all new moms.
Perfect Book For Big Sisters
March 22, 2012

For anyone else in my situation–with one daughter and another on the way–this sweet book by Brooke Shields is a great read for the soon-to-be big sister. I’m so glad my friend Lisa recommended it. Not only has it shown my three-year-old all the fun things she’ll be able to do and share with her little sister, it has also calmed my own (only child) nerves about bringing another little girl into our family. OK, I can have the baby now. On Amazon here.

Hadleigh’s Baby
February 12, 2012
Hopefully you are all still planning sweet surprises for Valentine’s Day, but for those with baby gifts on the brain, I just saw these darling photo albums and cashmere bear (complete with a scarf for baby) at Hadleigh’s retail store in Highland Park Village.


There’s also plenty of luxury items for “big kids” too, such as leather iPad cases, pen and notebook covers, slippers, clothing and accessories. And don’t forget the upstairs, by-appointment Hadleigh’s atelier, where you can go as glam as it gets by commissioning custom almost anything via Hadleigh’s connections to some of the world’s best artisans.
Location: Dallas
Mommy Mixer For Babysitter Connections
September 12, 2011

I’ve recently been on the hunt for a really awesome babysitter, and two friends recommended Mommymixer.com to help hook me up with just the right person. Mommy Mixer helps introduce moms to potential sitters either via “mixers” (local events where you can meet and scope out the sitters in person) or online (where you can read detailed information about candidates, including ratings from families who have hired the sitter in the past). Check the website for the mixer schedule–upcoming events include Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
Location: Austin, Dallas, San Antonio
Trunki Luggage For Kids
August 23, 2011

My husband could not wait to bring one of these home for our daughter after seeing them everywhere at Heathrow airport in London. Apparently all the English kids travel with Trunki suitcases, which they can carry, ride on, pull, or ideally have someone pull them as they ride on top. As I’m writing this, Mr. S is leaning over my shoulder advising, “Don’t forget to mention the accessories.” He also brought home a tote bag and saddle bag, which each have multiple uses and all work together with the Trunki. Check out the video demo on the website. Also available via Melissa and Doug.




