Nurture
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.
Beatrix Backpacks
August 10, 2011
As much as I love summer, I love back to school shopping almost as much. I refuse to admit how long I looked at the selections of Beatrix backpacks before choosing the one that will accompany my kiddo to preschool. (I tried to get her to choose her own, but she told me they were all too big for her (translation: she has no interest in anything that signals an end to her permanent summer vacation.) Styles for big kids and little kids online at Beatrix NY.
Meg Ryan and her little bee.
Anorak Bedding, Sleeping Bags, etc.
August 6, 2011
Another phase I am looking forward to? Sleepovers. And sleeping bags. When the time comes, I’ll be buying them from Anorak.
The modern animal prints are also available in bedding.
And trunks.
And all types of bags (use this one for the beach!) And a lot more.
Dallas Affaires Cake Co.
August 3, 2011
This cake has me looking forward to the Barbie phase. And the birthday girl is pretty cute too! Custom cake by Dallas Affaires Cake Co.
Location: Dallas
Four Seasons Hotel – Austin
July 5, 2011
A last minute business meeting spurred a 24-hour visit to Austin with the family a couple of weeks ago. Usually we stay at the San Jose, mostly because we can take our kid and our big Labrador, and I also like the hip pool/bar scene and the ability to walk to Jo’s, Guero’s, Stag, etc. But with such late notice it was booked. So we went with the Four Seasons. I was quickly reminded of how brilliant the Four Seasons is for kids. Stuffed animals as gifts on arrival, wonderful rollaways or cribs, kid bath robes and bath products, kid options on the menus, and a family-friendly pool scene. Yet it still manages to feel like a luxurious getaway. While entertaining my two-year-old at the pool I met a few other Dallas parents who had come down for the weekend to do exactly that. I see a lot more visits in our future. And for those of you traveling without kids, it is certainly not so full of families to ruin your serenity. There are travelers of all sorts, as well as locals hanging out at the pool and restaurants. (Trio is especially good for fine dining.) Plus it’s downtown and right on Lady Bird Lake.
Location: Austin
Vintage Totems
June 27, 2011
Just saw this “Holt Collection” boys room on page 49 of the Serena and Lily catalog. Starting my vintage totem pole collection immediately. Such a cool idea for any room. Keeping this picture for my files!
Pottery Barn For Teens
June 26, 2011
Why wasn’t this around when I was in college? Seating, storage, and even wall decor–all designed with the teen or college student in mind. www.pbteen.com
Wow! Ocean! – Kids’ Book
June 6, 2011
Miss S has a new favorite. Wow! Ocean! is a children’s book by Robert Neubecker with only a few words but a lot of gorgeous illustrations to teach kids about all kinds of sea life. There’s a dog and a crab frolicking somewhere on every page, and just like with Good Night Moon, it’s a game to try to find them. Mostly you look at the beautiful illustrations, discuss all the different types of fish and whales and coral, and make up your own story. It’s great for 2 and 3 year olds, and may just get them to consider what is actually out there beyond the waves.
Teen and Tween Spa Treatments at The Crescent Court Hotel – Dallas
May 7, 2011
A friend of mine recently had a spa day with her teen daughter, which included massages (in a shared room) and then a flower petal pedicure and manicure. This was the first I had heard of treatments geared towards tweens and teens. What a sweet experience for mothers and daughters! The spa at the Crescent Court Hotel has an entire menu of services for 8 to 14-year-olds. I hope it’s still around in 6 years!
Happy Mother’s Day everyone!
Location: Dallas
