For the Kiddos

Melt my freakin heart...

With friends makin babies at a somewhat more regular pace lately (here they come!) I've been exposed to more and more kiddo paraphernalia, inspiration and apparel of the absolutely adorable variety. So here for all you Mommy, Sister, Auntie or beloved Friend types is the next installment of "For the Kiddos"!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, a beloved (and adorably illustrated) kids book for this tiny generation is part of a series!! I never knew, but I think I will be gifting several Pigeon books in the future, including his newest bath time adventure.

Oh man... so efficient, looks adorable and no more cutting up sandwiches into tiny pieces!! Click HERE to purchase the Fun Bites Squares from Amazon and be sure to browse all the other adorable shapes they sell! (Pin it here)

So apparently "balance bikes" are all the rage these days. I see them all over NYC and one of my favorite chic mamma bloggers over at Lady and Prince is always raving about her kids' Strider Bikes. The goal is apparently to work on balance first (even as young as 2!) then get to the pedaling later. HERE is a great roundup of all the best (at least in Babble's opinion!) balance bikes on the market.

I could see this "go fishing" DIY being perfect for distracting your little one on a long line, an airplane or just on any boring afternoon. Small enough to tuck in your purse and very do-able from a craft standpoint, click HERE for the full instructions from Doodle Craft.

Is there anything more adorable than a plush rocker?! I think not (says the auntie who purchased a pastel cow and airplane for her niece and nephew respectively!) I love these adorable rockers as new baby gifts because they're unique and will last a while (first as decor in the room, then as a ride on toy for 2-3 years). Plus, Wayfair.com has an amazing selection at very reasonable prices HERE.

* A little something for the Mama's:

- I typically read Copy Cat Chic for the amazing save-on-decor advice, but when Reichel, Mom of 2 shared this post about her favorite maternity/breast feeding friendly clothes, I took note.  boob (yup that's really the name) looks chic and flattering and the price point is somewhere perfectly between very reasonable (Old Navy Maternity) and absurd (Hatch Collection)

* And even some great reads for Dad:

- On making the most of your paternity leave

- Advice for new Dad's from my favorite Dad blogger (yes I have a favorite Dad blogger:)

* Some good reading:

- An interesting theory on why babies cry at night

- Why isn't the baby industry working harder to revolutionize the breast pump!?

- A very interesting (but LONG) article about "The Overprotected Kid"

- Just in time for summer road trips, a book of kid friendly adventures in the Hudson Valley.

Lastly, THIS little girl's reaction to finding out her mother is pregnant literally brought tears to my eyes.

For previous "For the Kiddos" posts, click HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Absolutely.

This week has been bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s... but the good bananas, like workin hard, having fun, livin well kind of bananas. So let's just keep on keepin on through hump day and head straight for the holiday weekend that's so close we can almost taste it!

* Sexy men reading classic children's books. Even sexier than you'd think (via CupofJo)

* Remember Rolly? I just wish I'd been asked to have him featured in THIS (via exPress-o)

* Recently added to my "to read" list.

* These amazing snaps were taken with a cellphone. A freaking CELL PHONE!!!

* Never been, heard good things... who wants to go eat with me!?

* Another way to lurve your Instagrams (a little pricey, but kinda awesome! courtesy of Justina)

* I want to live here.

* For the bookworm in your life, awesome books-turned-art/clothes/accessories? (another CupofJo awesome find!)

* If your phone could say what you really mean.

* Animal photobombs. Amazeballs. (thanks Sis!)

Hump Day Distractions

This hump day take it slow and nice and easy (hehe).

Not gonna waste your time with pleasantries this week... let's get straight to the distractions:

* This is the ultimate summer guide for New Yorkers 

* I have a bag of tots in my freezer ready to go at all times...

* This commercial will make you smile... 

* ...so will this adorable root beer loving baby!

* Melted candle wax is no longer my nemesis.

* Best compliment I've ever received about my writing? That I sound like Carrie Bradshaw

* Some of the best photobombs I've ever seen...

* I mean COME ON you animal loving fools!!!

... And if you're an NYC'er, this is happening tonight. For FREE!