One of my greatest passions is fashion!  I simply love looking at beautiful clothes.  Last year, my husband and I took my daughter to the National Museum of American History in Washington DC.  The museum had an entire room dedicated to showing all the gowns that were worn by the First Ladies.  Needless to say, I would have been quite happy spending my entire time in that room while my husband wanted to check out, as you would expect, the sports and leisure room.

Given this slight obsession with cute clothes, I, naturally, am always looking for cute clothes for my daughter.  Last year, I stumbled upon a line that I fell in love with and I continue to stalk Zulily waiting for one of their sales.  The line is called Red Fish Clothing.  Their website provides the best description of their clothing line:

Designed and constructed for growth, movement, and versatility, the simple lines of Redfish Kids Clothing are easily layered and worn together. Using durable, pre-washed materials, Redfish Kids Clothing satisfies kids need for comfort while addressing mom's need for durability, design and value.

This description basically says it all.  But, let me add that what I love most about this line is the shapes, fit, and use of color.  The "Party Dress" is a perfect example of everything I love about their collection:

The Lucky Dress is also a favorite:

Whenever I have a special occasion to attend with my daughter, I always check out this line.  These are special dresses perfect for an important event.  

To view the entire Redfish line, you can go to their website.  Note: Redfish is a Canadian company but they ship to the United States.  Alternatively, the line is also sold at Spunky Sprout and Zulily (on occasion).  So, if you ever have an occasion where you want your daughter to dress to impress, check out Redfish, you can't go wrong!

The gift that truly keeps on giving

TEGU
The Tegu Story from Tegu on Vimeo.

I found these guys on Open Sky {one of my new addictions} and after watching the video above I instantly fell in love with their story and products. I am always on the hunt for non-plastic or recyclable/eco-friendly toys and ones not made in China {no offense to the Chinese, but they know what kinds of products they are making}.

These toys fit both of these requirements. And, to sweeten the purchase, for every toy you buy, Tegu will plant 12 trees in Honduras or fund one day of school for a child who would otherwise work on a trash dump near Tegucigalpa. The products are simple. But simple is best for little ones. It helps ignite their imagination and unleash creativity. Wooden blocks are a staple for any kids toy box, but even more so when they are young like my little ones {1 and 4}.  It can be quite frustrating when they fall over so easily!  

Tegu's blocks fix that little problem because each piece is magnetized. So after your little one has concentrated so hard to build the best castle possible, it won't be instantly ruined when his/her little brother/sister comes and tries to knock it down {we call Little J the Block Monster}


Watch the video, it's a must see. Check out their products. And buy a gift that won't just end up as another toy box casualty.

And the Cribsie goes to....

Stroller Traffic, A-List Mom and Diapers.com are hosting a fantastic Awards program right now. Even if you're not into voting {and this is a loooonnng list of categories} the list of nominees is a great way to find a lot of fantastic products and websites all in one place. Almost every one of my favorites is nominated in their respective category. The best of what you need all in one place!

So go vote or browse.  To make things easier {or influence your vote ;-)}, I've listed my votes below with some commentary to go with it:

MEALTIME:
Next Best Thing To Pureeing Your Own Baby Food - Ella's Kitchen {I would have voted for Plum Organics if they were nominated, and they really should've been}

Best Baby Bottles - The First Years Breastflow {definitely the best if you're breast feeding}

Most Stylish Way To Pack A Lunch - Kids Konserve Lunch Sack

Frozen Meals That Don't Make You Feel Like A Bad Mom - Dr. Praeger's Littles

Ultimate Leak-Proof Sippy Cup - BornFree Training Cups

Most Helpful Feeding-On-The-Go Accessory - Phil&Teds MeToo

Best Crowd-Pleasing Toddler Snack - Plum Organics Super Puffs

Handiest Cooking Gadget - Beaba Babycook {LOVE thing thing....you should get the carrying case too!}

Coolest Feeding Sets For Picky Palettes - thinkbaby

Best High Chair That Isn't An Eye Sore - Peg-Perego Prima Pappa {love this because it comes in colors that don't scream "BABY IN THE HOUSE NOW!"}

NURSERY:
Best Skincare For Babies - Earth Mama Angel Baby {Aveeno Baby is a close second for me and is more economical}

Coolest Cribs for Modern Tots - Oeuf {not so much into the "cool" crib trend (round?!?), but these are cool and practical}

The One Baby Gadget You Won't Regret Buying - Nosefrida Snot Sucker {of the nominees, there's no contest on this one in my opinion, but the Itzbeen timer is definitely second}

Most Reliable Video Monitor - Summer Infant BabyTouch {in a word....awesome. this coming from an admitted gadget geek}

Snuggliest Security Blankies - Little Giraffe Chenile Blanky {I have lots and lots of favorites...like Shi Shu Baby...but of those nominated, this one is the cudliest}

Best Infant Diapers - Huggies Overnites {this was a weird category. overnights vs. swaddlers vs. green vs. cloth. very confusing. my real choice for best disposable is Huggies Pure & Natural}

Safest Cleaning Products That Actually Work - BabyGanics {there's a lot of competition in this category, but I just really like BabyGanics for everything so I went with them}

Statement Crib Bedding Worth The Splurge - Ollie & Lime

Best Sleep-Inducing Swaddle Blanket - Aden + Anais {love, love, love their blankets AND wash cloths}

Cutest Nursery Wall Decals - Pop & Lolli {haven't tried them, but like their name :) and really like the fact that they are 100% Made In The USA}

PLAY:
Most Stimulating Activity Gym - Tiny Love Gymini Super Deluxe

The Toy Every Teething Tyke Needs - Sophie Giraffe {thought this was overrated until my 2nd little one wouldn't stop chewing on it!}

Best Distraction When You Need To Shower - 4moms mamaRoo Infant Seat

Catchiest Kids Tunes - Putumayo Kids {Laurie Berkner is a close second. love Telephone and Buzz Buzz Buzz}

Favorite Show That Won't Fry A Tot's Brain - Sid The Science Kid {and of course Sesame Street too...I'm a purest}

Most Entertaining Tub Toys - Alex Toys

Coolest Way To Keep Track Of Their Stuff - Mabel's Labels {Wish they were a US company, but their labels hold up really really well so I have to give it to them}

Wooden Toys They Won't Want To Share - Melissa & Doug {I love everything they make. THE best toy company for young children.}

Most Inspiring Art Supplies - Miss Brittany's {so glad they are getting noticed!}

Best Thing On Wheels - Radio Flyer Wagons


To be continued....

Boutique Magnifique

I recently moved to Washington, DC and while I was born and raised in this area, I have been in New York for so long now I feel like a New Yorker.  So, returning to this area has been a huge adjustment.

 Like any good New Yorker {read snob}, I think every other city is just not good enough.  The restaurants are not as good. The shopping's not as good. The people aren't as interesting {read rude}. 

For an urban-mom like me that includes the baby boutiques, activities and Mommy and Me groups.  Will they be as trendy?  Will there be tons of activities to choose from?  Will I even want to join any of the groups?

Well the answer to the first question at least is a resounding Yes!  I know that Georgetown has always been a generally cool place to shop, but I didn't know Capitol Hill was so fab!  I particularly love the row of family-friendly shops near Eastern Market and especially Dawn Price Baby.  They have all of the best baby gear, clothing and gifts that you could want.  Her taste is impeccable.  I strolled through their Capitol Hill shop thinking "I like that, and that and that and that, ooh and that too!"  So, of course, I had to pick up a few things that I needed {eehhm yes needed} for my little ones -- French flash cards, mitten clips and an über cute cable knit outfit. 

If you are a NYC-transplant in the DC area, be sure to check out Dawn Price Baby.  And for a few minutes you may forget that you're strolling the shops in our nation's capital and think you've just stumbled across a cute new baby boutique in SoHo.