This past summer on an ordinary Wednesday my husband declared that that, “Tomorrow will be Lolo Day.” Lolo is our son’s nickname for his much-loved nanny, Myrtle, a woman certainly deserving of a holiday. My heart melted as my husband took it upon himself to make a card of appreciation, pick up a gift certificate […]
Are these the most incredible paper bag puppets you’ve ever seen? I thought so too. Our friends kindly made them for our son, Soren, who was amazed to see his favorite Where the Wild Things Are characters in 3D. Max’s private boat is a reoccurring theme in our sidewalk chalk drawings, and we’ve read the […]
On a recent trip from grandma’s in Chicago back to our home in New York, a security guard at O’Hare International Airport tipped off us off to a play area in Terminal 2. How many times have I made that trip (and suffered delays) without the benefit of this romper room space? Kids on the […]
I’ve never been one for gift wrap, but leave it to the Japanese to make me reconsider presentation. Furoshiki, the art of wrapping parcels and gifts in decorative cloth, is so practical and thoughtful I couldn’t help but be wooed. It’s sweet to wrap up baby gifts in these gift-from-a-stork-style bundles, and makes whatever little […]
I was at a friend’s house for brunch and after our dirty dishes were cleared, she set out stacks of simple white side plates and black permanent markers. We were directed to grab a plate and start doodling. Even those claiming zero artistic ability got into this surprise art project inspired by designer James Victore’s […]
Visiting Santa Claus is one of those memories from childhood that never lost any of its magical glow; even as I learned the truth about that fabled man who flew with reindeers. Every year on one lucky December day, my mom would allow my two sisters and me to miss school for our trip to […]
While I hope not to use technology as a pacifier (too much), I’m not opposed to it in small doses (and on long flights)–especially if it exposes kids to art. A friend turned me onto the sweet worlds-in-miniature of Peekaboo Forest with illustrations by Charley Harper and Peekaboo Barn apps. Bright, charming graphics that introduce in […]
It wasn’t the doll-sized diapers, laundered onesies or eensy cotton tufts posing as socks that made me feel ready for baby, but rather the bookcase lined with children’s books. I realized how totally impractical this was. Still, when I bolted up in bed one morning in overblown nesting mode, my husband indulged my panic by […]
As a child I invented elaborate stories about the secret lives of my dolls and stuffed animals. Which is one of the many reasons why I’m drawn to these embroidered pocket dolls stitched into existence by Stephanie Housley of Coral&Tusk. The collection includes a bird watching owl; bike riding fox; bear who loves grilled cheese […]
I’m a sucker for the layered worlds of dioramas and Joseph Cornell boxes. So when I happened upon the mini ecosystems with figurines held captive in glass created by Twig Terrariums, I couldn’t resist. Co-founders Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow specialize in what they describe as “the easily maintained, easily contained life”. The titles alone […]
