Ahhsome this Week

1. sailor shirt, kidsink 2. soft gallery shoes- i am dying for these! 3. fabric watches 4. cloud bib

Fashion Coos Street Edition!

drum roll please....beginning as soon as the weather isn't freezing (next couple of weeks

i am hoping) i am doing a new weekly column: fashion coos street style!! all the hottest

kiddo looks from the street, playground, and park. i have two very stylish mommies as my

eyes on the street. more to come! 

cuties pictured clockwise from the top: benji (in bobo choses and in the yellow pants) duke 

in yellow leg warmers; henry in a poncho; casper all bundled up; isaac looking dapper; and

casper looking adorable--like he is on holiday in the swedish countryside! 

Ahhs: Smiling Planet Backpacks for Fall

i know it's barely spring, but i am running around in circles of joy and excitement over these backpacks from smiling planet in stores this fall! i always see adorable kids on the subway wearing spiderman or dora backpacks, and i sigh to myself thinking on day henry will need a backpack, and i will have to get one like that. not now! i am going to insist (mommy dearest style) on a tomato red zebra pack!

Ahh Presents!!! Coral & Tusk {Giveaway}

from the first time i laid eyes on one of coral & tusk's pillows it has been true love. i am not sure what i love about these designs most...is it the beautiful embroidery? the whimsical drawings that are obviously the product of a spectacular imagination? the subdued palette? the fact that they are made here in brooklyn? or that the designer and founder is one of those women that is totally awesome and inspiring? whatever it is, one very lucky coos & ahhs reader will take home a great piece...see below!

{Ahh Presents!!!}

what you will win: this bad ass peg leg pigeon pillow. he is the captain of the nyc gutter series! retail value $70. open to us residents only.

how to enter: leave a comment on this post stating how your little one would battle (or cuddle) the peg leg pigeon! or just what makes your heart go pitter pat on the coral & tusk website. make sure you leave a way for me to contact you (email, blog, twitter, facebook). the winner will be chosen at random after close of giveaway at 9am est on wednesday, april 6, 2011.

congratulations to lamtime for winning the olive juice giveaway! ( a second win!!)

Adorn: Junk in the Trunk Bed

the new junk in the trunk twin bed by sobu is the brainchild of the design couple laleh and alessandro. the limited edition bed is both modern and sophisticated. great in a kids room or a guest bedroom--and who can't use a little extra storage?! available online at www.sobusobu.com. free shipping through march 31!

Fashion Coos: Spring/Summer Maternity Survival

you wouldn't believe by the weather in new york, but spring is on the horizon! that means all those baby bumps that have been getting by under big sweaters and coats now have to see the light of day. 

some tips for dressing your bump: 

• try to avoid maternity clothes. they are usually hideous and/or expensive. i got by on larger sizes and peasant/baby doll styles from cheap chain stores like h&m and forever21, during my whole pregnancy--and i am not a small girl.

• i do, however, highly recommend getting one pair of maternity jeans you love--i like paige denim--and a maternity swimsuit.

• invest in some accessories to jazz up basic pieces (american apparel dresses and tunics). a necklace will fit forever!

• remember that your big belly will make your arms and legs looks small no matter what, so work it!

•  lastly, don't give-up! you can be stylish and comfortable while you are pregnant.

dressing up for work,  a summer wedding: 1. slouchy button front dress, top shop maternity 2. usekh necklace, anthropologie 3. geren ford box pleat gown 4. twisted waterfall metal drop earrings, top shop 5. peep toe heels, swedish hasbeens 6. sunglasses 7. openwork sandals, a.p.c. 8. punch out detail lady bag, topshop 

causal looks for weekend shopping or mocktails with the girls:  9. tunic, monki 10. grey line shirt, anthropologie 11. ballerina hepburn, swedish hasbeens 12. randi maternity, james jeans 13. ikat scarf, forever 21

Fashion Coos: Mini & Maximus

seeing these tees on sale at the mini social this week inspired me to do a post on maxi & maximus. these tees are whimsical and fun, but also a little dark. very much like some of the best fairy tales!

Ahhs: Phil & Teds Nest Bed

just in time for summer travel, the phil & teds nest bed is a carrier, tote, travel bed and it stores flat! sure beats lugging a pack and play on the train. only available at giggle!

Fashion Coos: Spanish Sneakers

the us has keds and converse; france, bensimon; and spain has cienta. cienta sneakers are inexpensive, stylish, high quality, and look at all that velcro! the girls styles are mega cute too. available on amazon and zappos. 

Adorn: Book Nightlight

i am a little obsessed with nighlights these days... this simple frosted glass nightlight/book

holder is perfect for mom, dad and baby. very clever how it holds your place in a book as
well as makes a little book house.

Ahh Presents!!! Olive Juice {Giveaway}

in a perfect world i would dress my child head-to-toe in olive juice. i love the classic style, stripes, natural fibers and old-fashion goodness that somehow feels so modern. the spring collection is full of staples that your little one will live in. i am so happy that they are giving a coos & ahhs reader a piece!

{Ahh Presents!!!}

what you will win: an olive juice lyon tee (your choice of color) sizes 12 months to 16 years. i can say this is one of my can't live without kids pieces! retail value $49.50. sorry, open to us residents only.

how to enter: leave a comment on this post telling me what gets you excited about olive juice. make sure you leave a way for me to contact you (email, blog, twitter, facebook). the winner will be chosen at random after close of giveaway at 9am est on wednesday, march 30, 2011.

congratulations to denise for winning the bobo choses giveaway! let's hope for some april rain for a very flowery may!

Parteeeeeeee

i'm pretending i am partying over here...well i did just share a bottle of wine with my sweet husband. here is a super colorful birthday party inspired round-up: 1. bang bang copenhagen sweatshirt 2.  origami club 3. happy banners 4. abc is for circus

It's Our Birthday!!!!!!!

party mini print from a train fantome

today is officially the one year birthday of coos & ahhs!!! march 22 was my first post. it's been an awesome first year. thanks to you for reading, commenting, tweeting and entering my giveaways. thanks to the companies that host the giveaways, advertise and send new products to review.

don't forget the bobo choses umbrella giveaway!!

Ahhs: Grimm's Toys

i have a sick baby this week. so tonight it will be a quickie. there is nothing grim about these wood toys from grimm's. i know my little guy would love these stackers: fire, flower and wave.

Coos Reviews: miYim

it's hard to say what makes miyim's plush toys so special. is it the organic cotton? or the simple designs and quirky characters--where else are you going to find a chicken rattle? or the muted color palette that makes each toy look right at home in any room? or that miyim is found every where from giggle to the big box stores?

miyim added some new friends to the collection this year and they sent me two items to check-out: the owl musical pull toy and the sensory ball from the nursery collection. 

both of the toys look beautiful--i can't get enough of the muted color palette! for little hands, the sensory ball is perfect, simple little pieces to grab, chew and pull. it crinkles, crunches and there is a chime inside. the owl toy is a gem, it is soooooooo hard to find a pleasing musical toy. i never got one for henry since they were all too ugly. the miyim owl is so sweet and soft--and he plays for a surprisingly long time. shop the collection at www.miyim.com

Ahhsome this Week

1.  animalphabet by helen lang 2. lewis cushion 3.unicorn kitty hat--sorry, boris, i might buy this! 4. bert plush toy 9Q7H2FXFWJ78

Ahhs: Green for Spring

happy st. patrick's day!

gosh, this week my work-life balance is out of whack! i can barely keep it together. next week should be more calm...and it's the actual b-day for coos & ahhs!

1. nesting tables from areaware 2. acme bird onesie 3. lucky fish elephant tee 4. easy peasy zaz shoes 5. donna wilson rufus doll

Ahh Presents!!! Splashes of Color {Giveaway}

april showers brings may flowers... so as the saying goes, next month is april meaning we are in for some rain! now is the time to get rain boots and coats for your little one. here is a little inspiration and a special giveaway at the end of the post.

1. kamik rainboots 2. the butter flying cloud mobile 3. zara kids hooded raincoat 4. aigle manege rainboots 5. h-luv cloud mobile 6. hunter combat boots 7. talc raincoat 8. a for apple paddington hat 9. tiny whales sleepy sky tee 10. mini rodini rainboots

11. petite bateau raincoat 13. h-luv cloud mobile14. tretorn rainbootie 15. a for apple rain jacket 16. donna wilson cloud lighting cushion17. stella mccartney kids rainboots 18. old navy stripe raincoat 19. donna wilson rainy day mini blanket

{Ahh Presents!!!}

today's giveaway is from one of my very favorite companies bobo choses!!! the summer collection has  moms cooing and ahhing from coast to coast.

what you will win: a bobo choses cloud umbrella. retail value $38. sorry, open to us residents only.

how to enter: leave a comment on this post telling me what your bobo likes to do on a rainy day. make sure you leave a way for me to contact you (email, blog, twitter, facebook). the winner will be chosen at random after close of giveaway at 9am est on wednesday, march 23, 2011.

congratulations to emily for winning the blabla giveaway! thanks to everyone for the great comments!

Ahhs: Dirty Little Secrets

i have always been a little crazy when it comes to design and aesthetics. my friends used to roll their eyes when i would go on a tirade about about ugly underwear. don't wear them was my message. oh, have times have changed... currently wearing a sleeping bra from my nursing days!

when henry was first born my mom took me shopping and she filled up a cart with all sorts of crazy plastic baby toys. my husband (thank god he is on board!) and i just looked at her and said "we are not ready." she was so annoyed with us--and totally didn't understand. since then i have mellow a bit, but we still have our standards.

that brings me to the ugliest/most awesome gift henry received: the cloud b nightlight sea turtle. when we opened it on christmas i thought, "oh that is going in the closet." so ugly, i won't even post a photo of here!! i soon realized that this nightlight is great. it projects stars--in two colors--all over the ceiling and walls at night time. i put it on, say night night and close the door. henry loves it.

it got me wondering....do you have a beloved eyesore?

TV Ahhs: Pingu

i always thought i'd be a no tv parent, then the reality hit me that a little tv now and then can get you through a sink of dishes or let you fix dinner. so when you need a few minutes to get the kitchen cleaned up, i recommend the swiss stop-action claymation series pingu--you might sit down for a few minutes too!

Adorn: C & A's Paints

wow! what a weekend! my mom came down and we painted our pants off! kitchen on saturday, then tonight we just finished the bedroom. we selected this crazy pink-peachy color. i am so tired. more posting tomorrow.

Fashion Coos: Ground Control to Major Tom

some out of this world tees for spring! 1. tiny whales moon cycles tee 2. starry tank top 3. luckyfish big moon tee 4. astronaut outer space tee 5. munster big bang tee 6. shirin geometric tees

Ahhs: New G-Lite and G-Luxe from Uppa

new umbrella strollers from uppa just in time for summer! i own the 2010 g-lite and love it. the new g-lite and g-luxe models are still super light weight and feature a removable seat cushion, stain resistant fabric, and great colors.

Ahh Presents!!! Blabla Kids {Giveaway}

blabla kids is home to high-quality knit goods from cheerful sweaters to comfy cotton graphic tees to a whole family of knitted dolls. all the beautiful knits are handmade in peru by master craftswomen. later this month they are releasing a new doll: pierre! i don't just blog about blabla, my son lives in their sweaters and bandit the raccoon makes sure he goes to bed on time.  shop the collection of dolls, rattles, mobiles, tees, blankets and more at www.blablakids.com

{Ahh Presents!!!}

what you will win: your choice of any one large (18 in) classic blabla dolls. retail value $46. open to us residents only.

how to enter: leave a comment on this post answering: if my child was a blabla doll he/she would be...? make sure you leave a way for me to contact you (email, blog, twitter, facebook). the winner will be chosen at random after close of giveaway at 9am est on wednesday, march 16, 2011.

congratulations to hiskia last week's kltworks winner!!

He's a Rainbow!!! {Guest Post by Kacy Lubell}

today we have a guest post from the very stylish kacy lubell of the eco-chic letterpress studio, letters lubell. a fellow brooklynite and mom to a baby boy. kacy's small operation offers a hands-on, bespoke, collaborative approach to stationery and invitation design. she says, "your personal stationery should be a little slice of style to send in the mail." i couldn't agree more!

kacy put together this spring style post inspired by rainbows... stay tuned kacy will back later this spring for more kids style!

1. bobo choses boat print jumpsuit 2. grimm's spiel and holz wooden Puzzle 3. lemon onesie 4. areaware fox cushion 5. red boat shoes

6. elks and angels cuddle bear 7. kids first hunter boots 8. donna wilson fox pillow 9. little vintage romper 10. egmont goose lamp

11. baja hoodie 12. blabla ukelele bird 13. letters lubell little ellies cards 14. plan toys stacker 15. kid-o arranging short to tall 16. moroccan leather pouf

Fashion Coos: Mini Rodini Spring/Summer

let me preface this post with the fact i love mini rodini and i have been dying to get my eyeballs on the new summer collection. last week, when shak-shuka added the new items to the store, it confirmed my suspicion that they are totally insane and by insane i mean f'ing awesome. a roaring godzilla graphic tee and all-over-print henley... a mandrill sweatshirt... hotdog leggings... a robot tank top...and short shorts that would fit right in on the french riviera! i love it all. so inspired and creative.

Fashion Coos: Hooray by Cynthia Rowley

hooray is cynthia rowley's line for babies r us and each season there are some pretty cute pieces. these little striped numbers are great for the beach and each cost less than $10.

Playtime 2011: Fall Fashion

my favorite children's trade show rolled through town this weekend for a second edition. when playtime debuted its new york edition last year, i had just started this blog, so it was nice to see familiar faces and reconnect! i saw so many wonderful new things that i couldn't post all of it. this is just hightlights. more to come over the year. (sorry for the crazy spacing. blogger, your days are numbered!!!)

this year they feature a pop-up shop that is open to public and has many exclusive items. i think next year if they do
the shop they should move it to street level to get more traffic, it was a bit empty every time i walked by.

i am 100% obsessed with easy peasy shoes. these two styles are limited edition artist collaborations and come in those cute little pouches. i forgot to take a picture of the soles--trust me they are amazing!wovenplay sweatshirt with screened detail and crazy amazing screen printed striped trousers art installation by joshua ben longothe fall collection at nico nico features splashes of vibrant screen printed color including my current favorite color this electric or klein blue, which pops up in a couple of collections... the team at esp no. 1. will bring more unisex loveliness to stores this fall, and, yes, that beautiful blue!

more of my new york peeps...clover new york is adding knit pieces this fall with accents of that insense blue that i love.

amazing to meet the ladies at bobo choses in person (and to pick up an item for a giveway...shhh)! whooo do you think their story will be about this fall?

and lots of navy and gold. 

winter water factory has some adorable new graphic tees and onesies. the new all-over-print blankets, now have impossibly soft fleece lining.

my dear friend at little lark had a cheerful booth and lots of new tees. i am especially crazy about this  hen design.

bora bora baby debuted this year with these whimsical--almost psychedelic--graphic onesies. pufferfish balloons! amazing.

little esop took it to the next level with their booth!

 mark your calendar this fall... sherpa lined bensimon sneakers are coming!

 it was really fun to reconnect with the people at a for apple. the fall line is inspired by school, both academic (preppy) and athletic (jocks!) i was feeling these preppy pieces.

lastly, but not least, these sweet fabric wallstickers from the australian company mae. the detail is really special--can you see the tattoos on the tiger lady?