Adorn: The No Theme Nursery

nursery themes are fun and a great guide when decorating, but i also love a room full of lovely things that have no strong connection. the trick is to collect pieces that play off each other with color or material. speaking of material, wood is a great one to work with, mix-up types--all natural wood finishes work well together! this is a very decadent nursery round-up, but i was having a little fun! i promise to do a thrifty version of this later. today let's pretend there is no economic crisis...

1. risom rocker, design within reach 2. zebra bust, anthropologie 3. donna wilson boat mini blanket 4. lucky boy sunday kiddo doll, shak-shuka 5. normann copenhagen plane mobile 6.ububu nifty timber coat 7. egmont mushroom nightlight, smallable 8. kalon studio stump 9. ferm living molecule building set 10. west elm shag rug 11. ferm living village pillow

Fashion Coos: American Apparel Boys Fall Looks {Sponsor Highlight}

american apparel isn't just tees and leggings anymore! check out these adorable fall get-ups for boys.

cozy and soft flannel button-up shirts are new this season; hipster skinny slacks, and soft jumper pants.

Fashion Coos: Fall Coats

i know i am going to get struck by lighting for saying this, but i am so ready for fall weather! it's still humid and hot here. crossing my fingers that fall is going to begin any day now, so here are some outerwear trends for autumn...

button up with gold details!

1. a for apple, opening ceremony, arthur school boy jacket 2. baby gap houndstooth jacket 3. a for apple, opening ceremony, arthur school boy jacket with patch 4. olive juice monroe topper 5. bobo choses jacket, smallable 6. mini rodini lanchester coat, noeuf

long live the poncho! (yes, for boys!)

1. wovenplay tiger cape, quirky collective 2. nico nico sherpa poncho, sweet william 3. bobo choses olive poncho, shak-shuka 4. little remix poncho, kids of luxury

grey area...

1. ada ada steel winter coat, shak-shuka 2. baby elephant cord coat, mini boden 3. old navy cord bomber 4. oeuf forest coat 5. talc coat, sweet william

Fashion Coos: A Match Made in Sleepy Baby Heaven

two things i love: jammies and good collaborations. so when i saw that serena & lily teamed up with hanna andersson to offer the ultimate pj's, i about fell out of my shoes! hanna andersson sleepers are some of my favorites. they wear like iron, but are soft, organic and a great snuggly fit. these sleepers paired with serena & lily's unique ability to create sophisticated yet whimsical designs is a dream come true! also check out their collaboration with aden + anais.

Ahhs: Stacking Blocks by MoMA

the keep it simple rule is alive and well with these new stacking blocks by moma. topsy turvy stacking blocks are made from brightly colored cardboard and each one is slightly irregular. they nest together with the interior of each box color-coded so you know which goes where. leave it to moma to create something so simple yet fun!

these have already become a favorite in our household. not sure if my 2 year -old likes stacking them or knocking them around more?

Fashion Coos: Boots from Natives

looking at the calendar and realizing those natives your toddler has been living in are about to go into deep storage? well chin up! natives just announced a new boot style, the fitzsimmons. these looks slightly more complicated to put on than the original natives, but they animal free, waterproof, and best of all, washable!

Ahhs: Animal Books for Toddlers

we are reading a lot of animal book these days. here are new ones and oldies that are our favorites these days! 

1. over in the meadow, an adorably illustrated 1970s folk-y song book, loaded with little critters.

2. zeal of zebras, i am obsessed with this brand new book! not only because it is chock full of beautiful pictures of animals, but you learn all the crazy collective nouns for animals! so now i can say, "oh there goes an ostentation of peacocks!"

3. bruno munari's zoo, this is a classic and if you don't know munari's illustrations check them out!

4. rosie's walk, a graphically stunning and a cute story about a hen that goes for a walk.

check out more titles we are reading and loving now at books to coo about!

Fashion Coos: Toms Shoes

ever been forced to eat at a vegan bakery to discover that those butter-free desserts are actually delicious? well that is how i feel about toms shoes. these eco-vegan shoes are eco-cool! tiny toms are lightweight, soft and super easy to get on and off. best of all they come in so many cute styles. i have my eye on those orange soles! also available in adult and youth sizes. (they run small i recommend buying a size up.)

Ahhs: People by Blexbolex

life has really been getting in the way of things here. september has been an insanely busy month with visitors, party planning and work-work. here's a quick but worthwhile post!

one of my favorite books of all time is seasons. so i was very excited to see this new book people by blexbolex! take a tour here.

Fashion Coos: These Shoes are Made for Walking {American Apparel}

american apparel always seems to be up to something! now, they have these amazing little saddle shoes for kids. i am so in love. talk about a fashion statement! i wish they had henry's size (frown).

Hunt & Gather: Sienna Loves Kai {Discount}

load up on winter warmies at the uk-based shop sienna loves kai. get 30% off the lastest collections from bobo choses, mini rodini, imps & elfs, kidcase and more! don't worry, they have flat-rate shipping...

coos & ahhs readers get 30% off their whole order* when you enter SAVE30 at checkout. this offer is valid till september 23, 2011 *excludes toys and crazy stuff helmets. happy shopping! www.siennaloveskai.com

Coos Reviews: Modern Heirlooms from Learning Materials Workshop

i am tempted to just post photos of the toys from learning materials workshop and not write a word--my eyeballs have a sugar high! founded in 1979 in vermont by artist/educator/toy historian karen hewitt, learning materials workshop focuses on creative, open-ended play that appeals to childern and adults alike.

learning materials workshop sent me one of their newest additions to review: the coloraturo. after i stopped drooling over the colors, i unpacked the 72 wood pieces and got to work. i think i spent a good hour arranging colors, building towers, and knocking the blocks around until my husband said, "okay! enough!" the painted blocks are quite durable--i have similar products that the paint has chip off and it drives me crazy. you will never find more pleasure in putting a toy away than this one! for ages 3 and up. this would make a great gift for an architect or designer. www.learningmaterialswork.com

Looking for me?

i'm over at bloesem kids again today with more fall fashion picks!

Love & Victory Onesies {Sponsor Highlight}

get all the guilt and judgement out in the open early with these witty onesies from love & victory! the seven deadly sins take on new meaning when applied to a baby: sloth? yes, please!!!  gluttony? grandmas love a good eater! ok, no one wants the wrath of an infant...yikes! shop onesies and more custom coolness at www.love-and-victory.com

D-day Approaches

the big birthday celebration is this weekend and i am so behind. thank god i have my girl chiara coming over this week with her exacto blade to help with the glitter letters.

Ahhs: Superheros Unite!!!

if your little guy ever needs a night time lookout, a partner in crime (fighting) or just a buddy this superhero doll from dents de loup is it! i love his little rotund body--perfect for cuddle time.

Adorn: New Bedding from Kidsonroof

no. you are not dreaming. the über cool design-y dutch company kidsonroof has created a children's organic fabric collection! bedding, bibs and playmats galore in four amazing patterns!! i am running around in circles like a 4 year old on sugar smacks (i know, i just dated myself). i love love that all the designs are gender neutral and totally original yet classic motifs--is that an oxymoron? these couldn't have come at a better time as i am, once again, doing some major changes to henry's kiddie corner. the new collection will be available in october at www.shak-shuka.com

but what design to choose? i like them all!

Fashion Coos: Olive Juice {Sponsor Highlight}

olive juice is the perfect fashion marriage of classic european design and american ease. from soft cable knit sweaters and mariniere tees to pull-on cords, olive juice doesn't compromise style for comfort. the fall collection for boys, girls and baby is chock full of basic, yet distinctive, pieces that will be worn again and again. here are some of my favorite looks for boys:

1. lyon tee (henry has this has worn it more than any other piece in his closet) 2. recess pant 3. rugby striped scarf 4. classic crew 5. kick legend boots-LOVE these!! 6. playhouse pant available in sizes (1-12 yrs) www.olivejuicekids.com

Dear Australia, I Hate You!

this post is to let the country of australia know it's on notice!

i hate you for taking away my dear friend and mama in crime. i hate you for taking with her, her sweet little girl who is henry's best friend. i hate you for being so far away. i hate you for your crazy time difference. i hate your expensive flights. the only way i will forgive you australia is if you move just off the coast of coney island.

to let my readers know how much i hate australia right now, i am going share with you some lovely things that come from that terrible place :)

1. walnut shoes 2. little horn baby tee and short 3. elks & angels bear 4. apple & bee tote 5. country road stripe onesie 6. bobangles trolley case 7. old soles shoes

needless to say, i don't really hate australia, i just wish it wasn't so far away. i miss you vicky. xo

Fashion Coos: Stripy Basics for Baby from American Apparel Kids

in our apartmenthold we live in american apparel basics. they are inexpensive, high quality, and when it comes to kids, they offer pieces that are as stylish as the grown-up versions. i love opening a drawer and not having to think too hard about what is going to work.

 

new fall basics for baby, three pieces, four looks: striped one piece (look 1), infant sleeveless romper (look 2) and infant stripe karate pant

layer stripes on stripes and make this romper cozier for cool days (look 3) and pair stripes together with the karate pant and onesie (look 4)

Fashion Coos: Fall Shoes

from apple picking to frolicking in piles of leaves here are nine shoe styles (with easy access) for baby and little boys that will keep feet feeling warm but looking cool.

1. (ok, so these are not easy to get on but i love them!) spring court baby trainers from smallable 2. zara baby sneaker 3. simple kids scribble hi top 4. baby gap knit bootie 5. gigi & zaza pinocchico plaid hi top 6. baby gap velcro sneakers--just bought these! 7. minnetonka kids classic fringe boot--got these too! 8. country road leather trainer 9. petit nord velcro shoes from smallable

Ahhs: Birthday Wishes...

wishes in black and white...

1. i am obsessed with this little koolabah striped blazer from shak-shuka 2. bass black and white saddle shoe 3. henry had these aigle rain boots last spring and grew out of them way too quickly--they are so cute 4.  these softplay animals by bullyland are beyond amazing

Fashion Coos: Anniel Shoes

the smallable website describes these shoes as magical. that pretty hits the nail on the head! why is it so hard to find shoes like these? stars, dots, tiny flowers all on soft leather construction. and yes, i would put my little boy in dots and flowers! why not?

We're on Blosesem Kids Today!

i am honored to be guest posting on irene's beautiful blog, bloesem kids, today...check us out here

Ahhs: Birthday Wishes...

i thought it would be fun to run a little series of round-ups on ultimate birthday gifts--in honor of my son's second birthday coming up--featuring things that i love, but either do not have the space or the money for...

1. sharon montrose piglet print, beautiful and inexpensive, i just don't have the wall space for this little guy 2. i am saving my pennies for this pale nulle doll by lucky boy sunday at shak-shuka 3. and if i didn't already have fancy bedding for henry's bed, i would scoop up one of these tiny robot print duvet covers from auggie

Ahhs: Vida Bouncer from Maclaren

this mama hates almost every bouncy chair on the market. when i ended up with the beautiful, yet not super practical, coco lounger. so i am rubbing my eyes... look at this new simple, modern bouncer from maclaren! it comes as no surprise that it is manufactured by netto collection. available in three stylish colors: charcoal (pictured) scarlett and champagne--yumm my favorite color :) $50. buy it here.

Fashion Coos: Winter Coats {Splurge & Steal}

i hate to say that i am already looking at winter coats, but the reality is that winter is right around the corner. this fall everyone is doing a classic coat wether it be a big furry parka, or  a english style waxcoat there is one for every budget.

splurge on the mini rodini lincoln parka available in three colors and oversized fluffy fur hood or steal this basic model from zara (sorry their website is currently down)

splurge and channel the country life with the iconic barbour for kids from jcrew or grab a steal on this wax coat from zara

splurge on this puffer parka from finger in the noise at little fashion gallery or use your money to stock-up on champagne this fall and steal this black parka from gap