Happy New Year!

i hope everyone has a safe and festive new years! i'm back in full force starting 2012. thanks for a wonderful year. kisses

Fashion Coos: Winter Styles by American Apparel {Sponsor Highlight}

american apparel is a force of production. every time i got into the store they have new styles. this winter they have expanded the brand with knitted sweaters and leggings for baby, thermals and a range of flannel shirts for boys. www.americanapparel.net

Ahhs: Stokke Bounce 'n' Sleep

since i don't see a two bedroom in the foreseeable future for us, i have been looking around at tiny cribs and cradles. i came across this new bounce 'n' sleep from stokke. looks pretty cool: a bouncer and a sleeper! i am not exactly sure what they mean by day bed though? available at giggle.

Books to Coo About Holiday Edition

first of all this photo does not do the book justice. i tried to photograph it myself but it wasn't looking much better. follow the star is a gorgeous pop-up book that tells the story of the bethlehem star. the intircate diorama-style format welcomes little ones eyes to follow the star that shines every year during this special season all over the world! buy it at books to coos about!

another beautiful christmas book is the story of christmas, also a biblical tale. pamela dalton's intricate scissor-cut illustrations wonderfully illuminate this classic story of the nativity. my son and i love to thumb through the pages and pick out the tiny details in each spread. buy it at books to coos about!

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts Under $25

isn't this the gift guide you wait for? whether you have to buy gifts for dozens of nieces and nephews or (like most of us) you are on a tight budget, these gifts will not comprise your gift giving cred.

1. organic plush tigger from giggle ($25) 2. a current household fave, i want my hat back($9) 3. striped boys leg warmers from kiddoh! ($7.50) 4. e-racer: monza from grasshopper ($20) 5. squirrel pull toy from giggle ($20) 6. odd ducks from boon ($8.49) 7. olive juice pookie hat ($12)

Back Online

sheesh! i can't believe i just went a week without posting! i was in orlando visiting family and my laptop went south. i need a blogger charity so give me a new airbook : ) here is a pic of some much needed beach frolicking...more later.

Books to Coo About Holiday Edition: Christmas Eve at the Mellops'

since this is the first year henry can really understand what christmas is, it is fun to read christmas books to him so he knows what to expect. in the next couple of weeks i'll be posting some new books that are sure to become holiday classics.

christmas eve at the mellops' was originally published in 1978 in german. you can see it has a vintage european feel--that i love! the illustrations are quirky and sweet with a story filled with all the love, drama and delight of the holiday season! my favorite line "the mellops' hall was filled with trees and tears." sounds like my family!

Ahhs: Move Over Santa! There is a New Elf in Town!

merchants row is an independent toy company located on the rocky shores of maine. owner and craftsman mark designs and hand makes all the heirloom quality toys, puzzles and other goodies--check out the surf toys for big boys (dads!). 

i love that these toys look like they come from maine and are soooo boy-ish! game on elves!

Hanna Andersson for Serena & Lily {Giveaway!!!} *CLOSED*

i, of course, love all the giveaways we do here, but every once in awhile, one is so fabulous i wish i could enter myself (sigh). this is definitely one of them. since i --and most of the blogosphere-- have already posted on this fantastic collaboration, i am going to cut to the chase...

{the giveaway}

congrats to the five lucky readers: 

maureen

melissa

mara

+ jahje!

what you'll win: we are giving away five (yes, five winners!!!) hanna andersson for serena & lily organic sleepers (size 0 to 3 years) your choice of style. 

how to enter: leave a comment on this post telling us what style you like the best or why you love this collaboration. (1 entry per person). open to US readers only. a winner will be chosen on wed. dec 14, 2011.

can't wait? the collection is 20% till saturday (12/10) AND free shipping (use code GIFTFREELY)

Holiday Gift Guide: Cozy Jammies

it wouldn't be the holidays without special jammies. in our family we usually spend the whole morning in our pj's opening presents and eating breakfast. here are some of favorites that are festive but can be worn year round...

1. stella mccartney rufus organic romper 2. gap galaxy one-piece 3. hanna andersson organic sleeper 4. bygraziela train bodysuit

5. hanna andersson organic long johns 6. stella mccartney boopers organic pyjamas 7. mini boden twin pack long johns 8. hatley bears pajama 9. adri space pyjamas (shak-shuka)

Holiday Gift Guide: Boys! Boys! Boys!

um hello december?! here is part two of the holiday gift guide series. this time it's all about boys (of course!) and a selection of gifts that will make them squeal in delight this holiday season!

1. land of nod fold and go farm 2. bully land stegosaurus (shak-shuka) 3. green toys school bus4. i golfini della nonna robot (sweet william) 5. walrooz sled (giggle) 6. vilac guitar (grasshopper)