Habitat Kid

ENJOY: Lifesaving Baby Products

Since starting this second round of parenthood, there have been some real tools for success I've discovered that just didn't exist with round one. These are some of my favorite baby products that are totally saving me right now:1. mamaRoo: When Scott suggested we get a baby swing, I really resisted. "They're so huge and ugly!" I cried. But as I slowly came to terms with the fact that this baby is a motion junkie, I started to look around. Was there anything out there that I could stand to look at day after day and that wouldn't take up an entire room? The answer is yes. Designed by 4 Moms, this little miracle worker is better than a swing. Five motion settings, five speeds, five nature sounds and a plug in for your phone just might be an answer to your prayers for parental relief. The slick design doesn't hurt either and it blends right in with the rest of our house. 

2. Solly Baby Wrap: I had a Baby Bjorn with London and while I loved it, it's not really great for newborns. Piper would prefer to be held all day, which needless to say makes it pretty impossible to get much done. Between the mamaRoo and the Solly Baby Wrap, my arms and back finally get a break. The wrap is like magic - put her in it and she falls asleep in five minutes. Pretty amazing. The great thing about this wrap is that there are several ways to wear it depending on the age of your baby, so it should last for their first year. I also love how soft and lightweight the fabric is and that I can easily toss in in the diaper bag - it takes up very little space!

3. 7 A.M. Enfant Le Sac Igloo: I knew I wanted one of these as soon as I found out I was having a winter baby and it has been so perfect. It's designed to use with a carseat or stroller and it is so easy to just put her in and know that she will be warm enough to go outside without me bundling her up every time. It's like a cozy baby sleeping bag. 

4. Skip Hop Hare Brush & Comb Set: One of London's favorite things to do now is to help Piper get ready for the day by picking out her clothes and brushing her hair. This little set is so fun with the comb and brush handles forming the ears and a mirror on the bottom of the holder so baby can admire themselves, of course. We've also been dealing with major cradle cap lately too (gross) and the brush is nice and soft, perfect for helping to shed some of it with small, circular strokes.

ENJOY: City Scene Advent Calendars

Can you believe it is already November? I feel like I'm still reeling from October. But nevertheless, the year must go on, and that means Christmas is on the horizon! I've just added my paper advent calendars to my Etsy shop and hope you will take a peek. :) I started designing them several years ago and it's become a regular part of November for me. There are three to choose from: Amsterdam, Brooklyn and my newest one, Paris. I only make 50 of each and they always sell out, so if you want one, order quick! Every calendar features an original digital illustration printed on thick watercolor paper and mounted on sturdy foamboard. All of the windows and doors are cut by hand (big thanks to my sister Ciara for helping me this year!) and there is a tiny symbol of the holiday season behind each one. Our family had a beautiful paper advent calendar that we used all through my childhood, and I think it's such a great idea for kids. Wtih all of the anticipation surrounding Christmas, it makes it a little easier on their tiny minds to try to process the passing of time. They also make great gifts that people can use year after year!

ENJOY: Happy Halloween from The Turkey & The Tiger

I finally got around to going through London's Halloween-theme birthday party - yay! It really was so much fun to plan and put together and I think all the kids had a good time. We started out with a simple craft, making spiderwebs out of sticks and yarn, followed by a mini pumpkin hunt in the garden (clementines with jack-o-lantern faces drawn on. Huge hit!) The kids bobbed for apples which was hilarious to watch and then we gathered everyone together for dinner which consisted of soup, cornbread, veggies, popcorn and apple tart. We ended it with a small gift exchange amongst the children and a Halloween story, "Mousekin's Golden House" by Edna Miller. I love having story time at parties, it's a great way to calm the kids down and send them on their way!

ENJOY: Jennie Ekström's Furry Friends Garland

Yeah...definitely going to need this adorable garland from Swedish illustrator Jennie Ekström. What a great little gift for a new baby. Each of the nine cards are printed on cardboard and already punched with a hole for the string, which is included. Available from Mokkasin.

ENJOY: Art from Todd McClellan

I discovered photographer Todd McClellan several months ago and immediately ordered one of his prints from 20x200 which now hangs in our dining room. It shows every last piece that makes up an old telephone and still fascinates me to look at it. The print is from a series "Things Come Apart" and has been compiled into a book by the same title. I recently came across this new photograph by Todd with a similar feel, but this time featuring a collection of beautiful toys. I seriously hope this becomes available as a print...this one just might have to be in our playroom.

ENJOY: Tanamachi Studio for Puffin Books

I don't normally post about children's books, but these were too fabulous to pass up. The talented Dana Tanamachi has paired up with Puffin Books to create some chalkboard covers for classic children's tales. Dana has done incredible hand-lettered design work for an impressive list of clients such as Google, Target, Bloomindale's, West Elm and more. Be sure to check out some of her time-lapse videos - what a process! (Books available for purchase here).

via Design Work Life

ENJOY: Posters from Showler & Showler

Finding big art for kids' rooms can be tricky. There's lots of great smaller prints available, but something kid-friendly at a reasonable price is hard to find. Allow me to introduce Showler & Showler, a husband-wife design duo Tom and Hannah Showler. In 2006 they began to create and sell beautifully illustrated prints and postcards, and now they have a great selection of colorful art pieces to choose from (seriously, there are a ton). A bonus? They will fit perfectly in Ikea frames so you won't end up shelling out a wad of cash on custom framing!

ENJOY: Lazy Garden Days

I finally took more pictures of what has been happening in our backyard. I swear every day it gets more thick and lush and I can't even see the back of our property anymore. I'm trying hard to just enjoy it and not analyze every little thing that needs to be done – a gardener's work is never finished!

Future playhouse site! Stay tuned!

ENJOY: Rabbit from OYOY

At Christmastime, I was forced to get the adorable hanging wooden elf from OYOY, now at Easter I'm pining after this new bunny. Just the type of decoration I wouldn't mind leaving up all year long. Available from Danish shop,  Story North.

ENJOY: Posters from Tinou le Joly Sénoville

Spring is starting to flutter down around us and it feels like everyone's mood is lifting and life just feels happy. These posters illustrated by Tinou le Joly Sénoville seem so right for the season when the birds are singing and butterflies are starting to appear. Hopefully you are enjoying some warmer weather in your part of the world! Posters available from Smallable.

                    via Turbulences Deco