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December 1, 2009

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Now that we’re all doing our part to recycle, it’s really exciting to see the innovative ways companies are using recycled materials to create new products.

It’s not that this is a new topic; I was lucky enough to be involved in Nike’s first ever product-recycling task force back in the late 1980s, which led to the idea of using worn-out Nikes to produce new soles. But we’re seeing more and more innovation like that these days, and it’s a great way to bring those little recycling arrows full circle.

One of my favorites is Green Toys, which are made from recycled milk jugs. They’re perfect for safe & responsible play, and they make great toddler classics like dump trucks and tea sets. They’re also adding some baby-focused toys in early 2010 that we’re really excited about!

Some of my other favorites? I love Whole Foods’ reusable shopping bags, which are the perfect size and construction to really perform as a workhorse. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles and, since they last forever, they also get in on the “reuse” part of the equation. I’m also a big fan of the EcoJots line of stationary and notepads. They’re a leader in recycled paper products and the make fun, cheerful designs that are a great improvement over typical recycled paper fare. And of course there’s our giggle Think Pink Fleece Blankets. They’re amazing because they’re made from recycled soda pop bottles — but you’d never know it, because they’re super soft.

Anyway, with all the great new products on the market, you can feel really great about recycling your trash and knowing it might become a treasure one day!

Green Living | Products

November 22, 2009

Modern Classic

Who doesn’t love a teddy bear? From Build-a-Bear Workshops to Paddington stories to teddy bear collection series that never end, people love teddy bears. I even remember thinking the cheap dime store-style teddy bear that I got with a bouquet of carnations from a boy for Valentine’s Day in Montana in the 5th grade was lovable…

aw_bear_modernclassic

So why bears? What about bears inspired our beloved “teddy bears?” Why not lion cubs? Giraffe calves? Or your average kitty cats? And while most of us know the origin of the name as credited to Teddy Roosevelt, the truth is that no one is sure who made the first teddy bear. However inspired — traditional, contemporary or modern in style — there’s a place on every shelf for at least one teddy bear.

And that’s why my pick is this modern classic teddy bear. It’s sweet, but fun; classic, but modern; cute, but not precious; lovable and laughable – a teddy bear, with a twist. What’s hidden in baby bear’s pockets? A squeaky fish, chirping bird, rattling squirrel, and teether for soothing sore gums are hidden in color-coded pockets for colors and matching! So in very giggle style, its mixed-fabrics and interactive play elements make it just as developmentally minded as it is adorable.

November 17, 2009

High-Tech Balloon

Check out this super fun, lightweight MP3 “balloon speaker” – perfect for turning your iPod time into family time when you’re out for a jog or a stroll. Ear phones are great when you’re alone, but why not share your tunes with your little one when you’re out together? I ran across this awesome portable speaker in the market late last Summer and have been so excited to launch it among our giggle “holiday picks” this year. It’s on my holiday shopping list for sure! (My brothers are so lucky…)

Out & About | Parenting | Products | giggle Grab Bag

October 29, 2009

Sometimes, Simple is Just Best.

I love our latest addition of holiday toys, these traditional craftsman wooden animal toys. What makes them especially lovely is that they pull off traditional baby design without losing any modern day sense of fun or responsibility! Fabulous yet exceedingly simple animal shapes, great bright colors, functional hand carve-outs – not to mention eco-friendly and healthy!

Made of 100% post-industrial recycled wood residual (plus sustainable solid wood wheels), this toy collection is handcrafted in the United States and painted with non-toxic, no-VOC paints. And for any of you that aren’t parents out there, the simple handle carve-outs are “grasps” incorporated into each animal’s design to make these easy for little hands during playtime. We used to see this wood design in early century toys all of the time. I’m seriously tickled to see traditional done so contemporary. My vote is that these toys are heirloom quality and will be passed down for generations to come. Hats off to this great collection; perfect for holiday gift giving this year – and beyond!

Designing | Green Living | Products

October 24, 2009

Tagalicious

Taga_Stroller Great bicycles are my kind of design – art that functions. In recent years, many have argued that great strollers have been inspired by great bicycles. An amazing company out of the Netherlands is arguing – “why not be both?”

Introducing Taga. The winner of the 2009 Red Dot Award, their “be moved” tagline delivers on the promise. Part bicycle, part uber-modern stroller (not to mention for an infant, a toddler, perhaps two – or even in a wagon vs. a bicycle seat?!), Taga is the definition of great design.

Check out this so-called “multifunctional urban vehicle uniquely designed to suit the needs of today’s parents and children” ( www.taga.nl ). The only part hard to love is the price – at least for now will keep this smart solution the lucky privilege of fewer urbanites than I hope we’ll see in months and years to come.

Designing | Out & About | Products | giggle Grab Bag

October 19, 2009

Garanimals Goes Glam!

Susan Lazar is back. Well, actually she was never gone. A well-known (and very well respected) women’s fashion designer, Susan has been spending most of her time in recent years designing the lovely Egg Baby line. Our giggle customers’ favorite for years now has been her adorable cable hat & bootie sets. But now she’s also back at women’s clothing, and debuting her first-ever maternity line.

As a fabulous designer of women’s fashion, Susan is known for her amazing silhouettes, gorgeous fabrics, and perfect colors. And now, she’s bringing all those same qualities to her maternity line. She’s always been known for clothes that flatter, and her new debut doesn’t disappoint.

The best part? Susan has managed to bring a Garanimals-like security to making sure your look is flawless! Her 4-Piece Maternity Starter Kit is a must-have to get you through your pregnancy in style. You absolutely cannot get it wrong, and every piece builds with just about anything else you can add to your maternity wardrobe. The colors are right on, the cuts flattering, and the pieces are all truly essentials.

Kudos to Susan Lazar for bringing her best to maternity – and welcome back to women’s fashion! We missed you.

Expecting | Products | Trends

October 13, 2009

Purple Rain

So we all know that there are color trends. But the popularity of purple right now is going beyond “purple trend” and is more like “purple crazy.” Don’t get me wrong, I personally love the color purple. In fact, my favorite dress of all-time is a beautiful plum wrap dress I bought in Germany 5 years ago that I still put into rotation each winter. But this current purple craze has gone a bit overboard.

I just came back from a few weeks of shopping the market in the US and Europe and purple was everywhere, from strollers to bags to bedding to bibs. But what I couldn’t help but notice was the number of head-to-toe purple outfits grown women were wearing!

My favorite (and oh, how I wish I had snagged a photo – darn!) was the one I saw walking the streets of Milan, Italy, before catching a train to Genova. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m usually a huge fan of the fashion I see in France and Italy. Key pieces, great forms, and subtle accents. Classy, sophisticated, grown-up.

But here I was in Milan (and yes, I forgive every nation a fashion disaster) watching a woman in a literal head-to-toe purple ensemble. And here’s the best part: it was all different shades of purple. Silk lavender pumps, eggplant hosiery, a skinny purple skirt with matching shirt – all very form fitting (which thankfully was the part she could pull off) and a plum looking scarf. Yep, I mean it. Purple crazy.

A fabulous purple leather bag – absolutely. An amazing plum scarf – for sure. After all, they say purple is a color for every type. But whether it’s purple, plum, lavender, eggplant, lilac, violet, wine, amethyst or mauve, my pick is just to not make it head-to-toe. (And if you do, forgive me if I whip out my camera phone and snap a picture of you!)

ali_purple

Out & About | Trends | giggle Grab Bag

October 11, 2009

Halloween Happy

My favorite time of year to “gift” is Halloween.

Now don’t get me wrong – at least for my 13 nieces and nephews I’m very good about Christmas gifts too. (Admittedly, I can no longer keep up with holiday gifting to my 8 brothers and sisters; particularly in a large family, survival dictates moving to the next generation at a certain point!) But what I love about Halloween is that any gift is unexpected and every gift is nothing but fun.

I also find Fall is just a great time for new kids’ books. Something about Halloween in particular brings out all kinds of great stories.

My pick this year is “I’m Not Scared” by Jonathan Allen. Baby Owl is absolutely, positively NOT afraid of the dark. Well, maybe just a little bit. This fun book is not only perfect for Halloween – it’s also a great bedtime story for reluctant little ones at lights-out.

With so many great stories to choose from, spreading the happy of Halloween – for me – is simply irresistible!

Child Development | Events & Event Planning | Parenting | Products | giggle Grab Bag

September 27, 2009

Just My Size: My Perfect Tote

Finding the perfect bag always reminds me of the Three Little Bears: “This bag’s too big. This bag’s too small.” And occasionally, if you’re lucky, you’ll find one that’s “just right.”

So many totes are close but just don’t quite work for one reason or another. But my Orla Kiely vintage fabric tote is definitely just right for me.

Unlike movie stars, most of us don’t change our bags to match our outfits every day. So my tote sees lots of use as the perfect solution for juggling work and motherhood in NYC. It’s a stylish workhorse with a little bit of a sense of humor that’s just my style.

These bags come in gorgeous colors (mine is kelly green), and I love their eclectic sensibilities. Orla Kiely uses daring combinations of patterns and colors that few other designers can pull off so stylishly.

Her brown & orange leaf pattern has become close to mainstream among stylish NY women. And while I’ve always admired the look and feel of her designs, my vintage fabric tote was my first. I had no idea that I would love her practical sensibilities just as much as her design aesthetic!

The cargo space is roomy without being too big, and it has an open top with an optional snap for easy access. It also has an internal zip pocket and two small open pockets (one inside and one out) for smaller items.
It’s got super strong handles. I seriously could not break this bag…and anyone who knows my work schedule knows that’s a testament to its construction.
I love the wallet tether because I don’t have to worry about losing my wallet. (Ever lay an open tote under your airplane seat then have to rummage around on the floor to retrieve your belongings?)
The laminate-like glossy finish makes it easy to wipe clean and keeps it looking fresh and fabulous even after you’ve been through some adventures together.

My Orla Kiely is my “just right”…I just wish I could buy another one exactly like it!!

Designing | Products | Trends | giggle Grab Bag

September 16, 2009

Sometimes, Simple is Best

There’s nothing I love to see more than a smart product that’s just a great value on all levels. That’s why I think the Infant Stim Mobile is such a find. Granted, it’s not a new discovery, but it is a customer favorite among parents who rave about how their baby is “mesmerized” by it, earning it a permanent place on my A-list.

The primary developmental value of mobiles is in the first six months when babies are lying on their backs and seeking visual stimulus. After that, mobiles become more about room décor or a temporary distraction during a diaper change.

That’s what makes the Infant Stim Mobile so smart: You start out with black and white images, which are easier for infants to focus on and recommended for early visual development. Then, as your child’s color sight develops, you can switch the cards out to high-contrast colored images, which adds an element of fun and a splash of color, while being more developmentally appropriate.

I love great design, which in the case of the Infant Stim Mobile is as much about practicality and function as it is about looks. Admittedly, it’s not my dream decor item, but I admire the design for being smart, simple, and honest. In other words, this mobile wasn’t designed to spruce up a room; it was designed to promote learning, and that’s exactly what it does.

Want one more reason to love it? I’m also impressed by its terrifically inexpensive price. At only $28, it’s a great value for this economy. Why pay more when simple and inexpensive is the best?

infant-stim-mobile