Ain't No Mom Jeans

Review: Action-Packed Eco-Friendly Sprig Toys

My attempt at green parenting has been a precipitously slippery slope.  I started out with cloth diapers, a natural rubber mattress, all organic clothing, homemade organic baby food and exclusively non-plastic toys.  But what I've ended up with is 7th Generation disposables/part-time (like, when the mood strikes me) cloth diapering, a mix of pricey organic cotton and $2.97 Target specials (made, probably, by kids only slightly older than mine), frozen "all natural" chicken tenders & Whole Market taquitos, and more plastic toys than I can shake a stick at.  So much for my lofty green ideals. 

What happened between then and now?!  Well, lots of things, like gag-inducing encounters with the diaper sprayer, the sheer economics of dressing a rapidly growing kid in $30 shirts, picky eating, and, of course, my kiddo's preferences in toys.

We recently had a green toy coups, however, when I discovered Sprig Toys, a Colorado-based eco-friendly toy line.  For Huck's big 0-2, I purchased the Dolphin Explorer Boat (because anything to do with water is an instant win with the boy wonder) for $29.99, the dump truck and the loader, both $14.99 at Real Baby in Denver.  All three toys are paint-free and made of Sprig's proprietary SprigWood, a delightfully satisfying-to-the-touch bio-composite material made of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic.  If your little one isn't a classic dump truck/loader enthusiast, check out DuneBug's Sand Truck, which includes an adorable DuneBug character and wild flower seeds.  
 

The little man especially adores the Dolphin Explorer set, spending nearly an hour at a go on his step ladder at the sink and in the tub with his boat, captain and dolphins, and we're looking forward to spending warmer spring days at the playground digging and dumping sand.  For my part--and considering kids are spending record-breaking time in passive play with battery operated toys and electronic media--I adore how active he is in his play with these items--Sprig Toys are, as a rule, "kid-[not battery-]powered," which is just what this pseudo-green mama wanted.

Next Sprig Toys acquisition: The Discover Rig.  Lights, motor sounds and songs are powered not by batteries, but by a generator triggered when your kid moves it.  Also of interest, Sprig's Storybuilders: four classic story books with block-and-panel sets that allow kids to build and re-enact classic storylines.  If I had a little gal, I might even do Princess Penny's Story Building Palace.  I wish it weren't so. . . pink. . . but it would be a blast to build a little castle (as long as she can build skyscrapers out of normal blocks, too!) and hey, who doesn't like a pointy princess hat on a cute little faceless figurine?

Going as green as I can,
- M        

 

All I Want for Christmas – A Gift Guide to Shiny Objects for Moms

Dads, let’s face it.  You're shopping last minute: you need something fast and you need something shiny.  Shiny objects are always a big hit with moms, but you probably have no idea where to start looking.  If you haven’t picked up on any hints as dads are sometimes wont to do, worry not.  I'm a magpie-like connoisseur of shiny objects and here I submit a few suggestions for you to offer up to your beloved baby mama.  Let’s just dig in since I know you’re scanning anyway and you don’t have much shopping time to spare!

Monica Rich Kosann “The Fine Art of Family” Lockets ($190.00 - $795.00)
I don’t know what it is about becoming a mom—maybe it’s because I feel like I’m missing an appendage when I’m without my boys—but I love having pieces of jewelry that symbolize and remind me of them, even though we’re together 24/7.  My hands-down fav from this collection is the Large Round Vine Locket in sterling silver ($695.00).  At 1-1/2 inches in diameter on a 26-inch chain and with a beautifully detailed swivel clasp, it is large-scale enough to suit my funky vibe but classic enough to stand the test of time.  Also, should my baby bug persist, I’ll be able to fit shots of multiple (“huh, what!?!” I hear Dave exclaiming) kiddos together on either side.  An option that will provide you with literally YEARS of effortless gift giving (and I know you'll love that!), or for those of you planning large families, is the more delicate Round Half Locket in sterling silver ($190.00)—you can add additional silver discs ($165.00) for each child and charms (such as the true love tulip) for mothers’ day or birthdays, a beautiful tradition that will be a big hit with your lady.   The Sterling Silver Toggle Necklace ($495.00) and the Rectangular Gate Frame Necklace ($795.00) are two other stunning pieces in this collection. 
 

A Gift Guide To Help Guys Who Google "wife christmas"

My husband is trying to find me a present.  I know this because he submitted a question to "Ask Ain't No Mom Jeans".  I think he thought it would be anonymous somehow.  In any case, he was getting desperate.  His highly creative Google search of "wife christmas" yielded (in addition to a link to the 1988 Julie Harris movie, "The Christmas Wife")  ideas like, "pictures of kids" or "bouquet of flowers".  Barf.

But I was surprised at his concern.  I am usually pretty predictable, gift-wise.  I love all things shiny or sparkly or wrapped in a tiffany blue box with a white bow.  I mean, really - any item off of M's holiday accessories post, or even our Perfect Winter Party Shoes, and I'd be delighted.  Home run.

But this year, Mike detected something different.  Or perhaps he noticed that I already went on a small shopping bender, coming home with fun holiday party items. <<giggle>>  In any case, he was questioning his usual methods.  Which made me think:  What do moms really want for Christmas this year?

I'm not sure if it's the sad state of the economy, or if Raines' turning two (and acting like it), or my husband's crazy schedule (work + school), but life has felt a bit hard lately.   I find myself already looking to the new year and wanting to do things differently.  Simpler, somehow.  I want to spend more time with family, but at a slower pace.  Think long walks with self-brewed coffee instead of crazy running from place to place and hitting Starbucks drive-thrus.

I don't think I'm alone.  So this year, my Christmas picks reflect this need to slow down, to simplify. 

...And to wear something pretty everyday.  Because some things never change. 

Gifts To Help Get Us Out Of The House

It's one thing to get out with the kiddos when the sun is shining and shoes are optional.  It's a WHOLE DIFFERENT BALLGAME when it's freezing, and your two year old not only doesn't want to wear shoes, but throws a screaming fit over long-sleeve anything.  Not to mention that once you've stuffed the little screamer into his snowsuit and are now hauling him football-like down the stairs, you yourself drenched in sweat....by the time you get outside (and cooled off), you realize that the hat your grabbed for yourself is the one with the moth holes, and that you are missing a glove.  Not that this has happened to me (cough),  I'm just sayin.  In addition, over the last two years, my diaper bag has mysteriously gotten heavier.  It's the same bag.  With the same stuff.  It just bugs me more.

So here are a few items are help ease this process.  Nothing but time will cure the kiddo's long-sleeve phobia, but here are a few goodies that inject a little bliss into the "we're having fun, dammit!!" process.

   

I've been coveting the Lug Life Glider Sling Bag, currently on sale at ebags.com for $50.  This is the perfect long-walk diaper bag.  It sits close enough to your body to feel like a backpack, but is urban enough to look cool.  It comes in a wide range of colors, including ocean (pictured).

I'm also in love with J.Crew's Merino Trapper Hat, $45, and their Ribbed Merino Glittens, $24.  They are soft, warm and cute.  Cream may not be the most practical color, but it's beautiful and snow-bunny-like.  And they are just expensive enough to feel like a gift. (I think nothing of dropping $200 on jeans, but a $50 hat? Whoa!) 

Lastly, if your lady sports a ponytail even half as much as I do, try Juicy Couture's Faux-Fur Earmuffs, $55 at Neiman Marcus.  The key with earmuffs is that you want to choose a color OPPOSITE to her haircolor.  Blond?  Choose a darker earmuff.  Brunette?  Go light.  Else, they blend in too well and from a distance it will look like she has hair spurting from her ears.

All I Want For Christmas: A Cozy Chic Gift Guide For Moms

This gift list comes courtesy of our much-loved, contributing author, J.  J is the one who found Maura Daniel's amazing nursery lighting, and  Avalisa's modern nursery art.  J, a self-confessed fuzzy croc wearer, is also someone I turn to for inspiration.  She's never fancy or frou-frou...but I can always count on J to help focus my attention on something fabulous, yet often over-looked.  So I knew that J's Christmas list would be filled with simple picks that beautifully celebrate the season.  And it is.  Cozy and chic - just like J. 

Men -- If you have trouble shopping for your wife because she is just SO DARN PRACTICAL...this is your gift guide.  All of J's picks are useful, but gorgeous enough to make her feel just a little bit spoiled.  

1.  Something Cozy-Chic to Wear

 

Frye's Harness 12R boots, $238 from Frye.com, is a beautiful but practical choice.  These boots are made from perfectly distressed leather that will get softer with wear, and have that so-hard-to-find heel:  low and sturdy enough to be able to walk everywhere, but without any orthopedic overtones.

The North Face's Metropolitan Parka, $279, packs 600 fill down insulation into a chic little package.  I love the sleek cut and the gorgeous metallic color (tanzania tan).  This is not your average puffer jacket.

What We're Reading This Week: Cupcakes and Cashmere Holiday Survival Guide - One Key Piece

For the last two weeks, Ain't No Mom Jeans has been focusing on easy ways to look festive for the Holidays.  All of our advice has been surrounding the principle of investing in one fab Holiday item and mixing it in with your current comfy basics. 

Blogger Emily Schuman of cupcakesandcashmere.com, is the Guest Blogger for December on luckymag.com.  Her most recent post, Cupcakes and Cashmere Holiday Survival Guide: One Key Piece, beautifully illustrates the same technique of festive Holiday dressing we've been discussing here.  Her pick?  This gorgeous Vena Cava skirt, pictured at left.  In her post on Lucky Mag, she shows how she was able to style this skirt three different ways. 

Her post is a great inspiration for easy-but-glam holiday style!

xo,

S

Holiday Styling Tips For Moms: Dressy Shorts

Dressy shorts are the cornerstone of my new favorite holiday look for moms.  They manage to convey the feeling of a little cocktail dress, but can be paired (as shown) with a warm, cozy sweater and sleek tights.  I can also bend down and pick up the little man, sit on the floor, or do other various mom maneuvers without worrying about accidental exposure.

So the basic formula is:  shorts + cozy sweater + opaque tights + great shoes.

Proportion is key here.  I think flat front short-shorts are the easiest to dress up.  They are akin to a sexy little mini.  However, if you don't want to show so much leg, a longer version of shorts are fine, but watch the volume:  longer shorts tend to get wider.  You'll want to offset the wideness with a fitted sweater.

Holiday Styling Tips For Moms: Put On Your Fancy Pants

I love my fancy pants.  I actually bought these babies...OMG...wait...6? No...7 years ago?  Could that be true?  Anyway, these are one of my favorite things to pull on when I'm having a "I'm too cold to go out and WAAAY to cold to pull on a cocktail dress" moment. 

I am usually having one of these moments every weekend Dec - April.  Brrrr!

Like many of the other styles we've highlighted in our Holiday Styling Tips For Moms series, if you've pulled on a pair of fancy pants, all you really need is a comfy shirt, some bling-y jewelry, and a great clutch!  Extra bonus points for fab shoes, but when it's really cold, I turn to my stiletto books with really warm, wooly socks.  Nobody can see the socks.

In this pic, I've paired my velvet tux pants with a my basic J. Crew ribbed tank (which J. Crew is showing in their sleepwear section - nice), and threw on a few strands of pearls, and diamond costume jewelry.  

I actually wore these pants to a Christmas party last year with a gray t-shirt.  No joke.  The thing I like most about this style of dressing (besides being insanely comfortable) is the fact that you can go BANANAS with jewelry.  In fact, as a simple rule, the more basic your top, the more you can pile it all on.    

However, since your Fancy Pants are...well...fancy, they can easily be dressed up.  If your shindig is more formal than festive, and you are really dreading the gown, in all but the most strict cases you can pull off fancy pants with an equally fancy shirt.  And fab shoes, jewelry, etc.

In this pic, I've paired my fancy pants with my new go-to holiday top:  Banana Republic's Silk Tiered Top.  This top has a low enough neckline to flatter a big bust, is A-line to hide stomach poochiness, and the flutter sleeves are big enough to forgive arm sins.  This top comes in a bunch of festive colors and is on sale at bananarepublic.com for $30.  Seriously. 

So back to fancy pants.  While 7 years later, I'm still loving my original version, there are a ton of new options to choose from.  You can still find tux-style pants in all fabric types, pants in satin, lace, huge wide-legs, velvet leggings (that I'm dreaming over), etc.  All of these types of pants would work. 

NOTE:  Keep in mind that the super skinny options are amazing, but might look dated 7 years from now.  If you really want something that will last, stick to bootcut, straight,  or even wide-leg trousers.  These  styles can be considered classics.  

Skinny Fancy Pants

   

I'm in love with the effortless glamour of DVF's silk Lazar Pants, $225, and the way they would show off hot shoes perfectly.  Unlike velvet, silk would look just as appropriate in the warmer months (Forever 21 has a version here that is similar for $23).  Or, for a more traditional take on the skinny satin pant, try Bebe's Gina Glamour Satin Skinny Pant, $98.   Lastly, I've been in such a leggings mood lately, and these super comfy yet oh-so-hot BCBG Mason Skinny Velvet Leggings might have to be my next purchase.  They retail for $98 at Saks.

Tux Fancy Pants

I love Banana Republic's most recent take on the tuxedo pant, the BR Monogram Tuxedo Pant, $180.  The color is fantastic, and would be especially gorgeous with a metallic or white top.  Victoria's Secret has a traditional velvet tux pant, the Christie Fit Velvet Tuxedo Pant, currently on sale for $58. DVF's Tuxer Pant, $325, almost sold out at shopbop.com, is a beautiful, timeless option.  Lastly, ASOS is carrying a classic tux pant by Gap, $76.49.

A Few Other Fancy Pant Options

 

You really can't go wrong with a perfectly tailored, gorgeous wide-leg pant.  Worn with heels, it makes all of us look leggy.  My favorite is BCBG's Tabitha Wide Leg Trouser, $198.  I also really like the menswear inspired ASOS Flannel Braces Wide Leg Trousers, $60.  Lastly, for a little color, try a fun cropped option like J.Crew's Casino Pant, on sale for $120.  They somehow look like something my Grandma would wear...but in a good way.  

xo,

S 

 

Toddler Gift Guide – Christmas & Holiday 2009

What to get the toddler who has everything?  Ideally something that inspires her budding sense of independence, captures the imagination, and challenges him to learn new skills, all while having fun. Here are our top-five picks for the season:

1.) Run/Balance Bike ($69.99 +)
What toddler wouldn’t squeal with delight at the sight of a shiny new bike under the tree?  I take intentional detours through Target specifically to avoid the bicycle section, but when we do stop to look at the shiny yumminess, it’s obvious that bicycle riding is a long way off for my little guy as even the tiniest bikes tower over (and threaten to topple on) him.  Not so with a run bike, the hottest new development in kids’ cycling.  Unlike tricycles and training wheels, run bikes teach the most critical component of bicycle riding first: balance, only without those pesky pedals that are always gumming things up.  Check out runbikes.com for both wooden and metal balance bikes, including LikeaBike ($192.00+), KaZAM ($99.00), Strider ($95.00) and Kettler ($110.00).

 

2.) Dress Up Box ($9.99 +)
Watching as the apple of your eye develops a sense of humor, self and imagination is an experience like no other, so foster your kiddo’s penchant for imaginary play with a dress up box.  There are a number of pre-fab dress up kit options out there that run around $100.00 - $150.00, but most tend towards professions or princesses, and, I feel, are too rigid and generic to be fun.  Check out this post on Martha Stewart for ideas on how to stock your dress up box with items you most likely have around your house or can pick up at Goodwill, throw in some fun career hats available from Amazon ($32.99) and a bunch of Waldorf-inspired play silks, fairy wings and soft swords ($9.99+) from Three Sisters Toys and you’re all set.

 

3.) The Learning Tower ($190.00)
I love love love the Learning Tower ($190.00) for kitchen and creative play.  This is truly one of the best tools for helping your child become independent and do it, whatever that is, for himself.  Not only can your little guy or gal safely help out whilst you whip up and burn a batch of cookies, s/he can also use The Learning Tower as an easel with the attachable, reversible dry erase/chalk board ($69.99), as a playhouse with the company’s playhouse kit ($34.99), or, again go Waldorf and throw a night sky silk scape or similar ($34.95) in the mix to make it even more fun.

4.) Sticky Fingers Kids Cooking Kits ($27.00 - $52.00)
Kiddos love to do things themselves, and nowhere is that more true than in the kitchen.  Case-in-point:  my picky eater will gobble virtually anything he’s had a hand in making and while it’s a tad freaky to watch him teeter atop our kitchen step ladder, the cold sweat is worth it when he chirps “Aye didit!” and then noshes happily on whatever we’ve made.  With the focus on getting kids to eat more wholesome foods in school and out, the more our babes are in the kitchen the better.  But how to scramble, stir and slice with the giant-like utensils found in the common household kitchen?   Enter Sticky Fingers kids cooking sets.  These high-quality utensils actually work, unlike play sets, so your honey bunch can get elbow-deep in the flour without frustration.

5.)  Hohner 1/2 Size Classical Guitar ($49.00)
I don't know a single child who isn’t fascinated by musical instruments of all shapes and sizes.  I’m not a musician and don’t have a strong interest in trying to make my boy a prodigy, but his all-out obsession ("Taaaar.  Tar tar tar.") with our otherwise un-played full size guitar made me think—why are we always pushing drums and not other instruments on babes when they can play them just as easily?  Save your sanity.  Skip the drum kit and get your dumpling an actual, tune-able guitar he can hold and strum, but save yourself some trouble: resist the temptation to go with the cheapest option.  Every kids’ guitar I’ve seen in stores like Target and Toy R Us is junk.  Junk junk junk (you can see where my boy wonder gets his emphatics from, no?).  If they’re 1/2 size, which is appropriate for small kids, they’re toy guitars that can’t even be tuned, or if they’re somewhat decent, they’re 3/4 size, which is more appropriate for the 6-and-up-set.  Whether or not your musical monkey ever takes a single lesson, this guitar will prove to be a toy with staying power because it's not actually a toy, so check out the Hohner 1/2 size classical guitar at Active Musician, which has nylon strings that are easy for little hands to strum, but skip the pick if you have wee ones under three about the house.

Happy holiday shopping, Mamas!

- M

Slipper Roundup: Winter’s Hottest (and warmest) Slippers for Moms

Crackling fire: check.  Hot cider and/or spiked eggnog: check.  Good book to curl up with: check.  Now, what’s keeping those tootsies cozy whilst you partake in all that wintery snow-day goodness?  It’s time to update your slipper wardrobe, girl.  You don’t want those little piggies getting caught out in the cold!  Here are the seasons’ hottest slipper picks.

Slipper Boots
Forget dainty ballet slippers and leave the Isotoners on the spin rack.  The boot obsession of the past season or two has overflowed into your boudoir.  Wear these cozy slipper boots with a short nighty and robe set (though please do keep it G-rated if the kiddos are around) or scrunched under flannel jams.  I am in LUV with Nordstrom’s Pompom Fleece Slouch Boot in Mocha - $24.00 this hot look can’t be beat and the low, low price tag is the cherry on top.  Smoke the peace pipe (unless you're still breastfeeding) in comfort and warmth in the moc-inspired Sabrina bootie in black suede by Lucky Brand - $58.95 or storm Aspen in style in the Ted Baker Polka in Stone - $65.00.

Mukluks and Chalet Socks
Why did mukluks and chalet socks EVER wane in popularity?  I’m sure I’ll be able to answer that question for you in a year or two when they’re so-over again, but for now, pair these new-again styles with an oversized sleep tee or tissue-thin sleep shirt.  I’m torn between pulling the trigger on the uber-literal classic, the Woolrich Chalet Sock in Dark Moss -$46.95 and Nordstrom’s updated Tasseled Mukluk in Wine - $24.00.  Old Navy’s Cable-knit Slipper Boots in Saucy Red - $19.50 are another budget-conscious option I’m a fan of.

Mocs
Another recent revival footwear trend, the moccasin, is back in the bedroom.  This look works best with a classic men’s pajama bottom and a simple cami or tee.  With luxurious shearling lining and contrast grosgrain ribbon detail, Cole Haan’s Bow Slipper in Lacquer Red - $128.00 makes a terrific gift slipper.  UGG’s Scalloped Moc in Deep Purple - $100.00 offers up the same comfort and styling with less fuss.  Try J.Crew’s Metallic Bow Shearling Mocs in Soft Graphite - $50.00 for a more conservative sensibility and enjoy the warmth and comfort of shearling at a lower price point.

Scuffs
UGG has given the common household scuff a decadent upgrade with the Pearle in Metallic Gold - $74.00 while Patricia Green’s Sadie scuff in chocolate - $76.00 qualifies as a hostess slipper: have the fam and close friends over for brunch and forget the shoes.  For an understated treat that’s just for you and your toes, indulge in the Arlotta Cashmere Slipper in Black - $80.00.

Enjoy your snow days in style and good lounging to you, ladies!

M.

Give Your Kids (and yourself) a Vacation from Their Toys – My Busy Bucket

It's three hours to takeoff.  You survey the mounds of gear and baggage surrounding . . . no, caving in around you.  You’ve packed diapers, sippy cups, favorite snacks, enough clothing for an army of toddlers, jackets, gloves and boots, the babe's lovey, her favorite blanket, a convertible car seat, the stroller, stuff to do on the airplane and a few of your personal effects, too.  You’re sure you meant to pack something really critical, but as your kiddo melts down and begs to be picked up . . . you can’t . . . quite. . . think. . . what. . . Your hubby yells from downstairs to find out what you’re doing: he’s showered, shaved, packed and ready—why aren’t you?  Oh yeah, and you’re going someplace fabulous.  Like Detroit.  In December. 

Do you really need to contend with packing (and lugging, and paying an additional checked luggage fee for) an extra duffle of toys your beloved son or daughter barely plays with anyway?  Well, no, actually, you don’t.  Two Colorado moms with child development and education backgrounds, Audrey Zardkoohi and Elizabeth Baumgarten, came up with the idea of My Busy Bucket, a toy rental company that ships boxes of high quality toys for kids ages 0-6 anywhere in the contiguous United States (except APO/FPO and P.O. boxes). 

Each Busy Bucket follows a theme (bugs, cooking, music, alphabet and counting, etc.), includes age-appropriate books, puzzles, activities and other toys worth at least $200.00 and arrives at your vacation destination via FedEx (monthly and bi-monthly plans are available, too).  All the toys arrive clean (sanitized with a non-toxic disinfectant) and ready to play with.  For $55.00, including shipping both ways, you and your kids have fun playing for up to three weeks, pop them back in the box and drop them off at a FedEx location on your way home (or pay an extra $5.00 to have the box picked up). 

Genius.    

M.