From our Shelf: I Want My Hat Back

I found I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen on Amazon a while back and decided to buy it based on its cover. It also had a lot of stars. The story turned out to be just as simple as the artwork, which made it perfect for my one year old. He really likes it. Maybe it's because I make funny voices when I read it. Or maybe, it's because he has good taste and this book is simply pleasant to look at. And, yeah, I don't really think he gets what happened to the individual that stole the hat.

Images via here.

From our Shelf: Sad Santa

I just ordered this cute book, Sad Santa by Tad Carpenter for my boys. The little video totally sold me on it. (My boys made me play it about 10 times each - beware!)

Images and video via here

Christmas Gift Guide - Made in Orlando

1. Henry the Fox - Walnut Animal Society  $98

2. Laptop Tray - Tembo  $65

3. Screen Printed Poster - Lure Design Inc. $30

4. Farm Ruck Sack - MAKR  $160

5. Horizon Three Wallet - MAKR  $90

6. Heirloom Recipe Card Box - Rifle Paper Co.  $135

7. Handcrafted Marshmallows - Wondermade  $7.50

* Wondermere Image via Paste

Modern Twist Placemats for Kids

Images via Modern Twist

I bought a modern-twist placemat for Owen about eight months ago and I've been loving it so much that I'm ready to buy another one for Kellan. And while I'm at it, I thought I'd share with you. I got the "Fun on the Golden Gate" for Owen, and I'm thinking I'll get the "Farm to Table" for Kellan. I love the way these look, but my favorite thing about this placemat is how easy it is to clean. It's made out of silicon, so it's flexible, which makes it super easy to take and rinse in the kitchen sink. Then, I just lay it on the drying rack to be ready for the next meal.

The other cool thing about it is that you can color on it over and over again. Something that got Owen excited about it when we first got it, and that helped him let go of his old, very loved, but very worn out Mickey placemat. 

Poster Giveaway

Today I am giving away this awesome screen printed poster by my husband Will Gay. It's a signed Artist Proof. (I'll make sure Will signs it before it leaves the house). If you want a chance to win let me know by leaving a comment here, or, if you're a fan of the facebook page you can enter through there. Entering in both places will increase your odds! One winner will be randomly drawn today at 8 PM EST. Best of luck!

To learn more about "OhNo Floats" and how this print was made go here.

7 Father's Day Gifts Designed in Orlando

So yes, I've been having a bit of a hard time catching up after our little cruise vacation. But I have lots to share. I'm starting with this Father's Day gift guide since Father's Day is in less than two weeks – June 17th. There's lots of good talent in Orlando, so why not give dad a gift that's not only awesome, but also supports local artists.

1. 'Get It Done' Notepad - I don't enjoy telling my husband of 'to dos' any more than he enjoys hearing them from me. I'm thinking him and this notepad could be good friends, you know, since it has a cute talking zebra on it... also check out the Father's Day cards and other stationary at Rifle Paper Company. Super talented Anna Bond is the artist behind this beautiful brand and works out of her studio in Winter Park. You can visit the very cool shop and see the rest of the line in person.

2. Self-made Tee - You can take something your little artist has drawn that daddy really likes (in this case, the AT-AT with Luke hanging from it with his lightsaber and rebel alliance base on the side) and follow this instructions to transfer it onto a blank T-shirt. I can already see the proud father and son faces! (I found some good Mossimo blank tees in different colors at Target).

3 & 4. Pocket Card Holder and Belt - In my opinion the leather goods at MARK are... what's the word? ...perfect. And, I think any dad would love these. MAKR's Founder and Design Director is Jason Gregory and the studio is located in Winter Park.

5. My Dad, My Hero - I spotted this book last year at the local Barnes & Noble. The cover really got my attention and then I noticed the author's name. Ethan Long is a local Illustrator and friend. This book was a perfect father's day gift. Owen loves reading it with dad. (Ethan also created Disney Junior short series Tasty Time With ZeFronk - pretty cool!)

6. Father's Day Card - lots of cool card options available at the L2 store. Cards are designed and hand screen printed by my friends at Lure Design, here in Orlando.

7. The Nakashuma Mark iPhone Case - Every cool dad should have a cool case to protect his iPhone from the uncool falls that may or may not be caused by his children. This one is designed by Orlando local, Billy Davis - one swell illustrator. There's also other cool designs available in the shop.

From our Shelf: This is the Way to the Moon

I actually wanted to post this last week, when our shuttle moved to Washington D.C. I love all of Miroslav Sasek's books. The stories sometimes have more detail about each place than Owen can handle at this age, but the illustrations are so beautiful that they're completely worth having. I love typography, so I really enjoy that he includes signage in his illustrations. If you like Sasek's books and live in Florida you should own This is the Way to the Moon. After all, it doesn't only talk about cool shuttles and the moon, but also mentions Cocoa Beach!

Baby Gear we Love

1. Stokke Tripp Trapp - We've had this high chair for 4 years now and I couldn't be happier with it. It's beautifully designed, doesn't take up space, it's easy to clean, allows us to all eat at the table together, and you can continue to use it for years.

2. Bumbo Seat - Owen loved this seat as a baby, and Kellan loves it now. I think he feels like someone is holding him. I place it in front of his big brother while he's playing, and he gets distracted enough to let me cut his nails.

3. Baby Jogger City Select - I don't own this stroller, but I do want it. A lot of us don't want to think about a stroller for 2 while we're expecting our first child. However, a lot of us do end up having another child and facing the need to purchase the dreaded double stroller. I keep seeing the Baby Jogger City Select on the street.  It's a great invention that seems to be an all around solution. It is, of course, pricey, but had we chosen something like this when we had our first boy we wouldn't be having to buy a whole new stroller now.

From our Shelf: Harry and Horsie

We found this little book at a bookstore in San Francisco about a year ago. The illustrations were what attracted me to it, but even when a book looks this awesome, I'll still give it a quick read before I'll buy. This story is so cute. To this day it remains one of my favorites. It was written by Katie Van Camp (Harry's au pair) and Illustrated by Lincoln Agnew. This was the first picture book either one of them made. We think they did a truly amazing job. Oh, and guess who the real Harry is? Well, his dad happens to be David Letterman. I saw the book at the local Pottery Barn Kids a long time ago, but it's also available on Amazon.

Images via here, and here

From our shelf: Henri's Walk to Paris

I came across this book a few months ago while browsing the Grain Edit. When the designer in me saw the beautiful illustrations by Saul Bass I knew I had to have it. I mean, I knew the kids had to have it. oops. Anyway, I'm glad I bought it. Every page is of course perfect, and the story is really cute too. If you're interested in purchasing a copy it is available on Amazon.

Images via Grain Edit

Newborn Tips

So, soon we'll be back to doing fun things outside. As of now though, I have been spending a lot of time at home with baby Kellan. Having a newborn to take care of again has made me think of a few tips for future parents...

1. If you're having a boy and are planning on having him circumcised, buy a tube of Vaseline and have it at home for when you return from the hospital. You'll need to use it every diaper change.

2. Have alcohol and cotton balls ready too, or get some alcohol prep pads. You'll use these on the belly button to help the "yucky thing" (that's what my 3 year old called it) fall off. (It's umbilical cord)

3. I don't know about other hospitals, but if you deliver at Winnie Palmer, know that all that's in the baby's drawer (with the exception of the blankets) is yours to take home. DO take the little shirts with hand coverings. Baby's nails might be long from the start and you won't be able to cut them right away. With uncovered hands babies will scratch their faces.

4. Remember newborns don't have a neck. Keep this in mind when shopping for clothes. All those polo style oncies, thick hoodies, and any kind of outfit that's bulky around the neck will just make your baby uncomfortable. The ones with the simple overlaps over the shoulders or bottons on the side shoulder work best.

5. Socks and mittens fall off so easily. If it's cold opt for outfitls that have feet and hands coverings.

Cool Gifts for Kids

Since I'm on bedrest, I've been having to do all my Christmas shopping online. I ran across a lot of interesting gifts for kids, so I thought I would share some. 

1. Twin Baby A/B: If I knew anyone having twins, I'd give them these!

2. Alphabet Baby Teether: I love type, hence I love this baby toy.

3. Create Your Own Puzzle Set: My kid loves puzzles, and he also loves drawing and painting. I love the idea of him being able to create his own puzzle. 

4. Airplanes Box Set: This is not only a really nice looking toy, it also packs up neatly. 

5. Educo My Backyard BBQ Set: Nicest toy grill I've ever seen.

6. Pita Pockets Lunch: Nice play food

7. Animal Alphabet Wooden Puzzle: This is both beautiful and educational.