I have a busy weekend ahead of me (the National Stationery Show at the Javits Center, a friend’s wedding, and a kid’s birthday party, all within a 36-hour period. Oh, and I’m hoping to see the new Dictator movie, too). So I’m signing off here until Monday. But you can follow me on Twitter this Sunday when I’ll be live-tweeting some of my first finds from NSS. And I’ll be back here on Monday- see you then and have an excellent weekend!
Since this will be my 6th year in a row visiting the National Stationery Show, I’ve come to know some of the exhibitors very well. Stationery people are famously kind, friendly, and, of course, have marvelous talent. Here’s a preview of some lovely new work by designers I’ve met before:
Sky of Blue Cards (Booth 2059)
Rifle Paper Co. (Booth 1740)
Anemone Press (Booth 1968)
Night Owl Paper Goods (Booth 1951)
42 Pressed (Booth 2066)
Kelp Designs (Booth 1675)
I got the latest Lands End summer kids’ catalog and there is some really cute stuff. I especially like the one-piece and tankini girls’ bathing suits in lots of fun new patterns like the “Mermaid Island Collection” (shown above. . . though I’m not crazy about the bikini. Too skimpy for my 8-year-old.) There are also some adorable gingham patterned suits, which I always love for summer. Prices are reasonable to start with (about $29 for a girls’ one-piece suit), but I’d recommend following Lands End on Twitter where they frequently provide additional coupon codes.
Earlier this week I showed you favorite pieces from the Land of Nod Fall 2012 preview. Now, here are my top picks from that day’s CB2 preview. The setting–the rooftop of an industrial West Side building in NYC on an overcast day–was perfect for these colorful modern pieces to really pop:
The theme of CB2′s Fall 2012 collection is “Affordable Modern.” This was the view when I stepped off the elevator. Shown here: Piazza Chair in Gingham ($899) with Reyna Throw ($59.95) and Leisure Pillow Carbon ($39.95), Link Aluminum Bookcase ($349), Stout Coffee Table ($349), Oiseau Floor Lamp ($279), and Tweed Chartreuse Runner ($169):
And here’s a closeup of that fantastic Piazza Chair in Gingham ($899):
The chair is also available in “Au Naturel” Oatmeal, shown here with Polygon Floor Lamp ($299):
I love the “This is Art” Rug ($399), shown here beneath the Tetra Loveseat ($899) with Shift Pillow ($29.95). On the table: Rice Vase ($14.95) and Barnacle Base ($49.95):
I got a kick out of this “See Ya Suckas” Rug ($149 for 4 x 6 size), shown next to a new Phoos Ball Table ($599):
Panda Print ($199) and that awesome Phoos Ball table again:
Exclamation Wall Art ($299), Siesta Bed ($599) with Check Blanket ($69.95), Harvey Chrome Nightstands ($149 each), Wrap Bench ($399) and Clutch Table Lamp ($99.95 each):
“It’s All Mine Now” Print ($299). Perfect for Her Majesty’s Jubilee:
“Accept and Be” Posters ($19.95 each), benefiting The Trevor Project, an important cause for LGBQT youth.
Look for these items to arrive this July in-stores and online at CB2.
Did your baby girl wear those adorable infant Trumpette Mary Jane socks? Mine daughter (age 8 1/2) didn’t because they were introduced when she was already a toddler and her little tootsies weren’t so little anymore. But now big girls can enjoy this popular, look too. Trumpette has introduced a new line of big kids’ products including apparel and tees. And, yes, socks, including larger size versions of those famous Mary Jane socks. Buy a set of 3 for $16.50 (they’re available in sizes 3-4 years, 5-6 years, or 7-8 years) at Trumpette.
I have a fantastic camp prize package to give away courtesy of my neigbhorhood store Lesters.com. A destination for camp apparel and supplies for generations, Lesters is giving one of my readers a $97 price package including an IScream Plush Blanket ($35), Rockin Robin Laundry Bag ($20) plus sock bag ($17) and a cool Bedol “Squirt” Water Alarm Clock ($25). All items are available at Lester’s new online shop at Lesters.com, but….you can win them via a Twitter giveaway I’m hosting. Just look for my tweets about this giveaway (#mymomshopsnlesters) and re-tweet it to your followers (plus you must be following @ShopLesters and @mymomshops) before Thursday evening, May 17th at 11:59pm EST. A winner will be selected randomly and tweeted on Friday morning. Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck and happy camping!
I’m so pleased to introduce you to our newest sponsor Kim Prints Designs. This is a timely sponsor because Kim Prints Design is a superb place to shopping for June’s teacher gifts, wedding gifts, and summer hostess gifts. The site is chock full of the types of stationery & housewares that I love, including birth announcements, kids’ stationery, picture frames, serving trays, and family calendars, bulletin boards, and dry erase boards. The designs are crisp, clean, and fun, incorporating your favorite patterns (chevron, nautical themes, and toile, to name just a few–and most products are available in lots of different patterns), and, of course, personalization and monograms. Here are my favorite picks (and make sure to scroll to the end of the post for a generous 20% off coupon code).
Personalized iPhone Cover- Anchors Away ($49.95). You know I’m crazy about patterned iPhone cases. This one is fresh and fun for summer, plus on-trend with a nautical theme.
Personalized Kids Tableware Set- Big Top Baby ($79.95 for personalized placemat, plate, mug & bowl). This generous personalized mealtime set makes a unique baby or 1st birthday gift.
Personalized Kimbo Slice Clipboard ($29.95). So practical, and since it’s available in loads of patterns, it’s an equally great gift for grown-ups or kids.
Seashore Blue Personalized Cutting Board ($39.95). This is a super hostess gift (how many people do you know who already have a personalized cutting board?)
Classic Tiffany Box Lucite Photo Frame ($40). I love this idea as an engagement or bridal shower gift–it incorporates something classic (Tiffany blue) with something modern (a lucite frame).
Enjoy an exclusive 20% off discount at Kim Prints Designs with code “MYMOMSHOPS20″ now through May 31st. Also follow Kim Prints Designs on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook for giveaways and special offers.
Pssst! Here’s a great deal for you. Order any photo Father’s Day card at our affiliate Shutterfly and get it absolutely free with code “CARD4U”. I took advantage of the same offer for Mother’s Day, and Grandma loved her card–we’ll be doing the same for Grandpa now. I especially like the “Top Reasons” card shown above–you customize it with your own reasons why your guy rocks. Enjoy this deal for a limited time only at Shutterfly .
Are you a fan of The Land of Nod for kids’ decor? I have been for years. S. has the All Systems Go Solar System Bedding and we get lots of compliments on it. We’ve also bought various gifts and toys there over the years.
So I was truly excited to attend last week’s Land of Nod Fall 2012 preview here in New York City (I also previewed next season’s wares by CB2 and Crate & Barrel, but I’ll post those separately). Note that most of the items will be available this July. Here are the new items I loved the most. Which do you like best?
Monarch scalloped bed with headboard ($699 and up, available now), Ruffled Duvet Cover ($159) and Ruffle Sham ($36), Little Twigs Silver Mirror ($219), and Knit Pouf (on floor, $99):
Yeti Footprint sheet set ($69), Yeti Duvet Cover ($79), Big Foot Throw Pillow ($14), Yeti Sham ($19), Yeti Throw Pillows ($19), and Route 66 Sign ($39):
Fairytale Tent with Top Tier Chandelier ($129) and new throw pillows (various prices):
Jenny Lind Bed ($549 and up), Girafico Comforter ($99, available now) and Sham ($19), Ruffle Pillow ($24), Pink Waste Bin and Cube Bin ($29 each), Shaping Up Garland ($10.95 each), and 100% recycled sparkle rug (price varies by size):
Alphabet Throw Pillows ($19):
Alice & Wonderland-inspired play chairs ($99) with Compartment Department Play Table ($449), and Lace Pendant overhead light ($219):
Canvas anchor wall banner ($29), The Mix Duvet Cover ($89), Tree Pillow ($19), Graphic Duvet Cover ($89), Ship Blueprint Throw Pillow ($39) and Faux Bois Throw Pillow ($39):
