Here is another one of my finds from this past January’s Gift Fair. It’s an “A to Z” Floor Bin by Canadian design shop fluf. Made of 100% organic cotton canvas, this sturdy stand-up bin is adjustable (just fold down the reversible design to any height), making it perfect for any type of kids’ storage that you may need. And…it’s machine washable. Buy it for $37 at fluf.
Many of you have asked me for fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day; here are some of my (affordable) favorites. Also be sure to check out my Mother’s Day gift board on Pinterest.
Rosanna Petite Plate Set of 2 ($15 at Layla Grayce). These pretty scalloped initial plates (a set of 2 has one square and one round plate) does everything from storing small trinkets to holding guest soap in a bathroom. Arrives gift-ready in a decorative box.
Vestige Lipstick Holder ($28 at Anthropologie). Such a pretty treat for your make-up collection, this Hollywood glam lipstick holder is made of brass and glass, and holds 6 favorite lipsticks.
Homemade with Love: Simple Scratch Cooking from In Jennie’s Kitchen ($16.11 at Amazon.com)
HGTV magazine ($18 for one year). I’ve read the first two issues of this brand-new magazine and I’m hooked. It’s like People’s Style Watch, but for your home. If you are looking for simple, affordable design and decor solutions, you are in for a treat each month when this magazine arrives.
Family Tree Tag Necklace ($69.50 at Le Papier Studio). A brand new item from our favorite silhouette artist, this necklace can be created with existing silhouette templates or customized from your own photographs.
mark Total Studs Bag ($36 at mark). An affordable take on a trendy studded hobo bag, this soft pink carryall boasts shiny goldtone hardware, plenty of pockets, and a sturdy magnetic closure. 
Vertical Hanging Wall Jewelry Display Case ($89.95 at Red Envelope). Part of Red Envelope’s new Mother’s Day collection, this is a smart way to simultaneously store and show off your jewelry collection.
Portable iPhone Charger ($35 at Uncommon Goods). This stylish chevron charger not only does the job of giving your phone a charge on-the-go (just plug it into the nearest outlet), but it also stands out in your pocketbook (I can’t tell you how many times I can’t find my white charger which blends in with everything else). Rechargeable via USB
Skip Hop Duo Diaper Bag ($64). This is a chic update of Skip Hop’s top-selling bag, featuring tons of pockets, compartments, and detachable clips that allow you to convert it quickly from a shoulder bag to a stroller bag. And this limited edition pattern is dad-friendly, too.
21st Century Girl Business Cards (25 for $30 at Minted). Whether you use these as business cards or mommy cards, the square design and focus on font is sure to make a positive impression.
Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and UrgentRX #cbias #SocialFabric. All opinions are, as always, entirely my own.
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? I do–but they did not emerge until my early 30s (after I had my first baby). And then they arrived with a vengeance–suddenly each April I get the watery eyes and itchy throat that signal Spring’s arrival. This allergy season has been particularly brutal here in NYC (supposedly the high pollen count is an after-effect of Hurricane Sandy) so I was very interested in my Duane Reade VIP Blogger assignment to try out the store’s new UrgentRX Allergy Attack Relief. I shopped for it last week at my neighborhood Duane Reade on 2nd Avenue and 79th Street, which was recently redone and is gleaming new and pretty.
Of course, like many other moms, while I usually manage to keep my kids’ medicine cabinet fully stocked, I always seem to be missing what I need for myself. Thus, I often find myself having an allergy attack with no relief on hand. Duane Reade’s Allergy Attack Relief is designed exactly for busy people (or, um, forgetful people) like us. Like the other products in the UrgentRX line (more on those in a minute), this is something you can both buy and take “on-the-go.” Check out this clever ad for the UrgentRX line:
It’s a “fast powder” packet (about the size of a credit card) that slips easily into your purse or wallet, and even though you can certainly mix it with water, you can also take it plain. And it works quickly…the powder enters your bloodstrem more quickly that pills or capsules which may be time-released. By the way, a word about the packaging. Even though it is a packet which tears open, it is still totally child-proof packaging (read the instructions for how to open it).
By the way, whatever ails you, there is likely something in the UrgentRX line that will help you if you’re in a pinch or a rush. Here is Duane Reade’s display of all the UrgentRX products (you’ll most likely find it towards the front of every Duane Reade store (often near the checkout line and/or counter). There’s Head Ache Relief, Heart Burn Relief, Upset Stomach Relief, Ache and Pain Relief, and the potentially life-saving Critical Care Aspirin.
So the million dollar question–did it the Allergy Attack Relief work for me? I took it while I was out running errands on a particularly pollen-laden day last week. The powder is raspberry flavored and, yes, I mixed it with water. I wouldn’t say it was the greatest taste, but it was totally do-able and worth the relief I experienced within about 10 minutes. Not bad at all. My eyes stopped watering and I stopped sneezing, too. This relief lasted a good 4 or 5 hours. While I only tried the Allergy Relief and not the other products in the UrgentRX line, I’d definitely give them a try too and would assume they are equally effective.
Read more about the UrgentRX product line at www.urgentrx.com and follow them on Twitter at @urgentrx. And for more details about my Allergy Relief “shoppertunity,” please visit my Google+ story.
Editor’s Note: This post was first published in May 2012.
Last year I attended a blogger breakfast for Goldberger Toys and we had a discussion about anatomically correct dolls (ugh, the Google searches that will lead people here…). The toy company has anatomically correct baby boy and girl dolls which are designed to aid with toilet training. The president of Goldberger told me that, actually, anatomically correct dolls don’t sell very well here in the U.S. (remember, we’re not as progressive about nudity and body image as Europeans are). I remembered that in 1975 (when I was 3 years old), I had a “correct” Joey Stivic doll that was manufactured to commemorate the December 1975 birth of Archie Bunker’s grandson on All In The Family. Manufactured by the Ideal Toys Corp., the “Joey doll” was the very first anatomically correct doll to be made and sold in America. And, perhaps, unsurprisingly, it caused an uproar when it was sold–apparently, people thought it was inappropriate. Not my parents. They bought my one and my sister and I delighted in making him “pee” by pouring water into his mouth and watching it come out, well, you know. We even bought him newborn sized diapers. And you know what? It was good training for when I had my newborn son thirty-one years later.
Want to own this piece of TV’s past? There are several Joey dolls for sale on Ebay.
Images courtesy of That 70s Shoppe.
Congratulations to entry #1 (Lauren) who won the iPhone case and entry #12 (Naomi) who won the iPad cover, as selected by Random.org. I will email both of you today with information about claiming your prizes. Congratulations and Happy Mother’s Day!
I’m trying something new here so I can show you all the photos I took at the Lands End Fall 2013 Kids Preview yesterday. Bear with me as I see if this photo gallery works–and I’ll give you details about all the terrific clothing you see here soon. Updated Friday afternoon: read the comments below each photo for product descriptions–and look for everything online to buy this summer!
One of my favorite accent tables, West Elm’s Parsons Mirrored End Table, is on sale now ($299.99, formerly $399.00). This multi-purpose table can glam up many different rooms, from living rooms to bedrooms. It also gives you a bit of extra storage with a top drawer and the open bottom shelf. Check it out at West Elm.
Today is the last day to enter our Mother’s Day giveaway from demby + solomon for a personalized iPhone5 or iPad (or Kindle) case, to be delivered to you (or a gift recipient) by Mother’s Day. There will be 2 winners; be sure to enter the giveaway (at the original post, not here) by 11:59 EST tonight. Winners will be announced tomorrow morning. Good luck!
Boyfriend blazers are on-trend again this Spring and are a spiffy alternative to a lightweight jacket. I have this Michael Kors Shirred Sleeve Jacket in both beige and black and they’re staples of my spring wardrobe. Really, throw them over any outfit–casual or dressy–and you’re all set. I like the feminine detailing of the shirred sleeves, too. You can buy them in a bunch of colors at NORDSTROM.com, and shipping & returns are both free.
