Ever since I was little, Hello Kitty has always been my favorite cartoon character. Although, at this point, she is more like an empire, with her own Hello friends and product line that could put Mickey and Minnie to shame.
In terms of design and architecture, Japan has always been a step ahead. Tadao Ando's Water Temple is one of my favorite buildings of all time. It comes as no surprise that Japan has some of the coolest children's clothes as well.Brands such as Makie, Miki House and Chigo bring us sweet children's apparel that are fun, with a hint of Asian influence. Makie has a storefront in NY's SoHo on Thompson street, but it is a little more difficult to find Miki House and Chigo products. I have seen them in higher end shops, though. But don't you just love the faux bois bibs?!
It's like reading a witty Malcolm Gladwell book. It's loaded with scientific facts and research, but it is also full of humor--making it an easy read. As the title suggests, the Harvard psychologist, Daniel Gilbert "describes the foibles of imagination and illusions of foresight that cause each of us to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our satisfaction."Citing the latest research data in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosphy and behavioral economics, Gilbert tells us about "what scientists have discovered about the uniquely human ability to imagine the future, and about our capacity to predict how much we will like it when we get there."If you think you know what makes you happy, try this. It may change your mind...for the better!
I spent the day driving around the suburbs with O. The first leg of the trip wasn't bad at all; we visited O's Auntie N at her new store, Roots Market. It's similar to Wholefoods, but better. They even sell gDiaper refills! I bought O an organic diaper rash cream by Badger (the added solid food is irritating her bottom, we think), as well as some organic fruit jars by Earth's Best.Unfortunately, Roots sold out of the gDiaper refills, so I had to go to another organic market to buy them. I then spent 2 hours wondering around in the baby super store, looking for "solid food" accoutrement. O was pretty good while we were in the store, but she cried the entire way home. I thought I was in my personal hell. She wasn't wet or hungry, just thought I'd abandoned her. Can't wait for her to be large enough for a front-facing car seat!
Nevertheless, I did come away with a couple of cool things for O. I bought her a couple of sippy cups by Nuby so that she can starting learning to drink by herself. This brand is made by the Belgium-based company, Luv n' care. Super cool bottles with clear silicone non-drip spouts. Best of all, each bottle comes with a nubby nipple and spout, plus detachable handles, making it convertible for newborns through 6+ months.I also bought O a couple of teethers by Combi. The 4-month teether is designed to ween the baby from a binkie, while the 6-month teether is designed to stimulate the front teeth and encourage chewing. They are super cute, to boot!
Now that architectdad and I have taken a long walk with O and the beagles, everything in our world is right again. I'm ready for tomorrow!
During our Monday visit to the pediatrician, O was finally given the okay to start on solid foods. I have been giving her rice cereal on and off, just so she gets used to the taste and process. The question now is: "Which high chair to use?!"My favorite is the Nest high chair. Its round classic modern design reminds me of the architect-designed signature pieces from the 60's. It can be configured into three chairs--infant high chair, booster seat and the Nester (for kids up to 6 years old). It even comes in Tangerine Orange! However, at $575 a pop...mmm, it's just a little too fancy for our O.
So we'll settle for our second choice, the Boon Flair Chair. It is a pedestal high chair, similar to the Nest, but the seat looks more like a bar stool you'd see at a diner. The stem features a pneumatic lift for easy adjustments, and the seamless seat makes clean up a breeze. The standard version comes with frosted plastic seat, white cushion and painted plastic base. The elite version comes with an opaque white plastic seat, ORANGE cushion and stainless steel base. Of course I would love to have the elite version, but I think the standard version will work just as well.
Other cool high chairs currently on the market are mostly adjustable wooden models that can be used by infants and teenagers alike. Chairs such as Tripp Trapp by Stokke are wildly popular in Europe.
Today, O and I had lunch with my high school friend, Doris. It is so nice to catch up after 17 years. She, of course, looks exactly as I remembered her...good Asian genes, I think ;-) In the evening, we met E and S at Starbucks. O and S are beginning to interact in a meaningful way. How exciting!Doris said she remembered me as an artist. Seriously, I can't even remember the last time I drew or painted for fun. Sure, I used to draw everyday at work, but nothing for my personal pleasure. Recently, I started making things with my sewing machine. Dog collars, leashes and baby related accessories. Nothing fancy, yet, but I'm trying. My mom is the best amateur seamstress in the world, too bad I haven't learned much from her.
I've also started designing graphics which I can then transfer onto plain onesies and t-shirts for O. For best printing results, a lot of designers actually use base stock from American Apparel. In addition to adult products, AA also offer products for kids and babies. Select styles are available in organic cotton as well. Their products are all made in the U.S.A. (downtown L.A.) in sweatshop-free factories. As a result, both the quality and price are slightly higher than the run of the mill T-shirts.Thanks, Doris, for coming into town to meet us...I promise the next time we'll visit you and your family in your neck of the woods ;-)
...to architectdad, Grandpa R and Grandpa L! We are all going to a neighborhood French bistro called Napoleon later this morning for brunch. Bonjour! Merci!In honor of the Frenchy theme, we will visit Belgium for the day. Okay, it's not exactly French, but there are French-speaking folks there...and the other half of the population are, you guessed it, Dutch speaking.
Simple Kids clothes are designed by British designer Melanie Ireland and produced in Belgium. They offer some of the most beautiful children's clothes I have seen. I almost bought O the Lima baby tunic dress, but it was a little pricey @ $90.00. Although I must say the embroidery work and overall craftsmanship are outstanding. The Brazil silk yellow flower dress will make your little one the belle of the tea party.
That is the slogan for Speesees, a children's clothing company. Their mission is to make children's products that are organic and conform to the Fair Trade Practices and Principles. In essence, the organically grown cotton is farmed by families who are given healthcare and work in sweatshop-free factories. In addition, the local community where the garments are manufactured also benefit from the industry. One U.S. dollar from every $100 earned from online Speesees retail orders will go to buy the children in the local community various supplies to support a more conducive learning environment.O's indigo Speesees dandelion dress is not only fun, fair and organic, the indigo dye used is also known for its anti-microbial and insect repellent properties. Who knew?! To browse Speesees products, try their online store. I hope you like it.
In terms of design and architecture, Japan has always been a step ahead. Tadao Ando's Water Temple is one of my favorite buildings of all time. It comes as no surprise that Japan has some of the coolest children's clothes as well.
