I’ve recently become obsessed with getting a bike and taking my 2-year-old all over town. It seems like such freedom compared to a stroller or the confines of public transportation, and I am absolutely confident that she would have a blast wheeling around the city. First, I found a nice little three-speed cruiser. Next up: a seat for my girl. In doing the research, I came across two excellent toddler bike seat options.
The Ibert Seat ($95) will keep the kiddie in full view (no turning around every five seconds or yelling back to ask, “Having fun?”). A padded seat and fixed shoulder straps will keep him comfortable and secure. And what a great view he’ll have!
The CoPilot Seat ($135) is a great backseat option. It includes a three-point harness, padded overhead restraint bar and foot straps. The quick-release seat is installed on a rear-wheel base (included)–so can be removed easily (like, 30 seconds) for traveling solo.
However you choose to get around this summer, we wish you happy travels!
Quinny Buzz Stroller has dialed it up with new Greystone and Raccoon models. Wondering what the heck we’re talking about? Why, the new color options for the Quinny Buzz 3 stroller. The European company has been known for a selective color palette (we had the Quinny in “Juice,” a punchy orange and red combo), and they’ve recently introduced Greystone–a lovely purplish gray–and Raccoon, a deep chocolatey-taupe.
These are the kinds of colors we’d paint our walls: chic, mature, very sophisticated. And aside from being lovely to look at, the Buzz is also a fabulous stroller. It comes with a lightweight aluminum frame that offers a compact fold, all wheel suspension for a smooth ride (woohoo!), and a cool, automatic unfolding mechanism. Plus, it comes with a switchable forward/rear-facing seat and a larger replacement seat cushion included to accommodate your growing kiddo. Love!
I’m a little apprehensive to divulge one of my favorite online shopping sites for kids’ clothing. I have scored loads of good deals, and the selection is fantastic. But, because I want you share in the shopping glory, I’ll share: Boscovs.com. I know. I’m not even sure where the physical stores are located (maybe the Midwest?), or how I stumbled upon the site, but they offer lots of good, sturdy, play-hard brands like Carter’s and Oshkosh–which are both oddly difficult to find in New York City. And as usual Boscovs is having a sweet sale.
Can you believe that both of the multi-piece outfits are now $7.99? They’re 50 to 60% off. Excellent deal.
I say scoop up a bunch in newborn and 3-6 month sizes and keep them on hand for future baby shower gifts. Who can resist those little bloomers? I bought a pregnant friend a similar outfit for her shower, and she chose it as her daughter’s homecoming outfit from the hospital.
Here’s something awful about my neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York: It’s a mosquito trap in the summer. They are everywhere. You’d think an urban area wouldn’t have to worry, but I get mosquito-repellent crazy as soon as it gets warm. I’m constantly checking the screens and leaving hall lights on to keep them out (or away from us if they do somehow get in). I was even as the point of applying natural bug repellent on my toddler daughter. Then, the bug-repellent gods smiled upon me. They brought me the Off! Clip-On Mosquito Repellant.
The small device expels an odorless chemical via a small fan to keep those bogs away. And it works. The deluxe kit comes with the device, batteries, and four refills for $25. Each refill should last 12 continuous hours or up to two weeks of intermittent use. It’s not that pricey to begin with, but considering you could drop it in the middle of the patio table and several people could benefit from it, it’s totally worth the money.
All hail the boys hoodie! It’s an ideal extra layer when headed to school or camp on a crisp morning or when night falls. It’s packable, and if you choose correctly, coordinates with most everything in their wardrobe. Boden tops our list for quality options. We know they’ll stand up to the abuse an elementary school kid (or worse: a middle schooler!) can put on their clothes, all the while looking fabulously lived in (which might be the reason the kids love them, too). Well constructed and super soft, here are our top hoodie picks from Boden:
The Boden Lightweight Hoodie, $36, comes in a neutral, goes-with-everything brown and white stripe. He’ll reach for it long before you have to give him “the look” and force him to put it on.
The Boden Loose Fit Hoodie, $48, is lived-in perfection. A little broken in and with a well-loved appearance, this will be her go-to piece this summer (and fall and winter and spring…). If pink’s not her thing, it also come sin navy stripe, green stripe, and solid blue.
Do you remember those first few days of summer vacation when you were little? Those mornings when you were so happy you didn’t have to get up and get ready for school–that you could stay in bed and sleep in? Those were the best. That why we love the idea of giving her a little summer-vacation present: a lovely set of pretty sheets. This Simply Shabby Chic True Blue Stripe Sheet Set is ideal.
We are in love with the Simply Shabby Chic collection. Everything from sheets and bedskirts to bookcases and comforters. The 100% cotton, 250 thread-count sheets are cozy-soft–but can withstand multiple washings. The light stripe print isn’t overpowering and the bright but subdued color adds a dose of cheer. They’re the kind of patterns that can take her into her teens–no baby themes here! And at a reasonable $39.99 for the set, you’ll get your money’s worth. Bonus: They’ll work equally well in a guest bedroom and will work with almost any decor.
The quickest way to becoming the favorite mom in the neighborhood? One word: Popsicles. Every kid loves them. And if you’re a culinary master (or experimenter), why not try making your own this summer? I personally have attempted and succeeded at some fab strawberry slushy popsicles. And “kitchen underachiever” is an understatement, so if I can do it, so can you. Step 1: pick up some fun popsicle molds.
The classic ring pop gets a cool makeover with the Tovolo Freezer Jewels. Each set includes six individual popsicle molds that come in fun, different gem shapes and a base that helps keep your pops in place, preventing any tips and spills while in the freezer.
Make your own push-up pops with these Kinderville silicone sleeves. The tapered design allows the popsicle to be pushed to the top to enjoy, and the fluted rim helps any residual liquid go back into the mold and not over little hands. Less mess! (Hopefully…)
P.S. Looking for inspiration–or just some dependable pop ideas? Check out recipe book, Pops! Icy Treats For Everyone.
Along with the bathing suit, a good cover-up should be part of the fun-in-the-sun arsenal. In addition to the sunscreen, towel, flippers, goggles, and other assorted toys, a cover-up should also make the list. When an hour in the pool turns into an all-afternoon event, tossing a cover-up on will lessen sun exposure and risk of sunburn. We found a cute options that we’d wear, if they came in our size.
This Xhilaration Kaftan Coverup ($9.99) is a steal! It has a Tory Burch, Miami-Beach designer feel, and the lightweight cotton is perfect to protect delicate skin. It comes in magenta and turquoise; we’d scoop up one in each color now before they sell out.
This terry Fire & Nice Coverup ($38) will dry her off and keep her fashionable all in one. The chevron pattern and three-quarter-length sleeves are, shall we say, stylish? Oui. Very French Riviera.
Looking for fabulous swimwear options? Consider our recent post, “Alternatives To the Skimpy Bikini.”
Maybe it’s our fascination with the Wild West. Maybe it’s that we really need a ranch vacation. Whatever the reason, we’re currently obsessed with the rough-and tumble Western horse trend. We’ve found it on everything from shorts and rompers to the end all be all: the Mustang bed. What a perfect bed for either a boy or a girl. Add calico bedding for a boy (red or blue would work) or a soft pink for a girl’s room. Absolute perfection.
No need to stop at the furniture for wild horse-themed products.
These Soffe Horse Shorts are a steal at $8.99. Super soft and comfortable, they’ll easily become a summer staple.
These Sara’s Prints pajamas are too adorable to pass up. Even though summer has officially arrived, long-sleeved PJs are a year-round essential.
Real leather for $15? Yes. And it’s also awesome, super-cool leather. We predict your little guy will love these “Jumpshot” sneakers from The Children’s Place. And here are a few reasons you’ll love them just as much: the genuine leather, perforated for breezy comfort; a cushioned footbed has anti-bacterial treatment to keep his feet fresh; the non-marking resin rubber outsole has texturing for traction.
Originally $25, these have come down a cool 40%. So even if back-to-school shopping if far, far out of your mind (you have to get them out of school, first!), these might be worth going to that place in your mind for two minutes and scooping up a pair now before they’re all gone.
Tip: I’m actually considering picking up a pair for my 2.5 year old daughter. These would look pretty great on a girl, too. Can’t you see them with a tutu or flouncy skirt and little graphic tee or even a sundress? (Magic fairy wand optional.) She can tear up the playground just as well as the boys can, Right?
