KidsHaus

Windswept Photography

It was almost a year ago today that I hired Alexandra from Windswept Photography to take photographs of our li'l family (these aren't pictures of our family but Ms. Bean is on Windswept's splash page). I'd never gotten professional photographs taken and thought it would be a novel idea to give someone else control of the camera. Let me just say it was some of the best money I've spent! I Google'd into the wee hours trying to find a photographer that oozed of natural style, no stiff poses or cheesy grins. As soon as I stumbled onto Alex's site and saw her photographs of babies, I started to cry which, by the way, was the surest sign that I wanted to hire her on the spot. Alex was incredibly professional and conscientious. So, if by any chance you're in or around the Seattle area, you should consider a little session with Alex.

Etsy: Bird Nerd

Chelsea is only 25 years old and is creating lovely collages and linocuts of birds, birds and more birds (and the occasional squirrel). In fact, she calls herself Bird Nerd.

Kideko Bedding

I'm amazed at how much fantastic design is coming out of Australia these days. Shelley from Kideko introduced me to her company that focuses on bedding and accessories for children.  The bright graphics strike a nice balance between being bold yet not overbearing. Very nice!

Diddle Dumpling Felt Shoes

These exquisitely made Diddle Dumpling shoes are made by Idaho cobbler, Sarah Hillgrove.

Plastic Floormats by Koko

I got so excited when I saw these Birds Plastic Floormats by Koko. You can just imagine the possibilities, especially with Spring and Summer on the horizon. This would make a fantastic play mat while indoors, easy to shake dirt, crumbs or dog hair off (yes, my personal favorite). Come summertime, they would make the ideal picnic blanket.

Avalisa Memory Game

I featured Avalisa's wool rugs earlier this week but just have to mention their Memory Game despite it being on the scene for a little while. Fantastic illustrations make this great eye candy and undoubtedly more fun to play.

inke: wallpaper tree silhouette

How gorgeous is this Wallpaper Tree Silhouette by Inke? I'd like to order a whole forest, please! You can pre-order from one of the coolest online shops, Enfant Terrible, for arrival in mid-late February.

Artist: Todd Karam

I'm not sure if I'll ever grow tired of the animal silhouettes -- especially when they can be done in so many ways. I really like how Seattle artist, Todd Karam, has mixed simple and abstract imagery.

Apple Blossom Baby

Kwan from Apple Blossom Baby sent me a link to her Etsy shop. She's a mother, physician and makes these beautifully handmade balls and crayon caddies in her free time. They would also make great gifts.

Boo Blankets

How about these great Boo Blankets by Modern Basics? I love the over-sized animal faces! Made of fleece, they're also super cozy.

My Bean turns 6!

Happy Birthday, Ms. Bean! Where has the time flown? You have been a beautiful light in our lives and I love watching you grow into your own.

Born in the winter
You are my first baby girl
Little butterfly

 

Catherine Campbell

I remember playing with my friend Paige and her large collection of paper dolls when I was about 8 years old. We would sit for hours and hours! When I saw this beautiful update of the classic paper dolls by Catherine Campbell of My Folk Lover, I was in love. Alternatively, you could frame them and display as art.

Catherine Campbell also has a lovely array of illustrated artwork on her Etsy shop. I'm in love-love with these Little Papercuts...

Jen Skelley Prints

More great Gocco Prints -- these designed by Jen Skelley. She has a couple styles on her Etsy shop but I thought her alphabet animals were fantastic.

Wooden Mobiles

These sweet wooden mobiles, hand-painted in Germany, are so beautiful and delicate.

Avalisa Rugs

Avalisa, the same company that created the stretched wall art, has come up with a gorgeous line of wool rugs. Hmmm, maybe I'm drawn to this pattern because it's reminiscent of my lollipops!

Nurseryworks - Loom Storage Trolley

Nurseryworks Loom Storage Trolley is a toy box/storage unit on wheels that also has a removable cushion on top! I'm a sucker for anything versatile and practical. It can also be tucked nicely under the Loom Storage System.

 

Lollipop Flop

Ms. Bean is a mere two days away from turning 6 ("Where has the time flown?" sounding just like my mother). We threw her a birthday party today -- I'm completely wiped out because of it but Ms. Bean had a very memorable day. It made me recall the day when I turned 6 and having a party with all of my friends felt overwhelmingly special somehow.

In the midst of planning and organizing this 6 year old's shindig, I was faced with that "goodie bag" conundrum. I don't hate them but I really don't like them a lot! I struggled with ideas...what could I throw into a goodie bag that wouldn't be considered "junk"? Two years ago, my brother and I screenprinted t-shirts for the kids and it was a hit. I considered it this time around but the kids were of all ages and I wasn't sure about sizing and who was coming. So, in the end, I decided to make homemade lollipops with Ms. Bean. It seemed simple, sweet and easy, or so I thought. 

The process itself was really easy but somewhere along the way, I failed in the flavor department. Not enough orange flavoring? Too much time on the stove made them taste slightly "browned"? The lollipops, in my daughter's words, "Tasted bad...like coffee". I couldn't blame her but boy were they beautiful shade of amber in the light. I wasn't about to serve them...so instead of swiftly throwing them into the garbage, I decided to photograph them first.  That's when my husband went to the grocery store to buy some cookies and chocolate to throw in the goodie bags instead...

Etsy: Lab Partners

I'm a little behind today because Ms. Bean had a small bout of the stomach flu -- and you know how that impacts the delicate balance of a household.

Anyhow, I've stumbled upon a new obsession -- Gocco printing. I've merely begun researching and trying to understand the technique but it sounds so easy and so rewarding once you've printed your own designs. In my search for gocco printing, I discovered Lab Partners on Etsy who create some marvelous prints that would be ideal in a kids room. I have a feeling you won't be hearing the last of Gocco printing from me.

Rinki - Highchair

I'm amazed at the progression of children's furniture these days. Just when you think it's been done, along comes an innovative design that makes you stop and stare. The Rinki Highchair by Seimi is one such design that converts from a stool to highchair -- growing with the child! As a consumer and parent, you've got to love stretching the lifespan of something that you've spent good money on.

Delta Baby Travel 2in1

Speaking of convertible design, the Delta Baby Travel 2in1 is absolute genius! A diaper/accessory bag that unfolds to reveal a baby bed for traveling?! I'm speechless...