KidsHaus

Beaba Potty

You guessed it...we're starting to dabble in potty training with our youngest, Clara. She's been watching her sister and is curious about absolutely everything -- it's true what they say about the second child. I came across the Beaba Ergonomic Potty and it just looks "friendly" and comfortable (for a potty). The design is streamlined so that the insert just pops out and has a non-slip base. The black & white version is nice for those of us who like our potties to be a bit discreet.

Gloggomobil

Designed by Herbert Bahli in 1983 for Naef Toys, Switzerland, the Gloggomobil is probably the most stunning and educational music toy ever created. Your child can create his or her own music by moving the studs on the barrel. Using the principal of the barrel-organ, when the studs on the barrel are struck, melodies are created and carried through a mechanism much like the Glockenspiel. The Gloggomobil is made entirely by hand by Swiss craftsmen who spend several days making one of these.

Otto Playmat

The Otto Playmat is a felt and rubber-backed figure eight that can be used for hours of play time (think race track!) and when it's time to clean up -- the playmat can stay put and blend into the decor.

Baby Dinner Set

If you're looking for a special gift for a child, this hand-thrown bowl, plate and matching linen placemat set is pretty whimsical and cute...
 

Oloop Squareplay

I know what you're thinking when you first look at the Oloop Squareplay. It's very cool but wouldn't that pose a risk for suffocation? The Oloop Squareplay is constructed of breathable fabric and won the Red Dot Award: Design Concept: Best of the Best: Education 2007. It's unique design makes it so  that it can be used in numerous ways. You can play inside or outside of it and they say that it can be used outdoors as kindergarten playground equipment. (via Small Magazine)

 

Kids Corners

In our house, we have a few favorite "corners" that the girls' use for reading, daydreaming, playing or whatever strikes their fancy at that particular moment...we know how those moments fleet from second to second. I thought I'd share a few of our favorite corners and hope you'll share a few of yours. I'm also extending an invitation to a few of my favorite bloggers so we can take a peek into those sacred kid corners where the imagination runs wild.

The first photo is a sitting bench in the girls' room that they often use to pretend is a ship and there's hot lava below (I remember those days). The little wicker chair is in our living room and on a rare occasion I'll find the girls' reading a book or simply staring out the window -- waiting for Daddy's car. The bottom two photos are from our sunroom (aka playroom) that desperately needs a paint job and a little love but the girls' use it constantly for everything. It's got so much natural light and is 100% kid friendly -- which has proven essential!


 

Seahorses

I'm not sure when my love for seahorses began but I believe it was the first time I took Ms. Bean to the aquarium and I sat there, enamored, by the delicate nature of these rather prehistoric little creatures. As soon as I laid my eyes on snaulkter's group of seahorse stuffies, I was smitten. She's a self-taught artist and mother with an obsession for seahorses...obviously.

Art: Molly Jey

Artist, Molly Jey, crafts these gorgeous one-of-a-kind paper sculptures delicately layered in a shadow box. It's tough to choose which one I like the most...they're all beautiful.

Skullcave

How fantastic is the Skullcave by Our Childrens Gorilla?! It's a lightweight, portable play-hut that rolls up into a compact cylinder when it's time to stash away in the closet. This would be a hit in our house, I'm sure.

Map Dinghy Drain Stopper

This  vinyl Map Dinghy Drain Stopper is ingenious! What a fun spin on a typically uninteresting object...

Storybook Birds

These handmade Storybook Birds are exceptionally adorable and customizable. You specify the name or word(s) to be spelled out, choose a color theme and *voila* -- a completely hand sewn banner to hang in your little one's room to add that special touch.

Carton Chic

The French company, Carton Chic, is certainly living up to its name. Do you recall turning cardboard boxes into an imaginary escape as a child? The possibilities were limitless. I remember making a spaceship, a house, a refrigerator...you name it. That's why I was immediately crazy about Armelle's fresh take on cardboard creativity. These cardboard pieces are reminiscent of the classic puppet theatre but instead it's a TV on one side and a kitchen on the other...fun!

L'Affiche Moderne

If you're looking for some unique art from across the Atlantic, L'Affiche Moderne, a French company selling posters from mostly French photographers, graphic designers and children's illustrators, has recently opened the English version of their online shop. Each poster is a numbered limited edition of 300. There are some lovely pieces for a kids' space and a grown-ups' space as well...

Car Litter Bags

When I first laid my eyes on these handmade litter bags by Bitsy Blossoms, I was thrilled! Of course there should be a pretty litter bag in my car since it seems that there is always a bottle cap, a cracker, a wrapper or chewing gum that needs to be discarded. I usually stuff it in the cup holder or a temporarily convenient spot until I get home. The patterns are all fabulous and you can buy a roll of biodegradable replacement baggies from Bitsy Blossoms as well, otherwise they fit a standard produce or pet bag. These would make a great gift as well.

Patterns

My sleep schedule is still off kilter but it also means that I'm enjoying the morning, so far, quietly sipping my espresso and writing a blog post in peace and quiet while everyone is still sleeping -- it's only a matter of time though. I was just sifting through some photos of our trip and wanted to share some cheerful patterns that we came across. It's getting my blood moving for Monday. Also, while I'm recalling our travels, I wanted to thank Erika from Mikodesign for giving me some terrific recommendations for restaurants and shops in Amsterdam and Esther from Babyccino for sharing her babysitter with us so my husband and I could have an evening out...which only turned out to be one glorious hour since a new person in a strange city didn't agree with the Mini...oh well...

Trish Grantham Nesting Dolls

We made it home yesterday and I'm feeling refreshed, believe it or not, after almost two years. Of course, giving birth and keeping up with two little girls doesn't allow much time to stop and recover -- so having my husband at arms length and stepping away from the daily routines at home was just what the doctor ordered. The girls' were awake and chirping for breakfast at 3 a.m. this morning so I just made myself a nice cup of espresso and started filling orders for eggs, orange juice and cereal. Good to be home.

So, though it's Saturday and I'm mentally preparing myself for Monday, I wanted to share Trish Grantham's new Russian nesting dolls on her etsy site. So adorable...

Art: Todd Karam

Local Seattle artist, Todd Karam, has got some sweet paintings that will be featured at his show entitled "Ordinary Objects" at the Suite 100 Gallery in Seattle this month...you can even purchase his pieces here. Todd's art has wonderful textures and layers...I love them...

Art: Stephanie Friedman

Hi! Remember me? We're getting close to wrapping up our European whirlwind tour and I'll be back to blogging on Monday...though my fingers are rusty and my brain a bit squishy. I would have written sooner but our internet connection has been horrible for the last week and a half. It was a good cleansing process to be completely disconnected though.

In the meantime, I've been fortunate to have had a handful of terrific artists email me their work during my holiday...so, until I return, I'd like to introduce you to Stephanie Friedman. Stephanie's sewn art pieces simply popped! They're cheerful, bright and would make brilliant art for a baby or child's space.