keeping track

I have found it easy to forget to add little milestones to Little Man's baby book and it often feels overwhelming to try and catch up. The Pocket Journal from Graphic Image makes it easy to jot down all of those special moments right when they happen. Any small datebook would work but I really like the small format, ribbon bookmark and easy care vinyl cover of the Pocket journal. If you are a New Yorker they make a city edition complete with subway maps, a calender of events and an address locator.

etsy find--MamaDama Designs

I love my Diva case from MamaDama Designs. It is slightly oversized to fit those dramatic shades so in right now. The construction is solid yet elegant and every piece is finished beautifully. I am looking at getting a clutch to store diapers and wipes as Little Man grows out of the need for a giant diaper bag. Right now MamaDama is offering specials on her gadget cases and small zip pouches--3 or 4 for $25, respectively.

a good read

Little Man can never get enough story time. But some of his books are a real chore for mom and dad to read over and over and over. We recently discovered the work of Kevin Henkes and the library and couldn't be happier. Our favorites are Kittens first Full Moon, winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal, and A Good Day. The stories are simple enough for a toddler to follow or read to himself without being too repetitive and the illustrations are positively charming.

etsy find--Paper + Ink Studio

Why ever did calling cards become obsolete? Well, bring them back with the wonderful designs from Paper + Ink Studio. Perfect for stay-at-home parents, the cards are also a lovely alternative to handing out your business card in social settings. I think they would be perfect for college students and freelancers as well. I am trying to decide between the Lulu and the Art Deco designs.

cheep cheep cheep

Time to start collecting blown eggs for spring decorations. I've never been a fan of hard cooked eggs and I don't have the space to store dozens of paper mache eggs in a closet. As a compromise I will be opening all of our eggs for the next couple of weeks using a pin and a bulb syringe.

Step 1--Pierce the top and bottom of the uncooked egg with a long pin or needle.

Step 2--Insert the pin/needle into the egg and wiggle it around. The goal is to break open the yolk be vigorous and work from both ends.

Step 3--Finally get some use out of that bulb syringe by using it to blow out the yolk and white.

Step 4--Rinse the shells under running water and blow them out again. Persnikity folks or those who will be filling the eggs with choclate will want to gently boil the eggshells for a couple of minutes.

get cookin'

The Weekly Dinner Planner at Epicurious is a real sanity saver. I'm not a fan of those cook-once-and-eat-chicken-all-week-long programs. It always seems like the last three days of the week have you eating progressively blander versions of soup. Not so with these menus. There is a little overlap--extra rice from Monday in soup on Thursday or broccoli twice in a week--but the food is fresh and interesting and the shopping list is fantastic.

Sticking to the pre-determined menus has lowered my grocery bill and exposed Little Man to foods I would never have imagined he would love. Everything from the Medina night--orange couscous, sauteed kale, spiced lentils and scallops--are on the most-requested list.

i love cabbage

And any excuse to eat it plain with butter. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

best tank ever

Straps wide enough to hide the now-required bra? Check

Long enough to avoid looking like a plumber when bending over? Check

Tight enough to keep playgroup from turning into a peepshow? Check

Inexpensive, available in many colors and machine washable? Check, check and check!

Drumroll please...

I present you the Women's Stretch Tank from Old Navy. Brilliant in all twelve colors, alone or under spring's crisp white jacket.

etsy find--LoveLeeSoaps

Featured on Martha Stewart and interviewed by etsy's The Storque, Leeana makes adorable pint-sized soaps. Many of her molds are handmade (meaning you won't find these designs just anywhere) and they are small enough to fit in little hands. Great for showers or gift bags, the fun scents and kooky shapes are a fantastic way to get kids excited about washing their hands. Who doesn't want to lather up with popcorn or a doughnut?

It's my party

Shopping for unique paper plates and napkins for your next party? Look no further than Plates and Napkins. They have everything from Cloisonne beverage napkins to a Surf's Up tablecloth.

I love to include pocket tissues in gift bags. I always keep a few on hand for diaper bag duty.

Under the weather

We've been fighting tummy bugs and blizzards here for what seems like forever. Luckily I had a copy of Food Adventures on hand and nursed us through on a steady diet of barley water, pureed carrots and potatoes and chicken soup with rice. And liberal doses of Advil Cold & Sinus for the adults, of course.