etsy find: PCwoodcraftandPens

Need the perfect gift for the Dad who has everything? Check out PCwoodcraftandPens and their fantastic selection of hand-turned badger shaving brushes. The razor handles are stunning as well and far less expensive than the designs at specialty shaving stores.

home again

After an intense burst or traveling we are so happy to be home. Little Man had a blast road tripping down the Eastern seaboard and I am thrilled to report that he was meltdown free! I must give a lot of credit to inexpensive stickers. We grabbed a pack or two at nearly every grocery or drugstore we patronized.

etsy find: char's bead creations

Dangly statement earrings are all the rage this spring and Char's Bead Creations has a huge collection of fantastic chandelier designs made from woven thread. They are lightweight and swingy and look fabulous with jeans and a tee. I love that they don't get caught in my hair like beaded styles. There are lots of cute earrings available but is the unique and colorful thread designs that really set this shop apart.

monkey see, monkey do

If your little monkey loves animals half as much as mine does then you must pick up a set of these monkey doorhangers from The Container Store. They come in sets of three and are available in pink, green and brown and are on sale for $6.99.

tub o' fun

I have been hanging on to some empty oatmeal containers while I search for the perfect use. After Little Man and the cats broke my bamboo floor vase it dawned on me--fill the tub with rocks and branches for a spring arrangement.

I painted the canister with three layers of white acyclic paint and a medium-sized artist's brush. It took about 30 minutes for each layer to set and I left the final coat to dry overnight. At this point you can leave it white, paint it another color or attach paper or other decorations.

Drop in a few branches or dried flowers and, voila, spring has sprung! When the pussy willows are no longer seasonal I am going to try putting inside a plastic cup of water and some long stemmed flowers. Even if it gets knocked over the only cleanup is a minor water spill.

eat your greens

Little Man has always been a bit skeptical of broccoli (or any green thing that isn't a pea). So I was thrilled when he wolfed down a big helping of broccoli casserole and asked for more. The savory custard base works best on pre-cooked vegetables if they are crunchy but in a serious time crunch you could add a bit of water and cook for a few minutes longer.

Mix together:

* 1 cup whole milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
* 2 large eggs

and pour over one bunch of broccoli (about 1.5 pounds).

Top with:
* 1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs
* 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Bake at 350°F until the custard sets, about 30 minutes.

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.