princess.

I've been told that if you have a girl, you have to be prepared for the {almost} inevitable: princess. Even if you're far from princess-y.. apparently it's easy for the daughter to be born with the drive to need pink and lace and tutus. Maybe even every single year for Halloween for... a while. {Any truth in this?}

Solution: Princess Tots Boutique. So many options! The tutus are custom made to fit your daughter's size, but a matching ribbon ties them in the back so there is room for growth! Sounds like a find if you're in the market!

dress-up.

I couldn't find the costume this year. I'm not really taking to the life-sized stuffed animal suits like I did when Cole was 7 months old.. but rather have been on the search for simple and unique. And then I ran across Baby Gadget's mention of Wovenplay. Their Pirate and Night are both fantastic. And if we're wanting something that no one else will be wearing: the Asterion is perfect! [Some available at Modern Child.]



"Rediscover the long lost art and imaginative play of childhood dress-up. Through fantasy and creativity, children compose, dream up, and happen upon endless voyages."

because letterpress + luxe cardstock tones down the skulls + crossbones:

1 Boo by Cartesian Graphics

2 Creeping Spider by hello! Lucky
3 Skull and Crossbones by hello! Lucky
4 BAT by B Designs

halloween.

Last year, Halloween was long anticipated. I had Cole's perfect costume months in advance, bought his first trick-or-treat bag, and was well stocked with handouts for visitors {just in case..}. This year has been different. I've made zero preparations {still no costume, etc.} and we've had little celebration. [It's been busy! That and we're between homes right now...] We made it to the grocery store last night for a mini pumpkin patch adventure and I've made pumpkin bread in the last month, but apart from my last second efforts, I suddenly feel hit with the responsibility to celebrate. I wish I was hosting a party, had the spookiest house on the block or at least organized a successful trunk-or-treat. And I'm realizing that more now than ever, I can encourage the candy apple and caramel corn and scarecrows that Halloween used to be. [I hope with all my soul that I'm never tempted by those "sexy" Halloween costumes that seem to be the modern costume market.. or even more so that I don't have a daughter who wants to become a Brat on the 31st.] That being said, I have to at least bring Halloween to Tangled and True! Read on...

[photo: Happy Halloween Garland by Martha Stewart crafts, $4.99]

virtual baby shower!

*it's a girl*

Congratulations, Rebecca Smylie. We {because this was decided weeks ago...} couldn't help ourselves. Your ardor and wit and urban charm was wholly deserving of a virtual baby shower.

rebecca smylie
due: january 6, 2008
expecting: a girl

her story:
My sister-in-law left a hurried and scattered birthday message. "Happy Birthday…Someday you'll have kids too and then you'll understand," she apologized. I smiled. Literally four minutes earlier, I had gone into the bathroom at work, listened to the president of the company talk about a benefit in the Hamptons, and found out that we were going to have a baby. (I took the test a second time just to make sure.)

I told my surprised husband at my birthday dinner that night; just handed him a card that said "Congratulations." He looked at the card, looked back at me, looked at the card, and whispered, "Are you pregnant?" We both just started laughing. (I think we've been laughing about it ever since.)

Just last week (after much deliberation, did we really want to know the sex?) we found out we're having a girl. She'll come sometime in early January, the twentieth grandchild (the fifth this holiday season—our family is exploding), and will commandeer our tiny Manhattan apartment. To be honest, we think she'll wear thick glasses, walk fast to get to the front of the line, and boss anyone who will listen. All of this, of course, as a prelude to her becoming the president of large company, attending benefits in the Hamptons…


I'm excited to be part of the celebration! May all this loot fit into your "tiny Manhattan apartment." More importantly, I hope you're still laughing.

Thanks to some amazing companies who are excited about giving, we have a party. Cheers to goodness! [Your gifts:]


[one] j. austin ryan



*modern hearts {001} size 18x18 and 1 1/2 inches:
With a bright white background, this hand-painted piece of work is electric. The hearts are bold and sure to make a statement in any room. Every piece is signed and numbered by artist Marnie Vollenhals.


[two] md moms


*spaaah baby gift set:
Pamper your tiny tot tip to toe with Baby Silk's most luxurious baby bonding essentials. Full sizes of Gentle All Over Clean Hair and Body Wash, Daily Skin Protection Moisturizing Balm and Delicate Skin Comfort Silky Liquid Powder are tucked in our signature Baby Silk aqua raffia bag (because Mom needs a little pampering, too!).


[three] klt works



*nest canvas tote:
A cute, all-purpose natural cotton tote bag, perfect for a trip to the market. The drawings on these totes are a silk-screened version of original drawings in thread using free-motion sewing.



*NEW! organic {nest and owl} onesies, size 3-6 months:
Sustainable Edition from American Apparel. Made of 100% fine ring-spun combed organic cotton. The drawings on these onesies are silk-screened versions of an original drawing in thread using free-motion sewing.


[four] petunia petunia

*lola rattles: one of each {french vanilla, caramel, hot fudge}:
She is the size of a really large scoop of your favorite ice cream, she soft & squishy, but doesn’t melt under pressure! Hand crocheted of cotton by one of our women’s co-operatives we work with around the globe. The perfect sweetness for the beyond ordinary child.


[five] the baby bunch



*yellow bunch, small:
The Baby Bunch is a blossoming selection of infant clothing presented as a bouquet of flowers that makes a unique gift for moms and dads in need of the essentials for baby. Each small yellow bunch includes: one bib, one t-shirt, one hat and four pairs of socks. All clothing is 100% cotton and aged for babies 0-6 months.


[six] julian and co


*{gift certificate for personalized} mini JULIAN & Co. for Mom necklace:
The Mini JULIAN & Co. for Mom pops with style as you celebrate your little one. Handcrafted sterling silver disc pendant measures 1/2 in diameter and is inscribed with choice of our baby hand or feet prints on the front and can be personalized with baby's name and birth date on the back. Hangs on a curb chain.


[seven] puj



*Go Sling in Florence:
Whatever the need, PUJ makes parenting easier. With the "Go" sling you're in and out in no time. No straps, no buckles, no zippers and no metal rings. Just throw it over your head and you're good to go. You can even put it on while holding your baby. It's comfy, it frees up both hands, and is machine washable. Your baby will love you for it.


[eight] babysparewear



*mini makeover kit in fuchsia:
Mini-mize fashion emergencies on the go. Leaks dribbles and spills...oh my! Our mini makeover kit is the simple way to prepare for your mobile mini’s unexpected wardrobe changes. A chic & compact short-sleeve tee and cozy pants make the perfect, pre-packed spare outfit for mom’s purse or dad’s car. Keep a spare everywhere. Custom baby jersey cotton separates made in Los Angeles.


[nine] momspit



*MomSpit tag team {1- 2oz. lemon, 1-7 oz. unscented}:
Contains everything but the kitchen sink: Momspit no-rinse cleanser is the accessory you need for life's chance meetings with dirt. It's tailor-made to fit your fancy 'cause fresh and clean never go out of style.


[ten] gigi blanki


{gift will differ from product featured}

*1 gigi blanki with off-white on the front and the limited edition "chic-cheetah" on the back:
Custom-made, designer baby blankets—just the right size for little hands and tiny cheeks! These decadent loveys are big enough to comfort little ones, but small enough to fit into a diaper bag and even your purse!


[eleven] little lark



*TWIG onesie, size 3-6 months:
Little Lark brings unique apparel for young children that isn’t limited by traditional colors and motifs. These super-soft onesies are made with 100% organic cotton. Once you see and feel one, you won’t want to put anything else on your baby.


[twelve] burpbees



*2 handcrafted burp cloths in "Neopolitan" and "Brown & Pink Dots":
These burp cloths are soft, super absorbent and machine washable. These are sure to be mommy and baby's favorite accessory. They are crafted to make a fashion statement while handling everyday baby messes.


[thirteen] pink dot press



*set of 10 baby pink tanks cards:
These delightfully designed boxed Tank You cards are printed on 100% recycled paper in shades of pink soy ink on a lovely 5.5" x 4.25" folded cream card, with the baby pink envelopes constructed using a percentage of post consumer waste.


[fourteen] fooey



*"Totally Rad" tank dress in 6-12m:
Like, no way! Totally AWESOME! Silver gray dress with pink & white design. 100% cotton racer back tank dress.




*"Pink Argyle" shirt in 3-6m:
Perfect for golf or yachting! Vintage pink shirt with tan, gold & brown design. 100% cotton short sleeve lap T-shirt.


[Total value: $596!]


Tangled and True virtual baby shower tips:

invite/announcements:

Bumble Ink's It's a Girl announcements are custom printed on heavy textured paper with your personalized message. They are a brilliant hue of pink and radiate retro yet sweet.

favors:

IZZE is naturally sweet. No refined sugar, no caffeine, no artificial anything, ever. It's just natural fruit juice with a splash of sparkling water. Naturally Delightful. Refreshingly Different. Match the flavor to your color scheme {in this case- pear}, and/or customize the bottles with personalized labels.

decor:

I love Binth for their original designs filled with imagination, fantasy and humor. They've recently created a modern take on the classic matching game: "a beautiful sliding box holds 48 sturdy tiles (24 pairs)." Made from recycled materials, water-based inks and laminated for protection. I say they would make a brilliant mobile above a table or a unique table confetti as a center piece. {And then transform them back into a matching game after the party...}

And for some great deals to any of our readers:
*J. Austin Ryan is offering 20% off any item with promo code "JAR20" at checkout!
*Babysparewear is giving a 10% discount and free shipping on any item until 12/31/07. Enter "virtual shower" at checkout.
*Gigi Blanki is offering 10% off the shopper's entire order....need to stock up for the holiday baby gifts! {follow specific link here.}

{winner!}

Today is a day of winners. These kind of days are good.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Cake giveaway. I hope you have a chance to enjoy their products. Cake has become part of my routine and I would be lacking without it.. Pure delight, really.

The winner is Jus who said, "mmmm how I love bath products I have to stop myself from eating ;)" I hope you enjoy them, Jus! Please send me your shipping information and we'll get those off to you shortly.

Be sure to stop by the party today!

you're invited!

*it's a girl!*

come celebrate tomorrow:
tuesday, october 16th
virtual baby shower #2
in honor of... {?}

[what is a virtual baby shower? look here.]