Cute? Yes. Cuddly? Yes. A little bizarre and screwy looking? Yes.
That's how I describe these stuffed animals from Donna Wilson, the collection being called simply "Donna Wilson Creatures." And 'creatures' is really the only way to describe this eclectic mix of plush creations which includes a snail named Stick, a dog named Oscar, and several mystery creatures named things like Stripey Head, Peeping Tom, and Angry Ginger. They look hand-drawn and unique, which I love, but most of them also have eyes that sit way too far apart, which I don't like (makes them look like they're missing a chromosome or something). Prices range from $84 to $164 each.
Baller Toys is a new website designed to bring you the very best in glamorous home entertainment--and we're not talking TVs and stereos!
Above is the Climatech 1001 Climate Controlled Cabinet Humidor. At $4,695.00, it is the least expensive of the four humidors available from Baller Toys.
Some exclusive items from the luxury website include:
The world's most expensive Barbie doll debuted her flashy self in Mexico City this week, sparkling from head to little plastic toes in diamonds and white gold, and honoring the release of her newest film "Barbie and the Diamond Castle."
Intended only as a publicity stunt (don't expect to see her sitting next to 'Surfs-Up Beach Barbie' on Walmart shelves this Christmas) she was adorned with 318 diamonds total, displayed on a tiny tiara, earrings, necklace, bracelet, ring, and slippers. She's valued at 1 million pesos, or about $94,000.
I think the best part of her outfit has be the diamond Barbie ring -- several things are out of realistic proportion when it comes to Barbie but imagine the relative size of that rock! I bet Ken is feeling a little inadequate about now...
Evian has launched a new, smaller bottle of water -- with kid-friendly graphics and a reminder to moms that a few laps around the playground do leave Junior rather parched. The 330 mL mini bottle was designed to fit neatly into a kid's lunchbox, a child's grip and the back to school shopping list. The six-pack of French Alps water has a suggested retail price of $5.99 and will arrive on shelves this month.
Move over tie-dying...painting polo shirts is the new birthday party craze. Ralph Lauren took the scrambling through the craft-store out of the equation for your little one's next bash by offering the Paint Your Polo kit for $45. The kit is intended for kids age six and up and includes a boy's or girl's white polo shirt in varying sizes, bright non-toxic paints, sponge brushes, a stamp, and instructions all in a festive paint can. 100% of the proceeds will support the Pediatric Art Program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. On their website you can see other kids' creations as well as download tips for throwing a paint party. Kids wearing their own fashion -- now that's a sweet statement.
Nineteen to-covet designers including Oscar de la Renta, Manolo Blahnik, Alberta Ferretti and Christian Louboutin are teaming up with Warner Brothers and Swarovski to reinvent Dorothy's ruby slippers to commemorate the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. This time, we're not in Kansas anymore. Based on some of the designer sketches we've seen, we're talking Swarovski-fied, ruby red protect-me-from-the-evil-witch stilettos. Basically what sweet little Anne Hathaway could have used in The Devil Wears Prada.
Each designer will craft a mere two pairs, and the shoes will make their debut September 4 during New York Fashion Week, posing in Saks Fifth Avenue's window before moving on to Miami's Art Basel and further appearances throughout 2009. The iconic slippers will then be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Minnesota Mom Jill Youse started sending her own breast milk to Africa in 2006, soon after which she began helping other moms around the country do the same through her organization, the International Breast Milk Project (IBMP). In just the past couple of years IBMP has successfully shipped over 85,000 pounds of milk to infants in Africa, primarily babies fighting illnesses that often abate when breast milk is introduced. Youse set up a program for women who have suffered the loss of an infant through the Madison Cassady Program , so that grieving mothers who still had milk stored in their freezers didn't have to throw it all away. Also distributed in the U.S. to children born prematurely or whose mothers cannot produce milk, donations are made easy for moms. Coolers and the necessary equipment arrive shipped to their doors and are later picked up and sent to babies in need. Even FedEx has chipped in to provide transport for the mothers' milk. Recognized as one of "Earth's Mothers" by Oprah Winfrey a little over a year ago, Youse and IBMP are revolutionizing how new moms think about breastfeeding, convincing them to add a few more mouths along the way.
Jenny's Light is a charity devoted to raising awareness about perinatal mood disorders. The organization was founded by the family of a woman named Jenny who suddenly took both her and her husband's life while suffering from untreated post partum depression. Jenny's Light funds research into post natal mood disorders and also provides support to women suffering from the darkness and hopelessness that sometimes occurs after giving birth. Help shine light on this serious health issue, donations are greatly appreciated as much research still needs to be done!
I came across this gem while browsing pictures of unique children's rooms. Named The 1984 Fishbowl, this revamped design by Danny Cheung putts a modern twist on the age old glass fish bowl. It's quirky shape is eye catching, the windows are made of magnified glass providing a detailed look at your goldfish, while the opaque walls provide refuge. I love the retro look of this funky little fish bowl, it would make a stylish addition to any room, and I imagine kids would go nuts for it. Available online for $430.
Project Morry is an organization that provides year-round summer camp type programs for disadvantaged youth who would otherwise not be able to benefit from such activities. Campers come from schools within the New York Metropolitan Tri-State area and are selected based on their financial situation, their leadership potential, and their ability to work productively within a group. Children who attend experience increased social skills, enhanced self-esteem and leave with a more positive outlook and an excitement about their future. Project Morry relies on public donations to keep these worthwhile programs working, learn more about how YOU can brighten a child's future. Morryscamp.org!
Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy are hoping they can use their combined star power to help raise awareness this week for the Green Our Vaccines march and rally. Jenny's son Evan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2005, and Jenny has been trying to help him and others by raising awareness of the possible link between autism and childhood vaccinations. The actors have joined with other national autism advocacy groups to press for the elimination of toxins from children's vaccines and to change children's vaccination schedules. It's always a heated debate, with facts and studies being presented on both sides, but a growing number of parents of autistic children believe that vaccines, especially those containing the mercury-based preservatives, are to blame for bringing on their children's autistic symptoms. Learn more about this weeks fund raising efforts here, and if you want to get involved in this movement now is the time!
While researching something for Luxist, I came across Styledrops, a fashion site for men, women and children that sells upscale Italian designer goods. For women, select from shoes, handbags, clothing and accessories. Same for men, minus the handbags. Kids get shoes and clothing. The site boasts "the best price you have ever seen on the Internet!"
A sampling of brands: Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Tod's, Hogan, Dior, Fratelli Rossetti, Ferragamo, Cesare Paciotti, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Frankie Morello. Check here for the whole list for women, men and kids. Choose by type of item, designer or price.
I haven't purchased from the site so I can't vouch for service or quality, but the site itself is easy to navigate and has some very high-end items.
Oobi Baby is a feel good company out of Sydney Australia that's been making stylish clothes for tots for the last eight years. What started as a mom and pop four person operation, is now one of the most in demand children's fashion lines, it's sold all over the world in the hippest kids boutiques. Oobi is recognizable by it's bold use of colors and funky patchwork applique detailing. The best part is that Oobi gives back! They donate a portion of their profits to Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, which helps Aboriginal women and their children in remote communities. Oobi also supports the Malawi Project, Youth Center for Orphans of HIV, World Vision and WISPA. Check out Oobi's website to view the complete line or purchase select pieces at the petittresor luxury kids online boutique.
As I get closer to my due date (mid July, yipeeee!) I realize what a monumental role the diaper bag plays in the whole baby paraphernalia ordeal. Women carry their diaper bags like they would a purse, so obviously a certain status symbol situation occurs, I'm starting to notice it everywhere I go, moms casually scoping out the other moms diaper bag. As far as brands go the must have diaper bag du jour is without a doubt, say it with me ladies.... Petunia Pickle Bottom. If you live in Orange County or LA you are probably sick of seeing the signature tweed tapestry-esque bags, every mom has one. They cost considerably more than the competitors bags, the most useful and desirable ones are around $350. The problem I'm noticing is that you can't really have just one! I was browsing the collection a few days ago and the color combinations are so specific (think pinks and browns...or blacks and reds) that even if I could afford one I would probably go into consumer panic and want either 2, or none at all! See for yourself why these are the must have diaper bags of the decade...petuniapicklebottom.com!
Charityfolks.com is auctioning off a chance to meet David Beckham at an LA Galaxy Game! Additional prize loot includes hotel and airfare, a meet-and-greet and photo op with David Beckham, a David Beckham autographed jersey, 2 VIP field seats to the game and a pregame tour of the stadium! The money earned from the auction benefits the Hattie B. Cooper Community Center. Located in one of Boston's poorest neighborhoods, the Cooper Community Center provides high-quality early education programs that encourage self-esteem, confidence, leadership and learning to at risk youth. Bidding is currently at $10,000 and is open until June 4th. What an amazing opportunity to help kids and attend a game in VIP style, I wonder if Posh will be there?
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I came across this gem while browsing pictures of unique children's rooms. Named The 1984 Fishbowl, this revamped design by Danny Cheung putts a modern twist on the age old glass fish bowl. It's quirky shape is eye catching, the windows are made of magnified glass providing a detailed look at your goldfish, while the opaque walls provide refuge. I love the retro look of this funky little fish bowl, it would make a stylish addition to any room, and I imagine kids would go nuts for it. Available 
