Eco Friendly Snacking Solution

It is ridiculous that for the past 18 months snacks have become such a crucial and important part of my life.  Packing the wrong snacks or forgetting them altogether can basically ruin my day.  The 5-10 minutes it takes the Little Monster to polish off a box of raisins is about as much time I have to do pretty much anything.  I laugh at the sales people who ask if I want to try something on.  I have to explain to them that as soon as that box of raisins runs out that sweet innocent little boy turns into a screaming impatient devil child.

Of course all snacks don't come in the perfect sized little packages that we need and I'm always looking for containers that aren't too bulky for holding these life saving snacks.  I absolutely hate plastic baggies as they are just so extraordinarily wasteful.  Also they don't sell Ziploc in the UK so whatever stash I currently have will have to hold me over until my next trip to the states or I make so unfortunate visitor smuggle them in.  So the Ziploc baggies in my drawers are a hot commodity in this house.

On my recent trip back to the states I found these cutest little reusable lunch and snackbags at b.granola, an super mommy friendly eco boutique in Tenafly, NJ.  They are made by Sugar Booger who have a line of very creative yet useful line of baby products.  I love that the snack sacks come in 3 very convenient sizes in super fun prints.  The flat pouches are so much easier to lug around instead of bulky plastic containers.  How can you not resist the matching lunchbox???  The best part is that you end up doing a small part for the environment.

https://www.oreoriginals.com/estore/loadCatalog.do?categoryId=23
https://www.oreoriginals.com/estore/loadCatalog.do?categoryId=26
http://www.bgranola.com/merchant2/

Skinnie Minnie

Part of being a mommy is being able to get dressed quickly without having to really think about what you are putting on.  At the same time this outfit must be fully functional for chasing around a crazy toddler while being somewhat stylish.  I basically live in J Brand skinnies because they are such a great fit, look great on and act as a chic base to any outfit.  The best part is to get the jeans with stretch in fabric so you don't feel restricted when about.

The 910 skinny low rise are on the top of my list because the ankles are super skinny and the shorter inseam is the perfect length for me.  I find this to be one of the most versatile styles in my wardrobe and can be dressed up or down.  My new favorite are the 901 legging jeans because they are extra stretchy and lightweight for the summer.  J Brand also has a great selection of high waisted jeans that definitely help contain the post baby flab that has become a permanent fixture on my stomach.    I finally bit the bullet and got a pair of Houlihan skinny cargos that everyone has been raving about.  It's such a great alternative to jeans and definitely gives an outfit some edge while being very functional.  I absolutely love the zip on the ankle and wearing the cargos unzipped totally changes the look.  I'm contemplating a pair of wide leg jeans to really mix things up.

With so many different styles, cuts, colors, and options you are sure to find your perfect fit.  Once you put on that perfect pair of J Brands it will be hard to take them off!

http://www.jbrandjeans.com/

Norwegian Functionality

I had pretty limited options when we were looking for a crib when I was pregnant because the nursery in our old flat was a teeny tiny little room.  The best option for us was the Stokke Sleepi and at the time I wasn't completely sold on the shape.  But the Sleepi has completely grown on me and I absolutely love it.  The oval shape makes the crib extremely versatile and easily fits into any room without overwhelming the space.  The Sleepi is actually much bigger than it looks and the little monster is so comfy sleeping in it with the curved ends.  He loves loves loves his crib and actually tries to climb into it at bedtime.  I was concerned because the bedding options are quite limited for the Sleepi and went with the gray crib and neutral bedding which looks lovely in his room.

People make fun of me because I'm actually on my third highchair!  It's so hard making a decision on something I have to use 3 times a day with an insanely fussy eater without having any previous experience.  Mealtimes are really stressful around here and having to use an annoying highchair just puts me over the edge.  The Stokke Tripp Trapp was actually my first choice but I became concerned about the little monster tipping it over.  I should have just bought the Tripp Trapp in the beginning because I am so pleased with it!  The quality is amazing and I love that it fits under my dining table.  The monster has never really enjoyed eating off of trays and has always done better eating with us on the big table.  The infant seat keeps him contained while the footrest makes mealtimes a little more comfy.  The great thing is that the infant seat comes with glider extensions so my fear of the chair tipping over is solved.  How much fun is it that this highchair comes in so many color options.  You are definitely sure to find one to match any decor!  The Tripp Trapp is definitely functional and stylish at the same time. Of course the best part is that it is easy to clean.

Stokke definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to making well designed, expertly crafted, and insanely functional furniture for children!

http://www.stokke.com/

Haute Parisian Jewels

I have a slight obsession with the French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, especially the Alhambra Collection.  I love the quatrefoil motif as it is just such a classic and stylish design.  I always wear my Alhambra Vintage yellow gold and mother of pearl bracelet that goes with just about everything I wear.  My husband gave it to me for our first wedding anniversary making it that much more special.  I also think that the turquoise pieces are just so special and stunning.

Escaping into a Van Cleef & Arpels boutique makes you feel like you are experiencing a rich part of history.  With Van Cleef making the most exquisite jewels for some of the most famous royals and celebrities in history we can momentarily step into their world and feel just as glamorous as they did.

http://www.vancleef-arpels.com/en/van-cleef.html#/home/

Back From the States

We just landed back in London after a whirlwind 2 week trip back to visit my family in New Jersey.  With my mom's kitchen being under renovation we snuck off to Orlando for a couple of days where the Little Monster had the time of his life!  Disneyworld was hot, humid, and sticky but very much worth it to see those huge smiles on his face.  Then we checked out Sesame Place in PA and now the Little Monster has a full on obsession with Elmo.  It's pretty much the only word he says right now.  I am completely exhausted and hope the jetlag won't be too bad!

My Traveling Companion

One of the toughest changes (well this is a totally superficial complaint) with mommyhood is having to put most of my pretty pretty handbags in their dustbags to be stored in the sad lonely closet.  Of course I do visit often dreaming of when they will be able to come out and play again.  I don't see this happening anytime soon with the amount of crap I have to schlep around with me just to get through the day.  I thought that it would get better as the little monster got older but the list of "crucial" thingies just gets longer.  Replace bottles, formula, bibs, muslins with Thomas the Tank Engine, stickers, coloring books, mini diggers, snacks, snacks and more snacks.

I'm just so incredible picky when it comes to handbags and have a really difficult time just buying a babybag even though it will probably make my life easier.  Since I spend so much time in the park and starting to travel alone I urgently needed a very practical handsfree bag.  Of course without having to sacrifice style!  I ended up getting the Storksak Emily in black nylon and absolutely love it!  It has so many freaking zippers and compartments so that I'm not constantly digging around looking for crap.  Plus the the two zip pockets in the side for bottle/sippy cups is the best idea ever.  It's great because the long straps fit over the buggy handle bar while making it easy to carry the bag cross body as well.  And the best part is that it holds a ton of stuff!

http://www.storksak.com/ 

Vintage Chic Online Boutique

I am completely and uterly addicted to internet shopping.  I mean how else am I supposed to get anything done with a toddler that screams everytime we walk into a shop.  Bribes such as toys or snacks only get me a little bit of time and forget luxuries such as trying things or waiting for a sales person to find a size in the back.

There is such an overwhemling amount of online shops in cyberworld and it is always so refreshing to find a boutique that has an unique selection of well made children's items.  One of these amazing online boutique is Sisters Guild that carries the sweetest and very creative variety of products for little ones.  I love how their selection is vintage inspired and they stock everything from clothing, accessories, toys, party decor to home items.    I have my eye set on a mini nuage bracelet by Hop Hop Hop.  I love that the jewelry by Hop Hop Hop is for mommy and kiddie too!  Anything you order from their site has been hand selected my fellow mommies who run the boutique so you are sure to be getting a great buy.

Be sure to follow along with the Sisters Guild's chic and stylish blog as well!

http://www.sistersguild.co.uk/index.php

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Me and my little monster are off on holiday to the States for 2 weeks.  Of course I haven't packed a thing and still in denial about traveling alone with a insanely active toddler who never ever ever sits still.  May the force be with us!

I'm traveling light so won't be lugging my laptop with me this trip.  I'll try to pre-write some posts to put up over the next couple weeks but it depends on how much I manage to get done this evening.  

Please don't forget about us and will be back with lots of goodies to report!

xox

Chores Chores Chores...

No matter how many loads of freaking laundry I do the hamper is always busting out full and I will never ever ever see the end of this super annoying chore.  If only I had one of these amazing laundry rooms than maybe washing clothes won't seem that bad.  Then again if I could afford to have one of these rooms in my house I could probably afford to hire someone and pawn off my laundry!

http://www.casasugar.com/

http://coreasotropa.wordpress.com/

http://paloma81.blogspot.com/

http://www.marthastewart.com/

http://decorhappy.blogspot.com/

Insanely Chic Blogger Style

I just came across a fabulous blog from an email I received from Who What Wear and I am now seriously seriously obsessed with Blair Eadie of Atlantic Pacific.  Blair is so ridiculously and insanely chic beyond chic that I'm almost speechless at how amazing her look is.  Her style has a real old fashioned glamour look a la Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O. mixed with a modern casual elegance.  I love how Blair is able to mix preppy, edgy, and glamour seamlessly with her truly unique and inspiring looks.  

My absolute favorite thing about Blair's wardrobe is that it is filled with affordable high street brands like Zara, Gap, Banana Republic, and J. Crew but with her touch the pieces look so much more expensive and special.  It's great to see her mix it up with some classic investment pieces such a her grey mock croc YSL Muse and her black Chanel tote.  Love love love that she works the same pieces in different looks showing us how to get more use out of simple pieces.  I am very into layering as I think it is just so damn practical while looking fabulous and Blair really has the art of layering down from jewelry, accessories, and clothing. 

I'm definitely going to be staying up again drooling over all of these incredible outfits and it's definitely time to start reworking my own closet.  A close friend has coined the term "Gymboree Chic" and I'm definitely falling into this slump.  Blair's looks are super inspiring and I need to freshen up my look!

http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/style-stalker-blogger-blair-eadie/

My Interview with The Little Style Book

One of the best websites around for us mummies and mummies-to-be is definitely The Little Style Book.  The Little Style Book is just filled with the most relevant and useful information on almost everything we mummies need from their amazing black book of the best shops, where to do pregnancy yoga, nursery inspirations, to my favorite part the family friendly travel guide.  The founder Katherine Elphick has put together the chicest of chic mummy bible so we can just explore all the amazing finds without have to do any dirty work!

I am absolutely honored that Katherine contacted me for an interview on The Little Style Book.  I find Katherine so inspiring especially for being a super entrepreneurial mummy.  I can't even believe that I am on the same list as her other interviewees who are also amazing mums and savvy businesswomen.  

Be sure to check out my interview with The Little Style Book and try out some of the fabulous features on the site!  

http://www.thelittlestylebook.com/little-magazine/interview-with-angela-lo-of-lattes-and-juice-the-super-stylish-mummy-blog/

Teeny Tiny Toms

I fully intend on living in my TOMS this summer as they simply are the most comfortable shoes I own.  I love how simple and chic they look while going with almost anything in my wardrobe.  They just scream summer and I feel like I should be standing around eating an ice cream cone when I have them on.  Ok I will use anything as an excuse for ice cream!  The most amazing thing about TOMS is that they donate one pair of shoes for every pair sold to a child in need.  

I cannot resist these Tiny TOMS for infants and toddlers.  They are just the most adorable shoes I have ever laid my eyes on.  The velcro strap makes putting them on a simple task rather than struggling with buckles or laces.  Plus they are very light weight, breathable, and have a flexible rubber sole helping these busy toddlers with their walking.  I just purchased the navy ones with the toggle in the back.  How very preppy they look and just need to find a yacht to hang out on...

Don't forget to pick up a pair for daddy too!

http://www.toms.com/youth/tiny

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/P9.jhtml?itemId=cat25070735&parentId=cat24930737&masterId=cat10130734&cmCat=

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/toms/kids-shoes?campaign=0606hpstory1&origin=hp

Howdy Y'All

The little monster was born in the year of the cow and my mom is always looking for little moo moos for him.  We purchased this adorable bouncy cow Howdy by Trumpette from Barneys when I was very very pregnant.  I had only known Trumpette for making all of those super cute sock sets and was thrilled to find out that they make so much more.  Howdy is still one of the monster's favorite toys and it has gone from a chew toy to finally it's intended use as a bouncy ride on.  What I love about Howdy is that he is not too big in size and just so freaking cute.  I definitely don't mind having him hang out in our living room.

http://www.trumpette.com/howdy.html

http://www.barneys.com/Howdy-Bouncy-Rubber-Cow/00454403004309,default,pd.html

Circle of Moms Top 25 Kids' Style

I would just like to thank everyone again for voting for me in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Kids' Style blogs.  I truly appreciate everyone's support and you know how to make a girl feel special!

Here is the link to my first ever interview!

xoxo

http://www.circleofmoms.com/article.php?article_id=615#item_2

Our First Guest Post by Stroller in the City

So excited to be “guest blogging” for Lattes and Juice.  Since we are both new to the blogging scene,  I feel like we had an instant connection.  Also, it’s interesting that we have similar tastes even though we live in different countries.

In August 2008, I became a mom when my son Ryder was born. NYC has so much to offer for little ones which I was oblivious to pre-baby. I decided to start posting about places to shop, eat and play and suddenly Stroller in the city was born. Here, I will share my top 5 favorite children’s boutiques in NYC.

1. Crew Cuts

www.jcrew.com

Crew cuts, which is the children’s division of J. Crew, is my favorite place to find all of Ryder’s basic essentials, such as graphic tees and skinny jeans. Starting at size 2 toddler, I had to wait for him to sprout a bit so he fit into some of these goodies. I’m so excited to have a baby girl on the way to purchase all of the trendy styles but of course, I have to wait to get her into them since she’s not here yet and I’m due in 3 wks. Wish they would make baby sizes already J

2. Babesta 

www.babesta.com

Located in the heart of Tribeca, Babesta is my go to store for all baby gear needs, such as cribs, strollers, bedding, etc. They also have another store a few blocks away stocking only the coolest clothing in town, including my beloved Creative Recreation sneaks.

3. Sweet William

www.sweetwilliamltd.com

I cannot say enough how much I love love love Sweet William. With two locations, one in Soho and the other in Brooklyn, you will never leave this store empty handed. Stockists include: Wovenplay, Atsuyo et Akiko, Mini Rodini and Bobo Choses. They never fail to have the chicest clothing and accessories on hand.

4. Yoya

www.yoyanyc.com

Yoya is located in the uber trendy Meatpacking District.  I use to have my business down there so I always made sure to stop and shop here while I was preggers with Ryder. My husband wanted to kill me because Ryder had a bigger wardrobe than him even before he was born! Whenever I’m in need of a special gift, I make sure to go to Yoya. Oh yeah, make sure to have lunch at Pastis afterwards.

5. FAO Schwarz

www.fao.com

FAO Schwarz is a NYC landmark and a must see for kids of all ages. We try to stop in every time we venture uptown. My son loves all of the plush and very oversized stuffed animals that are displayed in the front of the store. Stocking only the newest and coolest toys, you name it and FAO carries it. Make sure to check out the dance on piano before leaving this three story “childrens paradise”. And I promise you, your children will NOT want to leave.

www.strollerinthecity.com

The Spectacular Mr. Boddington's Studio

To say that I have an obsession with stationary is definitely an understatement.  I have been obsessed with stationary ever since elementary school and still have my Hello Kitty collection almost entirely intact.  Boxes of pencils that have never been sharpened, stickers kept in the plastic packaging, perfect untouched erasers, fresh notepads, and loads of letter paper and envelopes.  I have no idea what I will ever do with this stash but I just can't bring myself to mark up any of it!

Since of birth of the little monster there have been so many occasions for me to get personalized stationary and I will use anything for an excuse to place an order.  I am particularly into letterpress stationary as I love love love the vintage feel.  One of the most incredible printers around is Mr. Boddington's Studio from NYC and I am completely obsessed with everything they design.  Their creations are so unique, quirky, and just so much fun.  The color palette that they use is so fresh and inspiring making it virtually impossible to make up your mind when placing an order.  I think the best part of their stationary is the most awesome lining for the envelopes.  It's just so unexpected and sure to put a huge smile on the recipients face. 

When you send out a card from Mr. Boddington's Studio it's sure to be one of a kind and will impress anyone who is lucky enough to be on the other end!

http://www.mrboddington.com/

My Guest Blog on Stroller in the City

I am so delighted that I was asked to do a guest blog post on one of my favorite sites Stroller in the City.  Please check out my Top 5 London shops and be sure to read up on all the amazing shopping and fabulous kid friendly recommendations in NYC!

http://www.strollerinthecity.com/