Lincoln Logs

Forget the Elmo Condo Kit or the Dora the Explorer Erector set, we like the classics like the
Lincoln Logs Commemorative Edition

Not plastic, but good old fashion wood, just like a log cabin should be. Interesting fact, Lincoln Logs were designed by John Llyod Wright, son of Frank Llyod Wright. A perfect pedigree to get you or yours bitten by the architecture bug. First a little cabin on the dining room table, next that getaway in Tahoe, it's always good to start small.

The Joke's on You

I had the squirt ring, the magic ink, and the dribble glass but never had the honor of owning my own set of X-Ray Specs although I coveted them in the colorful ads in every one of my Richie Rich comics. Now I can fulfill my dreams of x-ray vision as well as obtaining an always comical snake in the can, money snatcher and the classic fart whistle. All for the low low price of $22.00 in the Jokes On You Prank Kit from Restoration Hardware. I just hope that they come out with one of those seven foot long cardboard submarines next.

Yo Gabba Gabba Merch!

You knew it was just a matter of time before the Yo Gabba Gabba merch parade started to beat it's drums down xmas list lane. Kid Robot has opened the floodgates of goodies for kids and those who refuse to grow up. There are 7 inch dolls for each character, t-shirts and super cool (albeit pricey) hoodies for the whole family. I know what's on my letter to Santa!
For more go to: www.kidrobot.com

Baby L.A.M.B. Shoes

Motherhood brings many things, sleepless nights, a endless string of colds and the eventuality that you'll spend more on your toddlers clothes than your own. The last is really hard since there are so many companies making ridiculously cute apparel for the under five set.

When torn with the option of buying a sweet pair of kicks for your weekend outings or grabbing a set for your 2 year old especially with L.A.M.B's (from pop icon Gwen Stefani) adorable and very sturdy slip on shoes for the kiddies. And what toddler doesn't need a pair of gold sneakers!?!

Check them all out here: www.lambshoes.com

Ikea Family Magic

As much as I like to do my "trading" at local mom and pop establishments, sometimes you just can't resist a Home Furnishing Super Store like IKEA. I never appreciated their dorm room aesthetics and disposable functionality until giving birth to a child. As you all know, things drastically change after your create a child so any family friendly perks from restaurants, stores and establishments is like a gift from the parenting gods. Here is a list of my four favorite family feats that Ikea perform:

• FAMILY PARKING - Right next to the handicapped section is a close to the entrance area of parking just for those with little ones in tow. I always hate navigating a busy parking lot with a stoller, and this makes it safer and quicker.
• BREAKFAST- It ain't the Ritz but when your starving and need a wee fit of fuel to go test out the Linnarps, Leksvik and Lunnas than the $0.99 breakfast that includes eggs, potatoes and bacon sure can hit the spot.
• DINING ROOM - At our last visit. While we wolfed down the special of Swedish pancakes with Cranberry sauce, our toddler ran wild in the kid zone which features a bunch of those wooden bead games, tiny table and chairs and a TV showing the Jungle Book. Plus they have kids plates, kids cutlery, bottle warmers, bibs and about a thousand high chairs. Why can't every restaurant be like that?
• RANDOM FUN ZONES - Throughout the store are set ups of kid table and chairs with various toys there for their amusement while mommy and daddy argue over what stain of wood they want for their Hensvik shelving unit.
• THE KID SECTION - Our kid would be happy if we just deserted her there for a day or two. She loves to explore the different room set ups, tying out each and every bed, playing in the tents, and of course going down the slide a dozen or fifty times.
  
• BABY SITTING - And if your kid is old enough, they can hang out in the childrens only childcare center! Slides, play structures, coloring and a giant clog are all there to keep them busy while you get your shopping on.
  

Here are a few of our favorite kiddie things they currently have in stock:

KRYP - Soft Bat Toy $3.99
Mala - Easel - $19.99
Agen Chair - $19.99

Atoll Segel quilt cover and pillowcase- $14.99
Bastis Krona - $69.99
okay, this is actually a dog/cat bed - but can't you see your baby lounging on it?!?

Little Marc Store Opens in NYC

For those of you in NYC hanging out in the fashion friendly district of the West Village, this week marks the opening of Marc Jacob's 6th boutique in that one small neighborhood (the NYCTimes equated the onslaught of Marc Jacobs boutiques to a Starbucks like outbreak). But this one ain't for you, it's for your kid. Yes, he has opened a store dedicated to his Little Marc line featuring mini-military style jackets, shirts and dresses in his signature prints and $400 cashmere sweaters about which Jacobs quotes his grandmother, who "always said, "I'd rather you have one very nice, high-quality sweater than six low-quality sweaters.'" (cookie mag).

Oh and word on the street is, as an opening special, the Little Marc store is having a 70% off sale on last seasons goodies. If you are in the area you should rush down and get that cashmere sweater for your tot for a mere $120. Still, for something they're going to wear for 6 months, that 's $20 a month for winter warm style.

DJ Lance Rock

For those Yo Gabba Gabbers out there...the once and only DJ Lance Rock will be on tour with the Aquabats for their "Holiday Extravaganza". DJ Lance Rock will be the first one to play at 8pm. Here are the dates!
November 26.......El Corazon ..............Seattle, WA
November 27.......Wonder Ballroom .........Portland, OR
November 28.......Slim's...................San Fransisco, CA
November 29.......Downtown Brew............San Luis Obispo, CA
November 30.......The Glass House..........Pomona, CA
December 1........The Marquee Theatre......Tempe, AZ
December 8........SOMA.....................San Diego, CA

I have my fingers crossed that Brobee, Plex or any of the gang will show up. My name is Sugar and Snails and I like to dance!