The Daily Stroll

Quote The Walls

I have to admit I was skeptical. Not about the product but about my ability to master this diligent task. I have been known to be impatient and I detest following directions, recipes, and am a bit clumsy. When I didn't  screw it up I was elated and couldn't stop looking at it.

What is "it" you ask? See those words above Ruby's bed, under the photo of her playing drums? That my friends is a quote. A quote from one of our favorite songs by The Cure, a quote that I was able to design every aspect of. Size, content, color, font. No this is not a dream- it is a reality and if you have some wall space to fill I would listen up.

It all started at Quote The Walls, an ingenious website with a great piece of software embedded that allowed me to design such a quote. You could have one GIANT word such as baby's name above his/her crib, or wrap your favorite poem around your living room- like I said, it's up to you. If you rather choose from their quote suggestions you can do that as well.

Prices range on size of quote, length etc. Application is very easy you just have to follow the directions but I promise you it's only about 4 steps. My experience may be different than yours, I had to be very gentle when removing the paper since the letters didn't want to stick immediately to the latex semi-gloss paint. I think it would work even better on a matte paint finish but I was patient, had a cocktail and it all worked out great. The company doesn't guarantee that you will be able to remove the quote with ease as every wall finish is different ,but having experienced the process I think that 99% of the time you could peel off the letters without issue. Besides- why would you ever want to remove it?

designer:: quote the walls

daily stroll readers receive 15% off of their order. use code: stroll
expires 2.29.08

**when you order this and complete the project send in photos please!! {contact AT thedailystroll.com}

Wednesday Sale Alert: Peapod- Will You Be My Valentine?

 

who:  PeaPod Announcements

what: skip store bought and go for super-duper this year!
Itty Bitty Valentines are perfect for kids all ages to give to
classmates and friends. Our favorites are GR8 DAY & Sweetheart.

when: Itty Bittys must be ordered by February 7th to avoid any
sad valentines. But, code will be available for all other products
until February 29th.

how much off: use code dailystroll20 at checkout and
enjoy 20% off any order.

where:  www.peapodannouncements.com 

Dear Daily Stroll: Birthday Outfits?

We received this note in our box:

My son's first birthday is this March and I've been looking for a special shirt and hat for him to wear when he dives into his first birthday cake and the paparazzi that is my family captures the moment.  I wondered if you have any ideas because so far I'm not inspired by anything I've seen (I haven't found much).

Thank you in advance!

Meredith

Our response was:

Ruby wore outfits for her 2nd and 3rd birthday and I plan to get one for her 4th from Liliputians-NYC!  Not to mention her little sister's 1st birthday! You can get an entire outfit or just a tee. We suggest entire outfit for that perfect photo op though and they make a wonderful heirloom!


- update- Meredith loves the idea! - thanks for a great question and Happy Birthday to your son!
Ooooo Lizzie I knew you would point me in the right direction.  Love these!  Thank you thank you!

Meredith

designer:: liliputians-nyc

photos of Ruby in her 3rd birthday outfit::

Spring Has Sprung

 

Well maybe spring hasn't sprung for you but it has for these designers. They are always ahead of the game (because they have to be). I am sure that you are aching for spring though and April showers may bring May flowers- but January freezing cold brings a longing for green grass, buds on trees, and swingy spring dresses for me.

So far my top picks for spring fashion come from BodenUSA and Baby Bean Vintage Daywear. Boden appeals to my dollar conscious, quality seeking self, while Baby Bean appeals to my love of vintage fabrics, impeccable craftswoman-ship, and giving the girls something so very special in the form of a one-of-a-kind dress.

They are yours for the salivating and if you are lucky enough to have sunshine (and warmth) all year 'round where you live, or if you are jetting to the islands for winter break, pack some Boden or some Baby Bean. You are welcome.

designers::

Baby Bean Vintage Daywear
BodenUSA

As usual the selections for girls are abundant. Leave a note in the comments if you have found great modern picks for baby, toddler boys and young men!

Baby Shower: BLUE

Do you have a baby shower around the corner? Is it for you? For someone else? Whether the theme is blue, pink, or yellow/green I just thought I would throw together a few days worth of cute gift ideas for mom-to-be and new baby. Stay tuned for pink and gender neutral next week but today is BLUE! Inspired by one of my best friends who is due very soon with baby boy #2. This one's for you!

-Hip swaddling blankets which I personally LOVE. Their muslin fabric is warm when wrapped snugly around baby and a perfect blanket for summer to drape over the stroller on walks. Keeps the bugs and sun away. aden + anais

-Handmade soft denim booties with contrasting cotton insole. Soft and just perfect for keeping little toes covered up. joujoux's shop

-100% organic cotton Mei Tai carrier. Newborn to toddler, many different ways to carry (hip, front, back etc.). The canvas cotton "gravel" fabric looks great on everyone and is just what the modern minimalist mom needs. catbirdbaby

-Designer labor/delivery gown. Look and feel great in your first photos with baby! 100% hospital staff approved cotton gown, monogram available. Many styles to choose from. A celebrity favorite.
dearjohnnies

-Send word of the baby shower of the year in style! Coordinating thank you notes available as well. Our pick is the Peek-A-Boo mom in BLUE. bonniestylepress

Matchmaker Matchmaker

Now this is the kind of memory game you don't mind scattered all over your family room floor.

BINTH (maker of awesome posters such as the alphabet one we have in Elkë's nursery) has designed a memory game which contains 48 sturdy tiles (24 matches) with hues of lemon, licorice, and lavender all screen printed using hand-mixed water based inks.

In their signature modern style, BINTH incorporates an eco-friendly approach into their designs, all the while keeping an eco-friendly goods and little hands in mind. The entire set is made from recycled materials and each card is laminated for protection and has rounded corners. After your little wonder is done matching or just throwing them around stack them up and slide them into their chic box which looks just perfect on your coffee table.

sold at:: spunky sprout

dailystroll readers receive free shipping on orders of $40+.
Use code:TDS-FREESHIPPING at checkout. expires 2.29.08.

WEDNESDAY SALE ALERT: THE BEAN'S CLOSET

When Only the Best Will Do…For Baby and You…
Baby Gifts*Room Décor*Keepsakes*Clothing*Totes*Baby Basics

Who?: The Bean’s Closet-An adorable and hip new baby site, for picky moms
who want the best for the babes!

What?: A great savings for Daily Stoll readers on all orders over $50.

When?: Jan 23rd-25th

How Much Off?:10% off orders $50 or more, plus free shipping!
Enter promotional code dailystroll.

Where?: www.thebeanscloset.com

Spotlight:: SitterCity

Making Valentine's Day Simple, Sweet and Secluded

So what if it's a Hallmark Holiday? Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to bring some romance back into the relationship (think: before children).

Whether you and your spouse head out for an elegant dinner or ditch the dining and head straight to a hotel, Sittercity.com has tons of babysitters with various schedules to accommodate your Valentine's Day date.

Need a sitter for a few hours during the evening? The entire weekend (lucky!)? With hundreds of thousands of sitters across the country, Sittercity can help you find the perfect match with their comprehensive sitter profile, which include:

• Availability schedules
• Background checks
• References and resumes
• Feedback and reviews from other parents
• Photos and videos
• Training and certifications
• …and more!

All of this, just a click away! It is truly that simple, but we know what you're thinking: "Is finding a babysitter online truly safe?"

On Sittercity, it is. As America's most trusted online source for sitters, they have safeguards in place to keep their site -- and your information -- protected and secure. From a four-step screening process and free access to background checks to profile privacy options and daily site security scans, you can rest assured that Sittercity cares as much about safety as you do.

So whatever your plans, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying yourself. To see how many sitters are near you, visit www.sittercity.com and enter your ZIP code in the search field to scope out the options before you sign up.

Eleven

Well I was going to freak out.

Ruby has been wearing See Kai Run shoes since she could walk and now she has almost reached their size limit as she is about to become a size 9. Freak out is an understatement, I mean we only like 2 or 3 shoe brands on the planet and See Kai Run has become a huge part of our lives. What do we do now? Well, luckily we have Eleven to turn to.

Looking forward to at least 4 more years of good solid shoes by the makers of See Kai Run, we can rest assured that Ruby will be kicking it into her youth with Eleven Collection (her little sister also reaps big benefits of her hand me downs). I just can't wait, and fortunately I don't have to for long. Neither do you. In mid-February if not before, Eleven Collection and its website will update with all of the stores where you can shop for this uber cool brand. There are going to be at least 125 of them including websites. So just in time for spring- think Eleven Collection. I know I will be.

Starting at size 9 (age 2.5 to 3) and going to size 1 (age 7 or so), Eleven Collection has comfortable, rugged, however chic shoes for your little man or little lady. When skipping through the playground the rubber soles are a must and the added bit coming up over the toe is a great bonus. No more freak outs over scuffed leather either. Thanks to designers Cause Haun and Nancy Coronado for your genius.

designer:: eleven collection

Oh Please Just Have Crayons

Do you find yourself thinking first not about what the restaurant that you and your family are about to embark upon serves and if the kids will like it, but if they have crayons to keep them busy? I do.

Sure crayons can only go so far but if you aren't hitting one of the chain family restaurants you may be in trouble from the start. The local golf club or sushi restaurant may not have anything for the kids to do, after all it's not really their responsibility. However you are sick of eating the chicken finger platter and if you see one more vinyl booth or balloon wielding clown it will be too soon.

Dine out wherever you want and rest assured that the kids will keep their cool for at least long enough for you to get their order in quickly- as long as you carry along DINE-n-DOODLE. This neat little roll of crayons is handmade, of superb quality, fits right into your handbag and will provide the saving grace you need. You may even have time to get your drink order in just to take the edge off.

For moms like me who have crayons marking up the lining of their favorite  handbag, this is your answer. 8 crayons are included, holds 16 regular size crayons- so you are 1/2 way there.

designer:: Dine & Doodles by Lil B.

****WITHIN 3 HOURS OF OUR ARTICLE/POST THIS DESIGNER COMPLETELY SOLD OUT OF THE ROLL-N-GO. AS EACH ITEM IS HANDCRAFTED, KEEP A LOOK OUT AT THE LINK ABOVE FOR MORE TO BE ADDED TO HER COLLECTION AND SHOP ETSY.COM FOR MORE GREAT HANDMADE ITEMS****