The Talking Walnut » The Accessorized Walnut

back to the grind

Pamela Brill — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:24:51 +0000

It’s that time of year yet again. Time to trade in the crocs for crayons, the bathing suit for the backpack…you get the picture. If your kid is less than thrilled about the thought of returning to school (all that homework and getting up early…what’s not to like?), it helps to add a little fun to her daily routine. Here’s just a sampling of new gear that is almost too cool for school: Juicy Couture heads to the classroom with a bunch of new accessories. We’ve got our eye on the Juicy Couture wireless keyboard in signature pink. Typing a term paper is less ho hum when the keys are in script!…Need a place to keep track of who’s going to ballet lessons when and what time that dentist appointment is? We’ve got our eye on the WallCandy Arts Peel-and-Stick Chalkboard. It may look like the one hanging up in school, but it’s actually a peel-and-stick board that goes on any room in the house where info needs to be front and center. These boards are available in a variety of designs, including animals, a school bus and an apple (pictured here)…If you’ve got an active preschooler on your hands, you know that running and playing go hand in hand. Without the right kind of shoes, all that rough-and-tumble playing can lead to more skinned knees than you’d like. The pediped Grip ‘n’ Go footwear line is just what your active tot needs to get around. The soles are thin and the shoes’ rounded edges are designed to resemble a child’s foot. A soft interior let little tootsies grip the floor better, meaning fewer spills–and tears.

In a Nutshell: Make back-to-school shopping less of a chore; these practical, yet fun purchases make the grade.

the eyes have it

Pamela Brill — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:22:01 +0000

Trying on eyeglass frames is certainly more fun than trying on a pair of jeans or a bathing suit, but after checking out more than a dozen or so pairs, the experience can begin to grate on your nerves. I recently decided to treat myself to new glasses after my prescription changed and while I relished the alone time (if you have two young kids, I know you can understand me), suddenly the designer labels were all beginning to blur together. Not good if your vision is as bad as mine. The Design Your Own Eyewear Web site puts the rather tedious chore into perspective by letting you “try on” different frames virtually. The process is relatively straightforward: upload a photo from your desktop, choose a frame style (tortoise shell or Clark Kent?), select frame color and lens color and voila! Instant design. What’s cool is that you can experiment with different sizes and shapes to best fit your face…all in the comfort of your own home before you go shopping. And if you plan on laying out extra bucks for a designer label like I did–hey, moms like us need to look our best–then this extra perk makes all the difference. Did we mention that this service is free of charge?

In a Nutshell: If you’re in the market for a new pair of glasses and can do without the glare of a pressuring salesperson, this site will open your eyes to the possibilities.

sweet dreams indeed

Pamela Brill — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:42:55 +0000

Since any mom knows that baby products don’t come cheaply, it helps to take advantage of every coupon, giveaway and contest you can get your hands on. Three reputable baby brands, Baby Blanket Music, Kushies and Natural Mat, have teamed up to offer some lucky moms new products from their lines of kids’ CDs, crib linens and layette. To enter to win the Sweet Dreams Contest, just click on the hyperlink. Note that you must become a fan of Natural Mat on Facebook, and the contest ends on May 31.

In a Nutshell: Like the saying goes, “you gotta be in it to win it.” And who knows? This just may be your lucky day!

one hot mama

Pamela Brill — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:05:12 +0000

After doing endless loads of laundry and changing your baby for the umpteenth time that day, it helps to keep your sense of humor intact with some amusing attire. As the weather begins to heat up, it’s that time of year when you can get away with dressing your little one in a Onesie–and nothing more. Bibi & Mimi has come out with a line of baby bodysuits adorned with witty sayings, such as “Ribbit means I’m adorable in frog” and, my personal favorite, “My mom is a hottie.” (Hey, a little flattery goes a long way.) If you’re picking up these must-have pieces for a friend’s new baby, you’ll be good to go since it comes packaged in a keepsake tote with ribbon handle.

In a Nutshell: Your baby can never have too many Onesies. Make at least one of them a fashion statement that keeps ‘em covered.

disguised diapering

Pamela Brill — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:05:50 +0000

Having a sense of humor as a parent kinda comes with the territory; I know if I didn’t laugh off half the things that happen during the course of an average day, I’d be crying instead. Hats off to the witty Stinky Bum Clutch, an accessory no new mom should live without. You know those times when you’re heading out with the kids, just for a short while, and you know you’ll need an extra diaper….yet you desperately want to look like a sophisticated grown-up (or at least, fool yourself into thinking you actually are one). Well, this clutch may actually convince you that just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you’ve permanently lost your sense of style. First off, it’s small (think I don’t need to tote my entire life around in this bag). Second, it’s insulated so you can carry wet wipes, a diaper or two..but nothing that screams “bulky.” And the sense of humor I mentioned earlier? Stamped right on the front. (There’ll be no mistaking this clutch for your evening bag).

In a Nutshell: Fashion and function for today’s mom? It’s in the bag…

sanity saver

Pamela Brill — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:01:53 +0000

As a mom, you know that pesky feeling of never being able to get your hands on what you need, exactly when you need it: a fresh wipe when your baby’s hands are covered with sand, a tissue when your toddler has burst into her latest crying fit…How refreshing it is to be able to tuck a Carabean into your bag and feel you can take on the challenges-with-child du jour. These clips will save the day when the sun is in your baby’s eyes (attach a blanket over her stroller, and you’ll got instant shade). Or when her favorite toy always seems to land on the car floor just when the light turns green (affix Teddy Bear to her car seat and voila!). The uses for this clever, why-didn’t-I-think-of-that gadget are so plentiful, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The latest incarnation of the Carabean is Tent in a Bag, a handy tote that contains 4 clamps and a printed blanket that can become a makeshift fort when you’re at the park or stuck in a hotel room with the kids. Or on a rainy day like today here in the Northeast, this inventive product can be a godsend.

In a Nutshell: Motherhood can be messy. Cut yourself a little slack and stock up on some of these clips for whatever kid crisis comes your way. They make great baby shower gift toppers, or for bigger kids, the perfect anecdote to a dreary day.

moon walking

Pamela Brill — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:34:33 +0000

Who says that only rockers can wear rockin’ duds? We checked out what clothes some of our favorite musicians’ kids are sporting these days, and discovered one thing in common: it’s hip to be little!…Christina Aguilera’s son Max is making tracks with his Thomas the Tank Engine Boots from Western Chief Kids. He was spotted out with Mom making a Petco run earlier this winter in Beverly Hills…Speaking of footwear, Ed Roland of Collective Soul’s son Lennon wears shoes from pedipeds. Wife and mother Michaeline says it’s the only ones she can “easily get on him that actually stay on.” (We hear you, Michaeline; we know what a tug-of-war getting our kids dressed can be!) When it comes to dressing up, Victoria Beckham’s son Cruz likes being over the moon—quite literally. The 4-year-old was wearing a Jr. Astronaut ensemble from Aeromax during his brother Romeo’s birthday party (below)…Even when they’re at home, rocker kids are in style. Yes bass guitarist Chris Squire outfitted his daughter Xilan’s nursery with a Bratt Décor Chelsea Lifetime Crib finished in antique silver.

strap hanger

Pamela Brill — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:28:18 +0000

When I’m out shopping alone (whenever the moon is blue, that is), I’m naturally able to pay more attention to my surroundings. At times, I’ll see a mom walking with her child on a leash and of course, I think to myself, “Isn’t that a better idea for your dog?” While I can appreciate her attempt to keep her unruly child contained (hey, that’s what shopping carts are for), there must be a better way. I like the thinking behind the reisenthel motherchildbag, a reusable shopping bag that features three handles: two for you and one for your child. It’s a great way to hit the store for a few quick items with a young child in tow. What’s really genius is that I can use it as we walk from the store to our car, and not worry that my 5-year-old will be unattended as we cross the busy parking lot. Plus, it’s inconspicuous enough that I don’t have to inspire pity from childless onlookers.

In a Nutshell: Running in the grocery store for a few things with your kid? This shopping accessory will keep you from spilling the beans and keeping your little one closeby. The Motherchildbag will be available later this month.