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surf and ye shall find: bespoke custom gifts

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Furnished Walnut
Feb 082013
 

So, what do you do when a blizzard bares down over the weekend and you’re stuck indoors? Shop online, of course. But not just for any old thing; you’ve got to make that precious time on the Web count for something (especially if we lose power again–bite my tongue!) If you happen to be looking for that special gift , be it for Valentine’s Day, a friend’s new baby or maybe something that points to signs of spring (wishful thinking), we’ve stumbled upon the coolest site teeming with unique selections. Bespoke Custom Gifts is all about presents with personality. From monogrammed kids’ sneakers, to a storybook-inspired birdhouse, each item is as different as the person you’re sending it to. Not only is this site ideal for one-stop shopping, but there’s an online personal shopper if you’re torn between an item or not sure how to personalize it. We can’t decide what we like more: the vintage book birdhouse (featuring a number of classic stories like Winnie the Pooh and The Wizard of Oz) or the baby map quilt (depicting a child’s home town and embroidered with a baby’s name). One thing’s for sure: they’ll make memorable gifts. And you’ll have felt productive on a snow day.

In a Nutshell: All gift-giving should be so easy. We’ve found our new favorite site for presents with panache.

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natural sur-round-ings: tiny love my nature pals mobile

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Aug 062012
 

Sometimes, when I can’t fall asleep, I stare at the ceiling and count sheep. And when I’m not busy composing lyrical poetry, I’m recalling silly moments that take me back to a time when life was a lot simpler and a lot less hectic. Like when my college roommate and I noticed that our dorm room’s ceiling had been decorated to look like the Milky Way. Upon turning out the lights during our first night at school, we realized that our previous tenants had left dozens upon dozens of glow-in-the dark stars and moons on the ceiling, turning our otherwise dull room into a heavenly spectacle. No wonder we slept like babies that night. As you create a dream space for your own child, do you consider what gives them a sense of calm, a peacefulness that carries on long after you’ve shut the door? We think all babies deserve a crib mobile that lets them fixate on something entertaining, and when they’re ready to drift off, a lullaby to ensure a good night’s sleep. Tiny Love’s new My Nature Pals Mobile is just the ticket. As a smiling-faced bird, ladybug and bird spin overhead, your little is treated to a half-hour of soothing songs and soft lighting. Particular parents will appreciate the flexibility of the optional music/lights (pick either or both, depending on your little one’s mood). And once she’s outgrown her crib mobile, you can detach it and hang on to the music box. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a lullaby every now and then?

In a Nutshell: Dream a little dream, and treat your sleepy babe to a mobile that provides hours of stimulation–and (hopefully) shut-eye.

 

 

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celestial sanity saver: aden+anais serenity star

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut
Jun 192012
 

I’m not sure why I remember the odd things that I do from being a new mom, but one particular memory stands out: my daughter’s nursery being littered with formula-stained bottles that I had forgotten to put in the dishwasher. It didn’t happen every day, mind you, but every so often, I would finish an early morning feeding and return to my bedroom in a half-asleep stupor with the bottle left behind (it’s a wonder I remembered to turn out the light in the nursery!). Blame it on mommy brain, if you will, but seeing that used bottle really irked me. What time exactly had I been in her room, anyway? If you’re equally hard on yourself as a new mom who’s trying to keep everything straight, but sometimes can barely tell which end is up, then the Serenity Star is for you. A handy little device, this nursery aid will become your new best friend upon your baby’s arrival. This star-shaped feeding/sleeping system is almost like a baby Blackberry, keeping track of all your baby care needs. Among its built-in tools are: an electronic feeding diary, a nightlight, sound machine, clock and room temperature indicator. Not sure if the last feeding was at 2 or 4 a.m.? Plug the info into the Serenity Star, and you won’t have to guess if that crying is from hunger pangs. Baby a little fussy when she goes down? Active the sound machine, and she’ll be treated to a choice of lullabies, white noise or even a heartbeat. The Serenity Star is so calming, it just may help you drift off to Dreamland, too. Just try not to leave any bottles behind…

In a Nutshell: A multitasking nursery tool for new moms. Because let’s face it: you can’t possibly remember everything with only 4 hours of sleep.

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writing on the wall: skip hop alphabet zoo decals

 The Furnished Walnut, The Playful Walnut, The Smart Walnut
Apr 032012
 

If you haven’t figured it out already, The Talking Walnut is a big fan of Skip Hop, makers of durable kiddie products kid gear in eye-popping designs. So when we recently had a chance to see their new Alphabet Zoo Wall Decals in the flesh, we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed…and we were right. This adorable assortment of removable decals perks up any child’s room or nursery with a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re spelling out your little one’s name or introducing her to the ABCs, these stickers offer instant personality to even the closest of corners. If you’re working under tight conditions (city dwellers, you know who you are) or decorating on a shoestring (man, those cribs are costly!), this sweet set will work magic for your little one’s special space. And did we mention these decals are removable? Perfect for that bundle of joy who may someday turn into a precocious preschooler with her own ideas of decor (sigh)…Well, at least you can enjoy them while they’re young–and you still have a say!

In a Nutshell: Brighten up baby’s space with some entertaining art that’s also educational. And if she learns that “f” is for “fox” before she moves to a big-kid bed, we’ll take all the credit.

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time is on your side: zazoo photo clock

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Furnished Walnut
Mar 072012
 

Earlier this week, The Talking Walnut reviewed the BabyZoo Sleep Trainer and knew we were on to something! Since our last post, another ingenious teaching  device designed to keep kids in their beds past an ungodly hour has crossed our path…and this one offers a personal touch. The Zazoo Photo Clock features a variety of telltale images that you and your child can choose to distinguish daytime from nighttime. The choices range from basic sun and moon for preschoolers, to more entertaining options for older kids like robots and dinosaurs awake and asleep . Once you’ve selected your favorite day/night pairing and set your clock to the correct time, you’re good to go (to sleep, that is). At a simple glance, even the sleepiest of heads will be able to discern whether or not they should stay in bed. Still struggling with a restless resident? Make this clock truly their own by customizing it with a wake-up greeting featuring your child’s name. We like the fact that even after your child has outgrown the desire to pry you out from under your covers, this clever clock still comes in handy as a digital picture frame for the me-centric tween. Looking back at all those photos will have you remembering those days when your kid woke you up at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. And you wonder where all those age lines come from?…

In a Nutshell: Putting your kid to bed is easy; it’s getting her to stay put that’s the hard part. With the Zazoo Photo Clock, don’t be surprised if her door doesn’t open quite so early this weekend.

 

 

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the lion sleeps tonight: babyzoo sleep trainer

 The Furnished Walnut, The Healthy Walnut, The Smart Walnut
Mar 052012
 

Getting both kids to sleep in on weekend mornings is nothing short of a miracle. If one decides to stay in bed, the other must naturally bound out of her room with a bundle of energy. And no matter how many times we tell them to stay put, arming them with plenty of books/games/bargaining deals (“if you stay in bed until 8, you can watch SpongeBob in the morning), like so many parenting moments, our words appear to fall on deaf ears. Just in time for the return of Daylight Savings comes an adorably clever time-telling tool that just may do the trick. The BabyZoo Sleep Trainer is a smart clock that, at a quick glance, lets kids know whether or not it’s time to be up and at ‘em. Designed in the likeness of a precocious little monkey, Momo keeps his eyes closed when a child should be sleeping and opens his eyes when it’s time to wake up. Sleepyheads who want to take a sneak peek at those passing moments will have no trouble distinguishing hours from minutes, as Momo’s tummy is an old-fashioned analog clock and there’s a smaller digital clock at the top. Older kids will like the cool jungle-sounds alarm (in lieu of a harsh, buzzing sound) that can be turned off on weekends, school breaks and any day they can sleep in. How about giving it a try (yawn) this weekend or, better yet, tonight?

In a Nutshell: What parent couldn’t use a little extra shut-eye? Here’s a sleep training gadget that aims to buy everybody a few more zzz’s–no monkeying around.

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sayonara, stinker: ubbi diaper pail

 Diapering for Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut, The Green Walnut
Feb 082012
 

If there’s one thing about I won’t miss about the baby years, it’s being rid of diapers/pull-ups, once and for all. The stink alone is enough to compete with my already stuffed nose; I can’t imagine what it will be like to be allergy and diaper-free someday! Because of my tenured experience with potty training, we’ve experimented with all types of diaper pails over the years: those of the simplistic step-on/drop-in variety that use specially designed bags, to the “green” models that work with biodegradable liners. While many pails have promised a style that resembles something other than a glorified garbage receptacle, we’ve yet to find one…until now. The sleek lined, wildly hued ubbi diaper pail cleverly conceals the ugly business that lurks inside its vast interior. Call it the Superman of diaper pails, the ubbi is made with coated steel to lock in those nasty scents that manage to permeate even the most air-tight nurseries. Because it doesn’t require any special bags, the ubbi works with any standard tall kitchen garbage bags or, if you’re green-minded, any cloth diaper pail liners. Putting practicality aside, we’re tickled pink over its wide range of color options: from hot pink, to punchy purple. Hey, if someone is still in diapers at your house, might as well make a fashion statement. Your nose will thank you.

In a Nutshell: Diapers are a dirty business. Fortunately, here’s a new pail that doesn’t make the entire diapering process stink so much!

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we bought a zoo: skip hop playspot

 The Furnished Walnut, The Playful Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut
Feb 032012
 

It’s a jungle out there, especially if you’ve got little ones running around at home. When I’m making dinner, I swear there’s a stampede of elephants overhead–and not just two little girls playing. If you’re in search of a way to keep your playroom accident-free and spare newly mobile toddlers from acquiring more bumps and bruises than necessary, consider the Skip Hop Zoo Playspot. A refreshing alternative from the ho-hum hopscotch patterns we’ve seen in one too many kiddie gyms, this fashionable print may just bring out the wild child in your little monkeys. The adorable faces of a dog, bee, owl and monkey are so cute, they may be entertaining enough to coax your constant crawler into actually sitting still for more than five seconds. We like that the puzzle-like pieces snap together easily to create an intimate play space of 4 spots or up to 12 spots wide for multiple movers and shakers. And if you’re extra concerned about safety, you’ll appreciate that these tiles are BPA-, PVC- and Phthalate-free. And that makes for smiles all around.

In a Nutshell: Protect your precious little ones–and your hard wood floors–with this soft covering that’s as playful as it is practical.

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cradle of love: bloom coco rosso

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut
Jan 172012
 

Today, on our weekly supermarket jaunt, my 3-year-old and I were treated to a display of hearts-shaped place mats, cupid cookie cutters and all things red and pink. That can only mean that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you happen to be the proud parent of a new bundle of joy, or have a best bud who’s expecting, it’s time to introduce that little babe to the good life with an infant seat she’ll simply love. Bloom’s limited edition coco rosso rocker may be designed for a baby, but it definitely has grown-up appeal. We love that it looks as comfortable as it feels, thanks to a specially designed Plexistyle soft seat. The 5-point harness ensures that your little one stays put, even as she rocks herself to sleep. The coco rosso doesn’t sport any fancy bells and whistles, lights or sounds. If you’re looking for one baby product that fits in with the rest of your contemporary home decor, the coco rosso is it.

In a Nutshell: A sweetheart of a baby gift, the sleek lines of this stylish infant seat make it baby gear you’ll be proud to showcase.

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table of plenty: pottery barn kids spring collection

 The Furnished Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Jan 162012
 

My daughters share a hand-me-down craft table that’s seen its fair share of crafting sessions and tea parties. If the faded marker smudges and discolored tabletop is any indication of its storied past, we know this particular piece of furniture has taken quite a licking over the years. Maybe that’s why we’re intrigued by the Brunswick Play Table. Part of the Pottery Barn Kids Spring 2012 Collection, this good-looking, yet highly functional table is the ideal focal point piece for any spacious  play room. Made from a solid wood construction, it’s designed to withstand years and years of play, from one sibling to the next. The table’s dark finish, poised to hold up to potential craft supply stains, is balanced out by six card catalog-style, rainbow-hued drawers that are generously sized to fit everything from unwieldy poster paper to buttons and beads. There’s plenty of work space for at least four young artists to roll up their sleeves and get busy (and another two spots if leg room isn’t an issue). We think the Brunswick Play Table is so appealing, there’s life for it beyond the play room…perhaps as the perfect spot for an aspiring novelist? Hmmmm…

In a Nutshell: If your family’s play room is due for a make-over this spring, let this conversation piece from Pottery Barn Kids take center stage and prove its worth.

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