Sugar Cookies

It’s funny how I can really hate the cold, dark winters in London, but not be so bothered by them when I am “home” for the holidays ( all cozied up in a big house with a fire)! I love sitting around in my pajamas, listening to Christmas music and watching the rain splash against the windows (I’m in rainy Seattle, after all).

And of course, nothing makes sitting inside more enjoyable than a big plate of Christmas sugar cookies on the counter!  Every single year at this time we make these cookies (frosted in red, white and green colors), and every year they disappear off the counter more quickly than anything else!  These cookies are a tried ‘n true favorite.  They are one of my favorite things about Christmas (and fun to make with your kids).

Here is the recipe…

Miffy’s House

Who doesn’t love Miffy? My daughter surely adores her! Dick Bruna created this little rabbit in 1955 and by now her stories have been translated to more than 40 languages! Did you know Miffy has her own website? It’s great to explore with children: there is an audio book, animation, music, games, and more! There are also links to a variety of webshops: the books are great and I can also recommend the DVDs!

Last weekend we decided to treat our children to a little trip to ‘Miffy’s House’ (a.k.a. the Dick Bruna House).

Babycook

So… we have crossed the big pond and survived the 9-hour flight to Seattle (where we will be spending the first half of our holiday).  We are all settled in and cozy, (despite our 4 a.m. wake-ups), and are adjusting to things here in the States…

…like huge grocery stores with hundreds of options, big vehicles on wide streets, loads of space, and anything you want whenever you want it (I’ve seen more “open 24 hours” signs in the past few days than I’ve ever seen in Europe)!  There is really no limit to what you can find here, and how easily you can find it.

This is why I am always stumped to find that there are actually a few of my favorite European things that you can not find here in this ”land of plenty” (nor find a suitable alternative)… like my Beaba Baby Cook!

V.I.P. (very intelligent pocket)

While my husband thinks I have too many handbags,  I own way fewer than I would actually like to. (Husbands don’t really get the whole handbag-per-season idea)!  Still I do not switch bags very often because of the hassle of moving all my paraphernalia from one to the other.

Now I might have found the solution: VIP (very intelligent pockets) by Tintamar.

Nine pockets to help you find all your things with your eyes closed. All in a stylish and hard-wearing material that’s washable in soapy water. You move it from one bag to the other, making bag change quick and stress-free. They come in many colours and have a business version (larger, to fit in briefcases) and a men’s one too.  Another excuse to buy a new handbag!

-Michela in Milan

30+ skin

I have tried to deny it for a while, but I recently celebrated another birthday and here is the truth: I am definitely (way) over thirty now.

So.

Since my late teenage years I have always, without thinking and without a complaint, used the Clinique 3-step skincare range. Only in the mornings of course – in the evenings I was usually way to lazy (or drunk) to do much more than brush my teeth and take the pill (or 2, just in case).

H&M, again!

We all know that dressing a newborn can be tricky! That’s why side-snap bodysuits are so useful. Unfortunately not all the brands have them in their range, they can be quite expensive, and your baby may only wear them for a few weeks (newborn size especially). On the other hand, if you buy cheaper ones they may not even last this little time.

At H&M you don’t have to compromise! They sell side-snap bodysuits in packs of two for 7.99 euros. One is solid colour, the other is stripy and they come in pastel colours: blue, pink, green and yellow. Good quality cotton that can be washed at 60°! What more do we want for those first few weeks?

-Michela in Milan

More beanbags!

Well, this proves that there is a lot to write about beanbags. (The third post already)! Though these ones aren’t for sitting on…

I bought these 12 tiny beanbags in NY about two years ago and they are a favourite in my family. The baby loves the different colors, texture and feel of them (they are filled with little rice grains). My 2-year-old loves stacking them (and tumbling them down, of course). I like making funny little guys or animals out of them. And we really like the way they look too! They are called Kushies Zolo Beanstax, and easily available in the US (unfortunately difficult to find in Europe, but this  American store, Babesta, ships to Europe – and stocks more of the cute Zolo range)!

-Esther in Amsterdam

Plan City

In this tiny flat I share with my three boys (one husband and two sons), space is a scarce commodity.  That’s why it’s a huge wonder that we have an entire room (and a good-sized one, in London terms) devoted to toys!  What used to be a semi-respectable reception room, has been converted to a playroom paradise.  Those boys have more toys than they know what to do with.  (It’s actually a bit ridiculous).

It’s ridiculous because of all his many toys, my 2-year-old really only plays with a few favorites, and the rest lie around collecting dust (and taking up precious space).

So I’ve decided, (since it’s holiday time and you’re sure to fill your houses with silly toys), to tell you all about my son’s most favorite toy: Plan City.

 

Sophie la Girafe

I first discovered Sophie the Giraffe at Esther’s house when we first met.  We both had 6-month-old babies who loved putting anything in their mouths. Esther had a rubber giraffe that squeaked when you squeezed it.  Both our babies loved it; it was one of their favorite toys.   But, at that point, neither of us knew she was called “Sophie.” 

 It wasn’t until a few months later, when I was in Brussels with my husband (and baby), that I learned of her name.   My husband was speaking at an animation conference, so naturally, I went shopping…

A bit of an indulgence

I recently did a bit of extra freelance work… and what did I decide to do with that little bit of extra cash? Buy my husband a new jumper? Nope, he has got a least two and he likes them old and with holes. Buy my daughter a new toy? Nope, the child has more than enough toys.
In my quest to stay stylish during my pregnancy, I decided to spoil myself and splash out on a bright pink Agent Provocateur maternity bra!

Elias and Grace is on-line!

My husband calls it a “money pit”- (he’s the one who reviews the bills), but I just can’t resist it. If I even stroll past the shop window, I’m hooked in. They quite possibly have the cutest range of children and baby clothes in London. (Well at least this shopping expert thinks so)!

Elias and Grace is located on the main strip in Primrose Hill.  They stock all my favorite brands: Simple Kids, Quincy, Maan, Album di Famiglia, Petit Bateau, kid’s Levis, Pepe Shoes, etc. etc. 

H&M School Uniform

When my toddler started nursery school this fall (and came home covered in paint, glue, mud, food, etc.), I decided that his wardrobe needed a redress. Cashmere jumpers are just not ideal- (who has time to hand-wash anymore)??  Actually, let’s face it- anything even slightly expensive is NOT a good idea.  The cheaper, the better.

So I went on a search: I wanted cheap, but not cheaply made.

And I found it at H&M!  You have to be really selective- (avoid the ubiquitous tacky slogans and flashy logos), but H&M sells a few items that have now become staples in BOTH my boys’ closets!

Tricotti

I’ve carried 2 babies around London in this sling, and every time I used it at least three people would come up to me to inquire what sort of sling this was and where I got it. The inquiries were, of course, followed by “oohs” and “aahs”; all babies are cute, but in this sling they are even more endearing!

Couture Bean Bags

Just got a Daily Candy e-mail about these super cute bean bags for kids.

They might not be as functional as the doomoo seat that Michela wrote about, but they definitely score high points for their design!
Cocoon Couture is an Australian company that delivers worldwide (and if you consider how the Australian dollar fares against the pound or euro, you can’t resist the price)!

(I can just imagine my 2-year-old sitting in-style while watching “Thomas the Tank Engine”- can’t get much cuter than that)!!!

Wanted to let you all know about these…

Makes me wish I had a bigger flat with space to put them! 

-Courtney in London

Courtesy of Daily Candy.

A child in sheep’s clothing

Aaagghhh! Winter. You all know it depresses me. It’s dark, it’s wet, and it’s COLD!!

And I have a husband who refuses to turn the heat on during the night- (doesn’t want to waste energy, and also doesn’t mind if his babies freeze)!

Thank God for Mokopuna’s merino wool range. 

 

They make the cutest pajamas (and many other things) for babies made from 100% New Zealand mokopuna merino. It’s designed to keep your babies warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Their pajamas are super soft, cozy and oh-so cute.