Category Archives: Kids

10.18.10

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby.


Last winter we had one of the worst blizzards in history. While most were out shoveling, it seems that my friends were spending a lot of time indoors trying to keep warm. Now, what seems like 99% of my girlfriends are about to pop out babes within the next week or two. So, I have been asked to do a feature on diaper bags. Of course, I will gladly oblige.


We have come a long way since the days of quilted, floral diaper bags. There are some great choices out there, and quite frankly, you shouldn’t feel limited to bags that are only purposed for carrying diapers. You can use any bag that you like, as long as it holds diapers, wipes and bottles. Just make sure that you pick up one of these… you’re going to need it. I actually used #12 during my diaper days. It was a gift from my amazing godmother… and I loved it!

Here are the diaper bags that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. Kate Spade Gramercy Baby Bag– $285 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Charlie Tangerine Diaper Bag– $123.20 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Batignolles Horizontal– $840 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
6. Oioi Tote– $204
12. Gucci Diaper Bag– $975 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

10.17.10

The Weekend in Review.

We had a jam-packed weekend full of fun. Here are the highlights:

After the girls’ dance classes on Saturday, we headed to the Great Country Farms Pumpkin Patch with some friends from the girls’ school. We LOVE GCF. We generally head out there twice each October. There is so much to do- a real pumpkin patch, a giant moon bounce, pig races, live animals, a cow train, a much, much more. Despite Lou’s ultimate meltdown the last 30 minutes, we had a fantastic time.

Today Momma was in dire need of a pedi, so I took the girls with me to get their nails painted. Across the street from the nail salon was a yard sale. The girls wanted to swing by and check it out so we did. And here’s what we scored:
2. Megablocks for Lou– $2.00

Now, I am not a scrap booker. I might be the worst mother ever because neither of my girls have a baby book. I just can’t bring myself to do it. I am banking that they will be able to log onto Kiki’s List or Facebook to reminisce. But I do frequent that aisle in Michael’s enough to know that the ginormous box that we got has about $300 worth of supplies in it. So many different papers, it kept E busy for hours today. Of course, her favorite? The “Oreos and milk” paper. As you can see, the legos were adequately disinfected.

After lunch we headed over to a group of three haunted houses that were erected by our local mall. I know what you are thinking- we are crazy to be taking a two and five year old to a haunted house. Disclaimer: E was stalking us all week to take her, and this one is advertised as kid friendly. As you can see by the look on E’s face, we will not be going back for a few years. She ran out screaming and wouldn’t even go through one of the three houses, and as Lou was walking through she said “Let’s get outta here!”

10.17.10

Good Design With Kids in Mind.

Ever feel like you are about to lose your mind because you are constantly cleaning up toys? Do you wonder if you will ever be able to have your house look presentable again? Well, Kiki’s List fans- head on over to 6th Street Design School this week for a feature that Kirsten Krason has put together. She asked a panel of fellow mom bloggers (yours truly included) to give her some advice on how to keep your style and your sanity while raising children.. Albeit difficult, it is possible. I am so honored to be included. Tune in all this week for some really great tips!

10.13.10

The Boys of Fall.



I have been told as of late that my blog is all sugar and spice and all things nice by my friends who have little boys. So ladies, here is your dose of snips and snails and puppy dog tails.

I am constantly hearing how difficult it is to find stylish clothes for little boys. While shopping for boys is a foreign concept to me, I decided to take that challenge and run with it. This one’s for the boys- below are the pieces for fall that made it onto Kiki’s List.

2. Hopsack Blazer– $85
3.Faux Leather Jacket– $79 *** KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
4. Elbow Patch Cardigan– $34 *** KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Stuart Flannel– $44.50
6. Orange Necktie-$12.95 *** KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Cargo Pants– $38
10. Joe’s Relaxed Fit Jeans-$49 *** KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
12.Chelsea Boots– $70

10.12.10

5.


As many of you know, my baby girl turned five last month. For their birthdays, I let my kids pick the theme, then the rest is up to Momma. You can see her first four birthdays here. Believe it or not, you can have a character party with style. This year, she chose a Princess and the Frog theme. I aimed for a whimsical, bayou-esque feel. Since Tiana is a chef (and so is E, might I add) I focused on the cooking element. You will see this theme repeated in the invitations, as well as the favors.

 
We had an absolute blast. Below are some pictures of the event, as well as the How To’s.

Invitations– The Plum enclosures were on clearance at Paper Source.
Poms– Pom Love
Pinata– Pinata Queen
Goody Bags– 1. Aprons- Bought aprons here. Printed each child’s initial (lilac for girls, chartreuse for boys) on transfer paper and ironed on. 2. Tiana’s Cookbook 3. Frog Cookie Cutters
Photographs– James Woo
Games– Pin the Kiss on Naveen, Hot Frog, Freeze Dance
Flowers– Remember those darn candy jars from Lou’s party? They have once again been re-purposed. We wrapped them in ribbon and added an E sticker glued onto lilac card stock.
Music– Princess and the Frog Soundtrack, as well as some other Disney faves.
Candy Cups– Michael’s.  I created the labels from Paper Source‘s 2.5 inch labels.
 
A special thanks to my bestie, MJ, who slept over the night before the party to tie together loose ends. As usual, there were a lot more loose ends than I estimated… We were up until 1:30 am.. she arranged all of the flowers- and what an amazing job she did! I have the best friends in the world. A big fat kiss to all of you.. MWAH!

09.15.10

Happy Birthday to My Girl.

 

My little E-Burger is turning FIVE today. Sniff… Sniff… I really can’t beleive it.
Elizabeth Grace Salmon was born on September 15, 2005 weighing in at 9 lbs. 5 oz. She was a chubby little ball of goo. I will always remember the nurses telling me that she was the most beautiful baby that they had ever seen. And she was. We would take her out and people would stop us and tell us how she looked like the Gerber baby.

Well, that Gerber baby has blossomed into a ridiculously hilarious, animated, intelligent and sweet little girl, who makes me laugh harder than anyone that I know. Oh, yes, and may I add that she has already developed a wicked sense of style. I have to check in with the CEO to see if my outfit gets a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” before I leave for work. Who else has a five year old stylist?
Happy Birthday to my baby…. You have brought us so much joy. We love you E!

09.14.10

Through the Years.

As we prepare for E’s 5th birthday bash this weekend, I get nostalgic thinking about her birthdays past. Mike thinks I am crazy, as birthdays were never a big deal in his family. If it were up to him we would have a pinata and a 6 foot sub. Never going to happen. I live for parties. Here are some shots of soirees # 1-4. Unfortunately, I was always so busy preparing for the parties, I never really took good pictures. This year will be different. My friend James Woo will be there to capture all of the details. Stay tuned!




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