Vitra Miniature Chairs

I love these chairs for a shelf in a baby's room. They are sinfully expensive, $135- $725, but a few of them on a shelf would be lovely. They are 4-6 inches tall, and are mini copies of the greats like Prouve, Eames, Panton, and Gehry. And they aren't too babyish. (Babyish is a word isn't it). And then you can move them into living room.

Cardboard Castle

I loved this cardboard castle from the Netherlands, until I figured out that it would cost $90. $48 for the castle, and $42 for shipping. It's cardboard, a glorified box. Kids love boxes, but maybe $90 is too much. Let them build castles with shipping boxes and their lovely imaginations.

Future Heirloom

Most baby product are made to be disposable today. You use it for one kid, and by the time that the next one comes along you buy something else. This is not one of those products. At $1663.15 it has to last longer than one child. The Horm Chicca cradle was designed by Michaela Baldessari and is made in Italy of wicker. It is available in orange or blue. So if plan on having a couple, or five, of children this may be the cradle for you. This is the kind of cradle that your family could be using for the next hundred years.

Crazy 8

I love a bargain. Crazy 8 seems to be that. They sell clothes for children 0-14, and they are very affordable. The clothes seem to be the kind of thing you would find at the Gap or Old Navy, good solid basics. There seem to be mall locations. But I haven't been to a mall in over 8 years, so I wouldn't know about that.

School Fundraisers

My youngest son's school sent home the fall fundraiser book today. I send my kid to school to learn to sell knick knacks. I hate the stuff they sell, we have a tiny family, my friends don't have kids and this stuff isn't their style, and I work at home alone. Who on earth am I suppose to sell this stuff to? My friends and family usually buy one item if I ask. But I feel bad asking. I was an officer of the booster club, I know how little of the money actually goes to the school. I would feel much better asking my friends for a $10 check made out to the school, rather than asking them to buy ugly wrapping paper or cookie dough that will never be used.

Little Backpacks

There comes a time in a child's life when you can stop being their official pack mule, and start making the little things tote their own sippy cups. bears, and diapers or pull ups. Once they can walk reasonably well buy them a little backpack, and let them carry their own things. This little backpack is perfect. Chocolate brown with pink trim, a little pig instead of some garish cartoon character, and just $29. And it is sized for ages 2 and up. Save yourself the strain of packing some of their things.

Germ Ridden Brats

If your kid has a cold, aren't you supposed to keep them home from school? My sons and I have colds that can be traced directly to someone not doing that one simple thing.

Now, I believe schools are there to insure the workforce free,part-time daycare, and to screen and prevent child abuse. But once your kid is sick you have to make other childcare arrangements. It's only fair to the rest of us who don't want sick children.

Dragon Mobile

The dragon mobile from Papillon Baby isn't your traditional baby mobile. It is so much cooler. The sparkles will catch baby's attention, and the mobile can be used for decoration all the way to college. And you can feel good because it is made in small scale production in Vietnam. The mobile costs $45.99.

Froglight Bike Light

My oldest son only asks to ride his bike fifteen minutes before the street lights come on. These lights attach to the handlebars of a bike to increase visibility for idiots who don't know to slow down because children are playing. They are available in red or white, and can be used solid on or blinking. $15.60 at ModernTots.

Powell Craft Rose Hat

I fantasize about when it will be cold outside, and keep telling myself that 90-100 degree days are coming to end. This cute little hat just reminds me that winter really is almost here. If they made this hat in my size I would wear it in a minute. It is a 100 percent cotton, comes in pink or white, and only cost 7.50 GBP( about $15 USD).

So What If It Is Monday

Do you ever stop and think, "My life does not suck." I love my life even though it is not perfect, and is chaotic most of the time.

Morgan and Milo Flame Sneakers

Leather flame printed sneaker, $40. I am trying, and failing, to convince my eight year old that these shoes are just as cool as his Sketchers Lights. But if he is anything, he is brand loyal.

Cool Felt Diaper Bag

If I love something I usually don't care how practical it is. And this is a perfect example, the Petunia Pickle Bottom Scout diaper bag. The bag is felt with an antique brass diaper wipes holder and trim. I love felt. And it only costs $138. It is available at Petunia Pickle Bottom.

There are two problems with the bag. It has to be hand washed and air dried. What parent of a new baby (or any child) has time to hand wash a diaper bag? The other problem is I don't need a diaper bag. If your purse is big enough you don't really need a diaper bag. I'm thinking of upgrading to a Louis Vuitton Speedy 40cm. Sixteen inches of storage space to shove things into to. But even is I don't upgrade, I have learned after two babies to pack just what is needed. You don't really need to take a whole bag of diapers for a trip to the mall.

My Miscarriage

I had a miscarriage a month and a half ago. I never thought I would be that woman. I have pregnancy "issues", so I assumed that the baby would be a preemie, but not that I would miscarry. I got pregnant without even trying (I wasn't not trying though). I took it as a good sign. Now I'm actually trying and it sucks. Can anyone say ovulation predictor kit? I buy the cheap one from Early Pregnancy Tests (20 OPK and 5 pregnancy tests) for like $9.99 on eBay. They work just as good as the kind you buy in the store. And I'm able to pee in a cup twice a day and still save money.

Lela Rose for Payless Teeny Toes

Who knew that Lela Rose designed shoes for Payless Shoes. But of course every discount store has to have a designer line. Well the line also has baby shoes and they are cute and cheap (around $15). I'm not pregnant yet, but I may still buy the shoes and put them away. If I end up having another boy, I'm not out much money. And I can always give them to the local women's shelter.