Backpacks: The NY Times Gear Test

Our kids may all want the cool (or really cute) backpack, but what really matters is how comfortable it is when carrying books around.  In the Physical Culture section of yesterday's  NY Times, there was a “Gear Test” featuring backpacks that is worth reading and sharing.  An 11 year old, or entering seventh grader, tested 5 popular backpacks carrying 13 pounds of school supplies.  His father, the associate director of the Spine Institute of New York, also provided his perspective.   The article references the American Physical Therapy Association that claims a child should carry no more than 15% of their body weight on their backs to avoid injury.  The five backbacks reviewed include: Jansport Perfect Score $40, LL Bean Rolling Deluxe Book Pack $79.95, Lands' End Featherlight Backpack $39.50, Pottery Barn Mackenzie Rolling Backpack $59, Ergoworks Airpack Small $44.96.   To read the reviews and see the winners, click here to read the article. 

Eeboo Paper Dolls

I got these for my 5- and 7-year-old girls on a rainy day on our vacation and they have been a hit. With a cardboard backdrop to set the scene, many outfits and two dolls in each package, Eeboo has provided hours of playtime. Best of all, they are easy to pack up when it is time to go!

Eeboo Paper Doll Set at Fat Brain Toys, $14.95.

Yummy, Tom's Mom's Cookies

Tom's Mom's Cookies has been a long time local favorite in the small resort town of Harbor Springs, Michigan.  This is one of those "essential" visits that my boys beg for each summer vacation.  The cookies are among my very favorite - chewy with hand-cut chunks of chocolate and not overly sweet.  Our favorites: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip (oldest son), Dark and White Chocolate (middle son), The Original (2 year old son) and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (mom/me). Always certain these were a well kept secret, I was surprised to see the Tom's Mom's Cookies served at an event at Martha Stewart Living where I worked.  The secret is out and the cookies are shipped all over the country.  My aunts served them at my sister's bridal shower, where the cookies were delicious as always and the cookie boxes served as great decor.  A wonderful option for a child's birthday or a special family dinner. 

Tom's Mom's Cookies $17.50 for a dozen.  16 varieties. 

The Green Egg Tees at Bumblebell

We are in Stowe, Vermont for a few days and I am loving the casualness that life has up here. Bumblebell, a new children's store, was a great stop for unique clothing that are comfortable first. Owned by a mother and daughter-in-law, they carry some you have seen like Tea, Lilly Pulitzer and Zutano but they are also especially interested in supporting the wares of local moms. My favorites are these t-shirts from The Green Egg, a mom in Massachusetts. Their tees are from American Apparel and each hand stitched. These are just a few of them, call Bumblebell at (802) 253-1955 to find out about entire selection.

Initial letter t-shirts can be special ordered with any letter in any color, $25 for infant and $26 for toddler. Call Bumblebell at (802) 253-1955 to order.

Long sleeve mermaid, $25 for infant and $26 for toddler.

LOVE, $25 for infant and $26 for toddler.

R2D2, $25 for infant and $26 for toddler.

(I love this for a girl. The owners' son was wearing this in black with plaid shorts, looked great!)

P.S. The Superman one that had initially caught my eye sold in the time I went back to get my camera. It is the cutest!

Shelburne Farms in Vermont

We stopped in at Shelburne Farms on Lake Champlain this past weekend. We had been there last year and loved it. Clean and in tune with how children play, there is everything from the hands-on of milking a goat to the interactive play areas to the walk-in pens (my daughter was fixated on the chicken coop). Definitely a fun day trip if you are up in the area!

Loving Liberty Print for Boys

How can you not be happy in this Blake Shirt?  

Some of my most stylish mom friends (from across the country) are dressing their boys in Liberty Print shirts.  These designs are now not just for girls.  Clearly suited for a dressier outing, yet how great with a pair of jeans too?  Perhaps not for every boy or one, but I say go for it if you are even a wee bit inclined!    

The wonderful Papo d'Anjo shirts are on sale with sizes still available. Several of the patterns should carry into fall.  

Papo d'Anjo Button Down Collar Shirt was $79.00, now $55.

I have just discovered the Blake Shirts which are ... nothing short of stunning.  It is a real pleasure just to look through the array of original patterns offered.  These shirts are more masculine than the Papo d'Anjo shirts, in my opinion. Definitely special and a treat in all regards.  

Blake Shirts for boys $95.  Available in most of the men's patterns as shown on getblake.com.  

Call 800-462-4158 to order.

Jeanine Johnsen also has the Tucker Roll Sleeve Shirt available at Beibambinionline.com.  The Liberty Race Car Shirt is a new addition as part of the fall line, offered soon online.  These shirts are a little more casual with the playful car prints that should resonate with any young boy. 

Jeanine Johnsen Tucker Roll Sleeve Shirt $36.

Johnnie-O Shirts for Kids

Johnnie-O Kid's "Wedge" Collar Pique Polo $36.

"West Coast preppy" is how Johnnie-O captures its brand, which is spot on in my opinion.  I love the Johnnie-O Kids Polos and have seen these shirts quite a bit recently.  A classic polo, but with a Johnnie-O surfboard logo that makes it a little more fun (or, some would say stylish).  Johnnie-O also offers a special "wedge" collared polo with a much smaller, less "stuffy" collar.  This very comfy polo is a great addition to a boys wardrobe (and girls, too). 

Johnnie-O Kid's Jr. Polo $32.

Kick Scooters

Another fan of the Mini Kick

My (almost) 3-year old nephew has been on his Mini Kick scooter non-stop this week.  Mom raves about the Mini Kick; Dad wants to buy the older Maxi Kick; and the little guy rides around with such gusto who could doubt that he does not just love this scooter.  I am very familiar with and like Razor Scooters as a customer.  I only recently became aware of Kick scooters and am intrigued!  The two selling points for a Kick: great for a child's balance and an exceptionally smooth ride.  The unique "lean and steer" design allows children to use their body movement to steer their scooter (the result: feels like a surfboard and requires a lot of balance).  I would love to hear from anyone who has a Mini Kick or Maxi Kick - what do you think? 

Kickboard Mini Kick (ages 3-5) $74.99

Children's Minnetonka Moccasins

My family and I have been on vacation in a small town on Lake Michigan this past week.  I have spotted several boys (young and old) wearing moccasins around town. Moccasins are certainly not new, but the look for boys is for me.  They are cool, comfy and great worn either casually or for a nicer family dinner out.  A little Ugg boot, a little driving moccasin.     

Minnetonka Child's Beaded Moccasin $24.98

As much as my boys and I love the moccasins, the infant girls styles are my favorite.  My niece has the front strap bootie in red and looks quite stylish.      

Minnetonka Infant's Velcro Front Strap Bootie $19.98.  

Also fun, Minnetonka Infant's Velcro Back Flap Bootie $19.98

A Little Break

I am headed up north for a little vacation with the family. Will return in a couple weeks with lots to report. Holly will be back next week to share her finds! Happy August!

XO

Photo from here