French Bull Dishware
These plates are perfect for little diners. Made of nonbreakable melamine they withstand heat, are dishwasher safe, and won’t chip or shatter if your wee one drops them. But check out the designs! The “monster” line (we call them robots or superheroes) is seriously retro and modern all at once. We’re also fans of the nifty compartment tray.

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Yesterday two different people forwarded me an essay by Anna Quindlen wherein she is looking at her young adult children, and wondering where their childhood went. It’s a great tear- worthy piece and has choked me up more than once. Her basic premise is that as mothers to young children, we owe it to ourselves to spend more time enjoying each day with them.  read more »

At a recent dinner party, I was (yet again) the only true Oregon native. Yes people, I was MADE here, I grew up here for 18 years, then I left. But then, I MADE it back. And I intend to stay. I also intend to send this t-shirt to all my friends who left and have not returned.

MADE IN OREGON, baby. Oh, and this new mama business also has GROWN shirts in the shape of Washington for our kid friends across the river. www.chirpandtweet.com

Make your bag your own. Custom ordered, hand-sewn purses, totes, diaper bags, “toddler totes” (smaller diaper bags) laptop bags, clutches, wristlets, gadget cases, checkbook covers and wallets from local mama Rosemary Kuhl let you express yourself in a style uniquely yours. Pick your durable fabric and accent with imported prints or silks. We love the messenger toddler totes – just the right size for back-up undies, snacks, phone and wallet.

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Answer the perennial question from friends, co-workers, parents, and strangers by holding up your due date necklace. Super cute accessories to your expanding belly, these keep inquiries above breast level—have it engraved with baby’s name after she’s born, flip the nickel pendant over, and you’ve got a new keepsake. Packaged perfectly for gift giving, $48.

Available in local boutiques:
Posh Baby www.poshbaby.com
Bella Bellies
www.bellabelliesmaternity.com and  read more »

Parenting as Performance Art
By Mara Collins
“Oh sweetheart! I like what you are making! You’re using scissors so carefully, and you have so many colors. Can you tell me about your art?”  read more »

How cute are these?  read more »

Finding locally made hand-crafted toys is not as easy as 1-2-3. Of course they may be hidden from view, like the 50 treasures inside each I Spy Bag, super-cool activity toys designed and constructed by a local mama. The bags, in fun prints with a laminated window opening, are filled with tiny polybeads, that little hands manipulate to uncover each hidden item. A list of treasures detaches, which is great if you are sitting in the front seat of the car and want to be able to call out objects for your child to find. Perfect traveling or quiet time toy for all ages. $20.  read more »

Did you know that we receive the same amount of mail in two days that our parents received in two weeks and our grandparents in two months? Instead of letting it take over your home, take a few simple steps to get it under control.

Create a Mail System
First, take a deep breathe, look at your desk and holler “You don’t control me. I control you!” Once that is out of the way, get your mail center set up.

Create a place for incoming mail.
Place your shredder + recycling bin next to one another. A shredder is a must.  read more »

For this issue (March 2008), we focus on babies. Portland has been recognized by such publications as Fit Pregnancy as the best place to have them. Welcome to the bandwagon, world! They can list all the doulas and yoga centers and classes and shops, and it's true, Portland abounds with resources galore for new parents. What no guide can list, though, is the most important resource of all for new mothers – the other mothers.

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