jess says

Explore the Universe with WorldWide Telescope

Michelle — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:46:22 -0600

WorldWide Telescope read more »

Color Me House Cardboard Playhouses

Michelle — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:44:55 -0600

Color Me House Everyone knows how fascinating cardboard boxes are to the kidlets; What better freedom of expression is there for a child than a crayon and a blank canvas to create—they can color, paint, decorate and use them as forts! Talk about thinking inside and outside the box! The Color Me House family of products is also eco-friendly, recyclable, and made in the USA. House, $40; Rocket, $50. Available online at www.colormehouse.com or at a number of local stores - refer to their website for the one nearest you. read more »

Letter Blocks from Bishop Lennon

Michelle — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:33:46 -0600

Bishop Lennon These 4-inch square letters are hand painted educational works of art. Each stretched canvas square presents one letter in the context of an animal or playful person, place or thing. The size means you can hang on the wall or rest on a shelf giving you the option to touch the art. The letters are updated frequently and can be customized to match your interests. $50 per letter; available and on display at Black Wagon and Spoiled Rotten. www.bishop-art.com

Book & CD: One Night in Frogtown

julie — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:32:45 -0600

One Night in Frogtown A story of cultural diversity, featuring music by Portland artists ... along with a chorus of frogs from local ponds! The writer/composer of “One Night in Frogtown” is Emmy Award-winning Philip Pelletier (see page 12 for an interview). The book/CD combination is created such that the components can be enjoyed together (with “dings” telling children when to turn the pages) or separately. It is really a beautiful book, and the music is gorgeous. http://frogtowncentral.com read more »

Local Designs from Cat in an Apron

julie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:36:35 -0500

Readers of Jess Says know how much we love to find great unique and often handmade items from local designers and crafters. Which is why we adore Cat in an Apron (www.catinanapron.com), which shares our love of the beautifully original, and sells it all in one place! read more »

Jess Says: Melissa and Doug Triangle Crayons

julie — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:02:01 -0500

Melissa & Doug Triangle Crayons read more »

Jess Says: Robot Plates & Schoolish Trays

julie — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:00:53 -0500

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. read more »

Editor's Corner

julie — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:30:51 -0500

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 »

Made in Oregon T-Shirts from Chirp & Tweet

julie — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:51:08 -0500

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

Cool Handbags and Diaper Bags from Kuhl Bags

julie — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:47:24 -0500

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 Kuhlmann 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. read more »