An old-fashioned girl at heart
I have a guilty secret… though I consider myself a modern emancipated woman, I really enjoy knitting, embroidering and sewing! I just really get a sense of satisfaction when I see my little girl running around in something I made for her.
However, while I love doing it, I am not actually very good at it… I still rely on patterns and books to guide me, which means that I am constantly on a search for cute patterns. Turns out, however, that they are really difficult to find, (as most of them seem to have been designed in the ’80s). Sewing and knitting must be very passe… (more…)
Super Maman or Monster Mom??
Since living in Paris I have become very aware of the different ways (most) French children behave, even at toddler age, compared to kids in the Anglo World. French kids as young as 2 get taken to nice, expensive restaurants and are expected to sit quietly through a four to five course meal and they do! Their mothers are also a site to behold. Parisian Moms are more then often fabulously turned out (I have never seen a pair of sweatpants or a sweatshirt anywhere near the playground) and their children are mostly all little clones of their mothers! How do these woman achieve this?
I found this article, “Is Maman mean or magnifique” in the UK Telegraph, written by American journalist Janine Giovanni who lives in Paris. She writes about French moms, their kids and the cultural differences of parenting.
I’m interested to hear what you girls think! There must be a compromise…
-Emilie
Early teenager?
When I first met my niece and nephew (after meeting my husband), they were roughly the age my children are now – sweet little toddlers– sooo adorable! I liked getting them little presents – cute toys, clothes, candy, etc. Anything would do, as they were at the age where every present was encountered with the same enthusiasm, over and over again!
Gift-giving has unfortunately become harder and harder now that they are at an age (ten and eight) that is in-between kids and teenagers. Presents are easily considered childish or not cool enough… Which is definitely making my life more difficult!
Browsing this wonderful shop, Cox & Cox, I came across some great ideas for upcoming birthdays/holidays:
Look at this ‘magic ink’! With this old-fashioned pen & ink (which is cool to start with), one can write invisible messages! How cool is that? Only when the paper is warmed up slightly (hair-dryer or light bulb) the message will appear. (Ink is non-toxic).
I am sure this will be a great hit with my nephew, who is starting to be a very good writer! (Although I am sure his big sister would be very interested as well – if not his aunt)! 
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It’s Carnival Time!
Carnival season has officially started! Although celebrations will peak on martedi’ grasso (mardi gras on the 5th of February), you can already see kids in the streets wearing costumes and throwing confetti and “stelle filanti” (ribbons of paper).
But most importantly, bakeries and patisseries are filled with carnival sweets, which you can have to accompany lunch, dinners or afternoon tea! (more…)
Donna Wilson’s creatures
I’m having one of those days where I wish I had a real job– a job away from home. I wish I could leave these two boys (especially the 2-year-old) at home with my husband while I dash off to an office (a kid-free zone) and have a little peace and quiet. Sometimes (and I know I shouldn’t be complaining), I really hate my husband’s job… and really for no other reason but that it means he leaves me with these two monsters from 9:30 to 7 every day… aaagghh!
But there is something sort of handy about his job (apart from the obvious, of course)… like when he came home the other night and told me about Donna Wilson’s Designs!
Donna Wilson has created character designs for my husband’s animation company in the past, but is mostly famous for her knitted creatures ! (more…)
Flip Flops
I love wearing flip-flops (in fact I actually hate wearing socks), and my favourite brand is Havaianas.
During a trip to Australia recently, I found that they even make them for toddlers from size 19 onwards. They look super-cute and have an extra strap that goes around the ankle so that they stay on securely. So now we are a completely Havaianas-wearing family, from size 20 (the 2 year old) to size 44 (the husband). It looks hilarious when we line them up by the front door….
-Emilie
Letter to Pampers (II)
Dear people at Pampers,
I wrote to you before regarding some thoughts I had on the NewBaby nappies.
I realize that I also have a suggestion to make for the Active Fit or BabyDry nappies in the size 4 to 4+. The problem is the following… (more…)
Letter to Pampers (I)
Dear people at Pampers,
I have been using your products continuously for 2 years and 8 months now; first for my baby girl, who I potty-trained not long after the birth of my son (forgive me, but 2 babies in your products proved to be a financial disaster). Given the fact that I’ve been a loyal customer all this time, I think it is safe to say that I am definitely a Pampers fan.
However, I still wanted to write to you with a couple of thoughts.
Last weekend I was staying with a dear friend in Milan, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 6 weeks ago. Such a sweet little creature, how soft and sweet-smelling! However, the moment the little angel started filling her nappy, it took me (with shock) back to 8 months ago when my son was that little. How easily one tends to forget… (more…)
Clickety-click… Barba-trick!
If you grew up in the 70s you know them already– these multi-coloured shape-shifting creatures… the Barbapapa family!
They were created in the ’70s by Annette Tison, designer, and Talus Taylor, a math professor, who were married and living in Paris at the time. It was one of the first cartoons to ever carry an ecological message, and they were an immediate success! (more…)
Otto and Sophie and Puk
Could these dolls be any cuter? I instantly thought of Esther… (and not only because the designer’s name is, well, Esther), but also because the designer studied in Maastricht, and her products are all made in the Netherlands! (Plus- they just look like something she could have made with some cute fabrics and her trusty sewing machine)!
Esther Schuivens has been designing these cute dolls (and other toys) since 2003. She was inspired by her old childhood drawings that she found in the attic of her parent’s home. All the dolls have their own name; I especially like Otto, Sophie, and Puk!
Down Under
Here is a travelling tip that maybe isn’t the most obvious for all of us European dwellers, but worth a mention nonetheless… If you ever happen to be on the other side of the world (as I happened to be earlier this month) Sydney is definitely worth the journey! Not only is this city beautiful (and warm), but it is the most kid-friendly place I have ever been.
Magical ABCs
Because my husband works in animation (and because he’s rubbed off on me), we have become a bit selective when it comes to finding great books for our boys. Illustrations must be good, and the story, clever. We have to enjoy reading the book to them.
Alison Jay’s board books are beautifully illustrated, and while the text is simple, her drawings tell the most magical stories! All her books are great, but the Alphabet
The big smoke
We have just come back to Paris after a month away and noticed immediately…. something is different…. no more smoking in cafés, bars and restaurants!!! It makes such a difference. No one truly believed the French would give up their sacred cigarettes but it has happened!
Bad hair day? Never again.
My hair is not straight, but it isn’t curly either. I’m in that grey area in between, and it’s a difficult place to be–especially if you live in humid places… like London or Milan.
I don’t have time to style my hair everyday, so after many years of experimenting I’ve decided that the “straight look” is the best: it’s practical and lasts much longer than the wavy one. I also have invested in zillions of round brushes and a top-of-the-range blow-dryer (I’ll tell you about this another time), and my wrist is now as strong as an ATP tennis player’s. But humidity (and my scooter helmet) always won! (more…)
Chocolate Stars
I have a son who, like his father, is OBSESSED with Chocolate! When I needed incentives for getting him through potty-training, I used M&Ms (one for each successful trip to the toilet). When I need him to sit still on a plane, I bring out mini M&Ms and give him one at a time. When I need him to behave and eat his dinner at a restaurant, I tell him about the chocolate ice cream he can have for dessert. (Call me a bad mother for using bribery, but I don’t care- it works)!
So… imagine how excited I was when I found this organic Chocolate Stars cereal! (Just the thing I needed to get him to hurry up and finish his cereal so I can get him to school on time)!
Tape it
Do you need 10 minutes for yourself? ARE you desperate??
If your toddler (like mine) is bored with her EXTENSIVE collection of toys – try giving her a plain roll of tape with an old magazine. No duct tape of course, just the good ol’ present-closing material. I assure you– it will keep them entertained for a while. If you can get your hands on paper tape – even better (no scissors necessary).
Just make sure you keep checking on your little one. You don’t want to end up with a mummified child!
xxx Esther
Dooo you think I’m sexy?
I understand if you’re more into the pink variety of slippers (the ones with a little silver heel and a furry ball on the toe)…but I just bought these:
The Giesswein Neudau, made in Austria out of 100% (knitted) boiled wool. I just love them – they are sooo cozy…
xxx Esther
Cheerios!
I know you all think I’m insane for spending £7 on a box of imported Cheerios here in London, but they are honestly the BEST! My kids love them (and so do I)! They’re made with whole grain oats and very little sugar, and make the perfect breakfast for your kids (topped with sliced banana… yum)! They are also the ideal snack– firm enough not to crumble yet small enough to fit into little hands. I never leave the house without them.
And here’s the best news… Cheerios now come in a small on-the-go pack that fits perfectly into your handbag or the bottom of your buggy! It’s pourable (with two different-sized openings) and refillable. (more…)
Sensible nursing bra
When it comes to cute nursing bras we all agree that the Maternelle nursing bras by Elle Macpherson are the best, as Courtney already mentioned. But if you’re like me and have a tendency to develop engorged painful breasts in the first weeks of breastfeeding, then only the softest bras will do…
I discovered with my first pregnancy (and unfortunately not early enough) that the only suitable bras are the Bravado nursing bras.
Pull-along snail…
Now that my (8-month-old) baby is walking, I can safely say that he’s past the baby-rattle stage and on to bigger and better things: walking toys! Time to dig into our toy chest and bring out one of my older son’s most favorite toys, the Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail!
