fawn&forest

Mother's Day is like an extra birthday for the mom. Which is a good idea, since more love is always appreciated. Take a jaunt on over to the gifts+ideas page and see all the love we have in store for Mom.

Plus those floating chubby hearts in the background are way crazy cute. Yep, fawn&forest hearts the momma.

(Mother's day is Sunday, May 10th btw.)

Boon makes for a happy day! Boon Scrubbles make for a happy bath. Scrubbles are a set of 3 toys with interchangeable lids + bulbs. Twist them apart, fill the bulbs with water and squirt.......... your brother?

Are Scrubbles sorta rascally? 

I'm in love. periwinklebloom makes me want to be a little girl.... or have a little girl! While there are a couple pieces that a boy could wear, it's all about the cute dresses (bubble!) and organic girly-ness! Tyler Stallings (designer of Periwinklebloom), I am impressed.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An architect. I also wanted to drive an 'el camino' because it was half car/half truck. I was terribly indecisive. I still find decisions painstaking and tend to research to death. I believe with better taste in cars however.

Your collection of clothing is cohesive + incrediably thoughtful. What sparked you into making children's clothes?
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I've tried to be thoughtful both with regards to design and production. I've worked as a graphic designer and educator for many years. I also have a passion for art history. When I became a mom, I wanted to blend these roles which naturally led me to designing for children. I have always been inspired by tactile design whether textiles or paper, the use of whitespace found in Japanese forms, and the aesthetics of vintage American ephemera. I suppose these things all found their way into my work.

I also, like many new parents, became hyper aware of the things we put in and on our bodies, of our family footprint, and of the excessive 'stuff' we accumulate with kids. I wanted to contribute to the way things were made for our children, thoughtfully and worthy of handing down, emphasizing a 'less is more' approach.

What does the rest of 2009 hold for you?
Hmmm, I've given in to the idea of feeling in control or actually planning some time ago. We are expecting our second little one this autumn which will only confirm my afore mentioned thoughts. periwinklebloom will offer a small collection for autumn/winter with a little more color than this first year. I've also got some fun pieces being created out of the loads of scraps I've accumulated coming soon. And I definitely plan to finish my letterpress designs for summer which have sadly been put on the back-burner for too long. That and squeeze in a vacation or two!

Thank you Tyler!

Part .05 Organic sweet potato finger food

If baby is starting to karate chop the spoon, perhaps finger foods are up next on the menu. One medium size sweet potato makes a heaping cup worth of finger food.

1. Wash, peel + dice 1 organic sweet potato. The size of the dice depends on how swanky your babe is.
2. Steam the chopped sweet potato in the Beaba by following these directions. I steamed for 4 minutes, so the chunks were soft but not falling apart.
3. Your baby will be all over feeding himself, so go ahead and give him a handful on his tray or loosely freeze in the sections of Fresh Baby Food Trays.

Ugh! Maybe i don't have time to make finger food?
It is faster to make your own finger food than buckle a baby into a carseat: 30 seconds to peel, 2 minutes to chop (small dice) and 4 minutes to steam. Presto.

Other finger food ideas?
Organic carrot (diced + steamed)
Organic potato (diced + steamed)
Organic apple (diced + lightly steamed)
Organic banana (small chunks)
Organic avocado (diced or small chunks)

For baby food recipes with some fun flavors (cardamon!) read Chowmama.

Read more of... My life with the Beaba Babycook.

The Oh-Plah! Teething Bracelet was an "AH-HAH!" moment of brilliance. It's no secret that a baby is more interested in your watch-keys-bracelet than his own toys. So basically, Caryn Paradis, the designer, is a genius. My baby Owen thinks he's chewing on Mom's bracelet when actually..... Thank you Caryn!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
That would have depended on the day you asked me; it was something I was constantly changing my mind about. Looking back design and business were always a consistent theme. I grew up in a pretty rural area: you had a travel a bit to find a playmate, so I came up with the idea to create a local “play club” so at least all the kids in the area could meet at a specific time to hang out. We even named it: The Sunshine Club (ok, ok, it was the seventies!). I had everyone design a t shirt and we had a fundraiser so we could buy the t shirts and supplies. I created these little dolls from clothespins that someone could use as an ornament, toy, whatever. We made a bunch of them and sold them door to door (we must have walked 8 miles-houses weren’t close together) selling them for .25 each. I think we made about ten dollars, which we gave to my mom and she bought the tees. Come to think of it, she probably subsidized our little venture. I also wanted to be a firefighter.

You are so innovative! What is your favorite part of the process? What inspires you?
Thanks! I love design development, or as I like to call it: the mulling over phase. It’s after I have a path to go down (a hint of a solution for an idea) but I haven’t really done anything with it, but the doors are wide open and the skies the limit. It’s very exciting. I’m one of those people that has trouble sitting still, so when I’m designing something I’ll take a walk or pace, or walk circles inside my house. Seems like when my legs are moving I can focus, and an idea that has been sitting for a bit takes off too. Inspiration for me is so spontaneous and comes from the silliest and most mundane stuff. I once had an “ah-ha” moment from a stick of butter. Don’t ask. I have a hard time segmenting my life, so I tend to be designing in the back of my head while I’m doing other things, but I think that’s the best part: you never know what’s going to create the spark.

What does the rest of 2009 hold for you?
This year is design development: the possibilities are endless. At Roundhouse we’re ramping up, developing more Oh Plah! and other new and exciting products. At home I’m getting my 5 year old ready to start Kindergarten and my 6 month old is getting ready to crawl. We also have this 100 year old house that we’re renovating ourselves (helps to have a carpenter-turned-architect husband!) so I’d love to have a closet this year.

Just in time for summer, the Popsiclekids project table + stool set by Ecotots! So delicious it comes in 3 flavors: cherry, lime or fudge bar.

Made of FSC/Rainforest Alliance Certified SmartWood, 100% formaldehyde-free and finished with 100% non-toxic, water-based stains.

And of course features the patented EcoTots no-tools assembly method. 

Yummy Popsiclekids.

happy earth day, earthlings! be green!

Rachel Weber of Fog Rachel Weber of Fog and Thistle is a fantastic example of craft with function. Rachel makes the most beautiful, intricate papercut nightlights. If you have children, you know how crucial these little nighttime buggers are. Who ever thought they could be a work of art? Thanks Rachel!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
If memory serves, I wanted to be an artist, an acrobat (I used to practice stunts on a rope swing), a veterinarian, and a fashion designer (I frequently submitted fashion designs to Katy Keene comic and they'd occasionally use my designs.) I guess one for four is pretty good!

I can see the influence of nature, paper and children in your work. What inspires you the most?
It all meshes together, but I think nature holds the biggest influence. It is all around us and it translates well for children.

What does 2009 hold for you?
I'm very excited about working on full sized lamp shades. I have a few prototypes under way and I'm raring to go!

I've been telling Danny that we need to donate our sofas in the family room and have only rockers. A whole room full of rockers? Sure! The rockers + gliders from Monte only confirm that this is a good idea.

The Monte rockers + gliders are refined classics that fit into any decor. They're not only beautiful but are available in a wide range of fabric options and all have ottomans to kick up your feet. My favorite? I'm split between the Luca and the Vola (above left).

The baby can rock out too, with the Ninna-Nanna bassinet. Click to find out it's secret. It does more than meets the eye! Hint: view the last image of the bassinet. 

Oh, Monte. How I love thee. 

I've been on a real frazier + wing kick lately, I know. I just can't get over how much I am in love with the f&W mobiles. Well, now I can be in love with a little more: the new garlands.

Perhaps Heather knows how to throw a party for us every day of the week? C'mon, those garlands are way happy. Move over kids, momma wants one of these in her office. 

Check garlands here, scroll to the bottom of the page.

Fresh for spring, a simple recipe to make with the kids from Jennifer Carden (author of The Toddler Cafe). Thanks Jen!

Have a leftover can of pumpkin lurking in your pantry from Thanksgiving?? "What do I do with it you ask?" Get the kids and make Pumpkin Pockets! 

The sun is getting warmer and the days are getting longer and that means the kids will be playing outside more. They will want to play until the mosquitoes are buzzing and the sun is going down. I say keep them in as long as you can, cooking at your side, not because I don't like playing outside but because cooking with them is so fun! I love having my daughter in the kitchen, sometimes it can slow me down but mostly it is wonderful. Here is a very easy recipe, if they like ravioli they will love making these. Make sure to let them fill and seal the pasta, they will be more likely to eat it in the end.

 

Pumpkin Pockets

Here is a very easy way to make homemade ravioli. Gyoza wrappers can be baked, fried, or boiled like pasta. In this case the wrappers cook up just like pasta, with a creamy inside. Serve with browned cinnamon butter, or just plain as a great finger food. Freeze extra Pockets for those nights when the kids are hungry and you’re too tired to cook. Just boil, drain, and serve.

Makes 60 ravioli

8 ounces cream cheese
One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon kosher salt plus 1 tablespoon for pasta water
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 package (60) round gyoza wrappers (see Note)
2 tablespoons butter, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat on high for 30 seconds to soften. Add the pumpkin and stir to combine. Add 1 teaspoon of the salt, the nutmeg, and cinnamon, and mix with a stick blender or by hand until the filling is smooth.

Place a 1/2 teaspoon-sized ball of filling in the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges with water and fold the ravioli over to form half moons. Pinch to close, pressing down lightly around the mounds of filling to prevent air bubbles.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil add 1 tablespoon of the salt. Gently add the ravioli, and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they float. (Depending on the size of the pot, you may have to cook them in batches.) Drain the pasta and toss them with butter and Parmesan.

Recipe Notes:
- If you are cooking frozen Pumpkin Pockets, extend the cooking time to 6 minutes.
- If you have whole nutmeg, use your micro grater or box grater to grate it into the filling.
- Wonton wrappers are square and gyoza are round and slightly thicker, but they are essentially made of the same ingredients. You can use either for this recipe; the flavor and cooking time will be longer for gyoza.

 

You can also view the recipe on Jen's blog, The Toddler Cafe. 

If you are in the market for a new lifestyle, Petunia Pickle Bottom is perhaps what you are looking for. And if you want to style your motherhood differently, PPB has a myriad of options. With lots of color, fun fabrics and innovative designs. 

I have never before seen a changing pad pop out of a clutch, have you?  The Cake Collection (above right) has a fancy little clutch with a surprise pop-out changing pad.

You have most likely seen the classic Boxy Backpack. It's a classic that belongs in the diaper bag hall of fame, but also on your shoulder (or attached to the stroller). And have you met Scout? A leather or wool felt bag that could be for Dad.... or Mom. 

Meet Moby, the amazing plastic whale by Skip Hop. By day, he is a bathtub spout cover. By night, Moby might be out having a whale of a time! Ha!

Moby has some notable features. He's dishwasher-safe and mold and mildew-resistant as well as being BPA, Phthalate and PVC-free.

Plus, he is crazy cute. 

I have a real place in my heart for anything that involves "3 in 1". The new Luna Crib by Q Collection Jr. is not only graceful, but fullfills the 3 in 1: Conversion allows for three easy configurations: crib, daybed, and toddler bed.

How thoughtful is that?

Plus it's so "green" you could lick it? Made of a hardwood frame in locally sourced birch. The ends + applique elephants are made of no formaldehyde added MDF. All finishes are non-toxic, water based finish, free of VOC health hazards.

And the Luna elephant is just too sweet.

If you have ever wanted something with a pneumatic lift, now is your chance! The Flair Highchair by Boon not only glides smoothly in all directions but has a pneumatic which lift allows for an effortless height adjustment. Sounds like fun to me!

The Flair's seat is made of BpA-Free, Phthalate-Free, PVC-Free plastic and is available in 3 likable colors -- blue, white and pink. Flair has all the other bells + whistles you'd expect, like a 5 point harness and a seat pad that's not going to get all grody. 

Pneumatic Flair!

Heather Frazier of Frazier + Wing is an amazing example of an artist + designer who pushes the boundaries of creativity in a very focused and simple way. Her work is confident and bold but still familiar and cozy, like you would want it to be. Props to a fellow Portlander! Here is her top 5 of 5. 

When you were a kid, what were your top 5 favorite things?
1. playing "store". The impulse came early and has never left me.
2. cake. And it still is. Have you heard about my cake diet?
3. ice cream. Hello.
4. my mom. My rock and inspiration.
5. bunnies. I was always a sucker for cute.
6. sewing. An early and enduring passion.

Part .04 Organic Mango

Mango is one of those foods that does not need to be steamed/cooked for baby. They can certianly eat it fresh. So you can puree fresh:

1. Wash, peel + chop the flesh 1 organic ripe mango.
2. Skip the steam function of the Beaba Babycook and place the chopped mango in the beaba bowl + puree smooth or chunky.
3. Feed fresh mango puree to baby or freeze in Fresh Baby Food Trays.

Or you can steam:

1. Wash, peel + chop the flesh 1 organic ripe mango.
2. Lightly steam the chopped mango by following these directions. I steamed for 4 minutes. Then puree.... smooth or chunky.
3. Feed fresh mango puree to baby or freeze in Fresh Baby Food Trays.

 

Mixing food is fun :: foods to mix with mango
banana
peach
yogurt (if baby is old enough)
oats, quinoa, millet

 

To read more about mangos and babies, click here. View the Beaba Babycook!

Roebuck Studio sings the song of spring with their bunnies, chicks, birds and barns. 

Roebuck is also stimulating the US economy by manufacturing and using locally sourced materials in Michigan.  Each piece by Roebuck is available in a variety of non-toxic colors and i made of birch ply. 

My favorite is the chick bookends, pictured above, left. Super cute.

Heather of Frazier + Wing has a party up her sleeve, I am quite certain. The 33 new mobiles in her collection will perhaps make you giddy with excitement. They're colorful, well composed and a fresh burst of fun for the spring.

I have a real thing for the solid yellow one (sunshine), shown above.

The Goodies by Oeuf were part of last month's Forest Finds.... but they're just so fun I have to mention them again! 

The Oeuf Goodies include an alpaca knit soft ball, tiger and zebra tail and a precious tooth fairy pillow! 

Oeuf has partnered with the indigenous women of Bolivia to create their knits, under fair trade. 

Every month I get so excited when putting together the new selection of Forest Finds. I also look forward to seeing what our designer Chris will make the category page look like! It's different each month!

April's selection is about making your daily life a little more special. boopalina+bebe brings the average bib out of it's shell (hello kerchief!), Periwinklebloom has the most amazing dresses + clothing that transitions with every season. Oh Plah's bracelets are one part style, one part teether, and 100 parts totally perfect.

You may have recently seen Rachel of Fog and Thistle on the Martha Stewart Show with her amazing nightlights (view episode here).  And 9spotmonk's notebooks and bookplates will make your child a lover of letterpress at a very young age.

 
Note: My vision for starting Forest Finds was in part to support the "locals"... the independent crafters, designers and manufacturers.  In supporting Forest Finds, you are directly supporting these wonderful people while they perhaps gain greater exposure by being on fawn&forest. Fun!