Chittypulga: Modern Parenting & Cool Designs for Babies, Toddlers and Parents-to-Be

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice... Every Day!

2012-01-24T12:55:00.001-05:00

Back in December, my sister-in-law asked me for my Christmas wish list. I sent her an e-mail saying that ridiculously, I didn't have any. I have always felt weird about wish lists. What if I'm wishing for things out of the budget? ...Why should I ask for anything? ...Aren't gifts supossed to be a surprise?

Anyway, I thought about it one more time and got to the conclusion that aside from the "no surprise" factor, wish lists are great. Gift givers are already confirming that they want to give you a present when they ask for your wish list. They also want to make sure they spend their money on something you will really like.

I included in my list a couple of things that even though I had wanted them for a while, I had never bought and most likely, never would. You know, those things that are not a necessity, maybe a little pricey and always tossed in the list for "some other time"... Oranges came to my mind. Yessss, oranges, a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice every morning, forever. Something that I really love and was not having, because of the amount of time it takes to clean up the juicer or to squeeze the oranges manually.

Good news!! ...I did get the juicer I wanted. A vintage looking orange juicer that just with a simple movement of its lid, it presses all the juice out in seconds and easily gets cleaned without any aggravations. Besides, as an additional benefit, the chrome finish makes it a cool piece of decoration.

It is amazing how little things can make such a big difference when they come to you at the right time. January is usually the month for successful beginnings or terrible failures. From the very first days of the month, I can foresee what resolutions will become part of my life in the new year and which ones will stay in my wish list till the next one... Dedicating time to cooking, eating healthy and providing myself and family with a well balanced diet is one of those resolutions. Definitely, a simple tool, a juicer is helping to keep up with the idea... Did you know a 6oz. cup of fresh squeezed orange juice provides 100% of your vitamin C daily requirements, plus 3% calcium, potassium and many other goodies? ...Yummm!! ...Cheers to the new year and all of those little changes that make you feel closer to success!!

OrangeX Chrome Juicer available here

Vintage Halloween

2011-10-27T11:00:00.036-04:00

Fall is in full force right now in the Hudson Valley. All around us has turned yellow, orange, red, brown, and it looks gorgeous. Days are goings by fast and with them, the colors, those beautiful colors that so soon will be brown, more brown and gray... Ocassionally, we have been gifted with unusual October temperatures of eighty degrees and cloudless, bright blue skies. The perfect weather to forget about whatever I had to do indoors, grab my camera, my girls and get out to explore... This time, the road took us to New Paltz, where we ended up at the Wall Street Market and its antiques barn, a place packed with all kind of goodies from the past and some eye-catching, vintage Halloween favors.

What do you think? ...Aren't they awesome? It felt like we got on a time machine, strolling through so many rooms, surprisingly finding here and there, a spec of orange and black, a sign of past time Halloween... A wooden trick-or-treat basket in one corner, a tin pumpkin and horn in another, the cute pumpkin-head guy, the witch shoes, all of this reminiscence of old Halloween traditions kept me fascinated, thinking of how fast things evolve while others disappear... The world of trends... right?

... How about this owl? It kind of stole my heart!!... I admit my weakness for owls. I love them in all kind of shapes and colors, but this one screams my style. It reminds me of illustrations and postcards from the sixties... I'd love to see it on a t-shirt or a pillow.

New Paltz in the Hudson Valley area, NY, is becoming one of my favorite places... A really nice town to visit with the kids and walk around, stopping by cool antique shops, a farm market with fresh, local products and many restaurants with very interesting menus, organic, vegetarian, vegan, international fusions... The atmosphere around Water Street Market is perfect for a Sunday morning with its outdoors cafe, live music, antiques barn, good coffee, pastries and cheeses... What else can you ask for?
Can't wait to get there? Here are the directions ...Have fun!!

Summer: I Scream for Ice Cream!!

2010-07-13T18:20:00.017-04:00

Growing up in the tropic, having a temperature of eighty degrees every single day of the year, also meant having a childhood with an incredible abundance of ice cream... In Caracas, my hometown, there never was a "hide and seek" tournament or a good match of "freeze tag" that didn't finish at the ice cream shop... I can still remember my little gang- my brother, cousins and neighbors all sweaty, licking popsicles and scooping chunks of our favorite flavors, always followed by a "colita" Grapette soda... Ahhh!! those times when a sugar overdose was not an issue...

Flavors like tamarind, passion fruit, mango, coconut and pineapple were my favorites... Of course, classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry were always an option, but the richness of the tropical flavors was unbeatable... A bunch of years have gone by since childhood, but "ice cream" remains my biggest weakness. I'm not even sure about who gets more excited, my girls or I, when summer arrives and the ice cream parlors open doors around town... I'm always searching for new places and I have to say, the variety of texture, flavors and styles of ice cream in New York can really drive you insane.

Recently, on one of those sizzling days of summer in New York, we discovered Beacon Creamery, our latest obsession and most visited place... A colorful lilac facade with whimsical, dotted frames and bright, yellow walls inside, seemed to be calling our names. We had no idea what we were just about to shock our taste buds with, until we reached the counter... How can you decide on just one flavor, when you are tempted with such concoctions like Killer Chocolate, Dulce de Leche, Green Tea, Ginger, Cappuccino Kahlua Calypso, Pistachio, Very Blueberry or a Watermelon sorbet??

It turns out Beacon Creamery sells the wonderful confections of Jane's Homemade Ice Cream, a name that is almost a well kept secret in the Hudson Valley, extending only to some upscale restaurants and hotels in New York City. With the help of mini tasting spoons, we endulged in some of those incredible flavors until we made up our minds and picked our favorites.

It didn't matter what we chose, the ice cream was always fabulous with the right texture and the perfect flavor, truly matching the name of it. In other words, pistachio tasted exactly like the green nut and raspberry like the real fruit ...What a difference!! ...Artisan ice cream, made in small batches using fresh, local and organic products from the Hudson Valley, served in a friendly atmosphere.

I just love the peaceful, satisfaction packed time I spend with my girls, sitting at the creamery's little patio, licking over and over, till everything is gone...

By the way, if planning a visit to the Hudson Valley, Beacon is a really nice town to stop at... The Dia Art Foundation is right off the train from New York City, as well as the gorgeous park by the river and, still at a walking distance, the attractive Main Street with many interesting boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and of course, ice cream.

Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? Do you have a favorite ice cream place? Where is it? Would you share with us and tell us about it? We'd love to visit, surely if it is in New York!!

718 Made in Brooklyn: Bringing the Train Home

2010-06-22T12:13:00.001-04:00

Some weeks ago, we were in DUMBO, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Underpass, one of the coolest neighborhood in New York City, and the perfect setting for BRKLYN Designs, a show that every year gathers the creative work of a selected group of Brooklyn based artists. A handful of furnishing and interior designers, identified with similar concepts and their infinite variations: Contemporary art, urban inspiration and environmental responsibility. Urban, contemporary and environmentally oriented? 718 Made in Brooklyn, definitely put those tokens together and created "The Subway Series", a limited edition of furniture and lighting accessories inspired by the Big Apple's underground... The subway comes up to the surface and through the creations of designer Jeff Mayer, it becomes a modern element of decoration, a piece of art.

Mayer indeed, brings the train home by turning decommissioned lanterns and subway signs into very original lamps and light-up benches... Aren't those lanterns fabulous? They are the same LED lights used by the NYC subway engineers when walking through the underground tunnels.

...And how about The Bench? Pick your station and sit at home on an authentic decommissioned subway sign, encased in birch ply and veneer... We just love the urban touch... indoors!!
Ooohh ...Mini New Yorkers, you were not left behind!! Pick your 718 Made in Brooklyn onesie and let everyone know that You (subway) New York, even on your stroller.

...Gone With The Wind!

2010-05-05T14:45:00.005-04:00

The last time I flew a kite, I was desperately trying not to disappoint my older daughter Naomi. I was eight months pregnant and her pre-K class was determined to prove that the month of March in fact, came in as a lion and left as a lamb. I did not want Naomi to be the only child running alone, flying a kite without mom by her side... So, there I was, tangled with the string, the kite and my big belly, running with Naomi and her little sister inside, bouncing up and down, feeeling like that baby would come out of me, either by mouth or regular delivery, at any time.
A few days ago, that pregnancy memory came back to me, so clearly... This time, I was exactly at the same place I was almost four years ago, doing the same thing I was doing before. This time, I was flying a kite again, but instead I was running with the little girl that four years ago, was a baby bouncing inside of me. This time it was Zoe's turn to learn about the force of wind and my turn to realize that time goes by, way too fast...

A strange feeling, a mix of happiness, satisfaction and some sort of sadness. The kind of feeling that makes you hesitate... Should I laugh or should I cry? A quick flashback in front of my eyes... Four very important years of my life have gone by between two flying kites!! Naomi left Pre-K and is now a second grader, Zoe left my belly and is now a Pre-K student, and me? ... I have no babies anymore. In exchange, I have two beautiful little girls who, on another turn of a page, will be teenagers, college students or who knows what...

My mind jumped off the kite and landed back on the field, where my little Zoe was struggling to keep Yo Gabba Gabba up in the air... At that very moment, I realized that parenthood is a ticking clock, constantly reminding me that there are precious moments to be enjoyed now, never later, never after. Short stages that fly away like a kite, before I can even realize they are gone.

At that very moment, a sudden urge embraced me... I must hold the string and fly more kites, I must get my face sticky and eat more ice cream, I must get my hands dirty and search for more worms, I must play and have more fun with my kids, before these simple, fulfilling moments are "Gone with the Wind".

By the way, yesterday after a month having a party, not in his tummy, but in the tree, Yo Gabba Gabba finally decided to come back down. The school garderner brought it to Zoe's hands, back to remind me that I must fly more kites.

Kidsonroof: Being Green Was Never So Cool!

2010-04-21T14:38:00.006-04:00

Earth Day is turning forty.... Wait, fooorty? ... That really makes me think about how long it has taken to spread the message... Getting people to love and respect Earth, not only with pretty words, but with their daily actions and turning individual efforts into community habits... What an effort!! Definitely, four decades of tiny "turtle" steps.
As I remember from childhood, our environmental education was just about keeping cans and candy wrappers off the street . These days things are different. Instead, we get to be parents in a world that invites kids to "be green". The words "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" seem to be well printed in their little minds and everyday, we find more and more products with an ecological approach. Goods that don't represent a toxic threat, designs that allow us to show our children how modern life and nature can re-connect.

How about re-connecting with nature in a playroom like the one above? Eco friendly? Yees, and so beautiful... right? It's Volume Zero, the latest furniture collection from Dutch company Kidsonroof. Chairs, matching benches and tables are included in this new line, all constructed with solid beech wood and finished with waterbased paint and lacquer. The delicate prints are Japanese fabrics attached to the wood with waterbased paint.
Eco-friendly toys? Sure! Kidsonroof re-creates the traditional dollhouse and comes up with a thorough makeover. The modern version of the old country dollhouse is now a recycled cardboard mansion with the "countryside" already printed on it. The MobileHome Recycle! is the brand new addition to Kidsonroof's Casa Collection. A portable house in either color, green or purple with eight rooms, an attic and spy holes for pretend birds or maybe dolls to check on their neighbors... Who knows?

Luckily for our friends in Europe, Kidsonroof has all of its products available online and ready to ship from Amsterdam. For us, here in the USA, these new dollhouses will be available in May and the Volume Zero furniture, so sorry to tell, will probably be available at the end of this year. Meanwhile, if you really, really must have it, you can always order it from Europe.

What do you think? Isn't it true that "being green" was never so cool?

Happy Earth Day, everyone!! Tell us what you will be doing today? ...Whatever your plans are, make sure you enjoy nature, share it with your kids and help them realize how lucky they are to be here, at home, on Earth.

NYSCI: Futuristic Labs for Mini Scientists

2010-04-09T13:20:00.003-04:00

Now that it seems safe to venture outdoors... Now that the weather is all good in New York... Now that everything seems so cool, we get another issue to bug our minds... Where do we take the kids to? Where can we go that is fun for the whole family, entertaining and educational, a combination of outdoors and indoors? Wheeeere?

New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a place that you definitely must add to your list of favorites and please, underline it with red marker, so you don't forget about it. We were recently invited to a NYC Bloggers' Open House and spent a wonderful family day there... Really, this place is nothing, but great. There was plenty of entertainment for everyone, hands-on science experiments appropriate for all ages and outdoor areas that make you feel like you bought a ticket for a ride on "Back to the Future" ....Awesome!!Walk around two big floors filled with over 450 exhibits and get not only your kids', but also your inner Einstein awakened... Microbes, atoms, molecules, live dissections, magical rooms, tricky mirrors, so much science around inviting everyone to experiment, to touch... Isn't that great? Yeeess!! NYSCI, a place where touching is allowed and experimenting is all right... Almost paradise!!

Talking about experimenting, NYSCI took all of its "hands-on" concept outdoors and as a result, you end up exploring a very original place. The "Science Playground" has the perfect chemistry, an equal mix of fabulous design and fun learning... Science meets modern art and all of a sudden, you find yourself pushing your child on a swing that is also a wind mill, while admiring the surrounding sun catchers and kinetic sculptures... Are we on Earth?

After refreshing my almost vanished knowledge of solar energy, motion, simple machines and taking a zillion pictures at the Science Playground, my girls were ready to take a golf lesson... We walked through hallways filled with science teachers pulling experiments on the spot, until we reached the Rocket Park Mini Golf... or should I call it the Lunar Rocket Parking Lot??...One or the other, kids had a ball learning to play golf surrounded by real NASA rockets and spaceships, they could actually ride on...

Woow! Done already with the secrets of spaceflight and golf, it was time to meet Sid the Science Kid from the popular PBS Kids Show... Who else could be hanging out at NYSCI, but Sid the Science Kid?
Making plans already for the weekend or looking for a venue to celebrate your child's birthday party? Think of NYSCI. They also offer different packages and themes for parties including crafts or science activities, use of the different areas of the museum and a party room... It just became my kids' new favorite place... and I loved it too!!

Cool Events:

Math Midway :: Now - April 18th

The Great Cat Trap! Puppet Show :: Now - April 18th

Geometry Necklace, Art Project :: Now - April 18th

Super Cyberchase Day :: Saturday, May 1

Albarcas & Gladiators: OMG!! The cutest sandals for little toes!!

2010-03-26T18:27:00.002-04:00

Wiggly toes, little kids' chubby feet... Hmmm!! I must confess, they are my weakness. I can drool profusely contemplating them... Definitely, I prefer bare feet and nobody can convince me that there is anything cuter that mini bare feet... Do I sound a little extremist? I can be reasonable too and settle for shoes, but give me something cute, something that really, really matches the beauty of itty-bitty toes.

Sandals are a good starting point... Have you shopped for kids' sandals yet? Well, if you haven't, let me tell you that shoemakers are getting artistic this season. Some of them have teamed up with well-known plastic artists to bring their graphic inspiration on either leather or canvas.

I'm really in love with the Spanish "Menorquinas". These colorful "albarcas" or traditional beach sandals from Menorca, in the Balearic Islands, have been made by Riudavets for over 50 years. They have mastered the style and even, made them eco-friendly by using recycled tires to produce the sandal soles. Spanish illustrator Antonio Fernandez-Coca came to the picture recently when, inspired by the living creatures of the Mediterranean Sea, he started to fill up sheets of leather with playful starfish and octopus.

The result is "Menorquinas", these gorgeous sandals that will allow your little "fashionista" to keep her title as "the undisputed trend-setter".... Do you like them as much as I do?? Well, here is a link so you can get them from the manufacturer in Europe or if you are in the States, Zassie in New York City, carries them and delivers inside the USA. From the beach to a dressier style, and if you thought that gladiator sandals were just for you or maybe, Cleopatra... no, no, noooo!! ...Take a look at Steve Madden's "Sweeties" ...aren't they fantastic? Easy on, easy off, just a zipper in the back and a lot of beads in a tasteful combination... Perfect for the little girl that is not so little anymore, great to dress her up or down.
I'm fascinated with silver sandals this Spring. They match beautifully with Easter dresses, wedding outfits and even jeans. For toddlers and little girls, this gladiator style "Deena" seems to be the right one. Comfy, double velcro hook-and-loop straps and friendly price.... wooohoo!!

Taking a Toddler to the Museum! ...Can We All Have Fun?

2010-03-03T13:30:00.010-05:00

In my imaginary album of favorite scenes, I always find myself like in a movie, taking my little ones to the museum and having that sublime time, in which everything is perfect... We walk through galleries and galleries admiring dinosaurs and Homo Sapiens. My girls delicately, whisper smart comments about those creatures and I smile graciously.
Reality hits me in the head and I come back from my utopic land... What was I thinking?? Yeees, only in the movies people go to a museum with kids that never get tired of looking at things they don't understand or kids that never need to run desperately to a toilet.
In true life, things are not so whimsical. However, you can prepare ahead of a potentially disastrous time and actually, have a great day. Recently, I took my three-and-a-half year old Zoe to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the experience was pretty close to the ones in my dreams.
The first decision I made was to not to make it a family trip. I have had plenty of frustrating occasions with two kids pulling me in opposite directions and even my husband acting up. So this time, it was Zoe and me alone. Second, I reminded myself that those days, when I was single and could walk the museum from opening till closing, were over. Now, on a less ambitious adventure, I navigated the Museum's website before the trip, picked a couple of exhibits, chose a children's program and found a fantastic place I had never seen before, the Discovery Room, a corner of the museum especially designed for kids and even, for those adults with a curious inner child. That was it! A "planned" visit to the museum really made a big, big, difference.
Once at the Museum, before we got into any exhibitions, we took care of the basics, the restroom, the snack and any possible request "her majesty" could have... We strolled the "Fossil Halls", the "Hall of Human Origins" and just when Zoe seemed to have had enough of those "monkeys with boobies" as she called our "ancestors", it was time for "Wild, Wild World" , a one-hour program that gave us the perfect break to rest our feet and learn with fun.
The Museum of National History, keeps a calendar with many activities for children, but when it comes to the littlest ones, the options become narrow. This monthly program offers a unique learning experience by bringing live animals to the theater and showing them "up-close and personal" to the kids. The February show presented "Awake at Night" with Rob Mies, a really entertaining talk about some "party animals" who refuse to sleep at night and hunt for food after dark.
Next "Wild, Wild World" on Saturday, March 27th will present "Predators".

Happy still, we walked a little and stumbled upon "The Discovery Room", an awesome classroom-lab of the 21st century loaded with hands-on artifacts, puzzles and specimens for children to explore. The design of this place is fantastic!! It is interesting enough to keep your eyes occupied, while your little one searches for petrified insects in a gigantic replica of an African baobah tree or assembles a life-size cast skeleton of Prestosuchus, another replica of some prehistoric reptile. Free passes for 40-minute timed sessions are offered at the entrance of this room.

So, in answer to my original question ...Can we all have fun when taking a toddler to a museum? Definitely, yes!! As a final tip, keep moving constantly while at the museum, rather than parking yourself and looking at a specific thing for too long. Most toddlers are not reading yet and forcing them to observe the same object for a while can just blow their fuse.

Are you feeling adventurous?...Planning a visit to the Museum of American History this weekend? ... How about a dose of Lizards & Snakes: Alive!!. Exhibit opens on Saturday, March 6th... Good luck and have a great time there!!

Fall in New York: Apples, Pumpkins & Fun Colors

2009-10-28T10:33:00.002-04:00

The beginning of Fall always brings a sad feeling to me. The long sunny days are gone, sooner than later it gets cold and then the sweater, the jacket and all of that paraphernalia on my shoulders... Just "not" a happy thing!!
However, I have to admit, this Fall has been one of the prettiest ever... The colors around are breathtaking. Yellow, orange, red and brown have taken over the Hudson Valley and I cannot get enough of so much beauty...

Last weekend, the temperature was still comfortable enough to venture out and go apple picking... Camera in one hand and my two girls on the other, we took a trip to Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh. Just an hour away from New York City, this place is awesome, so much fun for kids and grown-ups too. It feels like the biggest celebration of Fall is going on there.

From the moment you get out of the car, that repressed country ego inside, seems to possess you and you just want to get muddy, dirty, "hands-on" and pick some apples, pumpkins or whatever vegetable your mind can think of.
Armed with a wooden wagon, the little ones loved the ride along rows of apple trees and pumpkin patches, as they stuffed themselves with a zillion grapes of all kind and colors. Once the "farming fever" wore off, my girls discovered Lawrence Farms Little Village, a super cute little town, reminiscent of an old-fashioned New England Farm Town. A fantastic playground, perfect for children to let their imagination fly. Nothing is misssing there, the church, the firehouse, the post office, the jail... So much pretend play around, you could make a movie right there!!

A horse-drawn carriage ride and a visit to the farm's Country Store made a good ending to this adventure. I definitely, had fun picking fruits and vegetables, but "no way" I will get into making jellies and preserves. No worries though, that store is packed with all kind of homemade "yummy" goodies, cooking books and crafts.

Lawrence Farms Orchards is having apple picking until November 8th. Later on, they switch to their Christmas schedule, which sounds fun too... Really, when your nerves are fed up with the city and your whole self is about to explode, take a ride North... It's amazing how the world changes, only 50 miles away.

Quick and Easy!! A Halloween Treat for Little Pumpkins

2009-10-20T09:08:00.005-04:00

A few days ago, I had to come up with some treat for my daughter's birthday party at school. Something easy to carry, not messy and as she requested "something different, not a typical goody bag".
The "party" stores were out of the scope then, so I decided to land at Michael's, where I usually get so inspired, I could buy the whole store. As usual, my imagination flew away and before I reached the register, everything went back to the shelves. In reality, the projects that my mind creates are totally different from the ones my hands can make... Let's make it clear... I'm not that crafty, I'm not an artist and I don't have time to try.
So, once more Michael's made my imagination work. This time on something that I was able to put together and finish.... Yaaay!! M&M's tin boxes filled with colorful crinkle paper, a wind up Halloween monster, a mini chocolate bar and of course, lots of M&M's.
Kids were overjoyed with their treat and even the teachers complimented my colorful idea. In a minute, I set up a table with twenty of these tin boxes and added cupcakes topped with frosting in M&M's colors. Instead of the big "m", my cupcakes had a big "n" as for Naomi, my daughter's name... The table looked "great".

With Halloween around the corner and so many activities to prepare, I just thought this idea could be a good one to share, especially for the littlest ones. It is easier and safer to hand them a tin with everything inside, rather than having them pick from a bowl. And... you know what was great also? The price, each tin box was a dollar, each toy was a dollar too. Add a bag of mini chocolate bars, a bag of M&M's and "listo"... Ready to have fun!!

Enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate from Chittypulga!!

2009-08-13T17:51:00.004-04:00

School is approaching fast and moms are going crazy trying to grab some cool, cute outfits for their little ones... Going back to the classroom "in style", becomes an obsession and let's face it, in this economy, even a headache... The shoes, the matching clothes, the backpack, the lunchbox, so many things to buy and there you are, venturing around with your squeezed wallet.
Well, this is the perfect time to head over SuperMom Central and put your good luck and best wishes to work. Our friend and Super Mom Lauren Horsley has teamed up with some awesome stores, including Chittypulga, and is hosting a "Stylin' for School" week until August 16Th.
Hurry up, click on the button below and follow the instructions to participate and win a $50 Gift Certificate from Chittypulga, outfits, school supplies and many other goodies.
Hey, don't forget!! Before you head over to SuperMom Central, walk around Chittypulga and select your favorite items. Let us know in your comments what you would get with a $50 Gift Certificate from our boutique.... Want some inspiration? How about some trendy Toddler Backpacks from Four Peas at 50% OFF or Eeboo Color Pencil Boxes and Sketchbooks at 30% OFF? Need more? Well, don't miss our End-of-Summer Super Sale. Visit our "Dress them Up" department and have fun choosing among so many gorgeous outfits from Tea Collection, Zutano, Jaffa, LunaLuna, shoes from Pazitos and more at 30 to 50% OFF.... Best of luck you all!!

RedFish Kids: Asian Touch for Little Girls Dresses

2009-07-17T08:00:00.003-04:00

Summer is in full force and there is nothing cuter than looking at little girls around, showing off the season's fashion with their swing dresses, twirly skirts, big hair bows and trendy sandals...
Oooh!! ...Light fabrics with colorful prints and comfy lines? They just make us wish the same styles were also made in moms' sizes.
Add an Asian touch to those dresses and now you can picture yourself strolling the streets of Tokyo or Shanghai with your little princess... Luckily, you don't have to travel that far to get such creative designs... The fortune cookie says: You can get it all with RedFish Kids Clothing!! Little girls' dresses with a modern Asian influence...
Meticulous attention to details, RedFish Kids dresses are not only beautiful, but also versatile and designed to last long. They are made of pre-washed and pre-shrunk, 100% cotton. Best of all, these dresses adapt to any season and your child will never outgrow them... How is that? Well, take a dress like the one in the picture, the Mandarin Swing Dress in New World, and have your girl wear it by itself during spring and summer. Fall-winter come around, add a long sleeve tee with a pair of leggings underneath and the result is awesome...

Talking about never outgrowing these dresses, designer Lorraine Kitsos, the brain behind RedFish Kids and also a mother of two, decided to create clothes knowing firsthand, what moms need from their children clothing. So, she made it easy and came up with outfits like the Swing Dress in Asian Dolls print, a dress that turns into a smock when it gets too short. Match it with a pair of jeans or trousers and it will still look great.. never small. ...One of our favorite dresses from RedFish Kids, the Mandarin Swing Dress in Old World. A great outfit with vibrant colors, perfect for a birthday celebration during the summer and a very appropriate design for the holidays, matched with long sleeves and leggings underneath .. Just gorgeous!!

Are you loving RedFish Kids as much as we do?? Take advantage then... Chittypulga, is offering a 10% OFF on any RedFish Kids item until July 31st. Enter code CHITTY10 at the top of your shopping basket and also get Free Ground Shipping on any order over $100.

Take the Day OFF & Get on a Zoo-Venture: The Bronx Zoo

2009-06-23T17:33:00.003-04:00

Last Tuesday, instead of my usual routine ...work,work work!! I gave myself a day off from Chittypulga and joined my big daughter on a field trip to The Bronx Zoo... It was one of those glorious days in New York City, perfect weather, sunny, no humidity, no traffic... What else could we ask for? I took my little daughter too and stroller in hand, followed a crowd of loud first graders, gossipy moms and vigilant teachers on our zoo-venture.
Whether you live in NYC or are coming over for a visit, The Bronx Zoo is an obligatory stop. While impossible to walk the whole park in one day with so many kids and stops, it was just fantastic to spend quality time in selected areas. Our favorite ones, Madagascar and the Butterfly Garden. Both of my daughters were fascinated recognizing some of the movie characters on real animals at the Madagascar area. It is amazing how this parade of exotic lemurs, fossas, crocodiles and geckos live in a zoo, but a perfect replica of their natural environment. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and it is also home to rare and endangered animals found nowhere else on Earth.... Particularly, I had never seen most of them!!
Walking among screaming kids, trying unsuccessfully to keep a conversation going, we stumbled upon the Congo Gorilla Forest and... wow!! Didn't those monkeys look like us? We spent a long time hypnotized by the family-bound gorillas and their lifestyle... Mothers feeding their babies, daddies taking a nap, groups just chilling in the middle of their artificial forest while chewing some celery... Ahhhh!! The peaceful life!!
Perfect for a Zoo-venture ending, "The Butterfly Garden". A huge green-house with a Feng-Shui touch (I wish I had one like that in my backyard). All of a sudden, we were surrounded by monarch butterflies and colorful flowers, sprayed by refreshing mists of water and just to soothe my soul, a gorgeous pond with koi fish dancing in the water... Hmmm! For a moment I forgot this one was my daughter's school trip and let my mind fly to paradise... Nice!!
... Of course, my daughters could not leave without pulling my arms and pushing my bottom into the Zoo shop, even for just three minutes... However, I must admit the Bronx Zoo Shop could have kept me in for a lot longer than a few minutes... The store is filled with stuffed characters based on the real animals living at the Zoo. Cute baby gorillas and bears with their little cards attached and a short bio of themselves.. Smart, graceful, educational and reasonably priced.
It was really awesome to take a day off in the middle of the week and enjoy life, kids, friends, nature... Whether you work for somebody or just for yourself, take a day off for no other reason than wanting to have fun... It feels sooooo good!!

Spring-Summer Kids' Clothes Sale: Tea Collection, Zutano 25-50% OFF

2009-05-06T12:14:00.012-04:00

The outdoors is screaming our names and it is time to start putting together those cute summer outfits for our little ones... Chittypulga has it all for your pumpkin, twirly dresses, tees, tanks, shorts, sandals, canvas shoes from your favorite designers and... guess what? This is the perfect time to grab a bunch of those items kept in your "wish list" and get the best deal. Check the
"New Arrivals" and get 25% OFF any item from Tea Collection, Zutano, Hub Cap and Pazitos, or visit the "Dress them Up" department for savings up to 50% OFF.
...Want more? Sure, you do!! Chittypulga is offering the following coupon code SPRINGFUN, so you can get an extra 10% OFF on your order of $100 or more. Good till this Sunday, May 8th at midnight EST... So, hurry up and don't miss the goodies!!
Heeeeyy!! and while you are shopping for your mini-me, don't forget Mother's Day is coming up!! Catch two birds in one shot and get that present for the expectant mom, sister, best friend or even yourself. Chittypulga has gathered a small selection of shower gifts for the modern Mom-to-Be. Diaper bags and changing kits from Fleurville, MamaMio wonderful pregnancy care products, photo albums and frames from Molly West, baby organizers and...well, why don't you click and see for yourself? Save up to 40% OFF...Grrreat!!

One more goodie!! Ground Shipping is FREE when you fill up your basket with $100 worth of merchandise.... And if you have never been to Chittypulga, head over and join our e-mail list to get an e-coupon for $10 OFF of your first purchase.

Little Alouette: Organic Wooden Rattles as smooth as silk!!

2009-04-16T13:52:00.001-04:00

When I think of my two pregnancies and the excessive amount of presents we received at each shower, I really feel overwhelmed. For about two months after delivery, the postman would keep knocking at the door with boxes and boxes of gifts for these babies, who didn't even have enough days to wear everything on time. Now, they are 6 and 3 years old... and, what do we have left, out of all of those gifts?
Honestly, the only thing that still survives every closet cleaning is a pair of very simple, but super smooth wooden rattles with their names on. My girls loved them, had a lot of fun chewing them, banging them and now, they are a beautiful keepsake to remind us of their babyhood forever...
These days, handmade, wooden, baby rattles have got to an even higher level of beauty with Little Alouette!!
Modern versions of wooden rattles with bunnies, elephants or hippo silhouettes are coming out of this fun company based in Ohio. At Little Alouette, each finished piece is slightly different, every rattle is made by hand using local maple wood, sanded until it is as smooth as silk, coated with certified organic seed oil, filled with beans for a shaky-shaky sound and infused with love ... What else should we look for? This is the ohhh-soooo-cute!! perfect gift for your next baby shower...

If the baby stage is over and you are looking for an eco-friendly wooden toy for your mini one, Little Alouette also has a small line of basic toys. Animal figures, keys and blocks, wonderful to grasp and let your child's imagination fly away, so far away, that maybe you will be able to enjoy a "latte" in peace, without the usual interruptions!! ...hope, hope!!

Walnut Cake with Coffee Syrup: have your coffee and eat it too!!

2009-04-13T18:22:00.000-04:00

...So, we celebrated Easter yesterday and decided to have a veeeery different party... Every year, my husband and I struggle getting our two daughters "picture-ready", dressing ourselves up, making it on time for a restaurant reservation and meeting friends... This year, we created the "Easter Brunch PijamaParty" ...No rush, no reservations, no dress-up and yeeess cocktails, good food, egg-hunt, fun and ....yummy cake!!
I picked this Walnut Cake with Coffee Syrup, a recipe from Louise Pickford's book "Brunch", as the special dessert for the occasion... I chose to unfollow that old rule "never cook a recipe for the first time when hosting a party" and went for it. The result was soooo fantastic that I've decided to share it with my virtual friends ...why? Because it is scrumptious, easy and fast to make...Perfect for busy mommies like you and I, who want to look like perfect chefs without killing ourselves in the process...
Here is the list of what you need to get:
For the cake:
6 eggs, separated
2 1/2 cups walnut halves, finely ground in a food processor
3/4 cup day-old bread crumbs (italian bread was perfect, left uncovered overnight)
9-inch springform pan, greased and lined with a round of greased parchment
whipped cream, to serve
For coffee syrup:
1 1/4 cups strong black coffee
1/2 cup sugar
3 star anise

Now get it done:
Put the egg yolks into a large bowl, add 2/3 cup of the sugar and wisk until pale.Stir in the ground walnuts and bread crumbs. (The mixture will be very stiff at this stage)
Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, gradually whisk in the remaining sugar. Stir a large spoonful into the cake mixture, then fold in the rest until evenly mixed. Spoon into the prepared cake pan and bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until risen and springy to the touch.
Meanwhile, put the coffee, sugar and star anise in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then boil for 5-6 minutes until sirupy, not too thick. Cool slightly.
Using a wooden toothpick, spike the cake all over the surface and drizzle with half the syrup. Set aside to cool. Serve the cake still warm with whipped cream and the remaining coffee syrup spooned around it in a pool.
That's it!! A great cake for any occasion, soft, moist, delicious!!... Sorry, got to go and get a piece...Mmmmm!! Hope you make it and enjoy it as much as I am.

Kalon Studios: An Eco-Friendly nursery you may turn into a toddler's bedroom!!

2009-04-01T17:53:00.000-04:00

Isn't it true that when it comes to decorating your baby's room, you are so inspired that you end up all confused and overwhelmed with so many styles, themes, colors? ...Months go by and the more you look, the further you get to a final decision... Kalon Studios, ahhhh!! Kalon Studios and their modern, clean, practical designs make me feel like working a deal with the stork again, juuuuust to decorate a nursery one more time... Take a look!!

Based in Los Angeles and Germany, Kalon Studios is as good to the environment as it can be...

Sustainability is their motto and the furniture is not only beautiful in form, but even more beautiful in concept. Everything is made to create a balance, "giving as much as we take".

When it comes to the nursery, Kalon Studios has come up with an awesome idea the "Ioline" set, a crib that turns into a toddler bed, a NEW dresser that holds a changing table on top and the same changing table that becomes a toy chest or a reading bench.

The "Ioline" furniture by Kalon Studios is all made of durable bamboo finished with an oil they developed, that is sooo green, so non-toxic that is food grade... Expensive? Of course, so much goodness cannot be cheap, but if you think about it twice, it is worth every penny... A crib-bed, a dresser and a changing table-toy chest is all you need to decorate your little one's room for five years... You either buy the regular stuff and shop twice, for the baby and then the toddler, or purchase something smart like this and get done at once...

Top Baby Shower Gifts: Organized from the Start - Baby Briefcase

2009-03-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

My good friends at Cool Mom Picks posted a few days ago, the Ultimate Baby Shower Gift Guide and it really is the "Ultimate Baby Shower Gift Guide"... OMG!! These girls did not miss one detail. There is something for everyone, classified in all kind of categories... Definitely, a link to bookmark and keep handy for the rest of the year. It is packed with great present ideas for the parents-to-be, the baby-to-arrive and even better, many, many discount coupon codes, good till the end of 2009.
Among those fabulous selections, Cool Mom Picks included Chittypulga's Baby Briefcase, a gift that will always make you look tasteful, smart and appropriate, a unique tool designed by "Organized from the Start", to keep some peace of mind after you give birth and find yourself fully loaded with the baby in one hand and a stack of papers on the other...
It is true, our little muffins as cute as they are, produce a scarry amount of papers and important information that even if you don't have the time to categorize at the moment, at least you want it all together in one place. That place is the Organized from the Start - Baby Briefcase, an item that has already become a classic gift with its modern, neat presentation, delicate pastel colors perfect for either boy or girl, strong construction and smart design... Imagine a perfect folder and tag for the birth certificate, inmunizations, insurance policy, social security and even a picture frame, so you can easily identify whose child the briefcase belongs to... Not that I'm thinking you are another version of the Octo-Mom, but you might get confused!! ... Promotional Price at Chittypulga: $26.95

I kept peeking at the Ultimate Baby Shower Gift Guide and found another big name when it comes to gifting the mom, rather than the baby... Mama Mio, their moisturizers and fantastic pregnancy kits are sure to please even the pickiest expecting mom... Who doesn't want to be pampered with some bottles of oils and creams over-stuffed with Omega 3, 6 and 9? Who doesn't want to rub that tummy for nine months just to ensure that the growing and shrinking will not leave your stomach looking like a flat tire? Check the Mama Mio website for a full selection of their products or visit Chittypulga for Mama Mio's discounted items at 25% OFF the regular price...

My last peek from the Ultimate Baby Shower Gift Guide: Wry Baby. A hilarious collection of outfits and things for the baby-to-arrive. I looove Wry Baby's intelligent and sophisticated sense of humor, always reallistically funny, never phony... Check their website for the newest line "Have the baby you want instantly", three different sets of snapsuits and leggings, packed and ready for a gift. The attitude in the "Instant Rock Star" really kills me... Check also Chittypulga's Wry Baby selections at 25-30% OFF the regular price.

...And don't forget, at Chittypulga you always get Free Ground Shipping on purchases over a $100, plus a $10 OFF e-coupon when you join our e-mail list.

Best Holiday Gifts: Decor for the littlest ones with Cici Art Factory Event

2008-12-09T10:39:00.000-05:00

A new baby, a new year, the holidays... they always bring an inspiration to do some changes around the house and with CiCi Art Factory's event at Chittypulga, a refreshed nursery or playroom could be just around the corner... Here is some eye-candy to get the imagination going...

...want milk, chicks, birdies, froggies? Get them by the dozen with the "Lotsa" collection, a series of original paintings, representing characters or objects so familiar to young children that hopefully, will not only decorate the room, but will also entertain your mini angel while you are able to get the real bottle ready...

Cici Art Factory is the creation of canadian painter Liz Clay... Inspired by her little girls, she came up with this series of original paintings using patterns of tiny objects on 8" x 8" canvases. Lots and lots of those silhouettes are arranged in organized rows or desorganized chaos and filled up with chunky paint in bright colors to create the "lotsa" effect... All together, modern art for little eyes and pleasing decor for the big ones...

The one effect we are loving at Chittypulga is the "Lotsa" paintings hung together in groups... Choose a silhouette, select a pattern -organized, random, x's or o's and now mix and match. The result is fantastic!! Decorate a boring wall and turn it into an exciting game of "tic, tac, toe" with the X and O pattern, or pick a theme and present it in all four different colors... Pure tasteful fun!!

To make it even more fun, Cici Art Factory and Chittypulga are partnering to bring you this wonderful offer... Believe or not, until December 31st, 1 + 1 = 3. We don't know how math got so screwed up, but, the point is that when you purchase two pieces of the Lotsa Collection, you get one FREE... Top it up and you also get Free Ground Shipping when you buy at least two of them.

Yeaahhhh!! Take advantage and redecorate your own child's room or make three individual holiday gifts... Heyyy!! These times of financial crisis, an offer like this may come handy... What do you think?

Best Holidays Gifts: Fleurville Diaper Bags and Accessories SALE

2008-12-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

Yeahh, unbelievable but true, the year is almost over!! ... The first week of December is history and from this point on, you are just three weeks away from acomplishing a difficult mission... getting done with the gift list!!
It doesn't matter how many different filters you apply to it, the end result is always the same -a long tail of names with the most important ones in your life, the "not so close" and the ones you "must" include, it doesn't matter what.
Among those, there is always somebody expecting a baby or someone who just had a baby and here you are "clueless" about what to get for them... Put at least, that present out of the way now... Chittypulga is running a special event, the quantities are limited and you should not miss it!!
Fleurville diaper bags and accessories are up to 35% OFF plus Free Ground Shipping on orders over $100.
Is this an awesome holiday pick or what? ... Take a look!! This Fleurville Mothership Diaper Bag in pink only $95.00. Regular price: $150.00
Fleurville has become a number one brand in the making of modern diaper bags that don't sacrifice your style, but also offer durable construction and smart functionality. One of their most popular designs the Lexi Tote Tangerine Ogo is at 25% OFF and the super searched Geo Botanical Sling Tote 10% OFF... Perfect gift for the mom-to-be or just for yourself...

Useful and chic!! This is one of our favorite holiday gifts for the stylish, eco-friendly new mom... A trendy shoulder bag that is also a practical changing pad... The Fleurville Mod Pod Changing Kit has it all in one bag, enough room for the basics, a foldable changing mat and even better, it is "Toxic Free", made of a water resistant fabric obtained by recycling plastic bottles... 15% OFF:

$40.80 after discount

A fantastic holiday present for the daddy-to-be, the Fleurville DJ Bag is the right one for the busy dad, who multi-tasks taking care of business and dealing with the little one at the same time... Contemporary design, shoulder strap with pockets for quick access to gadgets and accessories, outside pockets and offset zipper to reach diapers and wipes without even opening the bag... Check this one, Chittypulga is offering the Fleurville DJ Diaper Bag in Camouflage print at 25% OFF. $88.50 after discount.

Get those presents out of the way now and delivered on time for the Christmas celebrations. Chittypulga offers "same day" shipping on orders entered by noon EST.

SALE ALERT: 20% OFF "Back to Basics" Toys for Babies and Toddlers

2008-11-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

Is your mailbox crazily packed with Christmas promotions of all sorts? Mine is!! ... and the Toys' catalogues are taking the lead by far. Battery operated and TV characters among the main choices, as if I don't get enough of them everyday.
If you feel the same way I do -going back to basics, avoiding noisy toys and awakening your child's creativity, then check this out!!... Chittypulga has gathered a small selection of safe toys, lead free, carefully picked for the littlest ones and ...guess what?? Only for three days till Wednesday, November 12th, you can get each one of them at 20% OFF the regular price, plus Free Ground Shipping on purchases over $100.
Click on this link to view all selected items. Once they are placed in the shopping cart, you will get the automatic 20% discount.

One of my favorites the Schylling Speedster Race Car. There is also a girly version in pink:
$63.60 after discount.
A classic for young kids, the Dough n' Tools from Alex Toys. A beautiful wooden case with everything included to introduce your little one in the creative world of play-dough. Great presentation for a Christmas present: $23.60 after discount.

Mini architects will have a blast with Melissa and Doug's "60 Piece Standard Unit Blocks" set, especially designed for preschoolers and kindergarteners. A great variety of shapes, classroom sized, smoothly sanded and naturally finished. $39.96 after discount.

Does it get any cuter than this? A perfect treat for the littlest ones, a "Knitted Cookie Assortment" from Yellow Label Kids. A safe alternative for babies, toxic dyes free, washable and sooo real looking, even cool for bigger kids to use as pretend food. $22.00 after discount.

Huggable, super soft, crazy looking and more than anything creative! Pooki and Co. collection of plush characters and backpacks is a fabulous pick for the modern tot. Choose from bigger dolls like this MamaLola or mini Pookies, tiny dolls packed in beautiful gloss boxes. A "must buy" for stocking stuffers... MamaLola: $22.40 after discount.

Tea Collection: Holiday Clothing for Modern Tots at SALE Price... Hurry!!

2008-10-31T10:29:00.000-04:00

You just got done with Halloween and all of its paraphernalia... but, guess what? The end of Halloween marks the beginning of the Holiday shopping... So, gather paper, pencil and start your new "to do" list.
Trying to make life easier, Chittypulga has put together a selection of "overstock" holiday outfits from Tea Collection, Toni Tierney, Zutano and dressy shoes from Pazitos, available now at 20 to 30% OFF the regular price.... Quantities are limited. Shop early, get it out of the way and save BIG time!!

One thing that I always refuse when it comes to dressing up my girls for the holidays is getting outfits that will be worn once. Not only they are more expensive than the usual, but the colors and the styles don't fit with any other celebration. Designs like "El Cielo" dress from Tea Collection is what I hunt for. A gorgeous knit jumper, made of wonderful 100% cotton yarn, with a timeless raspberry color that can be matched with different shirts, tees, leggings or tights to create many other outfits.

Mix and match as much as you can!! This economy isn't helping much and the tight budget for the holidays is pushing the fancy outfits off the list... Don't give up!! You can still dress up your little boy in style combining pieces that will not be forgotten forever in the drawers. Get the basics, a good quality long sleeve, buttoned down, blue shirt, like the Poplin Shirt from Tea Collection. Add a pair of basic striped trousers like the Temple Striped Pants in indigo color and for a holiday touch, the Republic Knit Vest also from Tea Collection. Three "must have" pieces that your little prince will always need for any other event... Best of all, each one is marked down at 30% OFF the regular price.

Not convinced yet about the idea of buying a holiday outfit that can be worn all year around? We understand ...baby's first holiday, the family picture and the grandparents begging for something green and red... You don't have to make her look like a mini Santa Claus to satisfy everybody's requests though... How about something modern, funky and still within the holiday palette? Check this Holiday Green Dress from Toni Tierney... Just different!

A pair of red shoes? We are not too sure if we can justify these beauties and talk about how basic they will be in your princess' wardrobe, but they are sooooo cute!! How can we leave them out? Definitely, a perfect final touch for your baby's holiday debut. Pazitos Red Nubuck Ballerina Shoes... a "must have".

Ahhh!! ...And if you are into bigger savings this week, enter coupon DRESSUP10 at the top of your shopping basket and save 10% OFF any purchase site-wide. This coupon is valid until Sunday, November 9th, 12:00 midnight EST.

Tigers, Owls and Dragons: Organic Tees that don't believe in Neutral Colors

2008-10-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

I heart the idea of raising kids wearing "organics" and teaching them, through everyday things, how to be friendly to their environment. However, sometimes I miss a good touch of color, those vibrant tones rather than the neutral, mostly found in the clothing made with organic fibers.
Organic? Colorful? Made for kids? Sweatshop free? You've got it!! ...These tees have it all!!
Rock 'n' Roll Babies is the inspiration of two San Francisco artists Kris Bhat and Debbie Hartung, who dreamed of creating an eco-friendly line of onesies and t-shirts, using 100% organic cotton with graphics that could express San Francisco's unique sense of fashion and creativity...

Rock 'n' Roll Babies' new line is out and the graphics are fantastic... Tigers seem to be very trendy these days and these onesies and tees are really beautiful with a shimmery orange silhouette printed on black cotton.

Asian inspiration, this meticulously drawn dragon makes an amazing contrast in black over a red background...

Rock 'n' Roll Babies really believe businesses can make a difference in the world commiting to enviromentalism and social responsibility. Their onesies and tees are made in San Francisco, sweatshop free, packed in recycled boxes and delivered to the post office by bicycle for gas saving... Are they enviromentalist or what?

New designs available in onesies sizes 3 to 24 months and tees 2T to 4T at Chittypulga.

A 10% OFF Coupon from Chittypulga

2008-10-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

Just in case you have not joined Chittypulga's e-mail list and are not getting the goodies through our newsletters...

Here you go!! A special discount coupon for a 10% OFF any purchase until Sunday, October 12th., plus Free Ground Shipping on orders over $100.

Right now, Chittypulga is packed with great fall clothing and accessories from Tea Collection, Zutano, Toni Tierney, Pazitos and more.

Click and Peek!! Great prices also on marked down sweaters, jackets, scarfs and accessories for the "not so far away" chilly days.

Quilt Baby: Modern Blankets that Please Your Eyes

2008-09-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

Well, this is it!! Summer is gone and with that, a whole different routine starts. Forget about the easy days when you put a romper on your baby and headed out with those bare, chunky feet kicking in the air.
Fall is all about bundling up and in the world of blankets, the choices are so many. One of our favorites for the season is Quilt Baby, modern blankets and accessories designed not only to keep your little angel warm, but also to please your eyes...
Recently arrived at Chittypulga, Quilt Baby fall's collection. The prints are gorgeous and the quality of the fabrics superb, so soft and cuddly. I'm totally in love with the "Bird on the Branch" and "Morning Glory" Minky Blankets, made of 100% cotton on the outside and plush vanilla minky on the inside. You may even complete a whole set with the matching bib, burpcloth and changing mat.

Great also as shower gifts, Quilt Baby Changing Mats... The size 28" x 20" is perfect to rest your baby on, and do the "icky" job on a truly absorbent surface, lined with super soft vanilla terry cloth. Once you are done, roll it up, tie it with the attached band and it will fit neatly in your diaper bag. Check the "Modern Flower" print... sooo fabulous!!

...And yeeesss!! You can still be trendy and look fashionable, even when your baby spits al over your shoulder... Just have her do it on Quilt Baby Burpcloths. They come in beautiful sets of two burpcloths and a bib wrapped with a silk ribbon, ready for gift giving. Also eye-catching, these newest prints from Quilt Baby, "Modern Buds" in aqua or toasted red... Fall is in the air!!

Egg by Susan Lazar: Fall '08 just hatched

2008-09-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

When it came to dressing up my babies for the first time, I searched and searched for something amazingly special, something out of my dreams. Nothing complicated with laces or ribbons that could torture my "miniatures" from the very beginning... What kind of a "welcome to this world" would that have been?

I looked for something with a striking combination of colors, modern, with simple lines, sophisticated, different... and I found it!!

Egg by Susan Lazar is a gorgeous collection of one-piece layettes for boys and girls with matching hats, booties and blankets, made of 100% natural cotton with the look of wool, but without the itchiness. The yarn used in all pieces has only the look of wool, but the softness and smoothness of cotton.

Egg by Susan Lazar's Fall '08 collection just hatched and we have a fabulous selection at Chittypulga. The new outfits are fantastic. The vibrant colors of fall combined with Lazar's constant theme inspired by "mother nature", plus those thick alternating stripes make me feel like embarking on another 40-week journey for the third time...
Just take a look and bookmark this page if you are expecting these months of fall or have a baby shower present to give. The Egg by Susan Lazar collection also has a variety of modern blankets, knit dresses and great cable knit hat and bootie sets, already gift packed in a beautiful presentation, perfect for showers and the approaching holidays.

Clearance 65% OFF at Chittypulga

2008-07-31T08:15:00.000-04:00

This the perfect time of the year to refill you little ones' closets with the things they need for summer or stock up for the coming fall ...and with sooo many sales around ...who can resist?

Chittypulga could be the right stop for your summer shopping spree!... Right now the store is having a Site-wide Super-Sale with discounts of 20 to 50% OFF in every single department.

The clothing section is packed with modern and stylish clothing for babies, infants and toddlers from Tea Collection, Zutano, Luna Luna, organics from Under the Nile, shoes from Pazitos and other cool designers.

...Want to hear more? The Toys department also has great wooden classics from Melissa and Doug, knitted toys from Yellow Label Kids, educational games from Eeboo and back to school stuff.

Don't forget yourself, there are Fleurville Diaper Bags, Mama Mio pregnancy kits, albums, journals and shower gifts at great sale price.

Big Deal: Save up to 65% OFF at THE SALE CORNER. All clothing items marked down at 50% OFF will get an automatic extra 15% OFF when you fill up your basket with $50 or more.

Welcome to Chittypulga's Blog

2008-07-12T22:57:00.000-04:00

I just can't wait to start blogging. I should wait for my web designer to make this page all pretty so I can launch it, but there is so much going on, I just can't wait...
Me, Chittypulga, the little flea or just Nora invites all of you, modern parents and fanatic shoppers of kids'cool stuff to join this page. Bookmark it and share with me the awesome journey of raising our "little fleas", hands-on, while trying to keep a career going, a love relationship healthy, money in our pockets to buy more toys and still some sanity in our minds... Did I miss anything?
I can tell you some stories about my crazy everyday life raising two adorable little girls, running an online children's boutique "Chittypulga" and being a wife at least, the last sixty minutes of my usual nineteen-hour day.
What else do I want to talk about? ...Hmmm!! Life, life and the simple things that make us sooo happy!!...
I can share a recipe. Sometimes I get to cook something fabulous in a vegetarian home with a fusion of my Venezuelan roots and my husband's Indiana's gastronomy.
I can share some views of my world. Some times I take my kids out with my camera on one shoulder and the diaper bag on the other and I take some incredible pictures of our surroundings here, 50 miles north from New York City, just a mile away from the Hudson River.
...And I can share the goodies!! Many, many times I discover the cutest things for little kids and moms-to-be. Modern, stylish, functional and more than anything comfy. Artistically designed, indie and enviromentally friendly. Those are the things I like and that is the profile of the products I will be reviewing here and sharing with you. Some of them sold at my store Chittypulga, some others not... Don't worry, I'll get you the links, so you can get them.
Contests, giveaways and fantastic deals at Chittypulga are also in the schedule. So, get ready and bookmark this blog. You really don't want to miss any of Chittypulga's events!!