Who Cut the Dogs Out?

Our poor dogs, Lucy and Mia, are taking the brunt on Olivia's toddler-hood. She does not understand how to be gentle yet so her acts of affection end up being flat-out attacks on their ears and tails. The dogs are mutts - lab-something mixes - we rescued from a local shelter and are docile and loving. They don't even mind when she mounts them and bounces up and down as if they were a miniature pony!

To show Olivia's love for her lab-mutts, I'm dying to order this labrador onesie and pants set from Bella Blu Designs (recently featured on Martha Stewart's show!). The lab silhouette on the top is made from Michael Miller fabric - and notice the dog bone on the pants. Love that!

Don't have a lab? No worries. Bella Blu will create any dog silhouette you want - just convo to request.

More Fall Fashions for your Kiddos

Slick Sugar and Naartji - two of my favorite places to buy Olivia clothes - debuted their fall lines last week.

Slick Sugar, known for their edgy, rocker looks, dreamed up tops and sets that even classical music lovers won't be able to resist. They've turned up the volume adding more detail to their clothes than in their previous collection. Hoodies are in contrasting fabric, sleeve cuffs are turned, and the graphics have a bit more punch of color.

I like the hooded guitar tee ($22) for rockettes and live to rock tee ($25) for rockers.

Naartjie launched their "Fall Two" line - they launch several lines per season. I was surprised at the prevalence of pastels - normally thought of as spring colors. Nonetheless, the clothes are adorable.

For girls, I like the hooded long cardigan sweater ($39.95) and layered look sleeve striped tee ($16.95) for boys. Spend $75 and get 20% off now through 8/27 (code MOLLY).

Cultural Kid's Music that Will Have CMMs Singing Along

Tolerable children's music is a must for CMMs. Enjoyable and educational children's music - well - that is no longer a luxury thanks to innovative Putumayo Kids.

Each CD in their line has a country or regional theme - French, New Orleans, African Dreamscape. The songs, many sung in the theme's native tongue, teach kids (and parents) about the culture in a non-preachy way.  

The songs are upbeat and have a positive message. We have the Folk Playground (check out track 2... it cracks me up!) and French Playground (Bonjour, Bonjour is our favorite) CDs and listen to them often. Olivia and I sing along together and it's a great way to pass the commute to and from day care. 

Check them out here.

Pop Goes the Color

I'm bored with the pillows in my great room. Luckily, we bought brown couches that are easy to punch up with color (and hide Olivia's mishaps!). Some of the chicest pillow choices I've found recently are from Joom.

For $28, take your pick of super-mod designs and colors. Pillows measure 12"x18" and are filled with 100% poly. The outer is silk screened by hand on cotton. If money were no object (and gas not still over $3.50 a gallon), I would snap up one (or two!?) of each design. Darn that budget! I have my eye on Olive Green Full Print Cardinal . There are also mini versions for $16 - I like the Aqua Bird. 

These are the times when I long to scrap my home's decor and totally redo everything (my husband would flip!)... I'll get it redecorated eventually... One pillow at a time. 

Full Circle

I received an Etsy order today that I have to tell every one about! I ordered the Black Lotus top from Circular Accessories (CA) and adore every soft-cotton inch of it. Screen printed by hand, all designs from CA are fresh and modern. The Black Lotus is printed on an American Apparel shirt. The hems on the sleeves bell out slightly and are unhemmed for a chic effect. I was sold on the lotus design - one on the front and two near the neck on the back. 

Packaging makes a product, and Circuclar Accessories knows how to work it. The tee came wrapped in black polka dot tissue paper tied with straw ribbon and topped with a kitchy sweet birdy button pin. It was delightful. I swooned.

I can't wait to place another order at CA. Other favs on my wish list: Teal Peacock, Wall Flowers. There are even great designs for cool dads: Fleur de Lis. And don't forget your little one while you're shopping: Giraffe. So much goodness to be had... Check back often. CA regularly updates their offering. 

Trick or Treat, Already?

Someone asked me the other day what Olivia is going to be for Halloween this year. Um... Haven't really thought about it yet. But maybe I should have? Seriously. I'm just trying to survive the summer. Not to mention, the next holiday, Labor Day, is three weeks away. 

Even so, mommy-guilt settled in like an unwelcome friend, and I started perusing the Internet for costumes. That lead me to some other cool harvest finds. 

I ordered the yarn for and started knitting Olivia a pumpkin hat. Pattern is from Itty-Bitty Hats.

Bows 2 Cute has an adorable assortment of fall bows, including this candy corn bow I bought Olivia last year. 

A different take on a Halloween-themed top, this friendly witch tutu shirt will steal the show. Handmade and available at AlanyasCloset. 

I still haven't found a costume... Not that I'm crunched for time at this point. But if you see an irresistible costume, please post a comment to share. 

Blog Roll, Please

A new feature was added to CMM this week - Blog Roll. On the left bar, the blogs I regularly read will be updated with new feed every time they are updated. How cool is that? 

We Covet - Better Living Through Consumerism is an irreverent, often hilarious product review blog - mostly household items. Their punchy copy makes me laugh out loud.  

Oh Joy is less product reviews and more a display collection of beautiful, quirky products found online and at retail. The writer's taste is impeccable. 

Baby Luxe Daily has a similar format to CMM. Their focus is reviews of products for baby and parents. 

Pixie Purls is my go-to knitting blog. The writer reviews products, her projects, and also blogs about her BG (baby girl).

Manic Mommies blog and podcast are daily and weekly must-checks. Their real-world take on working motherhood makes me feel not so alone in this hectic endeavour. 

What are your favorite blogs? Send me a comment and share with our community!