Gift List Day 8-'Tis the Season to Shine

I found this bracelet on one of my favorite blogs Kelle Hampton's Enjoying the Small Things.  It was exactly what I was searching for when shopping for my 14 year old niece.  "Be the Change..." what powerful words and an incredible  reminder that she has the power to make the change in the universe she lives. The Be the Change bracelet is sold through The Shine Project, an non-profit designed to employ at risk youth while they make the transition from high school to college.  The money they raise goes directly to sending these students, and future leaders, to college.  The Shine Project has an array of items for sale from bracelets, necklaces and t-shirts, 

From Top: Threads by the Shine Project's gold filled bangle, $16, at The Shine Project.  

Gift List Day 7: 'Tis the Season to Indulge

If you're looking for some fun stocking stuffers, cool packages or unique ways to deck out those presents (or two) look no further than Dylan's Candy Bar , one of our favorite New York City sweet spots! Dylan's, located in Manhattan, is a sugar filled wonderland full of 5000 treats that is sure to satisfy any pallet.  They offer beautiful gift baskets, colorful stocking stuffers and candy for all seasons.  You can even place your order online.  Thanks Dylan's for keeping the holidays merry and bright!

From top: Dylan's Candy Bar's chocolate sweet treat tower, $45;  Whirly Pop, $10 for 4; Hot Cocoa Packet, $20 all available at Dylan's Candy Bar,  www.dylanscandybar.com.
 

Gift List Day 6-'Tis the Season for Swagger

I adore this Little Marc Jacobs Autumn/Winter 2012 ensemble (especially the coat)-obsessed really...it just does it for me.  Marc Jacobs, one of great ones, not only brings unique style to the world of fashion but also makes his mark (no pun intended) in the kid-a-verse-and Im loving it!  If you're looking for a warm coat or some sweet gear for your bebe bird this holiday season Little Marc Jacobs should be a must on your gift list.  Keeping kids happy and hip!


From top :Little Marc Jacob's faux fur and twill coat, at Marc Jacobs  

*If the piece is no longer available fret not-they have plenty of cool gear to chose from.

Photo Credit: www.marcjacobs.com 

Gift List Day 5-'Tis the Season to Stack

This past weekend Bebe Bird got lucky.  While visiting Brooklyn, his aunt gifted him with these incredible 28 piece wooden block set as an early holiday present before jetting off to Europe for a month-(Lucky? Indeed! Jealous? You bet 'cha!)  These colorful hand carved  blocks, made by Uncle Goose and sold at Owl & Thistle General Store in Brooklyn,  received a lot of fan fare in our home.  Bebe Bird, being the block collector he is, loved the bright hues, size of each block and the array of designs-from letters (upper and lowercase) to numbers and animals. Now, being a math teacher, Bebe Birds Auntie was exceptionally pleased when she discovered math symbols printed on some of the wood blocks-think addition, subtraction, division & multiplication.  As a mama to a block collector I can share with you that the craftsmanship and design is unlike any other we own.  They are esthetically beautiful and more importantly incredibly entertaining a bebe bird!

Uncle Goose's Classic Blocks, $34, at Owl & Thistle, Brooklyn.  

Gift List Day 4: 'Tis the Season to Fly

Take off on a high note this holiday season with Restoration Hardware Baby and Child's vintage inspired pedal plane.  This unique style of years past paired with the comfort of modern design-think padded seating with nonslip pedals that simultaneously start the propeller and power the rubber tires is a sure win in holiday gift giving arena.  This item is on the top of Bebe Birds "Wish List".  Hey, a boy can dream can't he?!?!  

From top: Restoration Hardware Baby & Child's metal vintage pedal plane,  $499, at RHBabyandChild.com.  

Gift List Day 3: 'Tis The Season to Give Loans

As the season of giving books, barbies, ipads and the like fill our shopping lists how about consider filling those stockings with a greater gift, a gift that gives hope, a future and opportunity to another human being.  Kiva, founded in 2005, is a non-profit organization working with microfinance organizations around the world to provide loans to various people so they can build a business and create a better way of life for themselves, their families and their communities.  This loan is empowering and you can give as little as $25.  Eventually, your loan is repaid by the borrower and you can choose to then use that money to provide another loan to someone else.  It's truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Here's How Kiva Works:



So, go ahead and GIVE a little and allow your gift giving this year to change lives around the globe.

Gift List Day 2: 'Tis the Season for Scribbling

Today, in honor of "Small Business Saturday" we'd like to introduce Scribbler-The Drawing Robot by Makers Toolbox.  The Scribbler is an awesome electronic device where children 8 years and older can construct their very own drawing robot. The Scribbler is currently sold at one of our favorite independent toy shops,  Norman & Jules, located in Park Slope, Brooklyn.  The best part about this purchase is having the ability to give a gift that gives-10% of sales of the Scribbler will be donated to Red Hook NYC Recovers, an organization focused on rebuilding Red Hook, Brooklyn after the damages caused by Hurricane Sandy. So get out there and support small businesses.  And remember you don't have to be a resident of Brooklyn to purchase Scribbler-The Drawing Robot from Norman & Jules.  Simply give them a call and they will take care of the rest.  Credit information below.

From Top: Scribbler- The Drawing Robot by Makers Toolbox, deluxe set $45 which includes a wooden box, glue gun and robot kit; standard set $25 which includes a robot kit-you can purchase a hot glue gun for an additional $7 both available at Norman & Jules, 347.987.3323.  

'Tis the Season

With Thanksgiving now behind us, we have had much time to reflect on the years past and what we are grateful for-  whether it be one of those years where life is going your way-new job, new love, new life or one of those challenging years where you are left to question everything and find strength from within- may you have found your reason to give thanks.  

Today, we are full throttle into the Holiday Season of 2012.  To celebrate, Bebe Birds will be showcasing one item or designer each day until December 21. We will be featuring "Gifts that Give", "New Designers", "Favorite Things", "Small Business" & "Our Wish List".  We will provide full shopping information for these items just in case you want to purchase some goodies for the little birds in your life.

Remember 'Tis the season to laugh, love & enjoy!  Don't sweat the small things!  (*note to self)

Without further adieu our first item of this seasons gift list is FEED-Giving A Gift That Gives  

Gift List Day 1: 'Tis the Season to Feed

Have a heart and "Give a Gift that Gives" this holiday season.  As some of our readers know Feed is one of Bebe Birds favorite companies.  This season we thought it best to start off the season of giving introducing such an incredible organization where purchases made benefit the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).  Here are some of their holiday highlights:

From top down: Feed's paper mache & twine ornament, $22; cotton & burlap small teddy bear, $35; cotton & burlap stocking, $25; cotton and burlap wine carrier, $20 all available at Feed Holiday Gifts

or visit Feed shops at http://www.feedprojects.com/feed-shop.

Ella's Wool-Warming the Kids of America

'Tis the season when Jack Frost starts nipping at your nose, the temperatures drop , and the number of children in the playgrounds begin to dwindle.  'Tis the season for heading indoors, cuddling up and eating hot soup-but, does it always have to be that way this time of year?

Meet Oslo native, Vibeke K. Johansen , also known as Becca, who moved to Brooklyn in October 2011 with her husband and two young children seeking adventure.  "We would go to all these different playgrounds in Park Slope.  I'd get so sad as they became more and more empty when winter arrived." Becca explains "By January we would be lucky to find 1 or 2 kids to play with.  Norwegian people love being outside as much as possible. You can imagine, it's so cold most of the time there.  We are used to dressing our kids in very soft and very comfy wool clothing so they can play outdoors all year long, even when it's really, really cold."

              Little Ella, inspiration for Ella's Wool, playing alone on a Wintery Brooklyn Playground

It was during the winter of 2012 spent in the (almost) kidless Brooklyn playgrounds that warmed Becca to the idea of sharing some of those Scandinavian "secrets"on keeping your bebe birds warm during those chilly wintery days and cool in those hot summer months.  Becca opened Ella's Wool, an online boutique selling the best Scandinavian soft wool brands to help, as Becca says, "warm the kids of America."

Mind you this isn't your grandmothers wool. It's not the itchy, scratchy kind you may have experienced in childhoods past. The pieces sold at Ella's Wool are made of merino wool, alpaca wool and alpaca/llama blend wool, only the softest kind of wool available.

Now, before we go any further allow me to share

The Benefits of Wool.
1.  Wool fibers are temperature regulating, which keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot.

2.  Wool is flame retardant.

3.  Wool is water resistant.  It can absorb 1/3 of it's own weight

4.  Wool is a natural fiber which makes it sustainable, renewable and recyclable.

5.  Wool is bacteria resistant.  No washing needed after every use just hang the garment to air dry and the odor will disappear. (*If you find you do need to wash Merino wool is machine washable & Alpaca wool is hand washable with mild wool detergent-no softner)

6.  Wool is a natural sunscreen. The super light fabric won't stick to the skin and will protect the flesh when the sun is strong.

Pretty cool right?  And, here's another tip when dressing your bebe birds in these woolly threads, you want to always use the Merino wool as the base layer (next to the skin).  "The most common mistake many people make is putting a cotton or synthetic garments against the skin and the wool over top" Becca informs. Not using Merino wool as the base player seems to be the biggest difference when dressing kids in Norway compared to dressing kids in the U.S.  Merino wool is softer than cotton and is machine washable. "In Norway, Merino wool is recommended in daycare's, hospitals and schools." explains Becca

As you gear up for these winter months (while Becca begins to write a book on the basics of wool and curriculum for Wool School) be sure to stock up on some nice wool pieces for your little bird. Ella's Wool is full of beautifully made children's wear such as the soft Alpaca hats, neck scarves, pajama's, merino coveralls, sweaters and long johns.  And, since we are on the subject the long johns will be a staple in Bebe Birds wardrobe since he has taken to removing his socks and shoes while cruising around in his stroller-even on the coldest of days. This will help divert those curious eyes and comments made from passerby's daily. Now, back to business- prices range from $16 to $149.  And for my west coast peeps remember wool is great to cool kids on those warm days too. Who knew, wool would be a wonderful alternative to fighting cabin fever.  Happy Shopping.

*Be Sure to check Ella's Wool out in this Sunday's New York Times T magazine  

Hi ho Hi ho It's Off to Design We Go...

About a week ago we were in a creative mood.  So, we ventured forth to Park Slope's newest creative retail space, Hiho Batik, where children and adults alike have the opportunity to design their own pieces (think t-shirts, pillowcases, hoodies,etc) using hot wax & dyes then watching it all come to life in the shops design studio. Pretty cool, no?

                           A Sample of Hiho Batik's Step By Step Design Process Starting from Top

Hiho Batik, an art studio of sorts was born in Boulder, Co in 1994 where Julia Silver Gordon first set up shop.  It later, migrated to Miami in 2003 and recently settled in Brooklyn, NY where Julia teamed up with fellow Sloper Robyn Stylman.  Together, they opened Hiho Batik's flaghsip store on Brooklyn's 5th Ave-a good fit for the artisans & lovers of all things local and handmade.

So, back to feeling creative-I took a friends daughter, on a Friday, to design her first masterpiece, a pillowcase, as part of a birthday present.  What better gift to give a child then that of creativity...and what better way to keep them entertained on cool fall day when Brooklyn''s hustle and bustle seemed to be on hiatus-since the well loved parks & schools were temporarily closed due the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. Hiho Batik's design studio was large, clean and oh so sleek.

Here's how it all went down:

1.  The designer is given a choice to use designs already made or create their own work with pencil on tracing paper.  Once happy with their design they trace over the pencil with permanent sharpie.  (They need to fill the entire tracing paper to make it large enough to transfer.) 

2.  Next, they place the final drawing underneath the clothing piece to be traced and transferred using the hot wax. *Please note, that little ones get help from an employee when transferring for safety purposes.  

3.  The designer then uses the dye to paint their work using the wax as lines like when coloring.  They also choose a color for the background.

4.  Finally, the finished piece before it goes into the whole dying/making process-almost like a tie-dying.  This process can take up to five to seven days to complete. You are contacted once your piece is ready.

Voila!  Easy as 1,2,3,4.  And my friends daughter loved it.  What a wonderful way to unleash ones creative juices and to make a keepsake they can show off and be proud of.

                             One of Hiho Batik Owners, Julia Silver Gordon, Having Some Fun with Fellow Creative's

Now, with the holiday's fast approaching, an arm lengths away really, this is a great gift giving idea where you can add your own personal touch.  Prices range from $30 and up. And fret not, non New Yorkers, Hiho Batik also has an online retail shop that will help you find that unique something.  Enjoy & create away.

*If you design a piece at Hiho Batik email us a picture too hi@bebebirds.com.  We'd love to share your work with our readers!  

Star Wars Lands in Barney's for the Holidays

Growing up with three brothers Star Wars was a major component in my formative years.  Wether it was having The Empire Strikes Back playing on repeat or the Millenium Falcom flying over head the Force was certainly with us.

While attending the ENK trade show this past October I discovered that Morfs Brand will be launching their Star Wars T-shirt collection at Barney's New York on *November 10th-just in time for the holiday's. The collection consists of 5 long sleeve cotton shirts with soft cotton/lycra sock sleeves. Each tee has a hand cut Star Wars character on the front-Darth Vader, C3P0,  Storm Trooper, Yoda & Chewie for $68.

Bebe Birds got a sneak peak of Morfs Star Wars photo shoot and had to share-go ahead take a peak:...

Love (especially the C3P0 tee!)  For more information visit Morfs or Barney's New York 

*  Please note that due to the Hurricane Sandy pieces may delayed on hitting the floor at Barney's and online. Be sure to check their website for details.   

It Takes A Village...

Being a city parent, you often find yourself on the hunt for the cool, unique & new in the world of kid.  Currently, play spaces is a huge find in my orbit. Its a sanctuary of sorts for those of us lacking yards or large living rooms, for that matter.  These spaces become an outlet for our city dwelling birds to fly free, run wild, romp, play & simply, be a kid. It's a huge score-I mean BIG time- when you come across such a place! So, you can imagine, my delight when Lady Birds mama introduced me to It Takes a Village, a non-profit play space located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where members get a key and all access pass to the large indoor "club house"for parents and babies under the age of 4 years.  It Takes a Village is equipped with books & toys, a large backyard with a playground & garden.  There will be lactation classes, yoga & music classes designed to keep little one's entertained, as well as massages for parents to keep them relaxed & chill...You're dying right...

Friends, meet  Michael de Zayas, the brains behind the operation & creator of Neighborhoodies (which he has since sold), father to Zelda, travel writer & entrepreneur.  After becoming a new parent to Zelda, now 15 months,  Michael  found great inspiration in fatherhood-starting a non-profit cleaning service for new parents in his Brooklyn neighborhood, Crown Heights, while organizing the Crown Heights Parenting Group, with over 100 members. In addition, Michael has also opened up a cafe, Little Zeldas (how fitting)-and all of this in a years time.  Now, with Zelda once again the catalyst behind Michael's newest endeavor, he recently launched, It Takes a Village-opening it's doors this past weekend.  "Ive been brainstorming hard on how to make the neighborhood as lovely as possible for my daughter Zelda" he said.

Without any further adieu here's Michael:

Bebe Birds:  Hi Michael! Congratulations on It Takes A Village.  How did this all transpire?

Michale de :  One month ago.  The idea popped into my head because there was a rental available on the best block along Franklin Avenue, and the land lord, Michael Kunitzky of LaunchPad is very altruistic and was looking for a non-profit to rent at a great price.  It sort of bounded my thinking.

BB:  How did it all came together? 

M:  I had started a non-profit cleaning service for new parents a year ago. The idea was to give someone a great, stable full time job and simultaneously create the terrific benefit for brand new moms and dads, which is a low cost cleaning service.  I started that because when Zelda was born there was just no time for cleaning; our place was a wreck and being home was no fun.  This solved it for me (and 60 other families who joined).  Simultaenously, I strated the parents group in my neighborhood, Crown Heights. I talked to every parent with a baby I saw for six months-there were not a lot of us.  We started meeting on Tuesdays at each others homes.  This has been going on for a year now as well. Then, I opened a cafe, Little Zelda, and all the babies came to me.  That is, parents would end up coming into the shop and now the group has over 100 people.  So, the cleaning service and Crown Heights North Parents plugged me into the world of new parents here and surrounding neighborhoods (Prospect Heights, Fort Greene & Park Slope).  I had this sense that there was a greater need and it revolved around nanny sharing, and play spaces and community.  It was sort of percolating in my mind. And, when I saw the space on Franklin Avenue and thought of a great use for the space, it all came together in a flash: a clubhouse for parents, a play space for kids & a community space for new families.

                                  Gotta Love the Stroller Parking Outside of It Takes a Village

BB: What kinds of things will parents and children find at It Takes a Village? 

M: A library of  books, classes, tons of toys, a huge backyard and great, friendly parents, babies and toddlers.

BB: Did you know of any space like this before hand or was this just based on a need you saw in the neighborhood?

M:   The latter.  To my knowledge there's never been anything like this before. I invented it out of what I know every new parent needs- a place to go, companionship and space outside of the house with toys and for their babies to roam and explore.

BB:  What are you most proud since creating such a fun family friendly space for your neighbors & their families?

M: It has been a whirlwind of work to get this done and open.  There hasn't really been any time for pride.  Perhaps, when there is an It Takes a Village space open in every Brooklyn neighborhood I can take a rest.  That will be really fun to see.  You know, like, Fort Greene Village, Ditmas Park Village, Dumbo Village...

BB: What do your hope members take away with them after spending time in It Takes a Village?

I want them to think a different version of  this every day: "That was awesome. I met the coolest other mom, and she understood what I was going through, and my baby played so well with the other baby and the class was great and I can't wait to come back tomorrow...."

                                         Parents Enjoying The Classes & Space 

It Takes A Village is currently $35 a month for membership.  Visit them here to find out more information and scheduled classes. As every parents knows ,It Takes a Village to raise a child...and it also takes a village to keep that child happy and entertained!

Powerless

                                          Bebe Bird Weathering the Storm with Some Friends

We sat on our couch in Brooklyn,  winds howling furiously outside our windows.  The night dark.  Cold. Lights flickering.  Bebe Bird asleep-slumbering peacefully.  Footage of water ferociously tumbling into the Brooklyn Battery tunnel, a tunnel we had traveled through so many times, unfolded before our eyes.  Cars floating past the newscaster.  Winds still howling.  Fear of a tree falling onto our home, into our bedroom where Bebe Bird sleeps plays in my mind.  Thankfully that doesn't happen.  Grateful.  Friends texting, friends calling- their lights go out. They now sit in the dark.  Winds getting stronger.  We wait with baited breath.  Waiting for our lights to go, of what's to come.  Winds begin to die down.  Its 11pm.  The newscaster declares the worst is over.  Here on top of the Slope, where we dwell, we learn quickly that we were one of the lucky ones.  Aside from downed trees & fallen branches we had weathered Sandy .  The electric never lost. Our storefront's in tack. Our homes unscathed.  Lucky, we are.  

                            The Carousel in Dumbo where Bebe Bird Often Rides Surrounded by Water. 

Like most natural disasters we are often humbled and reminded on how powerless we really are- both literally and figuratively.  Thousands left without electric.  Homes fallen. Lives lost.  Spirits shaken. New York, shuts down. Transportation stops.  Wall Street, where power and wealth thrive, finds itself at a stand still. They too find themselves powerless against wrath of Sandy. Unfortunate circumstances find many and it feels as life has given some more than they can bear.  And then, the human spirit awakens something from with in, people find strength to keep on going, to pick up the pieces one day at a time and stories of heroism and bravery are made known.  The will to survive and to help our fellow humans bring purpose and power to the powerless..

And we weather the storm.

From all over the country people begin to flex their muscles and showcase their power by helping.  They help by donating clothes, diapers, toiletries and basic necessities we take for granted so often.  They help by organizing fundraisers.  By offering power cords for those with lost electric.  They help by cleaning the debris and providing footage for the world to see.  They help by providing food and warmth and time. They help by offering shelter and transportation.  They help bring awareness. And they help by doing. For, it is by doing that we become stronger-braver.

                               Compliments of the Good News Network-Photo taken in Hoboken, NJ  

If you wish to help here are some resources.  The power of *giving can make a difference!

1.  Red Cross

2.  Salvation Army

3.  New York Cares: For volunteering opportunities

4.  Covenant House: Aiding homeless children in the New York City area.  

5.  Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund: Hurricane Sandy Relieve Fund

*Giving can be through time, money or donations. 

Ri Bird Reviews

Bebe Bird: Ri Bird
Age: 1 year 21 months
Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr/Eric Carle

Bebe Birds (BB) :  Ri Bird, what's the name of your favorite book?

Ri Bird (RB): Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (slide and find) by Bill Martin Jr/Eric Carle

BB:  What makes Brown Bear your favorite book?  

RB:  I love learning about colors and animals.

BB: What's your favorite part in the book? 

RB: My favorite part is sliding to find what each animal sees.

BB:  Who do you like to read the book to you?

RB: I like reading the book with my mommy and daddy.  I also have fun reading the book with my friend. One of us slides it open and the other slides it closed.

BB: If you were ever to write your own book what would you write about?

RB: I would write about turtles, my favorite animal.

BB:  Do you think other kids would like Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? 

RB:  Yes!

Thanks so much Ri Bird for the great book recommend.  This is one of Bebe Birds favorites as well.  If you would like to add Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See to your bebe birds library click here.  Read on Lil' Birds!

If you know a bebe bird who would like to review their favorite book email us at hi@bebebirds.com