Baby Gardner Mobiles

I'm gearing up for vacation tomorrow morning but in my packing break I came across this lovely piece and had to share!

Baby Gardner is the talented hand behind this handcrafted mobile and I'm simply in love with it's old school charm, sweet colors, knotted button detail, and apron dresses...I'm a sucker for apron dresses!

I wouldn't mind one of these hung over my and my husbands' bed so I could stare dreamingly up at it as I drift off each night! But because I don't know how Mr. Mugga would feel about that, I'd certainly settle for a life-size apron dress for myself!

The Vintage Doll Dresses mobile along with three other lovely designs (scotty dogs, pink pigs and bluebirds) are available at thebabygardner.com for $43.99-49.00.

Alphabet Art: Part 1

With my daughter Martha now singing the ABCs on a daily basis (thank you Super WHY!) and trying to read like her big brother, we've got letters on the mind in our house. I recently came across these great ABC posters on Etsy while looking for some tools to further her new found literary love.

First up is the Alphabet Art Print in Letter Fest's Etsy store. It is available in pinks, blues, or yellows, as shown here. All are soft, subtle colors that won't distract from your other nursery decorations...although the print is sure to make a statement on it's own!

Most of the illustrations shown to correspond to each letter are my favorites for each letter...I love butterflies, elephants, stars, and whales...and who doesn't love a good yacht?!

Available in Letter Fest's Etsy Store for $20.00.

Alphabet Art: Part 2

This is the Animal A-Z Poster from Tara Hogan's Etsy shop. This poster is made using 100% post consumer recycled paper and soy inks. It comes packaged in a recycled kraft tube mailer.

This poster is just stunning, in my opinion. I fancy the use of animals, great illustrations (particularly the birds), and lovely colors! I appreciate that it showcases both capital letters as well as lowercase letters for children to learn.

The Animal A-Z Poster is available in Tara Hogan's Etsy Store for $60.00. And spend a few minutes browsing the rest of her work...it's all simply stunning!

Küster JellyBaby

When Küster's JellyBaby changing pad arrived at our house my family couldn't stop touching it. It is made of this great memory foam that is ergonomically shaped to fit your baby. It's also easy to wipe clean and is incredibly soft and warm to the touch...and is PVC-free.

The JellyBaby changing mat comes with a 100% cotton and towelling, machine washable liner as well as a travel bag. The elevated and rounded sides assist with wiggly little ones while the three soft colors will fit any decor.

Visit kuster-usa.com for more information. Available for $49.99 at amazon.com.

Babystyle Dots/Stripes Bedding

I've always wanted to find out the sex of my babies when I've been pregnant...even after they told me my first was a girl and I bought clothes I had to return four weeks later when they revealed he was a boy at my next ultrasound! But for those of you who don't choose to find out the sex, I have a very cute bedding option for you that isn't settling on gender-neutrality! It's the Babystyle Dandy Dots and Fresh Stripes line!

Both options are cute (and I'd suggest purchasing at least two sheets since you end up washing your baby's crib bedding quite often) and both options are gender-neutral without being the usual soft yellow or green bedding most purchase when decorating a nursery. I love that you can add a solid crib skirt of your color choice as well!

And if you do decide to go the Fresh Stripes or Dandy Dots route, Babystyle also offers many other room accessories that match from a hamper to a changing pad to a bib/burp cloth set to storage boxes. One stop shopping!

Visit babystyle.com to see all of the product options. Prices start at $12.00.

FunQuilts: Many Hands Blankies

Many Hands Blankies are colorful, soft, machine-washable and feature animals your child is sure to love! They are made in small batches by an enthusiastic workforce of developmentally disabled adults at CARC, an organization that provides training and jobs to special needs clients in Chicago. Each blanket's hangtag explains the blankie's origin...that "your purchase provides meaningful work for many hands."

All Many Hands Blankies are reversible, made of 100% cotton flannel and measure 30" by 40". The blankies are available in two colorways for each of the animal patterns: Herd of Elephants, Troop of Chimpanzees, and Pod of Dolphins. They are a great gift for a baby shower or for your own little one you're looking to start down a charitable path.

To learn more about the blankies, including watching a video of how they're made, visit funquilts.com. To order a Many Hands Blankie for $75.00, call FunQuilts at 708.445.1817.

Amenity

Amenity is a wonderful home interiors company specializing in all things bedding. I myself have been coveting the Alpaca Throw for some time now. But I'm also in love with their nursery bedding, particularly the blankets, like the deer one shown here.

Amenity nursery pieces are made of 100% organic cottons and hemps and printed with low impact dyes making this collection every bit as innocent as the deer, turtles, bunnies, flowers, and ferns make it look.

The organic gender-neutral colors of their pieces and soft designs make them the perfect accessories for any baby's room. Shown in the photo on the left in a soft pink nursery, this set would work just as well in a pale blue setting...after all, a soft morning sky would fit right into your baby's natural nursery surroundings!

Amenity nursery bedding is available at amenityhome.com where the pieces range from $40.00 for a crib sheet to $355.00 for an entire crib set.

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily is a company created by two women named, as you may have already guessed, Serena and Lily. Together, they create the most luxurious bedding and gifts for babies (and their parents).

I received one of their Market Slings to use with my upcoming bundle due in November and want to share my detailed review...I'll start with the packaging. It comes in an amazing keepsake box...the type I've purchased for each of my children to safely store their hospital bands, first hair clippings, infant hat, etc. The box is perfect for repurposing as such, which is just what I plan to do!

I had seen photos of the Market Sling online prior to receiving it and was anxious to experience the hand embroidery and feel the organic cotton and brushed interior. And when I opened the box, my high expectations where blown away! The first thing I saw was the the delicate color (I have the flax and sky combination) which I adored and that set off the hand embroidery perfectly! And when I picked it up, I couldn't believe the softness of the fabrics...especially inside the sling where my baby will lie in a few short months!

So you can now confidently believe that Serena & Lily creates products that will not only live up to high expectations, but super-exceed them...something that rarely happens for me! And it's important to know that in addition to their superior baby textile products, they are a company that gives back. They support organizations that advocate for underprivileged and at-risk women and children with a portion of their proceeds. Not only will your baby feel good about you purchasing Serena & Lily, but you and those you help will too!

Visit serenaandlily.com to see their full bedding lines as well as other color choices for their Market Slings, Sausalito Baskets and Take Me Home organic gift sets.

JJ Cole Diapers and Wipes Caddy

The JJ Cole Diaper and Wipes Caddy is something that my house could certainly use. We have a stack of diapers and some wipes out with a basket full of powder and creams...not very HGTV!

This handy caddy features room for diapers and wipes along with a bottle of lotion. There is a separate drawer for cotton balls, balms and other small items. A coordinating changing pad is included.

There are three color choices : pink, blue and green. All feature rubber non-skid feet on the bottom to erase at least one wiggle from diaper changes!

Available for $29.95 from amazon.com.

Cocoon Couture Wooden Accessories

Last month I posted on Cocoon Couture's Kinder Bags and that was such a hit that I thought I'd also let you know about their wooden accessories as well.

First up is the lovely Enchanted Tree which is about as tall as a six year old! It features silk screened wooden leaves with prints inspired by vintage wallpaper...which you know I have a soft spot for! Also on the tree are acorn pegs to hold bags, necklaces and other special treasures. And if you look carefully you'll notice the bird and sleepy owl nesting on the branches!

In addition to the very large Enchanted Tree, Cocoon Couture also makes book ends and shelf stands which are designed with simplicity in mind to show the natural beauty of the wood grain. They are made from environmentally friendly ply wood from plantation forests; beautifully finished with non toxic varnish safe for children and the environment.

Visit cocooncouture.com to see all wooden critter accessories available.

J Schatz Egg Lamp

J Schatz has created an Egg Lamp that is the perfect night light to create a magical atmosphere for your drousy, sleepy little one.

The light is projected through tiny openings on the egg's surface and when lit, fill your child's ceiling with stars. The eggs are handcrafted, glossy ceramic earthenware with a brushed stainless steel lamp base.

Available in 8 color options to match any room decor or color scheme. Easily wipes clean with a cloth. Comes shipped with a 15 watt candelabra bulb...remember when replacing that clear bulbs produce the best projections!

Visit jschatz.com to purchase for $135.00

Thilde

Thilde is a Sweedish company started by Pia Eriksson...and she is a designer I admire as she has friendly designs using great fabrics and colors that both children and adults are drawn to. The colors are bold on her blankets, rugs and crib pockets and lend themselves to be an educational tool as well.

Most of Thilde products, such as the Shorty Doll shown above, feature laundry care labels which all children love to chew on and manipulate with their growing hands and fine motor skills. And all are made specifically to stimulate a child's curiosity, perception of touch and motor skills.

In addition to the tagged items, Pia has created The Thilde Pocket which is perfect for attaching (with velcro) to your child's crib to keep extra pacifiers, lovies and other small activities for your child to stay entertained...for you to sneak in a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning!

Thilde products are available from craftsburykids.com starting at $28.00.

Look at the Wall

Look at the Wall artwork features a lot of individual style for your child's room! And as most small companies I enjoy writing about, Look at the Wall was started by Monique Gaspar, who was inspired by the need for artwork for her children's bedroom. I love when a parent begins a new endeavor that was motivated by their own parenthood experience...necessity is the mother of invention, after all, and I believe some of the best products are a result of parenthood!

Look at the Wall pieces are paper collages on a natural grain wood. And there are many different designs and color options to perfectly suite your style and your little one's personality! The imaginitive designs are wonderfully happy and will inspire your little one to daydream of faraway places while you recall your own happy childhood memories. And I love the natural element the wood grain bring inside the home!

Visit lookatthewall.com.au to learn more about the artist, view more of her work, and for ordering information.

Tadpoles Moses Basket

A great sleeping solution for a newborn is a Moses basket. It can be placed on any hard surface and is a safe place for baby to nap or sleep (through the night, if you're fortunate enough) until they are approximately three months.

Tadpoles makes some great options! My favorite is the cableknit which is ultra-soft...and reminds me of my Irish heritage and some of my favorite vacations to the Emerald Isle! But there are other great basket sets including chenille, velvet, faux fur, and some lovely damask and toile prints.

Each set includes five pieces: a hand-woven palm leaf Moses basket, blanket, padded bumper, removable foam mattress, and sheet.

Visit sleepingpartners.com to see all of the basket options and for purchasing information. However, I have found a wide selection at target.com where prices start at $71.99.

Inke Wallpaper Silhouettes

If you are looking for a unique element in your child's nursery, bedroom or playroom have I got a company for you to meet: Inke!

Using vintage wallpaper from the 60's and 70's, they create all sorts of marvelous wildlife including trees, birds, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, ostriches, monkeys, rhinoceroses, lions, and other interior objects such as tables, chairs, lamps and plants. Most of their pieces are real life-size and are perfect for dressing up any space that needs a little life!

Their site is full of inspiring images of their products that are breathtakingly beautiful. And when you order, you pick a specific wallpaper design for the animals, specify a color group preference (such as the birds shown here), or pick a season/month you'd like your tree to resemble. How perfectly peaceful seeing your little one sleeping beneath an autumn tree...just like the ones you saw out your car window on your way to the hospital the day she was born!

Each silhouette is hand crafted in their own workshop in the Netherlands. Each pattern is available in limited quantities only and are sent out as a do it yourself kits complete with glue, a brush and instructions.

Wallpaper graphics are perfect alongside a crib where little exploring hands can do no harm...and are an elegant addition to your growing child's room redo!

Visit inke.nl to see their full line and to order. And stay tuned to Ugga Mugga because a set of birds will be given away in a drawing coming later this week!

Jubi

I believe every baby should be pampered with kisses, music, and love...and soft clothing. Which is why I'll be purchasing some new items for my little one on the way despite my already having both a son and a daugther. And most of the pieces I'm purchasing for their baby brother or sister (we should find out in nine days!) will be from Jubi...one of my new loves!

When I pulled the first piece of Jubi clothing from it's packaging, I was in LOVE! I called my husband over to have a feel and we both agreed we wished there were adult sizes available. The texture is unbelievably soft and the weight is more substantial that a normal bodysuit or sleep sack. To sum it up, it's perfection! And as a side note, the packaging is made of formaldehyde-free PVA (poly-vinyl alcohol polymer), which is water soluble, totally biodegradable, and perfect for storing in your diaper bag to hold your dirties when out and about.

Jubi's colors are soft, classic and neutral, and are just what I look for when purchasing items for my children. Their styles and products are contemporary and have an evident European-influence. The first time I saw their pieces on the computer I wanted to reach through the screen to have a feel.

In addition to clothing, Jubi offers products for mealtime, bath time and bedding items. Their sheets are made from 100% cotton using a water-based bleaching process...they are much thicker and softer than average tee shirt sheets. I haven't experience them first-hand (yet!), but one NY mom who uses the fitted crib sheets mentioned that her child suffers from a sensory condition and Jubi sheets, which are so soft, are the only sheets her toddler can sleep on throughout the night - what a heaven sent!

If you'd like to experience Jubi for yourself, visit jubi.us.com where all items ship free to the United States! And if your order is over $50.00, email sales@jubi.us.com (put "UGGA MUGGA" in your subject line) and you will receive a free white long sleeve kimono bodysuit. In your email be sure to insert the size of your choice (0-3, 3-6, 6-12).

gr8x Swaddling Wraps

If you're looking for swaddling wraps that stretch...REALLY stretch...your search has ended! The gr8x Swaddling Wraps stretch like no other I've tried!

But their amazing stretching capabilities is hardly their only detail to note. They are also incredibly soft and will feel great against your baby and their colors are very bold and fun! The weight of these swaddlers is substantial enough to keep your little one warm during the winter but yet incredibly breathable for summer months as well! But back to the stretch...

The image on the right shows the 24 extra inches you're able to get from wrapping your baby tightly. And from my experience with babies...you can never wrap them too tight!

These blankets also fold up quite small making them easy to stash in your diaper bag and use as a cover-up for nursing or over a car seat or stroller on a sunny or cool evening.

gr8x Swaddling Wraps are sold individually ($15.95) and in 2-packs ($29.95) at regallager.com.

Chalkboard Tree

This adorable chalkboard tree would be perfect in a child's bedroom or in the kitchen where you need an activity to keep your kids busy while you're preparing dinner...or when they have to wait the dreaded whole two minutes before their snack is ready to be eaten. They think two minutes it bad...just wait until their first trip to the DMV!

WallCandy is the creative mind behind this peel and stick chalkboard that can be moved around the house if needed. It measures 30" tall and comes with 13 little birds of various sizes that your kids can arrange as they see fit.

Available at delight.com for $54.50.

German Night Lights

I just stumbled upon these adorable night lights this morning and am in love! They are made in Germany of resin...and because of their German origin they require a travel adapter. They are each approximately 10 inches tall and oh so vintage and charming!

Available at store.pommenyc.com for $65.00.

Baby Star

A lot of the products I write about on Ugga Mugga were invented by parents...and Baby Star textiles fall into that category. After the birth of their first son, new parents Dana and Bo wanted hip and soft products for their new little star...and Baby Star was launched.

Their blankets are soft...really, really soft! And their designs are very hip and current. And they've recently branched out to include clothing and hooded towels in their line...along with adding some great new patterns like the daisy chain outfit above.

In addition to the items I've already mentioned, Baby Star's collections include bedding, bibs, burp cloths, and quick change bags to hold all of your diapering essentials. All of these items are perfect for baby showers and new babies who deserve items nearly as soft as they are. And you can't get any softer than Baby Star!

Visit babystar.com to see their full collection and to order.