Have snacks will travel....

So it was that time again.
Traveling with the tot.
This time we have a walking, snacking machine.
We went to Miami for the South Beach Food & Wine festival.
The festival put us up at the Fountainbleau
Being on the beach a plus.  Being at hotel that is like Vegas...not my favorite thing.

My notes:

CAR SEAT TRAVEL:
If you can afford it DO IT.  I won't get on my high horse on the safety issues.
But a LAP CHILD at one and a half?  Come on people.

I am still mastering the whole travel with a big car seat situation but the Brica Roll n' Go saved my life. You check your stroller (read below) and when you get out of your car or cab that you took to the airport you strap this roller onto the car seat.  Done.  Now you have a stroller car seat.  Yes, they make an all in one (you may click here...) but it's not that great.  Trust me, I did the research already for you. 

The car seat I used for this trip....a  Britax Marathon Classic
Issue: You can only really get it at Target for some reason.  It's safe, light(ish) and most importantly EASY TO USE.

SNACKS:
He ate the whole time.
Say what you will about kids and snacking but a cross country flight means all rules are out.
I brought  a small little cooler bag and an ice pack.
That way I could bring milk and some fresh fruit on the plane.
I am SERIOUS about my snacks.
 
Horizon's milk boxes
In LAX they did a full pat down of me at security.
Due to the milk carton not being see through.
In Miami I just put it through the scanner.
Sonny drank it.  So it was worth it.

My other snacks:  
Plum Organics Food pouches (he still loves them)
Kashi Breakfast bars
Just Fruit or Whole Food or Trader Joes freeze dried fruit
Annie's Chedder Bunnies
Late July Peanut Butter sandwich crackers

I love experimenting with snacks for him.

LUGGAGE:
Checked (for FREE) the City Mini stroller.
BUT I put it in the City mini travel bag

Wheels come off of City Mini stroller (so easy I promise) and everything fits into this bag.
Warning: If you want to shove more stuff in the bag don't over pack. They will charge you for an extra bag if they check.  A nice skycap told me this information.

Sonny has a LL BEAN roller duffle.

On the plane we take one bag for him and one for me.  I go backpack. That way I am handsfree.  I used my trustworthy Patagonia bag.  Though I would maybe go for a bigger backpack next time.

The ipad was loaded with lots of app's and tv shows.
He did not nap which was INSANE.  Four hours to Miami and five and a half on the way home.  That's right 5 1/2  Crazy.  He was so distracted by all the passengers and overhead announcements.  As soon as the plane hit the ground he fell alseep....and the car...to and from the airports.  OF COURSE!!

Other quick tips I got from friends and internet research:

-bring close pins to shut the heavy drapes/shades in the room.
Totally worked and glad I had them.

-blue painters tape to seal up the outlets.  Obviously if your child is old enough to pull of the tape then this is not necessary.

More questions email me...
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Sarah x

Happy Teeth and Happy Mouths

These products made by Zo-li are super cool.
They have all sorts of bottles, teethers and accessories.
All are BPA & Phthalate free. 

The cups are great for a little one who is introducing juice and water into their daily routine. A flexible pop up straw. No sippy cup here.

Itchy gums?  Baby putting EVERYTHING into their mouth?
Zo-li's teethers look like tooth brushes and that's the point! They help establish early dental hygiene. They also have an anti-choke barrier that prevents over-insertion.

Of course my child likes the other side with no barrier!!  I don't really leave him alone with it because I never know which side he is going to be munching on!

Have a great weekend everyone.  Can't believe next week is Memorial Day.  We will be traveling back east to a wedding.  A travel post after the holiday weekend on Washington D.C and Virginia.

Sarah x

Martha & Staples

Had to go to Staples for the typical home office supplies.

Saw the Martha Stewart collection with Avery.
What?

Looking through all the fun organizational sticky notes and binders
I decided on some kitchen labels.
My mom brain mixed with fresh homemade baby food means I sometimes forget how many days it's been in the fridge....

So these have come in handy plus look great on top of our Weck jars.

Martha once again bringing her OCD to the masses.

Sarah x

disco or classic?

I am not over sequins.   Especially navy blue ones.  Also, I think this vest is a great investment piece. A unique way to snazz up a black dress.

My main man Phillip Lim knows his stuff.

Sarah x

best gift for a dude

Stumped on what to get your husband? boyfriend? best guy "girlfriend"(you catch my drift)? really nice cute as shit male co-worker?

Look no further. Paul Smith has your answer.

The coolest socks. All different color patterns and sizes.

Your welcome. Problem solved.

Wearable and Sexy. Thank You.

Do you have the dreaded "lingerie" shower to go to? I have the best gift ideas.
Forget the typical sexy stuff. Go for the comfy, sexy and wearable.

I recently grabbed the see thru tank and mesh underwear for a friend at American Apparel. When looking on their website(which is at times frightening) I also found the plaid oversized button up.

I am telling you, cost effective and your friend will actual wear them.

PS...I know I have posted a lot of fashion ideas lately. I am into it!

the box set

What a cool gift....A box set of everyday cards from Pancake&Franks.
Birthday, holiday, wedding...it's all in there. 30 cards...one box.
Smart, practical, fun and organized.

beach day

Spotted these great and inexpensive beach towels from LANDS END!!
Available in many other fabulous colors and patterns.
Who does not love a good beach towel? Right?!

folding screens

I saw this post today on design dump about folding screens. It is funny because I was in Empiric (one of my favorite stores) today and saw one that I liked.

We don't need one in our house....but I do love the look of the one in the top photo. I think they are super useful in small spaces to divide rooms. Of course...always essential to hide unwanted parts of a room.

Have a great weekend....
Can't believe next week is the fourth of July!!

the little victorian house in the woods

(all photos by Trevor Tondro for the NY TIMES)

Today in the NY TIMES I spotted this sweet article. Sandra Foster built her dream Victorian cottage. It is one room, no heat, air conditioning or bathroom. Just her space to go to in the woods. All DIY. She and her husband live across a stream in a trailer.

Salvage yard woods, a collection of her Limoges china, paint from Ralph Lauren and Benjamin Moore.

The article and accompanying photos are wonderful.

sweet idea

Love this shot that Kate from the neo-traditionalist put on her blog today. It's from the wonderful magazine/online site the traditional home.
Lucite bench, mirror and side table...smart use of space and great combination of style.

Good Idea--weck jars

Love these WECK jars from Germany which are used mainly for canning. They are sold through Heath and a few other stores in the states. Chocolates are from curious chocolates in London. A simple, clean, not to pricey, easy gift or wedding favor.

Good Idea--wood plank

(photo from 100 Layer Cake and Karen Mordachai)

I think this looks great. More importantly it is a great example of a simple and easy way to create separation at a table. If you are not into the whole, "farmhouse, reclaimed wood vibe" try using a piece of wood coated with glossy white paint. The set up was done by Roundtree Flowers.