Back-to-School: Polarn O. Pyret

The August/September fall season definitely has a back-to-school feel despite the fact that I'm no longer a student (thank goodness after 20+ years of being one) and have no kids. But I have niece, MRC, that I love to buy clothing for. Remember the Olive Juice clothing I bought earlier in the summer, well she got it just in time for the first day of school.

This morning DesignMom, in celebration of her 15 year wedding anniversary, posted a giveaway from Polarn O. Pyret, which was irresistible. Thanks to her for the introduction to this fantastic swedish clothing-brand that is famous for its striped clothing.

I think I've always wanted striped leggings, even when I was a little person. Polarn O. Pyret has a great summer sale going on right now and my niece will be getting another back-to-school package in the mail.

photo credit: red checked shirt and striped leggings from the Polarn O. Pyret 2009 Holiday collection on flickr.com

Inspiration: Olive Juice for Little People

I could not resist these cute outfits from Olive Juice that were on the Gilt Group website this weekend. My niece will have a few new school outfits for the fall! Shhhh...don't tell her.

images from Olive Juice website

Gilt Groupe is one of those invitation only websites where some great designer fashions are listed. I browse often and buy little because I am not really needing anything right now. Click here for my personal invitation link and check it out for yourself.

Beaver Lodges: Dessert by Mia

Beaver Lodges
by Mia and Grandma
adapted from Your Big Backyard magazine (National Wildlife Federation, July 2008)

1/2 cup carob chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
~1/4 cup peanut butter
smallest pretzel sticks you can find or chow mien
coconut or melty marshmallow cream

1. Dump carob chips and butterscotch chips into a glass microwave safe bowl - heat until melty>2. Stir and then add peanut butter, stir some more (you might need to heat again for 20 seconds)>3. Add pretzel sticks (you might need to break them in half depending on the size you find) and fold them into the melted sauce>4. Drop by the spoonful onto a cookie sheet covered in wax paper>5. sprinkle with coconut flakes or drizzle with slightly heated marshmallow cream for a snowy beaver lodge>5. Let cool for 1 hour in the fridge (keeps for ~ 1 week in fridge, 1 month if frozen). Lick spoon and bowl!>6. enjoy as a snack with your favorite little person

photo credit: Cayenne 05.25.09

Little People: Playtime Tents

I saw this fun play tent over at DesignMom and immediately emailed my mom to see if she thought it would be hard to make. Mom said, "Sure we can make that out of stuff in my stash." This is a perfect project for the stash pile. Yay for a fun project, now all I need to do is get to Alaska!

The green-leaf fabric looks familiar...IKEA?

The flags are a great touch. Here are a some easy directions for making a fabric garland at Purl Bee.

photo credit: etsy seller Mignon who makes this neat greenhouse tent. there are a few tents available for sale now.

Small Styling

Small magazine has several lovely photo shoots. I saw the beautiful white Maggie coat by Sarah Waldo and wondered if it came in my size - it doesn't. See the series titled "Ballet Russe" by Tamara Muth Kimg for simple girl-inspired grace.

The first page has a girl wearing the white Aiden hat by Neige. The hat can be seen again in the photo shoot by Grant Cornett titled "The House of Seven Gables". I am inspired to attempt knitting a similar style for myself in a non-wool fiber.

found via Posie Gets Cozy

Photo credit: Small Magazine

Little People: Being the FAVORITE Aunt

I am an aunt and I love it. Being an aunt means that I get to cook, create, and read with my niece when I am in Alaska. High on my list of goals is being the favorite aunt (not that I have any direct competition, but still...). One of my favorite blogs with stuff for little people is Design Mom. Design Mom has 5 kids of various ages and this is useful to keep updated on what kinds of presents to buy my niece and my friends' kids. Design Mom also has some great giveaways. All you have to do is making a comment on the appropriate blog post.

Another one of my favorite blogs is OH Happy Day and the author Jordan just had a baby. She has several baby related posts that have given me some gift ideas. See her favorite baby things here.

Want some tips on raising a green-baby, check out Sprig's interview with Melissa Moog.

photo credit: wooden saab roadster from Little Baby Company

Being Green: Kids Toys

I am hoping my 5 year old, niece is going to be visiting me in CA next month. This will be her first time going to the beach! I am thinking about getting her this great beach play set made by Green Toys Inc. Chose from three other play sets that are all are 100% recycled from plastic milk jugs. The indoor garden play set seems especially cool. Found via the Apartment Therapy Re-Nest post here.