Its a Small World, Sixties-Style

One of my parents' early dates was to the the 1964 World's Fair. 52 million people attended this futuristic exhibition in Queens, New York. I caught this 1996 documentary (narrated by Judd Hirsch) on PBS this past summer when it aired to commemorate the Fair's 45th anniversary, and found it very entertaining. Did you know that Disney's "animatronics" (the animated people and animal figures that entertain visitors on Disney World rides like "It's a Small World") were first exhibited to test audiences at this Fair? If you love history and retro pop culture, you will enjoy this documentary as much as I did (and the sixties clothing and hairstyles are, of course, priceless). And if your own parents happened to catch the '64 World Fair, this will be a great gift for them, too. I gave one to my parents and it brought back a lot of memories for them. Buy it for $17.99 at Amazon.com.

Remember When Postage Cost a Dime?

If you're a fan of American pop culture history, or a 1950s television afficionado like I am, you'll enjoy the U.S. Postal Service's brand new Early TV Memories stamps. This pane of twenty commemorative stamps includes memorable scenes from classic shows including I Love Lucy, Howdy Doody, Lassie, The Ed Sullivan Show, Perry Mason, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Imagine how happy the grandparents will be when you mail them a letter using these stamps...and you'll probably hear about how postage cost a mere nicke. Buy a pane of 20 commemorative stamps for $8.80 at The Postal Store.

thirtysomething now that I'm Thirtysomething

Last week I found out that one of my favorite television shows of all time, thirtysomething, is finally coming out on DVD (took long enough...the show's last episode was in 1991). This is big news for thirtysomething devotees/television historians like me (you'll remember I also worked at The Museum of Televison & Radio back in my pre-kids life). And Ken Olin (who played yuppie hubby Michael Steadman) was my first major celeb crush in high school (my equivalent tall/dark/handsome crush now is Jon Hamm on Mad Men). For most of thirtysomething's four seasons between 1987 and 1991, the show didn't actually have a huge audience (it never cracked the Nielsen top 20) but it was discussed ad nauseum by people who either loved or hated its portrayal of Philadelphia yuppies. The main characters- Michael and Hope Steadman and their circle of married and single friends- were either considered to be wonderfully self-aware or pathetically self-absorbed. It also was one of the keenest television portrayals of SAHM anxiety (Hope Steadman always seemed disillusioned with taking care of baby Janey all day). If thirtysomething were on today, you can be sure Moms would dissect it non-stop on Urban Baby. Anyway, if you love thirtysomething as much as I did, you will definitely want to nab the first season on DVD which is being released on August 25th. Buy it for $38.99 here.

How You Can Tell If You're Pregnant (c. 1969)

At my parents' house recently I unearthed an (unintentionally) hilarious book that my mom saved from when she was pregnant with my sister back in 1969. Oh, how times have changed!



The book is called "The Expectant Mother" and was published as a mass-market paperback back in 1967 by Redbook Magazine. Think of it is a very early, very ignorant version of What to Expect When You're Expecting:





(By the way, I don't know about you, but I did not look like a serene brunette in a long frilly nightgown when I was pregnant. More like a tired, nauseous woman with a messy ponytail, wearing the same sweatpants for the 3rd day straight):



Let's peek inside to find out all the ways a woman might have known she was pregnant, shall we?







Hmmm. A doctor hearing a heartbeat, a doctor feeling a "fetal movement" (I guess the mom feeling it doesn't count for much), or an x-ray that "shows a fetal outline." X-rays confirming pregnancy? Super idea!



I also learned that the TLC show "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" actually hearkens back to this era. Apparently even the erudite male obstetricians of 1969 could not detect that one 300+ lb fertility patient had indeed already conceived:



Great stuff, right? Just wait until labor & delivery draws closer....and when Mama has to bring that Nixon-era baby home. More to come as I scan it in!

Happy 100th Birthday Lucy

Did you see Google's awesome "Lucy" surprise this morning? I had totally forgotten that today would be Lucille Ball's 100th birthday. Which is surprising because while many of us love "I Love Lucy", I really loved "I Love Lucy." It was probably my favorite show growing up, and not just because I caught the reruns on TV. My mom (who introduced me to the show) actually enrolled us in a video-of-the-month club (yes, it was the 1980s) to get the most popular episodes on VHS tapes (which we still have). I have seen every episode--and I mean every episode--multiple times and can recite most by heart. Later, when I worked on the curatorial staff at the Museum of Television & Radio (now called the Paley Center) in my late 20s, I was the in-house "I Love Lucy" expert, despite the fact that I was born a generation after the show aired. I even travelled to an annual I Love Lucy fan convention in rural upstate New York (where Lucy was grew up), and let me tell you, that takes dedication--which is rewarded amply by some of the most unusual people-watching you'll ever see.

More recently, I introduced R. to I Love Lucy. I DVR'd a few episodes for her and she liked "The Diner" (Season 3, Episode 92, first aired April 26, 1954). Have you seen that one? If you have, you'll laugh too when I tell you that when R. "plays" restaurant with her brother, she calls their establishment "Big Hunk of America."

Lucy is good pure fun for kids....and watching it with them is a wonderful way to pass on an American classic to the next generation. The DVDs are available on Amazon.com - I highly recmmend Season 3 as the funniest, but you may also want to check out Season 2 (which includes the famous chocolate factory scene from "Job Switching").

Image: courtesy of Hollywood Outbreak.

Lunchtime, Gen X Style

With the upcoming Smurfs movie, there seems to be nostalgia for our Gen X roots--you know, the pop culture we enjoyed as kids in the late 1970s/early 1980s (if you are not yet 30 years old, please disregard this post!). I was happy to spot a I Love Kermit lunchbox in my recent issue of Earnshaws's magazine. Perfect timing, too, because my own daughter is about to turn 8, and I'm remembering my own 8th birthday party and how my "theme" was. . . Kermit the Frog. I was all about the Muppets (yes I was a nerd even back then). Anyway, I tracked down the Kermit lunchbox, and some other Gen X lunchboxes (including Smurfette and The Muppet Show) at our affiliate Perpetual Kid. Boy, do these take me back. Remember our loud clanging tin lunchboxes? This was way before the days of BPA-free products. There is something so sweet and charming about these; and at just $12 each, even if you don't buy one for your child, it might be a fun tchotcke for yourself. Check them out at Perpetual Kid.

MyMomShops Sponsor: The Scholastic Store

I'm excited to introduce you to our newest sponsor, The Scholastic Store, located right here in New York City. My kids and I have hopped on the subway to Soho to visit The Scholastic Store several times (including once for an awesome birthday party- thanks Zach G.!). Much more than a kids' bookstore, the Scholastic store is a destination in its own right for NYC kiddies and visitors. Less cloying than American Girl or The Disney Store, though equally popular, The Scholastic Store is a 6,200 square foot wonder that features books, toys, plush animals, arts & crafts, videos, games, and gifts featuring some of your kids' favorite characters, including Clifford, I Spy, Harry Potter, and Magic School Bus. There's an Activity Loft, demonstration areas to test out toys and games, and even a teaching resources area for educators and parents. Best of all for stuck-in-the-city-all-summer kids (like mine), there are free events every Saturday. Check these out:

Saturday, July 25 @ 3pm
Camp Klutz Kick-Off: Face Painting. Ages 5+. FREE. Staying in NYC this summer? Come be a part of "Camp Klutz", a series of crafts and activities for kids all summer long. Become a prince, princess or even a fairy! Kids will be ready for their close-ups, so bring your cameras to capture all the fun! (Note: I am hoping to take R. to this one- come find us and say hi!)

Saturday, August 1 @ 3pm
Camp Klutz: How to Draw Funny. Ages 6+. FREE. Calling all kids who love to draw and those who'd like to learn! Kids find their inner funny in this hands-on class where they can make their own comic to take home.

Saturday, August 8 @ 3pm
Camp Klutz: Crazy Crayons Rubbings. Ages 4+. FREE. Kids can make crazy creations with new coloring books and sparkly crayons. Who knew coloring could be so much fun!

Saturday, August 15 @ 3pm
Camp Klutz: Wacky Window Art. Ages 5+. FREE. Window decoration is as much fun for adults as it is for kids. With a freshened up palette of paints, sun-sparkly glitter and new designs, kids can create all kinds of window masterpieces to hang up.

Saturday, August 22 @ 3pm
Camp Klutz: Origami. Ages 5+. FREE. Kids can create everything from exotic parrots to beautiful star boxes even hopping frogs that really hop, all out of paper!

Saturday, August 29 @ 3pm
Camp Klutz: Velvet Art. Ages 5+. FREE. Kids get to make fuzzy photo frames, a tactile maze and other "feel-good" projects to take home!

Even if you're going to be nowhere near NYC anytime soon, you can shop online at Scholastic Store's Online Shop for Kids. Here are a few goodies I found (in the clearance section, no less):

Colorforms 50th Anniversary Edition (reduced to $15.97 from $29.99):


Leapster: Clifford Reading (reduced to $9.97 from $24.95):


The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set (reduced to $22.97 from $45):

Visit The Scholastic Store at 557 Broadway (between Prince and Spring Streets), open M-Sat 10am-7pm and Sunday 12-6pm. Call 877-287-0137 for store and event information.

Sneak(er) Peek

My kids and I recently attended a preview for the upcoming New Balance kids' sneaker line featuring the Peanuts characters (many thanks to Isabel of Alpha Mom for inviting us). Available in October, these sneakers will bring to life some favorite Peanuts' stories, including "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," and "A Charlie Brown Christmas", all in time for the Peanuts' 60th Anniversary in 2010. Prices start at $38 for the infant sizes up to $60 for big kid sizes. I was impressed how they look (and though not shown here, the packaging is cute, too):



R. and S. were most impressed that they got face-time with their favorite Peanuts characters:


If you're into seasonal apparel for your kids (as a Halloween babe myself, I sure am) and/or are a Peanuts fan, you'll definitely want to check out these sneakers this Fall. I'll let you know when they become available.

p.s. Speaking of the Charlie Brown holiday TV classics, if you're a fan you should also check out the Charlie Brown Holiday Collection DVD gift set at Amazon.com.

We All Have Baggage

Traveling this month? Check out these tongue-in-check Cosmetic Bags by Anne Taintor. They are compact (7 1/2" x 5") with a wristlet strap so you can even use them as a bag when you go out. My favorite caption by far: "We All Have Baggage". Buy one for $17 at Anne Taintor.

Bargain Alert: Punky Brewster on DVD

Note: This is a re-post from earlier this year. I bought this DVD recently and over the July 4th holiday both of my kids (ages 4 1/2 and 7 1/2) were RIVETED to it. Good, wholesome programming for the kids (though the orphan storyline is kind of tricky), plus retro kitsch for the grown-ups ("Mommy, who is Cyndi Lauper??" A winner!


If you were born after 1980, you should probably skip this post. You're too young. But if you are a Gen X-er who remembers the mid-80s sitcom Punky Brewster starring Soleil Moon Frye, read on. I just saw that you can buy a sampler DVD of Punky Brewster episodes, called Punky Brewster: Turn My World Around, on Amazon for just $5.49 (normally $9.98). So your own kids, too, can relive those brightly-colored-legwarmer days where spunky little Soleil gets into all sorts of mischief and is reprimanded by curmudgeonly-yet-lovable foster dad Henry (George Gaynes). It's a family-friendly sitcom that will probably appeal to kids as much now as it did nearly 30 (yes, 30!) years ago, even if the cultural references are dated. I have a feeling that my own 7-year-old will enjoy watching Punky a lot. Buy the DVD here.

I'm curious, do your kids watch any "old" family sitcoms? R. is currently fixated on The Cosby Show on Centric TV (especially episodes about Rudy or Vanessa). Which retro sitcoms do your kids watch?

The Very Classic Puzzle

Here's another 40th anniversary this year- the publication of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Check out Galison/Mudpuppy's The Very Books Blocks Puzzle for kids ages 3 and up. This award-winning toy consists of 9 blocks that toddlers and preschoolers can rearrange to form 6 different puzzle pictures (The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, and The Very Busy Spider, plus a bonus sun). They're neatly packaged in a sturdy box with a sliding drawer, so storage is easy. It's a classic, fun, and affordable birthday gift at $14. Buy it at Galison/Mudpuppy.

Man on the Moon

With the 40th anniversary of the moon landing approaching, kids' clothing site Peek...Aren't You Curious has debuted a collection of "1st heroes" t-shirts honoring heroes in American history who accomplished great things for the 1st time. My favorite tee is this one ($28) which I'd love to put on my own little hero. Which one do you like best? Visit Peek...Aren't You Curious.

Party Like It's 1959

Planning a child's birthday party, but don't want to go overboard with expensive invitations? Go old-school (and affordable) with these precious Boy/Girl Cake Birthday Party Invitations by vintage-style stationery shop Fenderskirts. A package of 10 fill-in invitations and envelopes costs $10; for an extra $5 they'll print your info. on the invitations for you. See all of the other sweet retro designs here. I love them all!

Michael Jackson Way Back When

Note: I originally posted this item in February 2007. It's a DVD version of Free to Be...You and Me and includes a priceless clip of a teenage Michael Jackson.

I can still remember when my mom played the "Free to Be...You and Me" record for my sister and me in our Brooklyn apartment in the mid-1970's. Marlo Thomas's award-winning album of songs, skits & comedy has become a cult classic, with Gen X'ers including myself reciting its lyrics by heart (remember "A Doll, A Doll, William Wants a Doll")? We loved its messages about growing up back then, and I love it even more now that it is available on DVD ($19.99). Featuring celebrity voice-overs and appearances by everyone from Alan Alda to Mel Brooks to Michael Jackson (who sings "When We Grow Up"- a song about how you "don't have to change at all"), "Free to Be..." imparts gentle but valuable lessons about growing up and supporting equal rights for boys and girls. I played this DVD for R. when she was just a year old and she was mesmerized by it. She still loves it, even as Pinky Dinky Doo and Wonder Pets compete for her attention. Ah, the classics never go out of style. "Free to Be..." makes a great birthday gift that parent and child alike will both love. Go to Amazon.com.

Those Were the Days

I love the tagline "kidhood recycled" for Jacki Paper, an adorable online stationery shop that makes recycled letterpress cards that riff on favorite childhood sayings (see above). Just the right kind of card to bring a smile to a friend's face. The quality of the cards is excellent, too (and you know I'm a stickler for good cardstock and envelopes). Check the Jacki Paper site for a list of store locations that I'm sure will grow.

Ear to Stay

As you may have noticed, I am becoming obsessed with all things Lego, like these funky Sunny Yellow Memories Earrings at Etsy.com. A fun, cheap ($5) impulse buy, these are a sure conversation piece. They're made from recycled Tyco (not Lego, but close) blocks from the late 1980s and rest on handcrafted gold-filled hoops. They even stack so you won't lose them! Browse all the fun earrings at the Etsy storefront of The J Stop.

p.s. Not that you really need a discount here, but the entire stock of this storefront is on sale 20% off through Saturday night!

Harvard Bound

As I mentioned, I recently attended my 15th Harvard reunion and brought my kids along (above is R. "checking in" and writing her own name-tag!). Had I seen this vintage-style Harvard Tee by Chaser- a new arrival at Psycho Baby- I might've dressed one or both kiddos in it! It's available in sizes 3-6 month all the way up to 8 for $33; a few other colleges are available, too.

p.s. When writing this post I re-discovered how much I love the Psycho Baby site. They have some of my favorite brands, including Hiho Batik, Mighty Fine, and Me in Mind. Great sales, too. Check them out!

Barbie Goes Old School

R. recently attended a pal's 6th birthday party at FAO Schwarz's flagship NYC store. This is one of her favorite places on earth and she loved dancing on the giant piano keyboard (from the movie Big) along with this soldier:


At FAO Schwarz, I was enthused to spot these new Barbie's 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition Dolls. Boy, did these take me back, especially the 1970s Malibu Barbie, which my sister and I had (and whose hair we duly cut and "styled").

Here are some of the other Barbie collector's editions currently for sale at FAO Schwarz (in-store only; their website no longer sells anything...but you can buy them at, of all places, Walmart.com, where you can snag two dolls for $65 total). I love how each of these dolls also arrives in era-style packaging with a collector's booklet.




Read more about the Barbie collector dolls here. And, did you hear the news that FAO Schwarz has recently been bought by Toys 'R Us? Will be interesting to see what happens to the FAO brand...

They Do Build Them Like They Used To

My budding-architect 4-year-old may turn out like her geeky mom, who as a little girl spent hours on end assembling "compounds" of buildings with her Lincoln Logs. For those of you who also loved your Lincoln Logs, here is a great Collector's Edition Set which includes 113 logs, 30 green roof slats, six red roof supports and two red chimneys, in a keepsake wood storage box (most other Lincoln Log sets I've seen are much skimpier than this one). The set is produced in a limited edition of 5000 units and costs $100 at FAO Schwarz. Go ahead and see who has more fun- you or your kid.

Vintage Children's Peg Rack

Look what my mother unearthed in our basement! In the early 70s (I was born in '72), she bought my sister and me each a personalized clown peg rack. Cute or creepy? What do you think? Maybe it didn't clash so badly with the psychedelic brown-and-yellow patterned wallpaper in the tiny bedroom we shared in our Brooklyn apartment. Our room fit (barely) two twin beds, a toy chest, and a small black-and-white television. I vaguely remember hanging everything from clothing to coats to romper-stompers on this peg rack. Of course, since I love some good detective work, I tried to see if anything similar is available on Ebay or Etsy these days (I also searched the name of the company printed on the bottom right- "Bellei"). No such luck. If the "clown alphabet" style appeals to you, though, you can buy individual wooden letters by Sevi.

Did any of you have something similar to this growing up? Would you put primary color "clown decor" in your daughter's room now? Or do you prefer prettier pink?