Hot or Not? Flora & Henri

While on a recent trip, we came across Flora & Henri, an upscale children's clothing store in the heart of downtown Seattle.

The store windows were decorated to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rat. Since it was the first time we had seen a children's store with a Chinese Zodiac display - we had to stop and take pictures to share with you!

Flora & Henri carries European style clothing with exquisite details using fine linens and thick, soft, jersey cottons. Silk party dresses round out a collection of luxurious clothing for Seattle's best dressed tots.

We were intrigued by Flora & Henri's windows because they used life sized - and bigger! - rats in their display. We love that they didn't turn the Year of the Rat into the Year of the Mouse (or hamster as noted in the post below). According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat has many great qualities that should be celebrated with pride. After all, the Rat was the first to finish the Amazing Race.

Unfortunately, the Rat is far from cute. But, that didn't stop the creative minds at Flora & Henri! Plastic Rats (perhaps left over Halloween decorations) were used throughout the window displays.

To the right, small Rats share the limelight with a gorgeous Irish linen christening gown. The Rats' harsh features are a notable contrast against the sweet, delicate gown.

We appreciate the integrity of Flora & Henri's design, but, at the end of the day we were more than a little bit creeped out by the Rats in the window display. Then again, maybe we've watched Lady and the Tramp too many times and the scene of the vicious Rat in the baby's room is hard to shake.

What do you think? Is the Flora & Henri window display HOT or NOT?

Passover Centerpieces with Asian Flair

In Thursday's post below we created an Easter basket and/or centerpiece using Asian inspired accents to reflect the dual heritage of families who have adopted a child from
China or other parts of Asia. An Itty Bitty Blog reader asked us if we had any ideas for a Passover centerpiece using similar elements.

Well, there's nothing we love more than a project! Thanks to our reader, we got the kids involved and spent a fun afternoon making our centerpieces.

Passover, in a nutshell, is a celebration of the Exodus - the liberation of the Jewish people from the Pharoh. The Seder plate contains five foods that symbolize the Exodus. While three of the foods symbolize the stuggles of the Jewish people before they were freed from the Pharoh, the other two foods represent Spring, sweetness, and new beginnings.

In putting together our centerpiece we focused on Spring and new beginnings (although we do think the centerpiece is pretty sweet). We also wanted to celebrate family and heritage.

The starting point for our arrangement was a blue and white pot representing the colors of Israel. We filled it with packing peanuts and a tree branch - symbolizing new growth. Then we put the kids to work cutting out circles and decorating them with the Star of David. On the back of each Star of David we wrote down the name of friends and family members. We also wrote down one way in which we each wanted to grow in spirit - like being kind to others when we don't feel like it or taking time each day to tell each other what we are thankful for. The Stars of David went on the branch.

Next, we filled the pot with green shredded paper. We added Giddy Giddy Flower Power clips on popsicle sticks to hand out as Spring party favors. The Jack Rabbit Creations Pull Back Mouse represents The Year of the Rat. The Kaloo Fung Shui Collection Fat Cat has the double happiness symbol embroided on his belly which reminded us of our happiness is celebrating together as a family and joy in our heritage. Of course, the Jack Rabbit Creations Ladybug Shakers represent the red thread that binds together friends and family.





We also thought it would be fun to make individual placecards. In the picture to the right, we cut paper to fit around a can of refried beans we had in the pantry (how's that for blending cultures!). The kids each decorated their own sheet and we taped it around the can. We were glad we made a mistake and cut the paper too big because it made it easier to fill with the green shredded paper and the other goodies.







Here's another, more manly, variation of the same idea. Painted flower pot, ladybug, mouse and popsicle stick with with child's name and Star of David.

You can go to town with these ideas or pare them down to make them easier and more affordable. It would be fun to paint the branch silver and use lots of glitter glue for the Stars of David. You can use blue and white lollipops instead of the Giddy Giddy Flower Power clips or write your guests' names on the lollipops with a silver permanent marker - just make sure the lollipops are wrapped!

Thanks Anonymous for getting our creative juices flowing and keeping our kids entertained this afternoon!