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!

Celebrate Spring With Asian Flair

Spring is right around the corner and we decided to add a bit of Asian flair as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Passover.


We put together a fun Easter basket that can easily be modified for a fun and festive Passover centerpiece.

We started with a vibrant plush from the Limited Edition Kaloo Fung Shui Collection. The signature Kaloo box makes a wonderful basket. We simply filled the bottom of the box with packing peanuts and put Easter basket grass on top.

The rabbit's bright colors set the tone for a festive basket. We placed the rabbit towards the back of the container so there would be plenty of room to add more items.

To give our basket flower blossom accents, we used handmade felt Giddy Giddy Flower Power hair clips. We reluctantly admit to swiping a few wood coffee stirers from our favorite Starbucks and attached the Flower Power clips to the sticks. You can paint the sticks green and add construction paper leaves to create a fuller bouquet.









The Pull Back Mice by Jack Rabbit Creations add a touch of whimsy. The mice are also a reminder that according to the Chinese Zodiac 2008 is the Year of the Rat. Put a colorful mouse in the basket and one on the table to elongate your arrangement.









Don't forget to leave room for the Ladybug Shakers. The sweet ladybugs remind us of the red thread that binds families and loved ones together.

Add your own special touches and create a memorable Easter basket or Passover center piece. Bears, cat and mice are also part of Kaloo's Fung Shui Collection. Throw in a bunch of holiday themed candy and you're all set!

The Mayberry Shop

We recently came across The Mayberry Sparrow, a delightful Etsy shop. Canadian artist Corrabelle creates custom name stamps or bookplates with whimsical designs. For just $20.00, we can think of several uses for these fun stamps - stamp them on brown paper bags and your lunch will be sure to stand out. Gift tags and personalized stationary will have a funky fresh vibe when use your Mayberry Sparrow stamp. These stamps make fun baby shower gifts and birthday presents too.

The Pagoda design would make an adorable name stamp.

If you are looking for a wonderful gift for a wise teacher, what could be cuter than this sweet owl?


Check out The Mayberry Sparrow and be sure to read about Corrabelle and the inspiration behind the name of her shop.

Girl Scout Cookie Curse

Just the sight of a Girl Scout has me reaching instinctively into my purse to find a pen to fill out the cookie form. Living in suburbia, we have several Scouts come to our door hoping to make top cookie seller. Combine that with troops selling cookies outside the grocery store and we now have a pantry full of boxes of Girl Scout cookies.

This year I decided to employ my Halloween strategy with my Girl Scout purchases - buy what you don't like and you won't eat it. Funny how that works with Nerds and Crybaby gum, but not with Girl Scout Cookies. I didn't even buy Thin Mints this time around for fear of eating them all myself - like last year.

So, today for lunch I had more than a few Samoas. Does that come under fruits and dairy in the Weight Watcher's Food Guide?

Year of the Hamster?

Here at Itty Bitty Ladybug we've been stumped - it's the Year of the Rat and we've had a tough time finding cute and fun items to celebrate the Chinese New Year. We feel bad. After all, the rat was certainly clever enough to finish first in the Amazing Race. Hard working, thrifty and healthy the Rat has many wonderful qualities. But let's face it, the Rat is far from cute.

So, we were delighted to find a little blurb in today's paper about how prices are rising in China for HAMSTERS as people look to honor the Year of the Rat. That's right - hamsters. Hamsters are considered lucky in China and they are definitely more cuddly than a pet rat. Also, the Cantonese and Mandarin word for "rat" translates in such a way that could include hamsters and moles. Who knew? Anyone up for a hamster tee?

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year! Today is the beginning of the Year of the Rat.

Stamps celebrating the Year of the Rat are available at your local post office or at http://www.usps.com/.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, a Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity and renewal. The Year of the Rat is also a good time to begin a new job, get married, launch a product, or make a fresh start. For many of our friends waiting for an adoption referral, we hope it also means getting good news soon.

People born in The Year of the Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) are believed to be devoted to their families, quick - witted and passionate. The Rat is energetic and has endurance to fight off most illnesses. Full of nervous energy,a Rat benefits from the practice of Yoga and meditation.

Some famous celebrity Rats include: Alyssa Milano, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lauren Bacall. Charlotte Bronte and Margaret Mitchell are famous Rat authors.

Be sure to check out some of our favorite blogs for more information about the Year of the Rat and fun products celebrating the Chinese New Year. Now make like a Rat and get busy!

Katiedid at http://katie-d-i-d.blogspot.com/2008/02/happy-chinese-new-year.html

Cool Mom Picks at http://coolmompicks.com/

Tonic Home at http://tonichome.blogspot.com/

Baby Magnolia - a blog about a couple waiting to adopt their baby girl from China - at http://babymagnolia.com/