Leigh’s first birthday is this week, and I wanted to get her something really special. Since her older sister steals all of her toys, I decided I would buy her one very special gift and make sure it stays hers. The one perfect gift? A handmade, natural and organic doll from Bamboletta. The bonus? I think it looks like her. Green eyes, crazy brown hair, and deliciously cute. — Beth J.

I hate to brag, but I can’t resist. I found these adorable embroidered critters at the flea market over the weekend in Rhinebeck. Get this: They were a dollar each! Someday, they’ll go in Isadora’s room. When we finally get a place that has a room for Isadora. For now, we all can enjoy them in the hallway! — Angela M.

We can’t imagine having a party these days without sending out electronic invites. But the designs at the traditional sites do leave something to be desired. That’s where pingg.com comes in. Their gallery of images are so vibrant, they’ll pop in any in-box. Best of all, you can upload your own image and customize the invitation to reflect your own creative ideas; you can send the invites via cell phone, email, Facebook or even on a personalized web page. We’re so inspired, we may have to throw a party soon just to use this site. Memorial day cookout, anyone? Like any good e-vite site, Pingg allows you to manage your invites and keep track of responses. Click here to visit pingg.com.

We’re already fans and big time carriers of Envirosax bags. There’s always one tucked in our purses to use when we stop at the drugstore or for groceries on the way home from work. Now the eco-friendly company has launched six new designs especially for kids — but being big kids-at-heart ourselves we love them, too. Boldly colored characters like Wingnut and the Dogosaurus are hard to resist. Click here to see more at envirosax.com.

I’ve been a quiet fan of Amanda Blake Soule aka “Soulemama” for awhile now — her photography, art and projects with her family are always a delight. So I was excited to learn that her new book, The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections, is now available. So far, the Amazon reader reviews are all positive — one reads, “This book is pure, unadulterated creative dynamite!” Having spent some time on Soule’s site, I’m not surprised. Purchase the book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore, and be sure to visit Soulemama online at her blog, her shop, and her new Creative Family Flickr Group for regular doses of warmth and color. –Mary T.

Do you ever get stuck in a dinner rut? I definitely do. Even though I do my damnedest to make something new every weekend, during the week I rotate through a handful of simple dishes that are easy to make, or resort to ready-made meals from the nearby deli. In the latest issue of Cookie mag, writer Jenny Rosenstrach embarks to make recipes 30 Recipes in 30 days. The results run the gamut of cuisines — from Asian (Vietnamese pork wraps) to dishes from co-workers (sweet potato lasagna). Even if you’re not trying to cook for a family with kids like Rosenstrach, her endeavor is inspiring. I personally am going to try the Swedish meatballs very soon. See all 30 recipes here. — Angela M.

Not to swoon too much about Target’s new DwellStudio line, but I wish they had unveiled this last fall when we were shopping for cribs. You may remember the debate that raged here about Wal-mart’s Baby Mod crib. That’s the one we went with (despite the yucky feelings about Wal-Mart) and honestly it’s pretty great for $300. Clean lines, storage below, etc. But the new ones at Target are cut from the same cloth, so to speak, but come in a wider variety of palettes. I love the one above, the Silver Lake crib in Honey Oak. I’m not sure where it’s manufactured though. The Wal-mart line comes from New Zealand and is made of all wood. What do you think? Would you buy the Target crib? — Angela M.

Awhile back, we mentioned that DwellStudio was soon to be available at Target. Now that it is, we thought we’d take a peek at what they’re offering. (We confess we haven’t been inside a Target in a few weeks — sacrilege!) The designs are heavily focused on babies right now, with very attractive cribs and layette sets. We’re not sure how we feel about the Mercer Glider/Ottoman Collection — what do you think? It’s definitely an improvement over the too-tufted gliders you see at most big-box retailers.

The adult bedding collections seem to be getting good reviews — this Baroque pattern in particular is quite nice. One commenter complained that the king-size DwellStudio comforter was too long. Since ours is always too short, we may look into this. Linens like the Border Tablecloth are very reasonably priced at $12.99. Have you checked out DwellStudio at Target yet? How do you like it?

Our love for Jennifer Delonge continues to grow with this sneak peek at her new lines launched at the recent New York Gift Fair. There are some new Marimekko lampshade additions to her popular Fresh Vintage collection, as well as fab lamp bases like the one seen here. The fabrics above are also available to cover her Ava chairs. Visit Jennifer Delonge online for more inspired design for both children and adults.

More sneak peaks from the New York Gift Fair:
Kitchen Kitsch from Alessi
Green Design Grows
Black and White Cookie Plate
Jonathan Adler

Remember those onesies I liked at Baby Goes Vintage? Well, guess what? They’re on sale. Just $8 apiece and oh-so-cute. Buy ‘em here. –Mary T.