misosouper, a shopping blog

This feather is completely hand-cut from rice paper.  I’m in awe.

Ever since the launch of the iPhone I lusted after its sleek form and super-power features. The ultimate in form and function. Unfortunately I was locked into what seems like a lifetime contract with my mobile carrier until this month. As of this month I am no longer the last person on Earth to not own an iPhone. It was worth waiting for not only for the 3G-network access but also the built in video camera.

So my search for a unique, sturdy and eco-friendly iPhone case began. I did find a few that caught my eye. First the Zaum Eco-i13 is made of 100% recycled PET felt and has a handy business card pocket. Love the adorable contrast stitching and bright colors. The Narwhal Company recycles vintage thrift store ties into unique wallets, passport covers and iPhone cases. This one is the most unique case I’ve seen, and no two are alike. Unfortunately this case is discontinued, but there are still a few out there. The ECO|case by Incipio maintains a sleek slim profile and is made of organic canvas and other environmentally friendly materials. Finally I went with the bamboo slider case from Incase available at TheGiantPeach.com . I love this protective cover made of 40% bamboo pulp from reclaimed bamboo shards (chopsticks and construction scaffolding). Wow! Bamboo is also a renewable resource as it grows very quickly and does not require pesticides. I love my new bamboo slider case. It fits snug and will hopefully protect my G3 from any clumsiness on my part.

Save 10% off purchases at TheGiantPeach with coupon codes available here, and read more great posts from TheFind here.

Oprah, in all her outsized beneficence, wheels out a carriage full of books as her baby shower gift; here’s my version*, inclusive of the 12 books that have been in constant rotation since my daughter was born.  When shopping for my daughter’s library, these were purchased as much for their illustrations as for their narrative.  Interactivity–see Gallop, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Happy Baby Words, and Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?–is also a huge plus.

*Well, except for the fact that you actually have to buy these books yourselves.  And if you do, please purchase them through these links, which help misosouper play the cheap-ass version of Oprah.

1. I Am a Little Monkey (Barron’s Little Animal Series); 2. The Important Book; 3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?; 4. Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book!; 5. Busy, Busy Town (Giant Little Golden Book); 6. The Runaway Bunny; 7. Happy Baby Words; 8. Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?; 9. Little Golden Book Collection: Sleepytime Tales (Little Golden Book Treasury); 10. Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Book (Scanimation Books); 11. The Little Island; 12. The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Have any favorites that I left off the list?  Please tell us in the comments!

Got babies?  Then you need to get bins.  Because accumulation happens at an early age.

This spunky bin from 3 Sprouts will hold a ton of stuffed animals, books, and games, and its hungry-looking face definitely lends itself to “Now it’s time to feed the elephant!”-type of cleaning strategery.

OK, so you’re not a bag whore like me.  (Notice I said bag whore, not label whore; there is a distinct difference.)  You actually want a diaper bag, one with pockets and compartments and cleanability. Plus, it needs to be attractive, and usable after your baby days are gone.

So you may not be a whore, but you are pretty greedy.  I like that.

Here you go, my fickle friend.  Wear it, mess it, and machine wash it (yes, it’s that functional).  You’re welcome.