They'd be happy to go to bed...

... but would they sleep?

I've been pondering this question as we entertain the idea of a bed for Zoe. She's been sleeping (if you can call it that) on her baby mattress on the floor of her room, since successfully overcoming her crib railing about a month ago.

Danish company Flexa offers scads of great combinations like this one for the ultimate playhouse/bed. I fell in love with this bed the moment I found it. It's exactly the kind of fanciful thing I'd like to think I'm "Fun Mom" enough to get my kid...

Upon further consideration, though, I don't know how you get a kid to go to sleep when her "quiet place" is a playground... and I don't relish the thought of all the neighborhood kids tromping all over Zoe's bed for the next 10 years.

Back to the drawing board. Oh well, "Fun Mom" was fun while she lasted.

Cuter Scooter

Though American Apparel’s skin-tight, come-hither sensibility generally makes me feel I became an old prude somewhere along the way, the idea of dressing in knits can be fabulously practical (and appropriately sexy) for the mommy set. I've been a big fan of their t-shirts ever since our babysitter suggested I check them out last summer. (Should I worry that I am shopping in the same stores as a bright young thing who is 16 years younger than I am? I choose not to.)

Last weekend, I found a soft, kicky skort there that I know I’m going to live in this summer. It has shorts built in, so it’s great for the pool or running errands. My only advice: Buy a size larger than you normally would, unless you are going for the booty-mama look. (Oh, and wear a shirt, unlike the "serving suggestion" above.)

Mama Needs New Shoes

When I look at my husband’s lifetime collection of shoes -- fewer than a dozen, including the ancient Chucks that are ready to go to the Smithsonian –- I know the saying I “need” new shoes is laughable. And yet, I do. I can’t stay away from them.

Recently, my obsession has been with finding the perfect “mommy slip-on” for summer. Something that goes to the playground as well as the office, looks cute with skorts and capris… and that I can walk in for miles with nary a blister.

Someone must have heard my plea, because -- lo and behold! -- a fabulous source came right to my inbox, in the form of an e-mail from Amazon. The new web site Endless.com offers shoes and handbags. Not just free shipping, but, for awhile at least, a $5 discount on your order with free overnight shipping. Free returns, too.

These Sugar "Smokin Cat Batik" Ballet Flats are just $29.90.

What could be better? Oh, yes, they have kids shoes, too. Can’t forget the kids!