DM Finds: Stomp Rocket

OK, folks, here is the hottest summer toy that both you and your kids will love: the Stomp Rocket. This one is actually the Stomp Rocket Jr. with glow-in-the-dark rockets.

I was browsing on Amazon for a birthday gift for Hazel's friend, and was seduced by the rave reviews and perfect price tag ($10.50) this little set offered. So we got one for her friend. And another set for us.

It is the BEST summer toy, and here's why:

• Kid-powered (no batteries)
• Requires turn-taking but turns are very quick
• Fun for all ages (Poppy can put the rocket on by herself and we help her jump or sit on the stomper to send it flying - gratuitous giggles ensue)
  
• Can play alone or with others (it's fun to try to catch the rocket when you're waiting for your turn)
• Inherent but unmeasurable competition
• Active!

Cons, though I don't think any of them are a big deal:

• Babies like to chew on the rockets (so what else is new)
• The stand sometimes comes apart if it gets knocked or jumped on - an adult has to put it back together
• The rockets sometimes get stuck in nearby trees, but that offers its own fun trying to get it down (Dads love to get involved in this manly challenge)
• Babies crawling too close to the stomper may get knocked down by heaven-gazers trying to catch the rockets (whoops)
  

We were out in our common area/courtyard the other night doing the rocket and a family who recently moved in came out when they heard the giggles. They have a newly adopted 3-year-old son from Eritrea who is shy and speaks little English. It was fun to see him warm up and smile when his Dad, and later he, stomped the rocket into space.

So if you've got a space for stomping, I'd say go get you one. Unless your kid has a summer birthday and will be inviting my kid to the party...because I'm pretty sure this is our new favorite gift.

And here's a cute picture of Ginger climbing the tree the HOA says we're not allowed to climb. I am training them early to defy authority.

DiscoMom Finds: Cool Butter Keeper

How do you keep your butter? Some, in the fridge. It keeps it fresh, but way too hard to spread. Others, in a butter dish on the table. When it warms up it gets yucky melty, and even when it's covered, still can go bad. Why can't all butter be in a perpetually fresh-but-spreadable state like in those individual packets you get at restaurants?

Well, it can. And mine is. I got this genius little butter keeper for my birthday and I just love it.
You put a little cool water in the crock part, slightly softened butter in the lid/cup (it holds exactly 1/2 cup or 1 stick), then when you close it, the water forms an airtight seal on the butter, keeping it both fresh and cool while also soft and spreadable. Come on over and have some bread & buttah.

DiscoMom Finds: Japanese Baby Pants

I am completely nutso for Japanese baby pants, sometimes also called monkey pants. I first saw some on a toddler at the library in Brooklyn, NY. I asked her mom where on earth such cuteness could be found, and, you guessed it: Japan (they were from there.) I considered setting up a playdate so I could ingratiate myself enough to get hooked up on their next trip. This was about three years ago. I went home and Googled my heart out trying to find something like them, with one success: Sckoon.

Could you die? There is something beyond adorable about the cut and style of these soft, room-for-diapers pants. I got Ginger a red-and-white striped pair, and now Poppy is wearing them. I have always loved a good diaper butt, and these pants were made to accent them!

More recently, I came across some similar pants/leggings on a site called Olliebollen. Did I mention I cannot get over them? I've been drooling for a few months, trying to decide whether to drop the cash or not, splurging on the baby who has enough clothes for all practical purposes. There are the leggings. And then there are the shorts and the skeggings! How can a person resist such temptation?

So I broke down and got Poppy one thing. Or two. A kid needs birthday presents! And. The best part is I searched for "Japan baby pants" or similar on ebay, and would you believe there were a couple of sellers selling multiple styles and sizes of the same Dobutsu pants they have on Olliebollen. So I got one in the size I think she is (they say they run small) and one in the next size, for $6 each plus nominal shipping. I cannot wait to try them on!

Also. I don't have a boy but occasionally find myself buying for one. I am extremely picky about boy clothing but would definitely buy a pair of these pants (look at the website - they have good masculine ones) or anything from Sckoon. Especially this. And this.

*I have a long list of cool things I like or find that I want to post. I don't like the old series name I used to use, "The Good Stuff", but I am having a hard time coming up with the right series title - I thought perhaps "Gaga" but you know, there's Lady Gaga and she kinda changed the meaning. So for now it's "DiscoMom Finds" but I am open to suggestions.