blueHouse

Mi Casa, Blue Casa

Call me a lucky mama, but Baltimore has some really great shops sprinkled throughout this fine city.  One of my favorites, residing just outside of Fell’s Point, is Bluehouse, which is not just a store, it’s a lifestyle. And not just any lifestyle, but a sustainable lifestyle we should all strive to obtain.  That aside, it’s a darn fun place to shop.

Bluehouse is another full service destination shop, stocking everything organic, recycled, sustainable or fairly traded for you, your home and your babies whether human or animal.  And with their full café menu and free wi-fi, it has quickly become one of my favorite escapes.   The selection at Bluehouse is vast but not overwhelming.  They have everything from major pieces of furniture to recycled pet beds and everything in between.  One of my son’s favorite gifts from Santa this year was discovered in this enormous safe shopping haven, the Earth Wagon by Radio Flyer.  For you newly child, this is a great place to start your baby off on the right foot with their selection of natural body care and organic attire and accessories from designers like Salvor Fauna.

There really is too much to list here but if you are out for eco-friendly needs or just a good time, Bluehouse can meet both desires.  Like their selection of Earth, and people, friendly goodies, Bluehouse itself practices what they preach from their fresh and natural café ingredients to their low-VOC paint and recycled or sustainable materials used in their own store renovation. They may be Bluehouse but they are making my life more green.  Being within driving distance of such a fine establishment does make me lucky but don’t be jealous, many of their products can be purchased directly from their website. So we can all enjoy the pleasure of shopping Bluehouse (even on those days I can’t convince myself to shed my pajamas.)

- Cara

 

Red Tree

My New Tree House

In the last 15 years that I’ve lived here, I watched Baltimore transform into a predominantly industrial city into a bustling destination spot attracting tourists from all over.  We’ve even been blessed with the presence of the Brangelina and their then much smaller brood taking in our internationally known aquarium.  But over the years, I’ve learned that the most charming traits of Charm City aren’t the ones in the main visitor hub.  Gems like Red Tree, a favorite among locals, is worthy of visit during your next trip into town.

This might come as a surprise to you loyal Mama Speaks readers but get this; Red Tree isn’t all about the baby.  Even we need an occasional break from the baby gear so I love walking around the beautifully crafted furniture, décor and other hand crafted treats.  The store itself is a piece of art with two floors filled to the brim with eye candy at pocket friendly prices. Who are we kidding; we love our baby gear too much to have an entire shopping trip without.  Thankfully Red Tree knows this so you will also find a small selection of some of our favorite baby brands like Rileyroos and Wry Baby.  You can definitely swing by for a last minute baby shower gift that won’t look at all last minute.  Plus, you may even walk out with a nice piece of jewelry or tote bag for yourself.

Red Tree may not make it onto any tourist map but it’s far from off the beaten path. Red Tree is in the heart of the popular Hampden “Avenue” surrounded by good eats, shopping for all of your upscale or funky needs and even an all organic hair salon if mama really needs to treat herself.  So just make sure it’s on your map during each visit, you won’t be disappointed with their eclectic selection of goods for everyone in your house, including your house.

-Cara

Butterfly Kisses

Butterfly Kisses nestled in downtown Valparaiso, brings big city style home to you. One of the reasons I fell in love with this quaint boutique for the first time was because they offered just as much chic and trend for the boys as they did the girls. It wasn’t all frou frou and ruffles and then one little section of cutesy for the baby boys in the corner. It was here that I was first introduced to Tea Collection and Pediped a few years back. More recently I am excited by their addition of rockin’ Kingsley tees and See Kai Run shoes.  And it’s not just for babies. Many styles all the way up to child size 6x-7 are available in the contemporary apparel featured at Butterfly Kisses.      

Owner Jennifer Ziemkiewicz puts thought into the quality and features of each and every product she carries. The clothing, shoes, and now new toy line available at her boutique will last over time. She focuses on offering items that you can not find most anywhere else, such as the much sought-after BabyLegs and Plan Toys. It’s about being unique and not like everyone else. Through the personalized service and special treatment to each person that walks through those doors, friendships are formed. I seem to think this is how business was originally meant to be. 

 

Just as Butterfly Kisses is a distinctive emporium for children’s fashions, it definitely leaves the Mamas satisfied, too. I hardly ever have anything to put in a diaper bag anymore, but I am still trying to justify needing this Stork Sak Emily Shoulder Bag [$170]. For Moms-to-be, there is no finer maternity wardrobe than the one you’ll find here. With superior designers like Inca Mama, Olian, and Maternal America, baby bumps look like they’re just off the runway.

      

Sign up for the mailing list when you drop in for a visit so you can always be up to date with the latest happenings, coupons, and specials. I’ve found their sales to be out of this world if you can get in there right on time. Shop online here for some of the products available in store. But if you get the chance, do stop inside for personalized service and exclusive goodies you’ll not find just anywhere else. 

 

-Steph