Usually when Cameron and I go out for lunch we end up at 67 Burger. I can’t deny that we both LOVE their food! Plus the staff is always so friendly. But mom and baby can not live on sweet potato fries and burgers alone, so I was in search of somewhere new. Celia, mom to Claire and fellow Brooklyn blogger (check out her site, Chic Squirt) recommended that I try Il Porto (37 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY). I admit my husband and I order pizza delivery from there all the time, but I had never actually been to the restaurant.
Under the BQE and to Il Porto we go!
So, Cameron and I ventured over there one afternoon to check out the scene. They had plenty of room for my stroller, and also had a few high chairs. The wait staff was very friendly and made Cameron and I feel welcome. I ordered the gnocchi right away (per Celia’s recommendation). I also got some bread for Cameron to snack on. The pasta came quickly – and it was SO good! Cameron was suspicious at first (as always) but once he saw me enjoying it, he gave it a try. Success!
Cameron waits for his gnocchi. Also pictured Skip Hop Plate
So Fort Greene and Clinton Hill mommies (and daddies) if you are looking for something yummy for lunch, try Il Porto – and try the gnocchi – it’s perfect finger food for baby, and mighty tasty for you!
Want more info on Il Porto? Check out this Lunchtime with Tillie review from Clinton Hill Blog.
I’ve been struggling to decide what to do regarding Cameron’s poor little freezing fingers. He is constantly taking off his socks, shoes, and hats, so I didn’t have much hope that anything on his hands would stay there more than 5 minutes.
I saw a post awhile back on Celia’s blog Chic Squirt about Stonz Wear baby booties, and while exploring the site I acame across their Mittz. The website claims they will stay on! And the design looked promising. So I asked for a pair (along with some booties) for Cameron’s birthday, and was happy when some arrived in the mail. We haven’t broken out the booties yet, but we’ve been using the mittz and they do indeed stay on! They ones for kids under 2 don’t have thumbs, which is a key feature. Not only does it make them easy to put on, it makes them hard for Cameron to get off. I thought he would be annoyed, but he totally didn’t seem to mind! Plus his fingers were nice and toasty. 
Cameron's new Mittz + car hat from Etsy
I’ve gone through so many sippy cups trying to find one that Cameron likes to use. First there was the Born Free one that came with the gift set. He hated it, but was happy using the handles with his bottle. I wanted to move away from the bottle nipple though, so we kept trying. Then I got one from Area Kids which was cute, but not that functional as it turned out. Next came the Safe Sippy, which lots of other moms and babies seem to like, but Cameron wasn’t too keen on it. Finally I went to PathMark at the Atlantic center looking for these little Rubbermaid juice boxes (pictured below) that were suggested by Celia. I knew Cameron liked drinking from straws, so I thought maybe he would use them. I got the round one and the square one, just to cover my bases. Today I tried the round one and he took to it right away. Finally, a sippy that works! And the price wasn’t bad either! If you can’t find them at PathMark, Amazon has them as well.
Eating out with a baby is never easy, per say, but this Skip Hop Mate plate certainly does help! I first saw Celia using it with her daughter Claire and knew I had to get one. I take it with me every time Cameron and I are eating out now. It sticks to the table well, and since the edges slope down, its harder for him to toss around than a regular plate. We even use it sometimes at home in his high chair. I got mine from Diapers.com (which by the way is having a huge site wide sale now.) Amazon has it too, so it depends where you are shopping and what else you are buying. Anyways, it’s a real help and I highly recommend it!
Skip Hop Mate comes in 3 colors - Blue, Orange, and Rasberry
Cameron in action
FYI, the Diapers.com site wide sale is on now thru November 12.
Holy Moly it’s cold out! I have to admit this weather crept up on me and I haven’t really gotten Cameron outfitted for the winter. So today I decided to check out Etsy.com to see what I could find in the way of unique and cute winter hats for my little one. Here’s a small sample of the ones I like (including some super cute girl ones too!):
Ava
baby bear beanie
Flapper Green and Purple
Electric Blue Bird Hat
Mr Alligator
Each image links to the item page on Etsy.com These hats range in price from $9.50-$25 – not bad for hand made items! I just typed “baby hat for winter” into the search box – so if none of these are your cup of tea, check out the rest of the selection to find the perfect hat to keep your baby nice and cozy. Also, check out Chic Squirt for Celia’s Cute Winter Hat Round Up.
Loving the new hat!
Update: I bought the Baby Bear Beanie for Cameron (I think I got the last one!) and he has been rocking it at the playground to much fanfare and compliment! I changed the link on that image to go to the shop that made the Bear Beanie – they have some other cute items as well that are worth a look.
Celia recommended to me that I check out The Mini Social – they have sample sale items for babies, making sure that your little one is always super chic. I just picked up a few items for Cameron.
Little DJ Sweatshirt
Daddy, Version 2.0
If anyone is interested in signing up, let me know, or put in my email address 
I can get 10$ if I refer you. Happy Shopping!
As I mentioned before I am always searching for things that Cameron and I both like to eat. I’ve started making instant oatmeal for him (it seems a little less labor intensive than Cream of Wheat). I get the Arrowhead Mills Organic Original Instant Oatmeal from Fresh Direct because its just plain oatmeal with no sugar added.
Yummy Yummy!
Before I microwave it I add some mashed bananas and a dash of cinnamon. The bananas and cinnamon sweeten it up without adding any sugar – so it tastes great! The idea of adding cinnamon was given to me by Celia, who had originally suggested adding it to pureed pears or apples (also, super tasty!) I think it makes anything taste like apple pie, and totally delicious. Cameron agrees!
I’ve been meaning to post more iPhone apps for kids (and mommies) but haven’t quite gotten around to it yet.
Chic Squirt Recomends
In the mean time, check out Chic Squirt’s recommendations!
Giving waffles to Cameron was an idea I got from Celia. The first time he tasted them, he pumped his fists in the air and grunted. It would be an understatement to say he was excited! Plus, mom sure doesn’t mind eating them too.
I toast them lightly in the toaster oven and put a little butter on to soften them up. I like to serve them with fruit pieces – either peaches or banana – but I’m sure whatever fruit your little one likes would work.
Cameron has decided that he is most interested in eating whatever I’m eating, and has been pretty sassy about eating the pureed foods I was used to giving him. So, per Celia’s suggestion I tried giving him veggie burger patties. He LOVES them, and they make a nice lunch for me as well. I’ve been giving him Dr. Praeger’s, although I might try a few brands to see what his preference is. I get mine from Fresh Direct, but I’ve been told they have them at Elly’s Market on Dekalb, and at Fairway for the adventuresome types!
