It seems that all women stores were capitalizing on “Sex and the City 2″ to promote their Moroccan inspired wear. I thought I’d jump on the band wagon too. Except, for my constituency, Toy Story 3 is more likely to resonate.

So here are some suggestions for some kid-friendly clothes, that will go from the movies to play dates to school!

Talia Dress by Wati

The Wati  Talia dress is perfect for a sunny afternoon, an ice cream cone after the movie. Fresh woven cotton in twirly layers, in pink with a hint of silver sparkle.

Wes & Willy Bulldog Ringer

Boys will love the fun and comfy Bulldog ringer tee by Wes and Willy. Roomy and soft, it will stand up to lots of play and repeated washes, should those popcorn butter fingers leave their mark.

And of course, Daily Tea is always a good choice! Stylish and comfortable, in fantastic prints and color palettes than wear and wash so well! Mix and match the dresses, tops and bottoms: capris and french terri shorts for summer. For the boys, awesome graphics shirts inspired by Korea, to be paired with shorts or pants.

Daily Tea Collection

Kids get style and comfort. Moms get quality and affordability. Clothes for infinity and beyond!

Silver is a Masai Giraffe, the largest male giraffe in the world famous San Diego Zoo. Silver was born on May 16, 1993, at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C, then moved to San Diego. Silver weight about 2,400 lbs (over 1 ton!) and is almost 17 feet tall (mostly neck!) He is the Zoo’s only breeding male and has fathered seven calves so far. Silver lives with several other giraffes at the Zoo, He has a great personality, and is a favorite with Zoo guests and animal keepers. Silver spends most of his day eating. He enjoys acacia and fig tree branches.  He will check each day to see if any new leaves have grown close to his reach, then he uses his long tongue to get every last one!

Gund, the toy manufacturer, has immortalized Silver in a cute plush giraffe. He is soft and cuddly, only about 10.5” and doesn’t eat much! A fun toy, and helpful too: 7% of the proceeds from Gund Silver Giraffe go to global conservation funds!

Maya Papaya& Tony Macarony is displaying Monkey Kiss, by Melanie Deal. When I first saw the artwork’s image on the web, I thought it was a quilt! It isnt. Monkey Kiss is a very unique mixed media piece: the little lips you see are actual vintage L’Oreal lipstick samples! And of course, the sock monkeys make it a perfect fit for our store!

Come for a stroll along Central and stop by Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony to see Monkey Kiss!

A complete guide and map to the exhibit is available at http://www.anatomicallycorrect.org/EvanstonArtWalk2009.htm

Evanston Art Walk 2009, October 1-31^st, along Central and Prairie.

Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony are proud to present:

Nili Yelin, the Storybook Mom in

Sleep Under–Wear Your PJ’s

The popular Saturday morning children’s show offer a great way to introduce young children to theatre, storybooks, music and engage their senses in an immediate and interactive way. Come in your PJs! Nili will be in hers!

Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00am

Wilmette Theater

1122 Central Ave.

Wilmette, IL 60091

847.251.7424

Tickets $12.

More info and advance tickets at http://www.wilmettetheatre.com/events.html

Sponsored by Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony

Pork Chop Kids

Tights are cute, but hard to put in and out, especially with frequent diaper changes and potty breaks. Leg warmers are funky, but still require socks! What’s a mother to do? Enter Meaghan Resenhoeft. Meaghan developed Pork Chop Kids, tight-high socks that are practical and stylish! With the looks and warmth of tights, and the convenience of leg warmers when it comes to diaper changes, Pork Chop Kids are a wonderful mom-invented garment! And it goes up to size 8, so big girls can go potty without struggling with binding elastic waists and crotch!

And look at the patterns: stripes, polka-dots, argyle, solids, both in bright and soft colors, sold by the pair and in gift sets.

Meaghan is going to be at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony on Thursday October 8, showcasing her collection! All are invited! Stop by to see and learn more about this cool new product!

Pork Chop Kids Trunk Show, Thursday Oct 8, 4-8 pm at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony, 1917 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201.

It’s almost June, and soon the sun will be shining hot and strong and the cold will be just a memory! Be prepared with good, quality sunscreen.

Dr T’s Supergoop is the “hotest” sunscreen product these days. It has been selected as Editor’s Pick by Better Homes & Garden Magazine. And here is why: completely green and organic, with no artificial colors or preservatives, PABA or alcohol. It goes on light and easy, and is not greasy. And is water-resistant, meaning you don’t have to keep reapplying after each splash!

Available as lotion and as a handy stick for faces and small kids nooks and crannies. Also great is the spray, combining sunscreen and a toxic free bug repellent: perfect for the backyard, walks in the woods, and summer picnics!

Available at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony

Independence Park, Central St, Evanston

Don’t miss the 60th annual Evanston Garden Fair, sponsored by the Garden Council of Evanston, and its great selection of perennials and annuals! Many plants come from local gardens, so are used to our weather and soil conditions! Council members will be available to chat and answer your gardening questions. Proceeds are used to support civic landscape and beautification throughout Evanston.  

Spring and summer fashions will be 20% off at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony!

Independence Park, Central St., Evanston
Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.-4 pm. Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m.-3 pm.
Free admission
847-448-8256

Get a FREE Mini Session Photo Session at Embracing Moments Photography Studio with any purchase of $50 or more at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony during Retail Therapy (a $60 value)!

Plus – any purchase made during Retail Therapy at Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony will be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing.  One lucky winner will receive a Signature Creation Session at Embracing Moments Photography plus a gift print, a total value over $300.  Winner will be notified by phone or email.

Retail Therapy is Thursday, April 23^rd 6-9 pm.  Don’t miss this fun event on Central Street! Our neighboring stores will be hosting book signings, trunk shows, wine tasting, and lots more!

Embracing Moments is a full service photography boutique studio, located right here in Evanston! In addition to providing naturally elegant photography, Embracing Moments offers a wide range of customer-focused services which has been central to continued customer satisfaction. Owners Jessy Yu and Andy Dean aim to personalize a streamlined experience for each customer. See their beautiful photography at http://www.embracingmomentsphotography.com/.

Save the date: Thursday, April 23 6-9 PM is Central Street’s Bi-anual

RETAIL THERAPY

A fun evening of shopping, with lots of specials! Join us for wine, appetizers, special discounts and surprise gifts. Enjoy exclusive events: trunk shows, seminars, book signings, and more!

Participating stores:

Allegro Dance Boutique – Apparel for Bodies in Motion
Apelian Carpet & Orientals – Oriental Rugs
Chalk Boutique – Designer Women’s Apparel and Accessories
Dame Couture – Bridal Frocks for the Modern Dame
Etienne Vintage  – Home & Lighting, Antiques, Custom Mantels and Built-ins
Evanston Public Library North Branch – books, of course!
George Ritzlin Antique – Maps and Prints
Happy Husky Bakery – Fresh Baked Treats and Unique Pet Accessories
Lois & Company  – Easy Clothes for Busy Lives
Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony – Cool Clothes for Girls and Boys 0 to 10
Millefiori – Flowers, Wreaths and Gifts
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian -Native American History and Culture
Montoya Fiber Studio – Yarn, Knitting Supplies
Perennials  – Presents, Teas, Decorations, Invitations
The Spice House – Chicagoland’s Largest Spice Selection
Stella  – Clothing, Jewelry, Home Accessories
Table Manners – Unique Tableware for Home Entertaining
Urban Totem – Antique Chandeliers and Exclusive Furnishings
Walsh Natural Health – Natural Health Products for Your Family and Pet

If you can’t find it on Central Street, you probably don’t need it!
For more information visit www.centralstreet-evanston.com