Baby Bibs, Bowls + Beads

From the creator of our baby kimono comes a delightful new feeding-time accoutrement: the bib! Momo is delighted to introduce this sweet offering from local designer Plastic Pony. Made from kawaii Japanese cotton, it’s designed to stay put with an adjustable snap closure, so little Hector can’t yank it off during dinner.

Buddha was kind enough to model a bib for us.

We love the charming Japanese fabrics of our new bibs!

Speaking of meal time, look what just touched down for the table — adore-a-bowls.  The perfect size for rice (of course), morning cereal or evening ice cream. Adult supervision is advised if using these for baby as they are breakable!

Petite “Scandinasian” bowls.

Wee spoons by local glass artist Elles Beads. 

Every good bowl deserves a spoon ... Bon Appetit!

Hawaiian Butter Mmmmochi!

Butter mochi. If you are familiar with this hugely popular Hawaiian favorite, you know that it’s essentially a baked custard that tastes like cubes of heaven. Not familiar? Get ready for a toothsome treat. Pleasingly sweet, the slightly caramelized crust is contrasted by a smooth, rich and chewy inside — all the characteristics you crave in a decadent indulgence ... a gluten-free indulgence!

Momo now makes it easy to experience this island delight with Hawaii’s Best Butter Mochi Mix. Just add water, eggs and butter, put it in the oven and presto! Luscious no-fail dessert, perfect to take along to the season’s potluck gatherings. The most difficult part is deciding whether or not you want to share.

We stock the classic flavor as well as a brownie-inspired mix for the chocoholics in your life. Either way, you’ll say, “Stay so ono!”

Count the Ways to Count Your Days

As incredible as it is to contemplate, we are nearing the end of 2015.

Now, we know that everyone has calendars on their personal devices — computers, Smart phones, Google Glass (hahaha)...but there is much to be said for a lovely, old-school calendar. Momo currently has three unique and attractive options for you to choose from, two from local designers and the third from Japan.

In 2005, Ilee Papergoods designer Ja Teuber made her first ready-made product: her hand-printed month-by-month calendar. It was such a success that she continues to make these to this day. The attention to detail, beautiful prints and local/handmade appeal has made this a very popular gift — some fans make a tradition of buying one every year.

Another fun, compact calendar is “Type Riot,” designed and produced by Paper Hammer Studios (you can visit their shop on Second Avenue). Established by the delightful Ed Marquand, Paper Hammer set out to revitalize Tieton, located on the far western edge of the Yakima Valley. Today, a collective of businesses called Mighty Tieton has awakened this tiny town by connecting creative urban professionals with studio and production space, unused buildings and local production resources.

Perfect for your graphic designer or font-geek friend, this one also comes with a storage/display case.

Last but not least, another holiday gift favorite: linen tea towel calendars from Tokyo’s Fog Linen Work. How often does one encounter an item that is both completely practical and utterly whimsical? Not very, which is one of the reasons we adore these. Choose from DIY birds, cats in windows and a plethora of pears. Whatever your preference, mark your calendars for a stylish way to welcome the new year.

All, made of fine Lithuanian linen.

Mobile Dressing Room: Built with Feathrr

Awhile ago I.D. neighbor Kenny popped into Momo to share his idea for an app, ‘Feathrr,’ a virtual dressing room where shoppers could ‘try on’ outfits on their mobile devices — like playing with a paper doll. Yeah, yeah, I thought to myself, another social media chore. Kenny continued to bounce in with reports on incremental progress, asking if he could photograph our inventory, blah blah blah. I would nod and wave, busy with a customer or rearranging merchandise.

Then one day he showed me the images he and his partner, Julie, took of all our Momo clothing. Nice job! And then he showed me how it all came together — what fun! Now I’m a Feathrr fan, and I’m here to share.

>> Go to momoseattle.com
>> Click on ‘A Closer Look at This Outfit’
>> Swipe away! The app totals the cost of the entire outfit, too
>> No e-commerce as of yet, so if you’re truly keen on an item, click on More Actions and email Momo, we’re here for you
>> Cute shoes courtesy of Clementine Shoes in Pioneer Square, give them a call if you see anything you crave: 206.935.9400

If you’re interested in learning more about Feathrr, check out their website: http://www.feathrr.com/#

Happy shopping!

Father’s Day Wishes to the Men of Momo

As I look into the face of my father embracing my sister and me, I realize (now that I am well past his age in this photo) that he was so very young. And, that as he taught us, he too was learning how to be the man he would become. Thank you, Daddy, for making life seem easy.

And mahalo to all our Momo fathers, as well. We appreciate when you come ’round to buy your favorite person a thoughtful gift, ask for an opinion on a shirt for yourself, or just sit patiently in the ‘man chair’ at the window. Enjoy your day, you deserve it.

 

Loads o’ Japanese tees have arrived just in time for Dad’s Day. At left, Mr. Momo models the Nagomi, a take on kimono styling in the ease of slub cotton jersey (we added the tenugui scarf). Available in khaki/deep teal piping, black/grey piping or deep teal/grey piping; $60. At right, a hefty cotton serving of sushi, only a few left, but other designs are available; $32.

Have a drink with dad, stirred up by Murray, Seattle’s favorite mixologist. Lucky us, he is guest bartending at Kaname, just two doors up on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the next few months. Find out why he’s fondly referred to as ‘the bartender’s bartender.’ Cheers!

Have a Hoot On Children’s Day!

Happy Children's Day!

Kodomo no Momo
With Toni Yuly and Growing Marigolds
Sunday, May 3 from 1:00 - 4:00

Bring the wee ones and celebrate Children’s Day at Momo with author/illustrator Toni Yuly as she reads from her latest book, “Night Owl.” Join us for home-made cookies, milk and the delightful tale of baby Night Owl and his nocturnal adventure!

The talented and sweet Toni Yuly.

 

Helen and Toni became friends at Momo.

We will also be joined by Helen Shor-Wong of Growing Marigolds as she shares her up-cycled kids clothing. Growing Marigolds teaches garden-based craft camps for kids' clothing, and hosts neighborhood-making gatherings.  

 

Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day, is a National Holiday in Japan celebrating children’s personalities and happiness. One will see an endless number of windsocks depicting koi fluttering in the breeze. These are called koinobori and will feature a red or pink fish to represent the mommy, a black fish for daddy and an additional fishy for each child. Koi represent strength of spirit, energy and determination – all things that will see a child to success. 

Click here to learn how to make a Koinobori Windsock.

Learning how to read will lead to success, too!