tutus and turtles

An obvious announcement...

2010-05-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

tutus & turtles was a lot fun, but things changed: time available, commitments, priorities, and well, life itself. Among many other things there were three pregnancies among the contributors (I was the exception), and three moves, two of which were cross-country (I was included in this). It became obvious that what worked and was enjoyed then didn't cut it for now.

So.... tutus & turtles is through, although the blog and all archives will stay put if you ever feel like accessing them.

Thanks for reading!

2010-01-27T14:41:00.007-05:00

Rhymers will be readers: it's that simple. Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they're four years old, they're usually among the best readers by the time they're eight.

--Mem Fox

Mother Goose, anyone? Find nursery rhyme lyrics + their origin and history here.

DIY Rocketship

2010-01-12T22:56:00.005-05:00

It is amazing what kids can do with just a little bit of inspiration and creativity...

This wooden rocket helped to inspire this infinitely cooler creation by the marvelous se7en family. See images and "blueprints" here.

Be sure to check out the Charlie and Lola Dollhouse that really got the project rolling!

2010-01-12T22:05:00.000-05:00

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.

- Frank A. Clark

*

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T19:53:00.002-05:00

(Decorating last year's New Year tree.)

New Year's Tree

2009-12-28T13:06:00.003-05:00

*** This Post is from the Archives of Tutus and Turtles***

The creative Mom of this lucky family takes the Christmas decor off of the Christmas tree just in time for the New Year and when the kids wake up on New Year's Day the tree is covered in confetti and stuffed with party crackers. A New Year's morning party ensues, and face paint and homemade pinatas stuffed with confetti add to the festivities.

See more images and ideas from the New Year Tree Party here.
Isn't this the perfect way of involving kids in the celebration without sacrificing their sleep too much? I think having friends over and turning this into a New Year brunch would be a great way to compensate for the lack of babysitters and festivities for our early-to-bed on New Year's Eve Family...

Salt Dough Ornaments

2009-12-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

This year we decided to try out an advent calendar. My girls love checking what is behind the door each morning, and were super excited when they got to make ornaments. I tried out this Salt Dough Recipe and it was awesome. It takes a bit of time, but the girls loved it and their ornaments turned out fantastic!

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas

2009-12-17T20:39:00.003-05:00

We love Fancy Nancy at our house, so when we saw that there was a new book out we just had to get it! Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas was darling! A new favorite for my girls.

* Check your local Costco or Sam's Club, it's a bit cheaper there than online!

Accentuate Designs

2009-12-03T10:42:00.003-05:00

Accentuate Designs makes adorable banners that would help set the mood for any holiday or celebration -- and they even do custom banners with your own letters and colors!

My favorite for the holidays is the Believe Banner.

I know my girls would love to have this darling birthday banner hung up for them all birthday month long.

Their kid-friendly countdown blocks would be great to help your kids work on their numbers all the way to Christmas.

Aesop's Fables - Jerry Pinkney

2009-11-17T11:37:00.004-05:00

We've really enjoyed the lessons learned from reading Aesop's Fables, and I've finally settled on a version for our bookshelves: Jerry Pinkney's illustrations really capture our imagination and the stories get the kiddos thinking. It is already a favorite, and the flexibility of choosing one fable for a quick read or reading to our hearts' content is nice.

*One down side to repeated readings of The Boy Who Cried Wolf: My son now thinks that "crying wolf" is hilarious. At least he is well aware of what is going to happen if he keeps it up!

2009-11-17T11:33:00.001-05:00

"Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun."

-Mignon McLaughlin

*

Penguin Race

2009-11-17T11:11:00.002-05:00

It is so fun to stumble across a long forgotten item that brings back treasured childhood memories: I remember spending hours playing with the penguin race at my Grandma's house during the holidays. I'm tempted to get one for my Mom this Christmas so that my children can develop the same fondness for little plastic penguins...

Wild Things' Forts

2009-10-29T10:07:00.008-04:00

I'm preparing myself for a winter of indoor activities, and creative forts are at the top of my list after gawking over entries sent in for the Wild Things' Fort Contest:

Where The Wild Things Are is filled with references to building a world out of things from your everyday life and that’s exactly what we want you to do!

We want you to create a fort! Use garbage bags, tree branches, tablecloths, prosthetic limbs, wood, gold, whatever you got!

Click here to see the winners, then scroll down to follow the links to more submissions. There is enough variety and inspiration to keep you and the kiddos busy all winter long!

Crunchy Doughnut Eyeballs

2009-10-29T09:56:00.003-04:00

Oh so creepy, and no baking involved!

(See the recipe here via here)

Playroom - Amie Weitzman

2009-10-28T01:23:00.005-04:00

I'm enjoying this playroom designed by Amie Weitzman.
The magnet wall is so cool.

via dti

DIY Bunting

2009-10-28T00:59:00.004-04:00

I never thought that making my own colorful bunting could be so simple and fun. The kiddos would love to help, and wouldn't it complete any birthday celebration?

(Halloween colors would be spectacular...)

Monsters on a Stick

2009-10-26T11:22:00.000-04:00

These monsters are such a great October snack!

Via Little Nummies via TCC

Organized Playroom - Lisa Mahar

2009-10-24T13:39:00.004-04:00

I've been obsessing about a dedicated and organized playroom/creating place.
Some of the details from Lisa Mahar of Kid O's home are inspiring.

See more pictures and read an interview here.

via here

Stella McCartney for GAP

2009-10-24T13:36:00.003-04:00

I'm a fan of big designers producing affordable designs at affordable shops.

It will be fun to see Stella McCartney's collection for GAP Kids and Baby GAP this November.

Booed!

2009-10-22T03:12:00.000-04:00

One of our favorite things to do this time of year is going "Booing." My girls love the thrill of ringing the doorbell and running after leaving a tasty treat on a neighbors doorstep. So I was thrilled when I saw that Skip to My Lou had a printable "Boo" post this week!

Happy Booing!

Luc's Room

2009-10-20T16:10:00.002-04:00

This nursery looks so snug and cozy.

I now think that every child should have a tent in their room -
What a great way to let their imagination run wild!

See more of this house here.

Wool Felt Keychain

2009-10-19T21:04:00.003-04:00

(Rainbow)

My daughter is truly crazy about keys and key chains and snatches up any real or play set in sight. I thought these wool sets could be a neat addition to her collection.

Don't they look especially baby friendly?

(Plum)

2009-10-19T20:56:00.001-04:00

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them."

-Lady Bird Johnson

*

Cricket Creations

2009-10-19T20:49:00.001-04:00

This hat makes me grin!

(See more here)

P'kolino Puzzle Stacker

2009-10-19T20:45:00.000-04:00

Doesn't this stacker look fun?

Sock Monkey

2009-10-15T11:02:00.005-04:00

Adorable!

Preserving Children's Art

2009-10-15T10:22:00.003-04:00

This list of ideas for saving treasured creations is a must-read...

Oeuf Mask & Tails Sets

2009-10-13T11:32:00.002-04:00

Another simple costume idea that I happen to love this year: mask & tail sets. Oeuf's collection is particularly cute.

Lion Costume

2009-10-13T11:21:00.002-04:00

I have had the hardest time with costume ideas this year. It doesn't help that my favorite place for affordable costumes went out of business (so sad!) So this year I've come to the conclusion that less is more. This lion costume kit fits that perfectly. I may just have to do it for my daughter, who is obsessed with all things animal right now.

And bonus! It's super affordable.

Pretty Playroom

2009-10-08T11:08:00.004-04:00

This room makes such a pretty play place!

(I am particularly enamoured of the little Bertoia-style chairs.)

via dti

Zooni

2009-10-08T10:53:00.005-04:00

(Blue Grass)

Cold weather has started to arrive and I am not too happy about it! Fortunately there are fun cold weather items like Zooni's playful hats and mittens to keep the kiddos warm.

(Chunkee Monkey Mittens)

(Chunkee Monkee Hat)

Wooden Rocket Play Set

2009-10-05T14:26:00.002-04:00

What little boy (or girl) wouldn't be over the moon about this rocket play set?

(Apparently outerspace is on my mind as of late!)

Space Birthday Party

2009-09-29T11:41:00.007-04:00

This outer space birthday party is truly out of this world!

(pun intended)

See more images here and see how to make the papier mache planets here.

2009-09-29T10:49:00.001-04:00

The trouble with having a stubbornness contest with
your kids is that they have your stubbornness gene.

~Robert Brault

*

Rikshaw Design

2009-09-27T21:34:00.005-04:00

Mmmmm.

Maybe all baby bedding should be inspired by India...

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

2009-09-27T20:54:00.008-04:00

I was unaware that they had made one of my kiddos' favorite books into a movie until this week. And while I am sure that the movie is a lot of fun, I am just not sure I am ready to let go of all of the magic that comes from only having read Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The tall-tale bedtime story is so full of creativity and imagination that my kids can't help but use it as a starting point for their own spin-offs, silly scenarios, and giggles. It is one of those books that you never just read through, but find yourself frequently stopping to soak up the writing and illustrations as you discuss and act out your reactions to what you see on each page. I'm attached to the mood we get into when we find ourselves in the town of Chewandswallow, and for now I'm going to keep that the way it is.

If you like creative and crazy food stories, The Giant Jam Sandwich is another book we enjoy.

Bat Boy and Girl by Ouef

2009-09-24T20:48:00.004-04:00

Oh what a hit these knit hats would be!

(See more of Ouef's Halloween treats here.)

Ollie Girl

2009-09-24T10:09:00.005-04:00

While looking for a unique Jasmine costume for my little lady I came across this fabulous etsy shop, Ollie Girl. She has the most splendid princess costumes! Along with the darling Jasmine dress, Snow White is also a favorite of mine, and Cinderella and Belle....okay I love them all!

Wooden Photo Flashcards

2009-09-22T22:59:00.003-04:00

I've always wanted to make personalized flashcards with words and items from around our house. This how-to for making your own wooden flashcards might be what finally gets me to do it! See it here.

We've recently realized that flashcards are a great way to learn and remember the words that my son's kindergarten class is working on. The problem is that my son isn't always enthusiastic about practicing more letters and numbers at the end of the school day. What is working for us is keeping flashcards in the car so that when when we are waiting in line at kindergarten drop-off, stopped at a long red light, or lucky enough to have someone else driving us I can hold up a few cards and we get some word practice in. It isn't time that can be used for anything else so it feels like a fun distraction and becomes more of a game than work. Even little sis gets in on the fun!

Cookie Costumes

2009-09-21T12:05:00.004-04:00

Making cookies into (temporary) costumes is the official start of my list of things to do this Halloween. Isn't it such a creative group or party activity?

(Check out the cookie mustache. It is my favorite!)

Free Range Baby

2009-09-17T21:20:00.010-04:00

Polka Dot Disco Butterfly Dress

Free Range Baby's hand sewn vintage clothing is making me smile.

" ...made from predominantly vintage, recycled and reclaimed fabrics. Every item is a shiny, colourful limited edition, infused with playfulness and retro-cool."

Vintage Cord Overalls

Mustard Bears Woolen Reversible Paddington Coat

Leftover fabric scraps are used to make these fabric origami cranes -
I'd like to see a row of them on one of my kid's shelves.

Green and Orange Nursery

2009-09-14T14:10:00.001-04:00

So lovely.

via here

Lilly Berlin

2009-09-12T19:43:00.002-04:00

Aren't these pendant lamps fun?

See many more here.

via here

Ginger Louise

2009-09-10T14:08:00.003-04:00

Love love love the Ginger Louise esty shoppe!

Layered Rugs

2009-09-09T04:03:00.004-04:00

Layering rugs makes for such an intriguing look, and it sure beats trying to keep a single rug straight in a kid's room.

See more of Ulrika Ekblom's images here.

ModernPop Helvetica Alphabet Print

2009-09-08T10:55:00.003-04:00

Oooh, I love this modern alphabet print, An Alphabetic Ode to Helvetica, by one of my favorites--ModernPop. There's a matching number print too!

Crewcuts Ballet Flats

2009-09-08T10:48:00.002-04:00

I've been on the hunt for cute fall/winter shoes for my daughter, and somehow got caught up perusing Crewcuts (even though she's not old enough to fit into anything there....strange!) There is something so lovely about these simple ballet flats. I love the effect of the little strap.

"A Very Merry Unbirthday...."

2009-09-07T23:29:00.006-04:00

There is something irresistibly magical about birthday cakes and celebrations. Celebrating but once a year is what makes these things so special, but who says we can't let loose and bring a little magic into an otherwise average day?

A playdough session turned into a bakery of culinary clay delights, candles were lit, and rounds of "Happy Birthday" were sung repeatedly to anyone who wanted a chance at having their wish granted.

I love when the kiddos love getting creative together. This is definitely something worth "celebrating" again.

Don't forget to share a slice with everyone...

Monster ABC's - Eleonore Thuillier

2009-09-04T09:23:00.011-04:00

My kids are somewhat obsessed with monsters.

(The friendly, cuddly kind.)

Ummashin

2009-09-03T13:37:00.002-04:00

As I blog hopped today, I found this darling etsy shop, Ummashin that had every kind of cute hat imaginable! I love the Sunburst Baby headband and the Rose Mint Hat and Shoes!

Foxpaws Shoes

2009-09-01T22:41:00.006-04:00

I am completely smitten with Foxpaw Shoes .
(I'm a sucker for animal prints...)

See more here.

(You really want to see more!)

2009-09-01T21:50:00.003-04:00

Children's games are hardly games.
Children are never more serious than when they play.

Michel de Montaigne

1

Ma Me Pa Turtle Pull Toys

2009-09-01T09:43:00.003-04:00

Our toy collection needs some revamping--seems like all we've got is harsh colored pop-culture stuff. And happy meal toys. Now that baby #2 is on the way, I feel like we need to re-evaluate the things that are played with, donate those that are not, and pick up some new stuff. These Ma Me Pa Turtles are a good start. Cute, environmentally friendly, and will last forever.

image via ohdeedoh

Paper Fish Bowl

2009-08-27T10:20:00.002-04:00

I am always looking for fun activities for my kids to do that are simple, cheap and are things that I have lying around the house. I loved this fish bowl because it fit all the criteria and it's darling!

Olive Juice Kids

2009-08-25T00:14:00.002-04:00

Browsing Olive Juice Kids makes me want my daughter to be old enough to fit into their darling dresses. Or maybe it makes me want to fit into them myself.

A Tactile Matching Game

2009-08-24T15:01:00.006-04:00

We used a funnel to fill sets of balloons with pantry items of varying texture: 2 each of rice, flour, sugar, small pearl tapioca, lentils, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds. The kiddos then used their sense of touch to pair off the matching balloons while also trying to identify the sometimes mysterious contents.

Filling the balloons was almost a bigger hit than the matching done afterward. I think we'll add more textures as the balloons we have filled become easier to match and a harder version of the game is needed.

Katie Lockhart

2009-08-23T22:10:00.004-04:00

This is a house I would have fun playing with!
(Too bad they are promotional pieces.
Then again, the kiddos wouldn't appreciate the styling!)

Homework Station

2009-08-21T09:09:00.003-04:00

Having been a teacher in my previous life, I once required my students to have a special spot at home dedicated for just doing homework. The purpose for this assignment was to get them to focus on just homework. Well, this month in the Family Fun Magazine they had an ingenious idea! They used a tri-fold display board, decorated it and used it on the kitchen table. Not only is it completely functional, but you can simply put it away when the homework is done. The other cool part is that when kids are involved in creating something they are more likely to take care of it and use it!

We cannot NOT change the world

2009-08-18T10:08:00.002-04:00

Ooooh, I'm totally loving these prints seen over at Twine. I can see the "Who Will You Be?" one hanging in a teen's room. Such great inspiration.

Sweet Sorority Dress by Baby Sara

2009-08-18T10:04:00.002-04:00

Love. Totally perfect for the fall weather that I can feel coming on.

Available at Happy Chickadee.

Wooden Camera

2009-08-18T09:52:00.003-04:00

Lately my daughter has been interested in my camera. Unfortunately for her, it's too heavy and too expensive for me to let her "play" with. I like this wooden one as an alternative. She'd have a ball with it.

seen on Black Eiffel

Satch & Sol

2009-08-17T13:19:00.005-04:00

These handmade and fair trade slippers might be my favorite footwear ever.

Jennifer Maher - Custom Toy Portraits

2009-08-17T12:53:00.004-04:00

Preserving a much-adored childhood toy through art is such a lovely idea, and artist and Mother Jennifer Maher does it well.

See more of her toy portraits here, and learn about commissioning your own original and affordable piece of art here.

I like the humor in Baby Bowling/Elephant.
Some stuffed animals really do have personality...

Kids Konserve

2009-08-17T12:47:00.005-04:00

My favorite lunch and snack containers will soon be available in a nesting set!

*Get 15% off your order through Sept. 30th with code "tutus"*

2009-08-17T12:01:00.000-04:00

*

Sometimes we’re so concerned about giving our children what we never had growing up, we neglect to give them what we did have growing up.

~ Dr. James Dobson

*

Twig Pencils

2009-08-15T14:52:00.007-04:00

I'd like a set to use and a set or two just to look at.

(Wouldn't they make a nice teacher's gift?)

You can find them here, here, and here.

HaPe Bamboo Collection - Games

2009-08-12T10:43:00.001-04:00

A few beautifully made bamboo games that I can see the kiddos having oodles of fun with, and being challenged by:

Cagola - A balancing game

Pisa - A color-matching and balancing game.

Kombino, or Kombolino - A tactile version of a Sudoku game.

Bialo - A springboard and color matching game.

See more games here.

Pillow Bookends - pillowhappy

2009-08-11T22:12:00.005-04:00

These lovely handmade bookends double as beanbags - what a perfect combo for a baby or child's room!

{Sea Life}

{Tuft of Grass}

See more bookends here, and other creations from pillowhappy's etsy shop here.

{A little off the subject, but these pear bookends would be a great wedding gift for the "perfect pair." Or, if you happen to have a friend who just had a little girl named Poppy (I do!), see here.}

Definitely more appealing than my pack 'n' play...

2009-08-11T22:07:00.002-04:00

A Gilbert Rohde Playpen Crib, displayed at the 1933-34 World’s Fair, Chicago.

via here via here.

Candy Apples

2009-08-11T22:01:00.005-04:00

My baby starts kindergarten tomorrow...
Maybe we'll make these festive apple cake pops to celebrate/mourn.

{Kids grow up too fast.}

Whites and Brights

2009-08-08T23:12:00.003-04:00

I knew I liked this rug , but in this setting I am absolutely smitten.

{See more of this house here}

Owl Family Mobile

2009-08-07T16:39:00.004-04:00

This owl family would add a bit of humor to the mix when your "night owl" is keeping you up all night.

Chore Charts

2009-08-07T12:26:00.004-04:00

Chores are a challenge at our house, but I think this chart may just work. I love the idea of a skill time where my girls can practice skills they are working on at school. And it's so cute!

DIY Yourself Toddler Bed

2009-08-05T12:12:00.005-04:00

Upholstered beds are a look I am fond of. Seeing that Gabrielle of Design Mom designed and built two toddler size beds for $75 has me inspired - I like the idea of creative control, especially in a kid's room where you can have a lot of fun.

Find instructions here, and more details here.

(When we bought our children's bedroom furniture we were thinking a little too long term - there was more focus on a size of bed the kids could grow into (A full and a queen) and less about what we would do if we chose to have more children and they needed to share a room. The thought of ever having to replace what we already purchased makes me cringe. If more beds are ever needed, this would be a very appreciated solution!)

2009-08-05T12:10:00.000-04:00

A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.

-Chinese proverb

e

Nowali Moccasins

2009-08-05T11:43:00.007-04:00

Nowali Mocassins are even more cozy and convenient than they look. My shoe and accessory loving daughter enjoys putting on her "slipper socks" whenever her toes start feeling cold, and I can only imagine how appreciated they will be as the weather turns colder. Because they are machine washable and sturdy she can wear them outside of the house.

The flexibility of the leather sole makes the mocassins ideal for beginning walkers. Your baby's feet get the protection they need without sacrificing ease of movement. The mocassins pull on easily, so any wrestling of wiggly feet would be minimal!

Use code "HAPPYFEET" for 10% + free shipping on all orders over $40
Good thru 12/31/09 (The mocassins would be great stocking stuffers!)

Sweet Butterfly Blouse

2009-08-04T11:35:00.001-04:00

Find this and many other darling children's lovelies at Handmade Charlotte's etsy shop.

Puka Puka

2009-08-04T11:32:00.001-04:00

High on the list of "wants" for baby #2? A Puka Puka mobile.

Organize Your School Year

2009-08-03T21:50:00.004-04:00

With school starting next week, I am trying to transition from the lazy days of summer into structure and time schedules. The new free downloads from Mommy Track'd are a sure way to help the transition a little smoother.

I love her "Eat Sheet" and the "To Do: To Delegate" downloads.

Happy Planning!

Monster Truck Birthday Party

2009-07-31T10:47:00.000-04:00

Don't you love creative birthday party ideas? This Monster Truck Birthday Party and its use of boxes as "truck costumes" has me thinking about putting on a miniature monster truck rally in our backyard this weekend.

See more images and instructions here.

Felt Children's Watch

2009-07-30T00:22:00.002-04:00

Because every child is fascinated by all the neat accessories their parents have...

Color Mobile

2009-07-28T01:57:00.002-04:00

I like this simple mobile, and could easily see it in the nursery for baby #2. Looks like it's easy to make too!

Recycle and Reuse, right?

2009-07-24T08:44:00.001-04:00

Recently, at our house we have started recycling. My girls love to look for the numbers on the bottom of the plastic containers. One day my 5 year old asked if we recycle clothes. And here was my answer.

Before:

After:

Yes we do recycle clothes. I just love this dress and the tutorial is easy to follow.

If you aren't as daring to try it on your own, you can always have Redpajamas make one for you!

Images from craftersforum and redpajamas.

Joon Bug Baby

2009-07-23T00:57:00.003-04:00

Loving the ruffle-edged blankets at Joon Bug Baby!

Cute Bow Holder

2009-07-22T10:31:00.007-04:00

With three little girls, we have bows galore. I loved this cheap and chic bow holder. I would look great in a bedroom or a bathroom!

Thanks Nanny Goat!

Dandy Lion Hoodsie

2009-07-21T23:47:00.003-04:00

My husband is a big fan of unique graphic tees. One of our favorite places to shop is Threadless. We are very happy that they also offer cute baby stuff, like the hoodsies. I really like the Dandy Lion one.

Pretty Pillows

2009-07-21T23:38:00.002-04:00

Aren't these pillows from The Little Stitch etsy shop adorable?

Perfect Playroom

2009-07-21T12:45:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I daydream about the perfect play/work area that combines space for me and for the kids. I imagine a spot where everyone can feel creative and productive, and where I can get things accomplished while still being able to spend time with the munchkins. Thanks to this article in August's issue of Cookie Magazine, I think I've found my dream set-up. See more pictures and product resources here.

Glider Activity Station

2009-07-21T12:22:00.003-04:00

What a cool starting point for some serious imaginative and creative play.

Playhouse

2009-07-16T23:58:00.004-04:00

Sure, this playhouse has 5 bunks for sleepovers, electricity, and lighting, but what really appeals to me is that the kids got to decorate with their own art.

I'd have to assume all painting was done before the playhouse was finished and that all kids were old enough to understand that this wasn't a continual project. My daughter has a tendency to think that projects like this give you permanent artistic destruction privileges, so I can imagine what she would do next.

The playhouse went from an afternoon project to a miniature version of the big house.

I think I would be happy living in it!

scanned via BHG April 2003 issue

Ariel Twin Bed

2009-07-15T15:03:00.004-04:00

I'm still tempted to get my daughter an upholstered headboard or bed set, and the Ariel Bed by Kravet has really caught my eye...

Chic & Cozy

2009-07-15T14:42:00.009-04:00

Unpacking and repacking a diaper bag loaded with toys, blankets and all of the essentials gets old fast. That is why I am loving the idea of the Chic & Cozy Blanket Bag - a bag and blanket in one, with a water-resistant outer fabric so you can let baby play comfortably on damp grass and be ready to head home with a quick regathering of the bag. Brilliant!

{Chic & Cozy Bags are also available at Target.}

"Baylie" Ballerina Shoe

2009-07-15T14:33:00.004-04:00

How could you not feel like a prima ballerina in these slippers?

{They'll be $29 at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale, which starts this Friday, the 17th.}

Swigg

2009-07-13T00:25:00.006-04:00

The kiddos and I would have fun creating a magical forest with these fungi sculptures from Swigg.

They'd also look really cute on a shelf, and because they are weighted they'd stay in place.

Any magical forest needs magical creatures, so the vinyl Swigg Critters might need to make an appearance...

Child's Tub

2009-07-10T12:31:00.001-04:00

I am absolutely crazy about this miniature concrete tub.
{Created by Get Real Surfaces}

image of Designer Bonnie Young's children's bathroom

scanned via fall 2007 O at Home

Travel Matching Games

2009-07-10T12:12:00.003-04:00

Matching and memory games never fail to keep my kids entertained, especially when there is more to the pictures being matched than just the pictures. I was flipping through the latest Cookie magazine and read about a child who keeps herself occupied on trips by making up names and stories for the children in eeBoo's I Never Forget a Face travel matching game. It struck me as such a great and convenient way to encourage imagination and storytelling.

I'm interested in the Once Upon a Time set for the same reason.

See more beautifully illustrated items from EeBoo here, or buy their products here.

You can buy travel versions of games here, or the regular versions here.

Race Car-Flip Book Birth Announcement

2009-07-07T00:06:00.002-04:00

Am simply smitten with this little birth announcement.

seen on A Cup of Jo

Freehand Frames

2009-07-05T22:00:00.012-04:00

I like the quirky appeal of Graham & Brown's Frames wallpaper, but don't see myself committing to it. I can see myself taking the approach that graphic designer Jill Dupre took when she used a basic black marker to draw frames freehand on a wall of her home. This offers so much inexpensive flexibility: You could do this in any size or shape of space, and if you grow tired of the look, a couple coats of paint would wipe the wall clean. I'd love to do this in a play area, or put a few frames in a corner of my son's bedroom.

The frames can be filled with photos and children's artwork, or get creative with paper scraps or mirrors. Items are stuck to the wall and then can be sealed with a gloss medium.

image via Dec 06 Met Home Mag

2009-07-05T21:59:00.002-04:00

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I looked on childrearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully interesting and challenging as any honourable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it.

-- Rose Kennedy
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Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-03T09:14:00.005-04:00

We wish everyone a very fun and safe 4th of July weekend!

Image compliments of Family Fun