Zooni

(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

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

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.

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

~Robert Brault

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Rikshaw Design

Mmmmm.

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

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

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

Oh what a hit these knit hats would be!

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

Ollie Girl

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

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

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

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

So lovely.

via here

Lilly Berlin

Aren't these pendant lamps fun?

See many more here.

via here

Ginger Louise

Love love love the Ginger Louise esty shoppe!

Layered Rugs

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

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

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...."

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

My kids are somewhat obsessed with monsters.

(The friendly, cuddly kind.)

Ummashin

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

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

See more here.

(You really want to see more!)

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

Michel de Montaigne

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Ma Me Pa Turtle Pull Toys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available at Happy Chickadee.