In honor of Black History Month, I've started sharing a beautifully illustrated new book with my kids that introduces them to 200 years of poetry from some of the most influential African-American poets. Even more than a history book, th…
My kids can remember who was the first president, who ended slavery, and who was president during the Great Depression. But there are so many other great stories and interesting personality quirks about these leaders of our nation; the c…
Happy Mardi Gras, mamas! Even if your kids won't go near crawfish etouffee, or do anything with those shiny beads except put them in their mouths (don't let them, by the way), you can have a fun Mardi Gras celebration at home tonight by …
With Valentine's Day coming up, many of us are frantically searching for free printable Valentine's cards to get our kids ready for the Annual Valentine's Day Card Exchange that's a tradition in so many schools. Get ready with this caref…
There are so many amazingly unique and gorgeous baby products out there. But when I was a new mama, I was so exhausted and preoccupied, I found it hard to find the time to actually buy all the cool baby clothes, toys and gear I would've …
For those boys--and girls--who prefer bugs and dinosaurs to pink doily hearts, we've rounded up some of our favorite Valentine's cards for the kids to hand out to their classrooms. After all, I tell my kids that love comes in all forms; …
It's Sunday which means another episode of Downton Abbey airs on PBS tonight, and you can bet that I'll be on the couch, ready to see what happens next in the lives of the Crawley family and those around them. For those of you who gather…
Whether you are looking for a stunning first-birthday gift for a special child in your life, or your preschooler just loves to build, this beautifully designed set of colorful blocks is one toy they'll treasure. Especially when they are …
Last week, we shared an adorable DIY Valentine Card Kit and--wow!--so many of you wanted to grab a set, the artist had to temporarily shutter the shop while she made more. Happily, there are now a few more kits back in stock, but we also…
I love the fact that my kids can carry around dozens of their favorite books on one compact tablet instead of lugging around a giant backpack. But, we still find it so satisfying to snuggle on the couch and share an actual storybook toge…
Still have your kids' attention? Lucky you! That means there's still time to fill their ears with music that will make your own indie-music-loving soul happy--before the siren song of Call Me Maybe has imprinted on their poor susceptible…
Yes, having a day off from school is exciting for the kids, but on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I'd also like for them to reflect upon the reason they are getting a day away from lessons. And even though they are old enough to have he…
It only takes about 3/4" of snow to get my kids begging to go to the sledding hill in town. They used to bang a big plastic sled up and down the hills, arguing over whose turn it is to lug the awkward thing back to the top, but this wint…
Back when my now-tween was a babe, the one piece of equipment I dreaded using above almost anything else was her "portable" playpen. It weighed a ton, pinched my fingers every time I tried to assemble it, and just looked like a big ugly …
I have no doubt of the power of music to soothe the savage beast--or the overtired 6 month old child. If you too are looking for something lovely, lyrical, and fun-to-hear to play for your little one, here's a wonderful CD by a kindie ar…
It may be so very middle-class, but as a Downton Abbey addict, I'm so happy to see that season 3 is kicking off tonight--and along with it, some awesome Downton Abbey goodies on sale at Fab.com. For a limited time, Wonder-Shirts' Downton…
They Might Be Giants makes it sound so easy to put together educational music that is fun and doesn't sound like a lesson plan, but--take it from this homeschooling mama--it isn't so easy to do. In fact, I've found that there isn't a lot…
I love the idea of using this first day of the year to reflect back on 2012 by creating a keepsake that we'll be able to look back at someday. And when the idea is as easy as this one, I know I may even be able to handle pulling it all t…
It's never too late for more awesome free printable gift tags. In fact, I'm pretty certain I will be in good company this weekend when I start--and finish--all my wrapping for Christmas. There's still time to stock up on tape, double che…
Although Easy-Bake ovens are now coming out with "boy-friendly" versions (what, girls don't like blue?), there have always been lots of options for boys to cook--really cook--with the help of great products and cookbooks for kids. Handst…
In my part of the country, it is definitely more hot-cocoa time than ice-cream weather. But not according to my kids who know that any day is perfect for ice cream. Which is why this sweet-smelling six-pack of cones would be a welcome ad…
The siren song of electronics has a huge pull on my tweens this holiday, so if I'm going to ask Santa to bring them something that doesn't begin with an "i" it'd better be something pretty cool. I found something pretty cool. No... reall…
Smithsonian Folkways artist Elizabeth Mitchell has one of those crystal clear, beautiful voices that can take any song and turn it into the musical equivalent of spun gold. And while she has already released the much-loved, Grammy-nomina…
When you consider that most nativity sets include a couple of sheep, some people, an angel, and a stable, is it any wonder that most kids can't wait to get their hands on them? But after my three were finished playing with the set I had …
