Free Valentine’s Printables – for when I’ll have to say I love you in a song
If Valentine’s Day is coming closer and closer (and it is), and you still have no idea what to give your beloved, don’t fret. Instead take a look at what Ayako Akazawa, a senior designer at Chronicle Books, has put together for those of us with a soft spot...
Six of the cutest (and free-est) printable gift tags
Now that I’m in the thick of holiday gift-wrapping, and starting to look for finishing touches, nothing warms my heart more than the words free and you don’t have to go to the store for this. Which is why I love these awesome gift-worthy gift tags that you...
The Lazy Baker makes a gingerbread man that is easy to catch
Normally, if you were to call me lazy at this time of the year, you’d find a candy cane in a most uncomfortable place, but the kind people at The Lazy Baker are my new best friends for creating gourmet baking mixes, like their Gingerbread Cookie Kit, which saved...
Not your ordinary colored pencils
I still remember being about seven and getting my first set of “serious colored pencils” from my mom. I recall the pride of knowing I’d outgrown the kid stuff, and that I had been deemed worthy enough to own art supplies that came in a fancy tin with...
Make your own holiday ornaments – so awesome
If you’re looking to knock off a half-dozen of teacher gifts or cousin gifts or classmate gifts in one fell swoop, I love the idea of the holiday ornament kit from CMP fave, Thomas Claire. This wonderful mom-run company will hook you up with a dozen unfinished...
Jewelry making kits that might just make your holidays too
This year we’re teaching the kids more about the joy of giving, so I wanted them to think of something they could make for their (mostly girl) cousins. Then along came the jewelry making kits from Bijoux in a Box and bam, problem solved. Designed by mom Nancy...
Paper & Cake’s downloadable halloween party is a treat
One of my kids thinks that Mickey Mouse is a horror figure, so I’ve learned to keep our Halloween “unscawy.” Instead of settling for whatever I can find in the big box stores, I get to look so put together by downloading CMP fave...
DIY Shutterfly photo learning book winners – Behold the creativity
We’re so happy to announce the twelve winners of the Shutterfly learning photobook contest. Each was drawn at random and yet, all so clever.Suddenly we want to go make like a hundred Shutterfly DIY photobooks ourselves. Thanks so much to our sponsor Shutterfly...
Top rainy day activities for kids (or when the temp hits 110 in the shade)
When the thunderclouds roll in, digging up rainy day kids’ activities to keep the brood entertained indoors isn’t so easy. Especially when all they can think about are beaches, bikes and bothering each other. So we thought it was high time to revisit some...
Craft inspiration beyond egg cartons and glitter pens
I’m always on the lookout for websites that can help me with my neglected crafty side, like tips, tutorials, and ideas for cool new projects. I’m feeling the inspiration from the talented folks at Cut Out and Keep. Basically this member-centric site lets...


