More coolness from recent weeks…
Christmas gifts that kids can make themselves (really!)
It's a tradition around our house that my kids give handmade gifts (made by their hands!) to their siblings and grandparents. But coming up with new ideas--especially ones that don't require me to be the one doing all the work--can be a challenge. If you love giving...
BRIKA is more than another flash sale site. It’s less–in a good way.
While overall, I admit I'm growing a little weary of all the membership-only shopping sites (and the subsequent eight million "OUR SALE IS STARTING!" alerts in my inbox each day), there is a new one I'm excited about. I love its focus on artistry, creativity and the...
Gifts with girl power: inspiring shirts featuring great American women
Fans of Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Sakakawea (otherwise known as Sacagawea), and Eleanor Roosevelt, rejoice! We found some really cool shirts that celebrate the resilience, imagination, and bravery of these strong American women. The Great Americans shirts...
A personalized gift guaranteed to make you happy
I can't imagine that Gretchen Rubin offers a money-back guarantee on happiness after reading her best-selling book Happiness at Home, but based on Kristen's review, I think we would be inclined to do it for her. To sweeten the deal, here's something neat: Gretchen is...
The coolest red holiday dresses for the coolest girls
'Tis the season for cute red dresses for girls! We found the most festive and fun of the bunch, so you know they'll be perfect for everything from the annual family holiday photo to Christmas dinner at the grandparents'. Hey, a kid in a dress is still a kid--and...
New blocks on the block: awesome LEGO alternatives to get kids building
We're not saying you need to leggo your LEGO (like your kids would ever let that happen). We're huge LEGO fans! But this holiday season, we just want you to know about some really cool alternative building systems out there that'll get little hands playing and little...
Make menorah magic: the world’s easiest Hanukkah craft for kids
The potatoes are peeled, the menorah is polished and the kids are sniffing around for the gift stash. Yes, Hanukkah is kicking off and excitement is in the air. So we've got the perfect little Hanukkah craft project to keep the kids busy long enough for you to wrap...
The perfect holiday gifts for your mother-in-law: 16 smart ideas
Whether you love your mother-in-law or you wonder where the heck your husband came from, I've always found MILs to be the toughest to shop for when it comes to the perfect holiday gift. So instead of leaving it up to my husband (which would probably mean a really...
Kid-friendly makeup even nervous moms can feel good about
I give up. My daughters like the idea of makeup as part of their dress-up routine. Uncle! Still, I insist on two things: it's not for wearing to school, and it needs to be kid-friendly makeup, as in all-natural, with no harmful stuff. So I love a company putting...
Fun in a box: 7 cool gift subscriptions for kids
The only thing more exciting than a present under the tree is a big box on the front porch with a kid's name on it. Whether you're looking for cool kids' crafts and activities to keep your kids busy at home well past December, or a really special holiday gift for your...
8 spectacular holiday cookie recipes to kick off the holiday baking season
If you ask me, the best part of the holiday season are the holiday cookie recipes. Holiday cookies are affordable and easy to make, they never fail to make everyone happy, and they always give us a good reason to get together with friends and family. (Hello, cookie...
May the Force be with you. And may it put you to sleep at bedtime without a fight.
What happens when you combine some of our favorite, super soft kid pajamas and our favorite geeky movie franchise? Let's just say the Force is strong with these jimjams. Clearly I'm excited to learn that one of our favorite play clothes brands, Hanna...
A wonderful way to help cancer patients that has nothing to do with pink ribbons.
When my mom had cancer, one of the things that truly lifted her spirits (and ours) was when friends would drop off home-cooked meals. Beyond the comfort in knowing that people cared, the meals themselves were warm, delicious, and time-saving. Lifesaving, really.And...
10 cool Christmas ornaments that give back
It feels like the world is in a very give-back kind of mood this year, doesn't it? And while we have quite a few gifts that give back on our holiday gift guide, there's something particularly special about ornaments that support a great charity or cause. Every year,...
Little Golden Records brings back a tune of nostalgia
The world of children's music has come a long way, baby. I definitely grew up in simpler times, lying on my bedroom floor listening to record-album recordings of my favorite stories. While it's incredible to have such diverse offerings for our kids today, there is...
8 of the coolest (and easiest) holiday crafts for kids
If you score not-so-high on the Official Scale of Craftiness (which, I swear, should be a real thing), fear not. You and your kids will have a blast making these eight super-easy, super-cute holiday crafts we've rounded up just for you. This Christmas tree...
Winter white: decorate the French way with these fab wall decals
We're dreaming of white...walls, that is. A white wall in a child's room just begs to be noticed. You can go crazy expensive and find a muralist (we can dream!), or make a statement in a much less pricey way, like with these cool, quirky, totally new designs from a...
Highlighting Hanukkah with 7 sensational latkes recipes
Hanukkah is around the corner. That means it's time to get our best latkes recipe on! The humble potato pancake is a traditional Hanukkah food loved by Jews and non-Jews alike, and with good reason. Who can resist crispy fried cakes of shredded potato and onion served...
A very Pantone holiday
If you're a design fan, or just like a lot of color besides red and green in your hoildays, then these ornaments from Pantone might be the ten most perfect ornaments for your Christmas tree. I am having trouble picking a favorite from among the Pantone Christmas...
A first Christmas gift for baby that you’ll want to snuggle as much as she does
One of my favorite categories on our Holiday Gift Guide this year is first Christmas gifts for babies that are all handmade. Recently we shared an entire selection of great first holiday gifts for baby (lots of handmade goodness there too!) but I also happen to adore...
9 DIY handmade Christmas ornaments that you really can make
DIY handmade ornaments make some of the most lovely Christmas gifts. Our own Christmas tree is filled with handmade holiday ornaments, some from flea markets and craft shops on our travels, and some DIY ornaments from crafty friends. (Save for those few Redskins...