School's back in session, and I'm back into my daily routine of packing lunches for my sons. I've been trying to think of ways to make this less of a chore, and I'm pretty sure I've found the answer. { don't miss an exclusive discount af…
There's little I hate more than fundraising time at school. It's not that I don't want the school to have money, it's just that there's only so many stinky candles and rolls of wrapping paper and overpriced magazine subscriptions a perso…
There's a box on top of my fridge overflowing with punk-rock ponies, witches on broomsticks, and smiley-faced dolphins, each one representing a special stage in my daughter's artistic development. They're amazing in two dimensions. Can y…
I want the pink plate. I want the blue one. If I have to use the orange one, I'll die, because I hate orange more than a thousand. (All actual quotes from my dinner table.) And if Mommy has to hear the kids argue over plates again, she's…
We found (and squealed about) the delicious, inventive cards and invitations from Bird and Banner years ago, but it's been a while since I stopped by to see what's new. Let's just say the selection hasn't quite made me want to have anoth…
We've long been fans of the beautiful handmade wooden baby toys from family-run Little Sapling Toys, and now there's one more item that can make you the most awesome gift-giver ever . These personalized wooden alphabet blocks are lovingl…
Summer is finally here and at our house that means lots and lots of family field trips . To the farm, the zoo, the local wading pools and more. If it's kid-friendly, we'll be there. But this year I've got a whole extra kid to keep an eye…
I've never been a big fan of personalized books. Books on their own can be so magical - why would I need my child worked into the plot somehow? There are a few personalized books for kids that we've reviewed that do the job beautifully, …
Ask my kids what songs make them think of their dad, and they'll rattle off a bunch of Rock Band tunes--which gives you a hint as to one of their favorite pastimes. Chances are your kids too can name some songs that make them think "dad"…
This post is sponsored by Yahoo! Mail , which is encouraging families to stay in touch via email - which we think is pretty cool. I do my best to pop a handwritten note to friends and family, especially on their birthdays or when they're…
If there's one thing that men love more on Father's Day than love from their own kids, it's love from their grandchildren. So when June 20 rolls around, make sure not to forget those beloved grandfathers, grandpas, papas and pop-pops in …
I'm fortunate that I do not have any medical conditions that require me to wear a medic alert bracelet, but if I did, you can bet I'd slap it on my wrist permanently, regardless of what it looked like. But these days, you don't necessari…
The great thing about planning your Father's Day gifts ahead, is that you have a lot more options. Like some really incredible custom gifts. In our world, customization doesn't mean a mug with DAD on it. If you want something really cool…
The first time I packed my kids up for a week of summer camp, I couldn't get believe all the stuff they needed, even for day camp. And everything, everything, needed a name attached to it, something I unfortunately left to the last minut…
I'm always on the lookout for ways to actually use the 15,640 baby and kid photos stored on my laptop. And after Mother's Day last week, you probably added a few more. I mean, I make sure to email them on to the respective grandparents a…
Writing about big, fuzzy balls makes me think of that Schweddy Balls sketch on Saturday Night Live. Except these balls aren't salty and nutty and made by Alec Baldwin. No, they're gorgeous and made of recycled sweaters or fleece and soft…
If I'm going to take the time to hand write a card, I'm picky about what I send. But now instead of topping off my gorgeous cards with my chicken scratch return address, I can have someone else do it for me. Well, it's clear that mom Gin…
If you've got a prolific little artist in your house like me, then you've probably exhausted all the creative ways to turn their artwork into gifts for the grandparents. Or maybe you're looking to start? I'm so excited about these discov…
Even vegetarians can get behind this pick. Because the well-plated rabbits that have captured my heart are from our clever friends at Le Papier Studio-- you know, the folks who brought us that ingenious Easter Egg Silhouette tutorial and…
I love to relive my kids' momentous birth day with my husband, my kids and pretty much anyone who will listen. (Admit it--I'm not alone here.) So for all of us who are birth date obsessed, we've found a pretty cool keepsake. These adorab…
I'm in a period of mega-emotion when it comes to the idea that my almost 4-year-old and about-to-be-1-year-old are past the wee little onesies. Every weekend, I sit down with a pile of old clothes from the garage--which is rapidly turnin…
A few years ago I got really ambitious and made birthday crowns for my two children. Flash forward a bit and I've now got a third child and still only two birthday crowns. Any guesses where this is going? Yeah. I'm kind of thinking these…
It doesn't take long for new parents to realize who's in charge once a tiny, squawking baby makes an appearance in their house. And I love the idea of making it official with Penny People's newest print. Bright, bold colors and the optio…
Attention all you picky handbag ladies, daughters of picky handbag ladies, sisters or nieces of picky handbag ladies. --yeah you. You know who you are. Behold the brilliance of the design-your-own handbag line from boston Etsy seller Ecl…