For the Kiddos

Hey kiddo!

After spending 4 days in Atlanta with my beyond delightful 3 year old niece and brand spankin new little nephew, I have developed a severe case of baby brain. Not to be confused with "want a baby" brain, my baby brain is just a constant state of kid-filled daydreams which get me super excited for the day when Dr. H and I decide to start a family (because from what I can tell, having a family is awesome:) To hold me over until that day, (and to share all the ideas and info I've been hoarding for it!) here's the latest installment of "For the Kiddos". Enjoy!

I'm absolutely in love with the adorable shirts and leggings available in the Spoon x Chogre Etsy shop! Made of organic cotton and covered in colorful, unique prints, I can't wait to have a tiny human to dress in these shirts!

Want a craft activity for your toddler that doubles as an adorable gift? How about you "send a hug"!? The perfect way to send love to far away relatives, this 3 ingredient craft (paper + scissors + markers/crayons) is sure to be a hit with your kiddo as well. (Original post HERE.)

Pretty much the coolest way to store your kids Legos. Ever. (Also, an excuse to eat Cheese Balls!)

Toddler proof your doors for the cost of 1 pool noodle. It's all about improvising people!!!

Breakfast is always better with (smiling) monsters! Turning morning oatmeal into an adorable treat using THIS simple step-by-step tutorial. You've probably already got everything you need except the edible marker (and I think every kitchen should probably have an edible marker:)

Parental Reading.
Here are a few kiddo-related books I've recently heard very good things about around the web:

* How to Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good to Know... the First Time Around

* All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood (not how parents effect kids, how kids effect parents)
* Real Food For Mother and Baby (a book about just giving your kids all the good stuff you're eating).

And here are a few interesting articles that got me thinking:

* Comparing American parenting techniques to those in other countries (REALLY fascinating)
* Why Finnish babies sleep in cardboard boxes.

* 7 Secrets to raising happy kids? Sure, why not!!?
* 10 common mistakes parents make - a REALLY interesting look at what parents do now and how it may impact the long term health and well being of their kids. 

Plus, a few things you just might need to buy:

* Must have baby items according to Cup of Jo.

* The perfect high chair solution for apartments dwellers and others without a ton of space.

* Got a little one waking you up before the sun!? Maybe this "ok to wake" clock is the solution?!

Hump Day Distractions

Good for you man.

So it's gonna be one of thooooose days is it? One of those subway isn't running, forgot my sunglasses, run in my tights kind of Wednesdays!? Well la-di-freakin-da! With barely more than 48 hours standing between me and a long weekend getaway to Miami (bienvenido a Miami!!) it's gonna take more than an office fire drill right after arriving to throw me off my game!! Let's hump it, shall we?

* When it comes to travel, I think it's important to always have a wish list on hand.

* The French sure do know how to make things sound naughty don't they!?

* So what you're saying is I'm plus'er than plus size now eh?

* Spotting one of THESE in public would absolutely make my day.

* If only more companies were willing to go to such lengths to make work/life balance more manageable for employees.

* Do you drink wine? If so, this is EXTREMELY VITAL INFORMATION.

* "I am running away because you think I farted when I didn't. PS you are mean." and other kid brilliance.

* So what you're saying is that Brooklyn has always been an awesome place to live?

* We all need more 30-minute meals in our life.

* A few hide-and-seek fails to bring a smile to your face.

Have a wonderful weekend

Be kind, but also... :)

Got any fun weekend plans!? I'll be swimming in a sea of niece/nephew lovin and hopefully enjoying some summer sunshine. I can't wait :) Here to send you into the weekend is a bit of crafty/drinky inspiration and a little something fun to make you smile. Enjoy!

Make a Monster!

Enjoy a "Summer Shandy"
(light beer, lemonade & peach brandy)

hehe.

Have a good one!

Winter Blahs.

Spring, I'm packed, dressed & ready for your arrival.

Today I've got a serious case of the Winter Blahs. It's not quite the "ho hums", because I'm not feeling glum or hrumphy, but I'm completely uninspired, super unmotivated and mostly looking for an excuse to curl up in sweatpants and avoid mirrors which reflect my pasty-pale complexion. Winter Blahs for sure.

Since nothing soothes the soul like a sweet treat and a cocktail (and because it's already noon and I remain completely unprepared to share any of my writing, rants or musings!!) here are some of my latest favorite finds of the sweet and alcoholic variety.

Cookie monsters, literally!

These cookie treats look RIDICULOUS and so easy to make that they're a no brainer for your next "I'll bring dessert" moment (or maybe your kid's school birthday celebration?) Cookies on the outside, frosting covered with sprinkes in the middle and then two dabs on top plus m&ms for the eyes (and a nose if you feel so inclined)... Something tells me kiddies and grownups alike will be fans of these monsters.

YUM.

This sweet and savory treat is made of bread, brie, berries and chocolate. That's my kind of sandwich! Full recipe with a few simple details (pinch of salt!?) HERE. Stop reading, go to the grocery store... toaster... mouth... belly. YUM.

The Salty Chihuahua.

Low in calories, sweet and boozy, just how I like em. Try this combo of grapefruit juice, tequila, and orange liqueur for a refreshing Margarita alternative.

The Dirty Shirley

Another sweet one for the ladies! Combine cherry vodka, grenadine and diet sprite. I think this one will have my mind at the beach in no time.