Holiday Decorating...

I love Christmas. And I love decorating for Christmas. And I really should discontinue all my catalog subscriptions... :) Land of Nod and Pottery Barn might be the death of my pocketbook this year.

I think I might have my friend Melissa see if she could construct something similar to these:

Land of Nod's Santa Sacks, $24 or $32

Santa left his bag behind! And yet, he remembered to eat the cookies.
Unique bags add a memorable twist to finding the gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Each can be personalized with a kid's name (up to 9 letters); $6.
Tested in the North Pole to ensure maximum gift-holding capability.
100% cotton canvas; Machine washable. Color options - Large bag: Green w/Lt. Green cuff (Red personalization) and Small bag: Lt. Green w/Red cuff (Green personalization)

Judy Garlands, $29 each

Your name needn't be Judy to appreciate our charming holiday garlands.
Decorate trees, mantles or any place you want to spread a little cheer.
Each garland is 148" long; Felt construction. Style options: Tree, Mitten

Twin-Size Bedding

I'm obsessed with finding twin-sized bedding for the boys...they are still in toddler beds (transformed from their cribs), but I've already been looking to 'redo' their bedroom. Yikes. Could make for an expensive transformation - especially since I love several out of the newest Land of Nod catalog.

The M.V.B. (Most Valuable Bedding)

The Little Bedding That Could

From the Department of Motor Vehicles Bedding

Decorating the Playroom

So, how do you hang your kids artwork? Since the boys go to "school" (daycare) now, we get several items a week...per child. I keep some and recycle most. But I probably should display it, right? What's your best display tip?

Land of Nod might be my newest obsession, but I found a ton of stuff I like in their newest catalog...

A Fine Art Clip, $4.95

Take back the fridge! Singular take on our popular Work of Art Clips
gets your kids' artwork off the fridge and up on the wall.
Feature a clothes pin back and hole for easy hanging. Set of 6 clips; wood construction.

Work of Art Clips, $12.95

Let's face it, your kids are budding Picassos. You need a proper way to display their art. Our colorful art clips come complete with string, keyhole for easy hanging and eight clothespin holders. Choose from five handmade motifs (Birds, Flowers, Hearts, Stars, Peppermint).

Decorating the Playroom

Truth be told I've never down anything to decorate the boys' playroom. It's a former spare bedroom / Mike's clothing storage room. The paint and curtains are still tan to match the spare bedding - yet the bed and comforter are at Mike's mom's house in her spare room. Someday I wish for my spare bedroom back...

So anyway, I have nothing on the walls and I've just recently started getting toy storage/organization stuff. Maybe I'm on the road to decorating it?! So here's some ideas I like:

Land of Nod's
An Apple A Day Wall Art & Quite A Pear Wall Art

Land of Nod's
I've Got The Whole World In My Room

Nibble Tray

I saw this in the May 2010 issue of Parenting issue...it intrigues me.

Bits & Bites

Most little guys and gals can't be bothered to sit down and eat, so put "piece meals" front and center with this clever new pineapple-shaped Dr. Sears Nibble Tray. Six perfectly sized sections can house chunks of avocado, Cheerios, banana slices, cheese cubes, shredded chicken - you the the idea. It's made from BPA- and phthalate-free plastic, it has a lid that snaps on for your travels, and the detachable "leaf" top (just pop it in the fridge to cool) is perfect for dipping delights such as yogurt, applesauce, and hummus. $7.99; zak.com

7 Indoor Energy-Burning Toys

Parenting Magazine featured these 7 Indoor Energy-Burning Toys in their February 2010 issue. I'm totally intrigued - the idea of sitting inside with the boys and hearing them whine or fight doesn't thrill me...

Here's a link for the whole article, and here's some of my favorites:

How low can you go?
Who can resist Giraffalaff Limbo? Shimmy and slide under the foam bar as the music plays -- then move it down a notch after each round. Knock the goofy giraffe off his perch and he giggles like mad.
($29.99; hasbro.com) 3 and up

Jump for joy
This tyke-size Little Jumper Trampoline has a cushioned bar, padded edges, and colorful polka dots to brighten gray days. It's easy to assemble and folds up in a snap, so you can shove it under the bed when gym time is over. Consider this in the "pricey but worth it" category.
($108.99; alextoys.com) 3 and up

Ornament Collection

I became a godmother in November when my nephew Blake was baptised. Truth be told, I'd be pondering for some time about a 'set' of some sort that could be given to him as he grows - instead of insignificant toys year after year. I'd thought about the train collection that Scott & Jamie are doing for my boys, but I figured they would do this for Blake as well, and they did.

So I'd thought about doing an ornament collection - an ornament every year so when he is older he has a complete set...great idea, except for it's January 1st and I've yet to get his first year's ornmanet. :(

And since it's January 1st, I'm cleaning and purging today - I came across pages I had torn from the Crate & Barrel catalog...too bad I didn't remember seeing their "12 Days of Christmas Ornament Set" (W2116; retail price $39.95) - that could be really cute for Blake. And then I remembered that Land of Nod also had a set. And yet both are sold out.

So, Jaime, note this for next year - and keep an eye on craiglist and ebay. :)

Crate and Barrel set (above)

Land of Nod set (above)

Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

I first heard of Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition when visiting our friends The Maxwell's last year. It seems like it is the "it thing" now in 2009 - I see and here of it everywhere. So in case you haven't been introduced, here is a note from the author:

From My Family to Yours,
This charming tradition began for our family when my children were very small. Like most children through the ages, they wanted to know how Santa really knew who was naughty or who was nice. Their answer, as in my own childhood, came in the form of a small pixie-elf.

The first time the elf arrived at our home, my children officially adopted him by giving him a name. Each year he would arrive around the holidays, usually at Thanksgiving. His sole responsibility was to watch the children's behavior and report it to Santa each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the North Pole and was now resting in a new and different place. My children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position.

Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him but talking to him was a different matter all together. My children shared many secrets with the elf, and while he was under strict orders not to talk to them, the elf was under no such orders where grown-ups were concerned.

Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf is watching," for errant behavior to be modified.

I never dreamed this simple tradition would lead to so many treasured Christmas memories for our entire family. It is my earnest desire that The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition will bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine.

Enjoy this tradition, and MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

With my best wishes for you and those you love,
Carol



Most bookstores carry the gift set; I've also seen it advertised at the Catholic Supply, Hallmark, and other specialty shops. The gift set includes a stuffed elf and the book - which explains that the elf is watching for the best behavior. I've also seen that you can purchase just the book - so my friend Melissa found me an adorable elf at Catholic Supply (Item #521250; $8.95 each). (We have the one all the way to the right...)

Nativity Playset

When we were young, we also had the Nativity Scene set up under the Christmas tree - I love remembering those sort of things, those traditions. I, too, have a nativity scene - in fact, I have more than one, but they are by no means kid-friendly. So I loved when I saw these two ideas:

Wooden Nativity Playset:
I saw this one first in Abbey Press, but they must not carry it anymore. However, I found what appears to be the same set by doing a google search. This information came from Amazon (retail around $25):
The Wooden Nativity Play Set is a great way to teach children about the first Holy Night. Made of high quality, durable wood and packed in an attractive retail pack, this 19 piece set will provide hours and hours of inspirational fun! Allow children the opportunity of having their own beautiful nativity set to play with so mom and dad's will not get broken! Recommended for ages three years and up.Magnetic Nativity Playset:
Another idea is a magnetic Nativity Scene. I've seen these two at Catholic Supply.

Above: Children's Magnetic Nativity Sceneset of 12; wood and felt figures. Let children play on your fridge with this adorable magnetic nativity set. Reposition for hours of fun! (Item #22938) $32.50


Above: 24pc Magnetic Advent Calendar: 24 adorable magnets to cling to your fridge! Children love to add figures each day! Makes a great hands-on set for your children to play & learn about the nativity. Wood/Paper. Canvas storage bag. (Item #18768) $17.95

'We're Pregnant' or Ultrasound Ornament

Mike and I found out just a few days before Christmas 2007 that we were expecting; we hadn't had an ultrasound, but I had seen these kind of ornaments before then - what a special way of documenting that Christmas!


The first one I had seen was from Abbey Press (#45349; retailed for $14.99), but they must have discontinued it (?) because I can't find it. However, it was similar to these that I found:

This one is from http://www.grandparentgiftcompany.com/ ($10.99)

or http://www.baby-memory-books.com/ ($11.00), as well as other places.

All of them, including the one from Abbey Press, had this quote on the back side:
Ultrasound Ornament - We await our little miracle, at this glorious time of year. This glimpse of your beginnings, we will always hold dear. Grow healthy and strong, we are waiting for you. A sweet Christmas celebration, for a precious life anew.

Following this were spots for "Ultrasound Date" and "Baby's Due Date"

The Silly Wagon Onesie Birth Annoucements

Suzanne shared this super-cute idea for birth annoucements:

It's a birth annoucement screen-printed onto a onesie. How cute! You could even take a picture of baby in that onesie and just mail out the photos as annoucements!

(sorry - for some reason, the photo won't upload...)

http://www.thesillywagon.com/catalog.php?item=2052

Hooking on those sippy cups...

In the March 2008 issue of Parents magazine, a reader gave kudos to the Bottlelink. Basically, they are links to attach to a bottle/cup and then a chair, etc. so that they don't fall to the ground.

Connor is infamous for dropping his cups while in the van. And then they roll and I can't reach them while driving. I'd seen the Bottlelink, but haven't purchased them.

Here's my attempt at the same thing:
We already have the Inchbug Labels that wrap around the cups. See here for that post. I'm thinking I'm going to use those as well as the Bright Starts Lots of Links to connect the cups to the boys' car seats. Now, I know that the links come apart, so it's not fool-proof, but, it's materials I already have. Worth a shot.

A coworker mentioned these, which she has only found at Walgreen's. They are the No Throw straps; a 2-pack is $5.99. Might have to go buy those before our Thanksgiving travels...

Best Kid-Tested Toys

This article was featured in the November 2008 issue of American Baby magazine. I liked it because there was a "tester" in each age group, and then it gave the parent's review as well. You might get some gift ideas... :)

Best Kid-Tested Toys of 2008

This article was in the November 2008 issue of Parenting magazine.

Mom-Tested! Toys of the Year 2008

Floret Dolls - look at the fabric!

Since today is November 1st, I decided to search for magazine pages from past years' November for this month's posts. I found this in the November 2008 issue of American Baby magazine...

the doll is cute and all, but that isn't what drew me to the picture in the magazine. I couldn't find "the picture" from the magazine online, but I found what was in the picture:

This probably doesn't mean anything to you.

But, take a look at these pictures of the boys' 1st birthday shirts:

Connor (above)

Logan (above)

So, do you see it? It's the same fabric! Now, some may know that I searched high and low for "the fabric" (because I made their shirts - with assistance). I had a vision in my head, and went to several stores before finding the right fabric. How exciting to see it on a doll that was featured in a magazine. I know, I'm a bit corny, but I think it's cool.

Here's the information on the doll, written in the November 2008 issue of American Baby magazine:

"Foreign Friends: Simone Kaplan was born in Brazil, designed costumes in California, studied tapestry in Portugal, and is now raising two songs in Brooklyn. Their drawings inspire her creations, such as these dolls. floretnyc.com" -Janeen Koban

Jokari Cool Cones

This was featured in the August 4, 2009 issue of Womans' Day magazine:

"Mom-Tested: WD food director Jackie Plant raved to me about Jokari Cool Cones, plastic ice cream cones with push-up handles ($3.99 for two; in supermarkets): When I cam across these, I thought, 'Why didn't I think of this?' It's such a great idea! You can use them to scoop out and serve ice cream or make your own healthy pops with leftover fruit smoothies."

- Terry Grieco Kenny

Design Your Own Lamp

Parents magazine featured this lamp in the May 2008 issue. I think it's so unique, and what a great way to display kids' artwork!

"Light Show: If you've run out of room on the fridge to exhibit your petite Picasso's latest creation, then check out Streamline's Design Your Own Lamp ($30; thespottedgoose.com). Just slide your child's artwork between the double shades and presto - you've got a personalized lamp. When he gets bored of one drawing, it's easy to slip in another, then another...and so on."

Bobo Glove

Parents magazine has a "Goody Bag" section in each edition. I just love all the unique stuff they find! The Bobo Glove was featured in the August 2008 magazine.

"Infant Toy: Play With Your Baby; Let's face it - entertaining a newborn 24/7 can get kinda tough. With the Bobo Glove, you've got hours of fun in the palm of your hand. Your little one will teethe, rattle, tug, look at herself, and more, all while boppin' on your lap. Workman, $18."

BabiePlates

When the boys got their trikes for their first birthday, I kept thinking of the little license plates we all use to have for our bikes when we were little. These totally remind me of those!

"License to Stroll: never lose your kid's ride in a sea of sameness again! A personalized plate gives your wheels standout panache. Just don't blame us if the stroller police give you a ticket for being too fabulous. ($40; babieplates.com)

Featured in Parents magazine, August 2008

The "Nose Hose"

This was written in the September 2007 issue of BabyTalk magazine:

"Nose Hose: We admit it sounds icky. But if you've ever struggled to relieve your baby's stuffy nose with a nasal aspirator, you may welcome the Nose Frida, a newfangled gizmo from Sweden. Put one end of the 14-inch-long plastic tube against (not in) your baby's nostril, and then suck - yes, with your mouth - on the other end to extract the mucus. Wait, don't stop reading! There's a filter on the baby's side of the hose that prevents the yuck from getting anywhere near your lips. Swedish moms swear by the thing, so it's worth a shot, right? ($15; nosefrida.com)"

Okay, so this sounds gross, but the boys fight me on sucking out their snot! I checked out the website, and it looks like this is available at Whole Foods as well as Target (online)...

For Little Cooks: Fiesta's Head Chefs

This was written in the November 2008 issue of American Baby magazine:

"Little Cooks: A fun way to help your kids get active in the kitchen: Fiesta's new Head Chefs, a line of five silicone baking figure with bendable arms and legs; $10 each, surlatable.com"

Look how cute these are!! What kid wouldn't want to help mom in the kitchen with these?!

There are 3 other options on the website, so be sure to check them out. With the holiday season approaching, this seems like it would be a great gift idea!