ML Interest Tag: muslin

Hidden Gem Museums That Are Worth the Trip

by Amy Bizzarri

Now that you’ve been to the Museum of Science and Industry and The Field so many times you could lead a tour, it’s time to earn a little extra credit. When you’re craving something new and culture’s on the menu, check out a super-secret museum that’s just a mini road trip away. We dug up goodies that are within an hour’s drive of Chicago. Scroll through to see them all, from a secret nature center to an auto museum with superhero appeal.

Transportation

Volo Auto Museum

Does your kid go crazy for cars? An hour northwest of Chicago, this wheel-tastic museum is a draw for car nuts of all ages. Famous movie cars from Fast & Furious 7, Batman Begins, Dark Knight and Dark Knight Rises, National Lampoon's Vacation and more. There are also plenty of coin kiddie rides for the youngest children in your group.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo; Online: volocars.com

Illinois Railway Museum

America’s largest railway museum is right here in Illinois and goes way beyond your everyday Metra train. Ride on a one-of-a-kind mainline train, hop aboard an old-fashioned trolley coach or take a loop in a vintage streetcar. Feel like you've seen some of these sights before? That’s because the museum has been the set for numerous transportation scenes in commercials and movies, including A League of Their Own. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the annual Day Out With Thomas. On select days in July, kids chug along on a 20-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and enjoy music, magicians, clowns and a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt. Consider taking a special trip for Halloween or Christmas when the museum features holiday-themed train rides.

7000 Olson Rd., Union; Online: irm.org

Nature

Trailside Museum of Natural History

Established in 1931, the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History is a small museum located in a historic mid-1870′s Victorian mansion. Kids will have the chance to meet live native animals, including owls, frogs, turtles and even a fox. Hands-on activities complement learning, and even toddlers will enjoy the easy animal-themed puzzles. Natural-surfaced hiking trails through the surrounding Forest Preserve are perfect for little hikers and wind through beautiful oak woodlands and along the Des Plaines River.

730 Thatcher Ave., River Forest; Online: fpdcc.com

Knock Knolls Nature Center

Tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood, this slice of nature gives visitors the chance to discover what life was like at the convergence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River in the 1800s. You'll also get to know the local wildlife that call this corner of DuPage County home. Grab a treasure hunt sheet from the front desk and explore! The highlight is a 900-gallon freshwater fish tank filled with catfish, bass and other swimmers. You'll also track replica fossils in the floor, marvel at a living wall of plants and learn how a rainwater collection cistern works. The building sits in a 224-acre park laced with winding, forested trails and sits adjacent to a nature playground. 

320 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville; Online: napervilleparks.org

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum

The Tinker cottage, gardens and three-story Swiss-inspired barn was built by businessman Robert Tinker in 1865. Flash forward to today, when you can witness its beauty and get a dose of local history. The charming cottage and over-the-top gardens have become one of Rockford’s most popular attractions. The Victorian-era decor and unique architecture will satisfy the curiosity of the parents. As for the kids, they'll have a blast romping through the iris, rose and prairie gardens as the weather warms.

411 Kent St., Rockford; Online: tinkercottage.com

History

Isle a la Cache Museum

Learn about Illinois in the 18th century when our state was home to French voyageurs and native Potawatomi. Operated by the Forest Preserve of Will County on an island in the Des Plaines River, this recently renovated museum features many interactive exhibits and a Native American longhouse. At a recent museum event, children participated in traditional French and Woodland Indian games and storytelling. If you visit the island in the summer, your family will want to take part in one of many nature activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking and more.

501 E. Romeo Rd. (135th Street), east of Route 53, Romeoville; Online: reconnectwithnature.org

DuPage Country Historical Museum

Housed in a building gifted by John Quincy Adams in 1891, the former Adams Memorial Library is now a museum that contains countless artifacts and materials that document DuPage County. The HO Gauge Model Train is operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers the 3rd and 5th Saturday every month.

102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton; Online: dupagemuseum.org

Graue Mill and Museum

Since 1852, the Graue Mill has been grinding cornmeal, its waterwheel turning at the edge of the picturesque Salt Creek. Today, the Graue Mill Museum is dedicated to bridging past and present through living-history programs that illustrate daily life of the past, including milling, spinning and weaving demonstrations. While the museum is closed in the winter, the grounds of the mill are picture-perfect year-round. Kids will love throwing pebbles into the Salt Creek and watching sticks make their way down the beautiful falls that make the mill's gristmill go round.

3800 York Rd., Oakbrook; Online: grauemill.org

— Amy Bizzarri & Jenny Muslin

RELATED STORIES:
Best Museums for Chicago’s Curious Kids
The Best Museums for Kids in Every State

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10 Sweet Ideas for Celebrating Baby’s First Valentine’s Day

by Aimee Della Bitta

Your baby may not remember this first Valentine’s Day, but that’s no reason not to go big with hearts and sweets. Read on for outfits, activities, sweets and photo ops to make this holiday memorable. You’ll looooove how cute your photos come out.

1. Choose an Outfit You'll Love

Primary

Buy a special outfit for the big day, like this heart-printed bodysuit from Primary. It's made from 100% combed cotton slub, with snaps on the shoulder seam for easy on/off. Visit Primary's Heart Shop for this and other clothing items in lovely prints and colors.

Available at primary.com, $16.

2. Share a Sweet Treat

Sugarwish

If your baby is eating solids (or just gumming them), use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to make a sweet treat for you to share. From watermelon to toast or lasagna noodles, there are lots of foods you can cut into cute shapes. For something even more decadent, send away for Sugarwish cookies. The company offers 20+ cookie flavors, including keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free options. 

3. Count Down to the Big Day

Pottery Barn Kids

Advent calendars aren't just for Christmas anymore! Build up excitement for Valentine's Day with Mickey Mouse and this cotton canvas and felt calendar that has pockets to hold small gifts for the 14 days leading up to the big one. Fill each pocket with a love note, treat or toy, or keep it simple and just move the Mickey ears to the correct day in the countdown. Available at Pottery Barn Kids, $49.

4. Decorate with Love

Instagram-ready! Decorate with items baby will love to play with, like these wood blocks ($45) that spell out LOVE, HUGS, KISS and XOXO. 

Available at Etsy shop Timeless Notion.

5. Read Together

Books you and your child will love: My Little Lovebug ($35), a personalized book featuring your child's face and name with lots of sweet sentiments and cute animal images. Kisses, Kisses, Up & Down ($7, paperback) is an interactive read that'll have you giving your baby kisses on their nose, toes, belly, chin and more. I Love You Stinky Face ($7, paperback) is a sweet story about the unconditional love a mother has for her child.

It's never too early to read to your baby. Check out these tips for reading to a newborn.

6. Take Some Pics

Under the Pear Tree

Kiss your baby while wearing bright red or pink lipstick for an Instagram-winning photo. Kiley from the Under the Pear Tree blog used the app PicMonkey to add some artistic flair for this memorable photo. Pro tip: Don't use long-wearing lipstick.

7. Make Cupid Cupcakes

These red velvet cupcakes from Bakerella feature cupid arrows attached to a 6-inch lollipop stick. You'll find both the arrow printables and cupcake recipe on the Bakerella website.

8. Write Love Letters to Your Baby

Your child (and your future self) will thank you for celebrating this Valentine's Day by professing your love to your mini-sweetheart. The time capsule Letters to My Baby ($13) contains 12 fold-and-mail letters so you can continue on your tradition every Valentine's Day for years to come. 

9. Create a Heartfelt Keepsake

Mitts, Piggys and Paws

Remember how tiny baby's hands are with a keepsake you can display for Valentine's Day or all year round. This sweet heart is from Mitts, Piggys and Paws. You send them an impression of your child's hand in PlayDoh and they'll create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

10. Swaddle Your Baby in Love

Aden & Anais

Hearts and stripes and everything nice decorate these muslin swaddles ($55 for 4) from Aden & Anais. The breathable, versatile and soft fabric surrounds your little one in comfy goodness and makes everybody who sees your baby smile. Lay them on the floor during during tummy time or cover part of the car seat on a sunny day for an afternoon snooze on the go.

—Aimee Della Bitta

featured image: Silviarita via Pixabay

RELATED STORIES:

How Valentine’s Day Changes After Baby (& Why You’ll Love It)

8 Valentine’s Day Art Projects to DIY With Your Baby

12 DIY Projects for a Crafty Valentine’s Day

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10 Summer Safety Tips for Babies in Cars

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

If you’re spending time in the car this summer, arm yourself with water, snacks and some very good advice. Read on for our top 10 tips on keeping babies and toddlers safe in the car on warm summer days.

photo: iStock

1. Get your car seat inspected.
More than half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And since people tend to spend more time in the car during the summer, it’s a good time to find the nearest car seat inspection station, usually at a local police or fire department. The experts there will inspect your car seat and show you how to install it properly, usually at no charge.

2. Cool the car down quickly.
A hot car is uncomfortable for everybody, especially kids. If you’re getting into a scorching car, crank up the air conditioning and open the windows first to push out that hot air. After a few minutes, when the car is cooler, get in and roll up the car windows and let the AC keep working its magic. Also, when placing your child in the car seat, watch those metal buckles, which can get blazing hot on warm days. When your car is parked outside, keep the metal parts out of direct sunlight, tucking them into the car seat straps or placing a towel or light blanket on top of the metal when your child is out of the car seat.

3. Inspect your tires.
How are tires like babies? They’re both prone to blowouts, and tires are more likely to have them during the summer months. Blame the combination of hot weather, longer drives and cars packed full of road-trip gear. Regularly check your tire pressure and the condition of your tires to stay safe.

photo: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

4. Pack extra liquids.
On hot days, kids need lots of liquids to stay hydrated. Keep bottles of breast milk or formula in coolers with ice packs. And if your baby is drinking water, always pack more than you think you’ll need. Breastfeeding moms need lots of water too!

5. Keep cars locked with car keys out of kids’ reach.
Babies love playing in cars and fiddling with car keys, especially hitting the lock button to hear the beep it makes. To avoid having them lock themselves inside the car when you’re outside of it, or climbing into the car when you’re not there to supervise, always keep cars locked, even in the garage, and store keys out of reach from tiny hands. This is important year-round but especially so on hot days when temperatures inside the car can get dangerously high.

6. Don’t cover the car seat with a blanket.
A blanket may help your child fall asleep in the car seat, but even a thin muslin covering can make the temperature under that blanket way too hot. You also want to be able to see your child while you’re driving, which brings us to our next tip….

7. Install a backseat mirror.
Set up a mirror that allows you to see your child’s face from the driver’s seat when they’re in a rear-facing car seat. That allows you to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re comfortable and not overheating.

photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

8. Adjust your car seat straps.
If you dressed your baby in bulky clothing on cooler days, the car seat straps may be too loose once your child is in light summer outfits. Straps should be tight enough that you can only fit one finger underneath them, and the buckle should sit across the armpit. Adjust the straps each time you place your child in the seat to make sure they fit comfortably.

9. Never leave your child alone in the car. For real.
Even if you only have a quick errand, even if your baby has finally fallen asleep, even if you crack the window open for air flow, you should never leave your child unattended in a car. A child’s body temperature heats up more quickly than an adult’s, and even a few minutes alone in a hot car can be life-threatening.

10. Check the back seat.
Forgetting a child in a car seat is many parents’ worst fear. To avoid it, leave your shoes, wallet or smartphone in the back seat so you have to go back there to retrieve them before you leave the car. Or, let technology help. The CoPilot Carseat Alert System uses a sensor that clips on to your car seat and a key fob to alert you if you walk away from the car without unbuckling your child first. The eClip ($49.95) from Elepho is a small device that attaches to your car seat and syncs up to an app that reminds you to get your child if you move more than 15 feet away from the car. And if you use the Waze app for driving directions, turn on the Child Reminder feature, which instructs you to check for your child as the last step in the directions.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: iStock

 

RELATED STORIES:

10 Top Tips for Road Trips with Babies

The Best Infant Car Seats

Be Sun Smart With Baby: 10 Summer Safety Tips to Follow

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The Harry Potter Limited Collection from aden + anais Is Muslin Magic

by Erica Loop

Now you’re littlest of littles can enjoy the magic of the Wizarding World. Baby care brand aden + anais recently launched a new Harry Potter Limited Collection—and it features everything from burpy bibs to full-sized blankets.

The collab between aden + anais and Warner Bros. Consumer Products includes four print designs, each with a distinct Potter theme. Look for Snitch Dot, Invisibility Cloak, Hedwig and Hogwarts Grounds patterns in the brand’s muslin collection.

Christina Campisi, Director of Integrated Marketing for aden + anais said in a press release, “Many first generation Wizarding World fans are now having families of their own, and we want to inspire them to continue passing down the Harry Potter fandom to their own children through this collection.”

Collection designer Lauren Hauck, Associate Textile Designer for aden + anais added, “What I loved about reading Harry Potter stories growing up is that they evoked visuals that sprung to life before my eyes.”

Hauck continued, “I wanted to do the same with the designs we created for the aden + anais Harry Potter Limited Edition Collection. Majority of the collection artwork is hand drawn or hand painted, including everybody’s favorite imagery. In the ‘Snitch dot’ design, we etched the Snitch as it darts through the sky, the sketchy circles imitating the shadowy glimpse you catch as it quickly escapes your eye through painted clouds. For the ‘invisibility cloak’ design, we portray the famous lightning bolt, and the six-point stars that imprint the pages of every Harry Potter book.”

The collection includes swaddle three-packs and singles, burpy bibs, dream blankets, light sleeping bags and oversized muslin blankets. You can find the Harry Potter Limited Edition Collection ($22.95-$174.95) in select retail stores and online at www.adenandanais.com until it sells out. Hint, hint: We think that might be soon!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of PR Newswire

 

RELATED STORIES

Target’s Socks Advent Calendars Are Back With Disney Princesses, “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter” & More

The JuJuBe Harry Potter Flying Keys Line of Bags Is Seriously Magical

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Living Kindness: Make a Good Deed Advent Calendar

by Melissa Heckscher

Looking for something more meaningful than a piece of chocolate to put behind those advent calendar doors? This simple, DIY advent calendar gives kids good deeds to do every day leading up to Christmas (or Hanukkah, which starts this year on Dec. 12). You can adapt it to any month, though, if you want to do one that is 30 or 31 days. Read on for the how-to.

materials-advent

What you’ll need: 

Paper

Twine, yarn, or string to hang advent bags

24 small muslin bags (30-31 if you’re going for a month)

24 clothespins (30-31 if you’re going for a month)

Number stickers (enough to label numbers) or fabric paint

Charms or other trinkets (optional)

Glue gun (not pictured)

img_7442

Step One: Brainstorm Acts of Kindness

Sit down with your kids and talk about what it means to be kind, and what they can do to practice kindness (Need ideas? Check out this story). Some ideas our young kindness crew came up with included:

– Call Nana

– Pick up trash

– Let someone in front of you in line at school

– Hug a friend

Then, have them write these simple acts on small squares of paper to go inside the muslin bags.

img_7438

Step Two: Number the Bags

Use number stickers or fabric paint to label all 24 muslin bags (we think gold glitter looks holiday-festive, but any color will do). Note: If using stickers, use a hot glue gun or other strong glue to secure the stickers to the bag; otherwise, they won’t stick for long.

img_7446

Step Three: Put Stuff Inside

Put the acts of kindness cards into each muslin bag. To up the excitement factor, you can also add trinkets or candy. Our best suggestion — Drop these heart-shaped charms into each bag (they’re about $8 for a box of 50) so your kids can make “kindness necklaces” to remember all those sweet, nice things they did.

img_7439

Step Four: Hang it Up!

Hang all the bags on a wall, across a mantle — wherever works! Start opening the bags on Dec. 1 and keep on cranking out those acts of kindness until Christmas Eve (and, hopefully, every day thereafter). If you’d rather keep your December decor secular, just add a few more days and call it a countdown to the new year.

acts-of-kindness-ideas

Keep the kindness coming…
Inspired? Check out these free lesson plans from RandomActsOfKindness.org that teach kids how to be fair, kind, and respectful all year long.

 

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12 Nursery Decor Items to Go Wild For

by Whitney C. Harris

Whether your taste runs more toward fuzzy bunnies or modern lions, you’ll find lots of cute options for an animal-themed nursery. And babies love to roar and moo, so a zoo, jungle or barnyard theme will alway stay in style. Read on for 14 new and innovative items in the world of nursery decor.

photo: Ubbi

Your Baby’s New Best Bud
The Ubbi muslin blanket buddy ($29.99) is a stuffed animal that converts into a blanket and back again, so it can be your little one’s constant companion during naptime, playtime, and on all sorts of adventures. The buddies come in a set of two—choose from woodland creatures, jungle animals, or house pets—and are made with 100% lightweight cotton muslin.

photo: LulyBoo

The Perfect Playmate
The LulyZoo toddler lounge ($69.99) is a cozy spot to play and snooze, and it folds and features straps so you can take it on your travels. It’s practical with its ergonomic foam perimeter and a waterproof, machine-washable design, while staying adorable in the form of an elephant, hippo, zebra, lion or ladybug.

photo: Tree and the Rock

Wild on the Wall
A simple giclee print is all a nursery wall needs to feel like its own little escape from the chaos of everyday life. This lion print by Stacie Bloomfield of Gingiber, exclusively for Tree and the Rock, stands proud on its own, but would also look elegant next to the similar giraffe and elephant prints ($40 each, $70 extra for a black, white, natural or silver frame).

photo: Pottery Barn Kids

A Place to Toss It All
Nursery storage doesn’t have to be boring. These chic Emily & Merritt Critter Utility Storage bins ($29 each) come in cute cat and dog designs and are made with 100% cotton canvas. They’re sturdy and durable enough to hold stuffed animals, blocks, extra blankets and more.

photo: Finn + Emma

Your Portable Petting Zoo
Play gyms are a great way for babies to work on gross motors skills. The new Finn + Emma Love Mom & Dad play gym ($135) is made with a 100% birch wood frame and other lead-, phthalate-, nickel-, mercury-, and VOC-free materials. It adjusts to two different heights and the toys can be moved to your car seat or stroller for baby to play with.

photo: OLIKA

A Bird in the Hand
Sanitizing your hands after spit-ups and diaper changes ain’t cute. But Birdie by OLIKA (8.99) makes it look downright dreamy. This sweet, bird-shaped hand sanitizer hides textured dry wipes in its base for added cleaning benefits. There’s no hospital scent; a blend of essential oils in bergamot, lemon and spearmint keeps your hands smelling fresh.

 

photo: Peapod & Nate

Stylish Crib Creatures
These custom crib sheets by Etsy shop Peapod & Nate are not only adorable; they come in almost any size you can imagine. Ask the shop owner to make a sheet in a custom mini size or for a travel crib, Pack ‘n Play, daycare crib, and more. Fabric designs include foxes, elephants, dinosaurs, horses and birds.

photo: Easy, Tiger

A Whale of a Design
If your nursery style leans modern but you still want to dress up your nursery with cute animals, check out this bud vase by Easy, Tiger ($40). The 12-inch whale is a glossy white ceramic that gives a clean, contemporary look with a whimsical and vintage flair.

photo: WavHello

The Sound of Silence
The SoundBub by WavHello ($49.99) offers calming white noise in an owl, bunny or bear design to help your babe sleep. This Bluetooth-enabled soother and speaker also connects to a mobile app that lets you enjoy music and even record voice messages, songs and stories to play for your little one.

photo: Handmade Happiness by Ruth

Some Bunny to Love
A baby rattle is a nursery must, and this handmade, stuffed bunny by Handmade Happiness by Ruth ($24) is made with organic cotton and has a classic, hand-embroidered face. Pink crinkle ears and a soft internal rattle make this nursery toy wholesome fun for little hands.

photo: Marcus & Marcus 

A Zoo to Chew
Toss a few of these Marcus & Marcus teethers ($8.99 each) into the toy bin to soothe sore gums and give your baby something to grab and play with. They’re molded from BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free materials and can be cleaned in the dishwasher and chilled in the freezer.

 

 

photo: Pottery Barn Kids

A Rocking Good Time
The pink coyote rocker ($249) from Pottery Barn Kids’ new Junk Gypsy collection is a slightly contemporary take on a classic children’s toy. Made with ultra-soft polyester long-pile faux fur and solid wood runners and hand rails, this cool creature will stand the test of time.

What’s your favorite nursery decor theme? Let us know below!

— Whitney C. Harris

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Father Figure: A New Clothing Line For Dads Only!

by rtlizkleisner

We always talk about maternity wear, but what about paternity wear? Father Figure, a new clothing line designed just for fathers by proud Brooklyn dad Andrew Bentley is hoping to get in on the conversation. With fresh necessities like soft, bandana burp rags and dad-friendly denim, this innovative apparel is reppin’ fashion, function and fatherhood.

photo: Father Figure

The Father Figure Story
When Bentley and his wife began eagerly preparing for the arrival of their first son, the dad-to-be felt frustrated to find that most parenting-related companies seemed to devalue his role as the father. Feeling like he was seen as the “second-class parent”, Bentley conducted a series of surveys to see if other new dads felt similarly. The results showed that a staggering 84% of millennial fathers wished companies serving parents better understood their needs.  Bentley determined he’d create a lifestyle brand devoted to responsible and supported fatherhood.

Following a career working at Google and non-profits, Bentley launched Father Figure, a community benefit corporation and clothing line. Created with the support of a Kickstarter campaign, Father Figure is comprised of four parts: clothing, gear, community and responsible fatherhood. (You can check out the Father Figure site to see what this community benefit corporation is doing to support and bring together fathers everywhere.)

photo: Father Figure 

The Clothes
Despite having limited design experience, Bentley dove right in to the process, creating sketches for products and working with factory partners in Los Angeles to manufacture the new line.

Father Figure apparel is based in the aesthetic of American workwear with comfort as an added priority. This products are entirely manufactured in the US using the most conscious materials, and of course, is tested right in Brooklyn by Bentley, his son, and other like-minded fathers.

photo: Father Figure 

The Essential Father Figure Gear
The Bandana Burp Rag is a key item for obvious reasons. These classic bandana-printed rags are made of the softest, organic muslin cloth and are currently available in three colors.

The Luca is Father Figure’s go–to jersey T-shirt. It features a relaxed neckline, an infused, brushed cotton shoulder where a baby’s head can rest, and a twill loop on the lower left side to hold the burp rag or other toys. (Available in dark blue, light blue and white.)

The Booker, named after Andrew’s son, is the perfect denim shirt for both dad duty and a day out and about. The classic button-down is made of light, recycled denim, and features moleskin on the shoulder, cuff and inner arm – so your baby only comes in contact with softest spots. Like The Luca, The Booker also features a denim loop to keep the bandana burp rag close at hand.

What’s to come!
So, what’s on the horizon for Father Figure? Look out for more colors and variations on the simple, classic line. Bentley is also interested in expanding to designs inspired by the needs of parents of older kids (i.e., reinforced knees for crawling around with your toddler).

Online: www.fatherfigure.co

Do you have a favorite brand that caters to dads? Tell us about it in the comments!

— Liz Kleisner

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Step Up Your Milestone Photo Game With Lulujo

by Julie Seguss

You wish you had the energy, patience and creative talent to produce daily photos of your baby napping in whimsical dream set-ups. In reality, you’d be happy to have beautiful monthly snaps of your baby to share on Instagram and treasure for eternity. Lulujo just launched a must-have kit for amazing first year photos that takes milestone stickers one step further by adding a backdrop blanket. Keep reading to find out why it’s a winner.

Why You Need This

While milestone sticker and cards sets are great, they don’t necessarily produce fool proof photos. You still need to style the shot, whether you’re propping your baby up on a chair or using your own blanket. You’ll quickly realize if you don’t have a clean backdrop, your photos aren’t going to pop the way the ones you’re always pinning do.

Lulujo’s blanket and card sets make creating aesthetically amazing pics pretty easy. All you need to do is dress your babe in a cute outfit (or make it easy and stick to a patterned diaper), and get the whole blanket in the frame.

What You’ll Get

Lulujo has created three gorgeous designs to choose from, each featuring a muslin blanket that acts as your instant photo backdrop — the girly “Isn’t She Lovely,” the gender neutral black and white “Loved Beyond Measure,” and the more masculine “I Will Move Mountains.” Each set also includes 14 coordinating milestone cards that state Baby’s age from day 1 to year 1.

Beyond the First Year

The bonus? Long beyond the first year, your baby can use and cherish this special blanket. Whether it’s used for cuddling, playing on, swaddling or hung on the nursery wall as an art piece, this is one photo prop you won’t toss after Baby turns one.

Baby’s First Year Blanket & Cards Set available for pre-order at lulujo.com, $19.99 (shipping mid-Nov).

How do you make your monthly baby photos special? Share your tips in a comment.

–Julie Seguss

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The World’s Easiest Octopus Costume

by Erin Feher

If you’re wanting a DIY costume for your little goblin this Halloween, but when it comes to using the sewing machine it feels like you have eight arms (none of which know how to use a said sewing machine) then we have the perfect, unbelievably easy costume for you. Turn your tike into a spectacular sea creature by following these simple instructions.

What You’ll Need

  1. A onsie. Long-sleeves, short sleeves—it doesn’t matter.
  2. 4 pairs of knee socks. We went to the dollar store and found these spotted beauties—it’s like they were made to be tentacles! (And the whole purchase set us back less than $4)
  3. 4 Safety pins.
  4. Extra fabric for stuffing. Light weight fabric is best. We used muslin swaddling blankets and a few scarves.

How to Do It

Stuff 4 of the socks with fabric or other stuffing. Use the safety pins to attach 4 tentacles to the onsie, 2 to the front, 2 to the back. Slip the remaining 4 socks over their arms and legs and, poof! Octopus! If you are handy with the needle and thread, feel free to sew the tentacles on for a more sturdy costume.

Do you have any ideas for super easy Halloween costumes? Tell us in the comments below! 

–Erin Feher

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Party Hearty: Five Crafty Shops You Need to Know for a DIY Bash

by Allison Sutcliffe

There’s a time in every party planning parent’s life when inspiration strikes and the quest to design the coolest kiddo bash in town begins. If you’re left wondering what Martha would do in this situation, we’ll let you in on a secret, she’d hit up these amazingly crafty shops. They’ve got everything you need, from invites to goody bags, so you can throw one unforgettable event.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Packaging Specialties
PS Stores are a DIYer’s dream because they stock just about everything you can think of to assemble a party that won’t soon be rivaled. They make tying in colored themes easy with straws, cellophane packaging, organdy and muslin bags, as well as that cute baker’s twine everyone uses these days. They even have baking boxes and tins for everyday treats like cupcakes or colored M&Ms, right on through to custom boxes (think macarons and more!) for stand out assemblage. As for printables, the party planner in you will delight in the many flags, tags and labels that will add that special touch to your invites, goody bags or games. And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take it down a notch and grab one of their adorable ready-to-go boxes of invites. Finding matching elements for circus, pirate or ladybug themes is a cinch in this store. It’s easy to look like a pro when you’ve got the right stuff!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Packaging Specialties hosts classes a few times a month where those who are craft curious learn techniques that transform projects from amateur to amazing. The cost is usually around $25.

515 S. Michigan St.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-768-0540

15120 N.E. 24th St.
Building 18, Suite F
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-885-0264
Online: ps-stores.com

Paper Delights
This stylish Wallingford store is the party and card store you’ve been looking for your whole life, in that “had me at hello” kind of way. If you’re not already drooling when you walk through the door, you will be after leafing through the invite booklets and wandering the rows of irresistible cards that you must have. We love this shop because it’s one place you can create custom invites in small quantities without breaking the bank. Plan on about $1.75 per card, with a 20 card minimum (although you can fudge that and order less, you just have to pay $10 to do so) and voila, you’ve got an adorbs card for your cutie’s next bash, just 48 hours after it’s been approved. While you’re there you can also grab matching straws, baker’s twine, cupcake sleeves and paper globes to round out your party décor. Simple elegance is always in style!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

2205 N. 45th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-547-1002
Online: paperdelights.com

Paper Source
We love the knowledgeable staff at Paper Source, who can take all those awesome ideas you’ve pinned and show you how to make them by yourself. It’s the go-to store for the craftily inclined (but maybe not so crafty) who have more confidence in their inspired ideas than they do in their skill. It’s also a great one-stop-shop because everything you need to create the look you’re going for can be found in the store, right down to crafty favors, centerpieces or activities for the party. And if you want to be less do-it-yourself, and more do-it-for-me, please (and who can blame you if you do?), their pre-packaged invites and accessories are the way to go. Psst! We totally love their printable invites that couple with online templates, so you can customize the message and look, plus print everything at home. It’s the breathe-easy, DIY option for busy parents!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Throughout the year, Paper Source holds classes so you can up your craft ante from season to season. Check out their online schedule to see what’s next on deck. Classes are usually between $20-$35.

1908 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-284-2615

2606 N.E. 46th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-523-3683

610 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 100
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-646-0100
Online: papersource.com

Impress
Stamps as far as the eye can see, in every imaginable shape or size, is what party planners will find at either of Impress’s two locations. It’s a true stamper’s paradise, just waiting for your next party project. But beyond stamps, they’ve got amazing ideas that line the shelves, and staff who can help you bring a certain look to life, if you’ve got grand plans. Plus, they’ve got all the embellishments (think brads, buttons, sequins and ribbons), tools and stamp pads right there in the store, which is always appreciated by busy parents. And if you can’t find the exact stamp you’re looking for, you can make one that’s the perfect fit for your little one’s next bash (be sure to plan turnaround time into this one). DIY-ing here is one way to make an impression!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Mark your calendar for an upcoming class at Impress to level-up on your party prowess.

2621 N.E. Village Ln.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-526-5818

120 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-901-9101
Online: impresscardsandcrafts.com

The Red Balloon Company
If balloons are what you need to complete your party look, you gotta check out the Red Balloon Company on Capitol Hill. They do balloons the way Marshawn runs the ball, like a boss. They’ve got everything you need, from simple uninflated balloons on through to helium-filled balloon arches that really make a doorway pop (wink, wink). And did we mention they (can) deliver? Yes, please!

417 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-467-0318
Online: redballoon.com

Looking for original favors for goody bags? Or the perfect present to bring to the party? Be sure to check out our guide to unique stores for birthday gifts for some awesome ideas.

What’s your favorite place to pick up DIY party supplies? Share it with others in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

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