etsy find--Little Sapling Toys

It can be so difficult to find beautiful wooden toys that don't cost an arm and a leg. But the heirloom quality goods from Little Sapling Toys fit the bill. The toys are unfinished or waxed (no worries about the chemicals in paints or polyurethanes with these beauties) and the packing material is 100% recycled.

etsy find--bittychouchou

I cannot get over how absolutely adorable everything in bittychouchou's is. Right now the items are all failry feminine but she does custom work. I would love to see those boots with some cowboys and felt cacti decorations.

maestro mayhem

Little Man has always adored music but has recently become obsessed with it. He begs and pleads to have CDs playing all day long and pulls his favorites out of the cabinet. Sometimes he manages to pop them out of their cases and into the CD player. Fearing for my collection I purchased a few CD wallets and tossed out hundreds of jewel cases. So far, so good; the zipper foils little fingers and I freed up enough space to move the DVDs behind the glass doors. Now to tackle the toilet paper.

share the love

With just some construction paper and twist-up crayons Little Man and I were able to make these adorable Valentine's cards for friends and family. This was such an easy way to share his artwork with far-flung relatives. I let him draw all over 8 1/2 x 11 paper and then cut the sheets into quarters with decorative scissors. We found that pre-quartering the paper was a recipe for toddler frustration.

one potato, two potato...

I usually try to avoid plastic toys for Little Man but even I cannot deny the appeal of a true classic. Removable goofy body parts, a giant grin and endless possibilities for imaginative play. I am talking, of course, about the beloved Mr. Potato Head. He has come a long way since my childhood and now has scads of additional costumes. I am particularly keen on the Safari and Alien Spud kits.

splish splash

Western Chief Kids Frog Rainboot & Coat/Umbrella Set

My thoughts are turning longingly toward April showers. And with a little walker that means April mud puddles. I can't wait to slip Little Man into a pair of rain boots and watch him stomp around in the water. Mommy will be investing in a windproof travel umbrella small enough to fit in a purse or diaper bag.


Polliwalks Penguin Boot

Thumbelina Lives!

Tuesday on The Martha Stewart show Morgan Levine crafted these gorgeous crepe paper flowers. She uses double-sided paper, which is nearly impossible to find. Much easier is following the directions for double-sided crepe paper from D. Blumchen.

Wouldn't these make a fantastic addition to a Valentine's table or a child's birthday party?