Beatle Mania

Well...after my trip to California I took another trip to Florida. In between that was a U2 show and on Sunday I got to see Sir Paul McCartney with my mom and sister. It was probably the best concert I've ever seen. My favorite moment was sitting on the brick wall right behind home plate at Wrigley Field with my feet in the dirt singing Hey Jude with thousands of adoring fans. Very cool. Since I've had only Beatles and Wings songs swirling around my head for days, I found it fitting to come across this charming Beatles party from 45wall Design. What a lucky three year old to get such a bash!

A trip to Wisconsin is up next so the blogging will be sparse. Again! Busy, busy summer.

The River Runs Through It

Love this piece by Albie Design on Etsy....and she's not even from Chicago. Kim has great prints in her Etsy shop and cute itty&bitty kids clothes on her website.

Kid Fun at the Adult Party

Over the weekend I read an interview with the famous design duo, Robert and Cortney Novogratz, in a special section of the Chicago Tribune. The article, Kids and Parties do mix, by Margaret Littman, gave several ideas for how to not only entertain the wee ones during those dreaded adult parties, but also how to involve them so they get an undertstanding of the responsibilities of being a host. Hours of tv and video games are unfortunately not included.  Have them make something, give them a job, rethink the kids' table, expand the menu and plan group activities all sound easy enough. I wonder if the Novogratz's really pull these ideas off with seven kids. Get a head start on your holiday game plan and read the article here.

Photos from Martha Stewart, Thanksgiving Tables for Kids

Custom Stamps

Turn your kids hand drawn characters, signature or skribbles into a custom stamp to have for years and years. Sarah from The Small Object created an entire set of custom stamps for her nephew.

Such a good idea for Christmas! Read here for instructions to order from the Stamp Connection.

Small Magazine

Yet another online mag, but this one's for the kiddos. And....it's almost too much.

Find Small Magazine here.

In closing, a few things spotted in the mag that I'd like for myself that I don't find completely inappropriate for adults:

One Day Princess Tiara, Mask Sweatshirt, Talc Fur Cardigan, Evangelione's Handmade (ok maybe a little inappropriate for adults).

Frida Frida Frida

via Party Perfect

I love this Frida party so much (self portraits!) I had to do some digging for more inspired treasures.

Framed Pop Art, JBAO; Hair Pin Set, Victorian Enchantment; Vintage Mexican Wedding Dress, Aida Coronado; Frida Onesie, Baby Wit; Postcard Set, A Fanciful Twist; Frida Children's Book, Amazon; Frida Novelty Pillow, Vintage Galeria.

Life is a Circus

1st Row}  Elephant Doll, Party Invitation, Embroidery Hoop
2nd Row} Circus Party, Book Illustration, Free Fonts
3rd Row} Growth Chart, Circus Printables, Mobile

Happy Birthday Baby Leo!

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Handy Bookshelves

(!!!) Perfect for little hands to reach up and grab their favorite bedtime story.

From Grace Happens

DIY Masterpiece

A great idea for pretty art on a budget. Inspired by Sally King Benedict, Sissy from Blue Hydrangea made this masterpiece with a little help from her art camp attendees. Perfect in her (beautiful) guest bathroom.

Found via Two Ellie

Hip Hip Hooray

Check out the new blog, Hip Hip Hooray, that's dedicated to children's birthday parties. With the likes of its editors (Suann Song, Amy Atlas, Jordan Ferney, Maria Cooke and Kate Headley), it's sure to be your one stop shop for party inspiration and DIY ideas.

Sugar & Spice

Last night, friend Michelle (and Mama-to-be) set up the sweetest surprise for us to find out whether she was having a boy or a girl. She made a whole batch of cupcakes and in the middle of 2 of them hid pink frosting. It was so exciting when her mom discovered it! Tears and little mini outfits and bows followed (Therese and I brought a girl present and a boy present - just to be safe).

Now we can happily dream of little girl's birthday parties for the next 4 months.

The cuteness is already out of control.

Photos:

The Red Thread Blog, The Sweetest Occasion, Twelve 22

Pom Love, Amelie's House, Sarah and Abraham

Party Perfect, Pip and Bean, Bakerella

Hanging Fun

Would this be acceptable in an adult's room?

From ohdeedoh via the boy and the boo

Abe's Peanut

A micro-magazine for kids, Abe's Peanut is "a series of four postcards featuring a narrative that unfolds in sequence, one part per week. The narrative is a combination of images and text, in the format of a traditional postcard." I love this idea for any imaginative kid who would treasure their own special mail each week. Read more here. Found on Daily Candy Kids.