DailyCandy Kids Atlanta

We're Getting Carried Away

2012-02-13T09:45:00Z

Itzy Ritzy's Wrap & Roll

You know how to do the car seat tango: Pop it in, drive around, pop it out, lug, lug, lug.

To help you with those last painful steps, there’s Itzy Ritzy’s Wrap & Roll. The smart invention is a pad that wraps around an infant carrier handle to cushion your arm while you’re lifting the car seat. And it has another trick up its sleeve: It unrolls to become a play mat.

Made from soft cotton and minky, the machine-washable circle can be spread out for tummy time (it comes with a mirror and toy loops to keep littles occupied). In a pinch, you can also use it as a changing pad or blanket.

You have to love a product that does so many things — all without taking up a lick of space in your diaper bag. And that’s no song and dance.

Available at itzyritzy.com, $30.

Photo: Courtesy of Itzy Ritzy

EAT
Dinner and a Movie Night
What: Squeeze in some adult conversation while kiddos watch a flick and munch on organic eats from the children’s menu.
Why: You had us at free popcorn.
When: Every Wed., 5 p.m.
Where: Tavern 99, 128 E. Andrews Dr. (404-835-8311).

TWIRL
Snow White
What: Prince Charming and the evil queen make appearances in Atlanta Ballet’s family-friendly performance.
Why: The one-hour show holds Miss Antsy Pants rapt.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Northwest Atlanta (770-916-2800). Tickets online at ticketmaster.com. Adults and children, $10-$56.

LISTEN
Southern Order of Storytellers Storytelling Festival
What: Expert yarn spinners regale the audience with their tales.
Why: Kiddo fave Bill Harley headlines.
When: Fri. & Sat.
Where: Locations, schedule, and tickets online at southernorderofstorytellers.org. Adults and children, $5-$20.

A Slippery Slope

2012-02-09T09:45:00Z

Rent Snow Clothes Online

We don’t mean to make a mountain out of a bunny hill, but ski vacations with kids can get steep.

Before the whole thing heads downhill, check out Rent Snow Clothes, a new online shop that leases high-quality kids’ ski apparel for a fraction of what it would cost to buy.

Outfitting your kids from hats to socks runs $100 for eight days. Or fill in the gaps by ordering individual items a la carte. The jackets, ski bibs, base layers, mittens, and toppers are all by The North Face, so your kids won’t look mismatched (or neglected) on the slopes.

Rentals are in four- or eight-day increments, and the company ships to anywhere in the United States. When your vacay is over, drop the gear in the mail and send it back.

All the items are inspected and cleaned between skiers (a little birdie told us the wares are new this season), so you get the goods in peak condition.

Available online at rentsnowclothes.com, $5-$100, plus shipping.

Photo: Jan Greune / Look-foto / Getty Images

Prudent Baby's DIY Crayon Valentines

2012-02-07T07:00:00Z

We Heart Bloggers: DIY Valentines

2012-02-07T07:00:00Z

Bad Art Is History

2012-02-06T09:45:00Z

Master Kitz Art Kits

Mastered the art of the craft project lie you have, Jedi Mom (“Oh, I just love it!”). But sure what it is, you’re not.

If your youngling’s art is more messterpiece than masterpiece, introduce him to Master Kitz. Each box is packed with the necessary tools to teach littles to re-create pivotal works of art, such as Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” and Klimt’s “The Tree of Life.”

Stencils, stickers, acrylic paints, oil pastels, rollers — project materials are specifically chosen to reproduce the textures and techniques the masters used in their great works.

And for parents, there’s a discussion guide/history lesson to help turn a rainy afternoon activity into a teachable moment.

Ensuring that the force is with you.

Available online at kidzaw.com, $30.

PLAN AHEAD
Mad Tea Party
What: Arrive dressed in crazy costumes for make-and-take crafts, face painting, and dainty snacks.
Why: A little bird told us the Queen of Hearts may stop by.
When: Feb. 18, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. R.S.V.P. (by Sat.) to 770-427-2117 ext. 3058. Tickets, $35 per pair; $10 each additional person.

FLOAT
The Red Balloon
What: Théâtre du Rêve is back with its bilingual adaptation of the film and storybook, after its sold-out run.
Why: No French skills required. Oui, oui to that.
When: Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.
Where: 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. NE. Tickets online at theatredureve.com. Adults, $27; children, $16.

EXPLORE
Turtle Tours: Sandy Feeds His Feathered Friends
What: Munchkins (ages 2-5) and their parents take a free guided stroll through Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.
Why: Make and take avian-themed art projects.
When: Sat., 11 a.m. Arrive early to get a spot.
Where: 6075 Sandy Springs Cir. NE, Sandy Springs (404-851-9111).

Photo: Courtesy of Kidzaw

That Can-Do Spirit

2012-02-02T09:45:00Z

Armommy Homemade Accessories and DIYs

Moms who can, do. Moms who can’t, buy things that look like they do.

If you love the idea of homemade but lack the skills to make anything other than a bed, meet the moms of Armommy.

Mother-daughter duo Rae Friis and Jane Kelly started their brand after Rae called up Jane (her mommy) with an idea. She wanted a tank top to go under her shirts to help make breastfeeding in public a less revealing experience — and so the Empire Tank was born.

All of the company’s products have an equally charming, inventive, and whimsical feel. Our favorite is the Bumper, a small pillow you tie around door knobs to eliminate slammed doors and crushed fingers.

For those who want to DIY, a video series launches in April. The first classes will focus on home decorating and entertaining (think: fabric napkins, picnic blankets, and seat cushions). For those who can’t fathom using a needle and thread, the site is packed with customizable valentines for order and printables to download.

C’mon, even you can press print.

Available online at armommy.com, $4-$35.

Photo: lovestudiophoto.com / Courtesy of Armommy

19 New Books for Kids

2012-01-31T09:30:00Z

A Real Hamburger Helper

2012-01-30T09:45:00Z

Luca and Company's Little Helper FunPod

When it comes to cooking, you and your little are two peas in a pod.

A Little Helper FunPod, that is.

The genius contraption is a step up from your average stool and safer than standing on a chair. Just place the pod at the kitchen island or countertop edge — a good distance away from anything dangerous — and assign him kid-friendly kitchen tasks like mixing, stirring, or measuring. Four sturdy sides and an adjustable foot plate ensure that your sous chef is right in the heat of things but nowhere near the fire.

Your future Tyler Florence won’t even notice he’s on lockdown. The pod is designed to contain him, not the good times. And unlike other towers on the market, the modest footprint makes it a fit for small kitchens or apartment living.

We can hardly contain ourselves.

Available online at diapers.com, $190.

SIGN UP
Art a la Carte Workshops
What: Seasonal craft projects for mini Monets (ages 2-13); register for just one or a few.
Why: First up? Valentine’s, of course. March sessions will focus on shamrocks.
When: Book now for Feb. 10 & 11 and Mar. 9 & 10.
Where: The Art Station Big Shanty, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Rd., Kennesaw (770-514-5930). Registration (required) online at artstationcobb.org. Classes, $5 each.

INTERACT
Balance for Atlanta Moms Meet Up
What: Mingle with other mamas at free sessions hosted by chiropractor Dr. Caroline von Fluegge.
Why: Exactly what you need when you’re knee-deep in diapers.
When: Last Tues. of every month, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, 360 Pharr Rd., lower lvl. 101, ste. c. R.S.V.P. to 404-261-4848 or online at meetup.com.

WATCH
Seussical the Musical
What: Dr. Seuss’s tales of mischief and mayhem set to music.
Why: Consider it the who’s who of Whoville.
When: Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.
Where: Fabrefaction Theatre Company, 999 Brady Ave. (404-876-9468). Tickets online at fabrefaction.org. Adults, $18; children, $13.

Photo: Courtesy of Luca and Company

What's for Dinner: Baked Chicken with New Potatoes

2012-01-26T09:45:00Z

Kids Who Love to Cook Shares a Dinner Recipe

Gone are the days of fantasizing about a hot young dish firing it up in the kitchen. These days you’d settle for your kids taking on a dinnertime dish of their own.

Which is why the new web series Kids Who Love to Cook has inspired us to invite our littles to the kitchen counter. The videos showcase real kids (not actors) making real meals (no fancy editing or switcheroos). What you see is exactly what they made — all by themselves.

We asked Abby, a KWLTK contributor, why she loves to cook and found her answer to be as satisfying as her baked chicken.

There’s something about cooking for family or friends. You’re feeding the people you care about! And cooking relaxes me. It’s like therapy. I’m just minding my own business in the kitchen. No chatting, emailing, or texting. It’s my alone, quiet time.

Baked Chicken with New Potatoes, Carrots, and Caramelized Shallots
Serves four to six

Ingredients
8 pieces chicken (4 thighs and 4 drumsticks)
4 new potatoes, halved
4 young carrots
4 medium-large shallots, halved
2-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp. soy sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Put chicken, potatoes, carrots, and shallots in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce (if using); season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss everything in the baking dish and place in the oven.

4. After 20 minutes, turn the chicken pieces and scrape off the shallots clinging to the pan. Spoon juices and shallots over the chicken. Return dish to oven.

5. After another 20 minutes, check if chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Find more dinnertime inspiration online at kidswholovetocook.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Who Love to Cook

20 Wall-to-Wall Kids' Room Ideas

2012-01-24T09:44:00Z

Boy + Girl Clothing Launches

2012-01-23T09:45:00Z

Cracking the Code

Decoding kids is a full-time job. Was that an I-ate-a-cupcake-and-now-I’m-crashing meltdown or an I-feel-a-cold-coming-on-and-I’m-2-and-can’t-tell-you catastrophe?

Either way, we’re grateful for the simple things, like Boy + Girl, a new collection of understated clothing for — you guessed it — boys and girls. Founded by fashion industry vet Christine Chang (Nike, Ralph Lauren), it fills the gap left in the marketplace by, er, the Gap.

There’s no flash or dazzle, just straight-up, laid-back, wash-and-wear sweatshirts with raw edges; wide-neck striped tees; and muted pastel peasant tops constructed from silk/linen blends.

It’s easy does it with fleece sweatpants cut like chinos, ankle-zipper leggings, and cotton twirling skirts with wide, ruched waistbands. Lightweight square blankets in linen and cotton work overtime as scarves for mom and dad — and that’s as complicated as the collection gets.

Problem solved.

Available online at shopboyandgirl.com, $32-$98.

GIGGLE
Uncle Grampa’s Super Enjoyable Story Castle
What: Jellybean the Sarcastic Unicorn and his silly friends star in an interactive show that changes every time (ages 2-8).
Why: Jokes from your junior comedian are more than welcome.
When: Thru Mar. 24. Sat., 11:30 a.m.
Where: Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, 280 Elizabeth St. NE, ste. c101, entrance on Lake Ave. NE, Inman Park (404-523-3141 ext. 201). Tickets online at dadsgarage.com. Adults, $6 in advance/$8 at the door; children, $4 in advance/$6 at the door; under 2, free.

SWEETEN UP
Morning o’ Maple Sugaring
What: Learn how sap is collected from trees, and then take a taste test.
Why: Move over, Mrs. Butterworth.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody (770-394-3322). Pre-register (required) online at dunwoodynature.org. Adults and children, $6.

SLITHER
Repticon
What: Visit the Reptile Wrangler’s hands-on demo to meet spiders, snakes, and turtles up close.
Why: The only downside? He’ll want a python instead of a puppy.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville (770-963-6522). Tickets online at repticon.com. Adults and teens, $10-$12; children, $5; under 5, free.

Photo: Courtesy of Boy + Girl

A Preconcert Warm Up

2012-01-19T09:45:00Z

The Fresh Beat Band's Playlist

We’ve been stalking Nick Jr. for months, sending anonymous emails to the network begging Kiki, Marina, Twist, and Shout to take the show on the road (our kids kept asking).

So we’re not going to try to hide how excited we are about The Fresh Beat Band going on tour. (Yes, we may have let out a whoop in the grocery store when we found out. No, our children weren’t present.)

And when the foursome agreed to share their personal preconcert iPod playlists with us, it was a great day.

“Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” by Stevie Wonder
Who’s listening: Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer)

“Dancing Machine,” by Jackson 5
Who’s listening: Marina (Tara Perry)

“Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” by Al Green
Who’s listening: Twist (Jon Beavers)

“Smooth Criminal,” by Michael Jackson
Who’s listening: Shout (Thomas Hobson)

“Get Rhythm,” by Johnny Cash
Who’s listening: Marina

“Start Me Up,” by The Rolling Stones
Who’s listening: Twist

Plus, on January 31, the Beats are releasing a twenty-track album with music from the show, including “Just like a Rockstar,” “Get Up and Go Go,” and “A Friend like You.”

No need to thank us for sharing the news. After all, friends give friends a hand.

To find out if The Fresh Beat Band is coming to your town, go to freshbeatbandlive.com. Tickets, $15-$119.50.

Photo: Randee St. Nicholas / Courtesy of Nickelodeon

17 Toys for Small Playrooms

2012-01-17T09:15:00Z

An Apple for the Babysitter

2012-01-16T09:45:00Z

iBaby Video Monitor for iPhones and iPads

Big brother is watching. So is the babysitter on her iPad, dad on his iPhone, and mom on her office computer.

As many as four people at once can keep an eye on your prize with the iBaby Monitor — the only mobile video monitor with two-way audio that we have spied on the market.

High-tech doesn’t mean complicated. Just download the app to your iPhone, iPad, or computer; plug the monitor into your network to register; and install the camera in the room. Our favorite perk is that you can control the camera lens with just a swipe of your finger. So if your little Houdini disappears from view, drag your finger across the screen to find him.

Alerts are issued when baby lets out a cry or makes a move. Two-way audio capabilities let you give a comforting “shhhh” from anywhere you have a connection. Plus, infrared night vision allows you to spy on baby in the middle of the night. You can even take pictures of tushy-up sleeping using your device’s camera.

Little sister will appreciate the memento down the road.

Available online at store.apple.com, $200. For more information, go to ibabylabs.com.

EXPLORE
Three Kings Day
What: Experience the Hispanic festival, Día de Reyes, through storytelling and live music.
Why: Free snacks? Sounds good in any language.
When: Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Where: Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Buckhead. To register (required), call 404-814-4000. Admission is free.

TWIRL
The Rink at Park Tavern
What: Treat your snowflake to a session on the ice.
Why: The heated tent and hot chocolate both deserve first place.
When: Thru Feb. 14. Mon.-Fri., 4:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Where: 500 10th St. NE (404-249-0001). Tickets online at xorbia.com. Adults and children, $15.

CELEBRATE
Chinese New Year
What: Learn about the holiday and march in the parade (ages 8 and under).
Why: Tiny revelers make dragons to take home.
When: Sat., 1 p.m.
Where: Imagine It the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Downtown (404-659-5437). Adults and children, $12.75; under 2, free.

Photo: Courtesy of iBaby

4moms Origami Power-Folding Stroller Launches

2012-01-12T09:45:00Z

It's Ready to Roll

We’re all charged up around here. Why? The stroller from Tomorrowland has arrived. And it’s out of this world.

The inventive team at 4moms teased us with the Origami stroller for months; the futuristic ride is finally ready to roll. Believe the hype, people. It power-folds with just one touch of a button by way of a built-in generator that charges while you walk. Yes, we said power-folds, as in you don’t have to do anything but watch.

An LCD screen serves as command central, tracking how far you’ve gone and indicating battery power. Sensors in the seat ensure it will never close while baby’s on board, daytime running lights keep you in other people’s sights, and four cup holders mean two parental lattes and two sippies are welcome to ride.

But our favorite add-on is the USB port and cable that lets you charge your phone.

Beam us up, Scotty.

Available online at shop4moms.com, $850; handle bar bag and phone charger, $40. For more information, go to 4moms.com.

Photo: Courtesy of 4moms

4 New Web Shops We Love

2012-01-10T09:45:00Z

Thumbeline, Shop Belle, Little Choux, and Darling Clementine

Four new shops to help feed your Pinterest habit. New board: cutest things for kids.

Thumbeline
This Cali-based clothing boutique is our curatorial dream. Sophisticated design, quirky details, and boatloads of personality pop from every page. Load up on hard-to-find European lines (Bangbang Copenhagen, Mini Rodini, Le Toit de la Lune) without the spendy shipping fees.

Shop Belle
A mix of classic good looks and on-trend finds from designers like Velvet & Tweed, Anais & I, Tom & Drew, and Blu Pony Vintage. Owner Maria Nagy promises small boutique attention with big store perks (flat-rate shipping, free gift wrap, free returns).

Little Choux
A collection of indie and lesser-known designers of home decor, toys, and wearable accessories for kids (everything from towels to headbands). It’s like the love child of Etsy and your favorite neighborhood boutique. In other words, it’s got a lot of heart.

Darling Clementine
The Brooklyn-based shop feels like the best-of recommendations you get from a close friend. Tightly curated selections mean there aren’t five sleep sacks to choose from, just owner (and mom) Lindsay Meyer-Harley’s favorites.


	Shop the stores! Check out our editor favorites at all four shops.

Photo: Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

4 New Kids' Shops We Love

2012-01-10T07:00:00Z

Roll It Up. There's a New Snack in Town

2012-01-09T09:45:00Z

Little Duck Organics Tiny Fruits

Here’s the deal, fruit roll-up.

We’re onto you and your pals, preservatives and additives. They’re bad news. Plus they’re hard to spell and even harder to pronounce.

Little Duck Organics Tiny Fruits, on the other hand, have ingredients that read like a worksheet for first-graders: organic freeze-dried apples, organic freeze-dried blueberries, organic freeze-dried strawberries. Get the picture? Nothing but familiar good stuff in bite-size pieces.

We’re not partial to hydrogenated anything. The only syrup we want is from a maple tree. So make room in the snack drawer.

And do us a favor. Mind your own beeswax.

Available online at diapers.com, $4. For more information, go to littleduckorganics.com.

STROLL
Night Hike
What: Learn about the starry sky on the naturalist-led walk and then warm up around the campfire.
Why: Did somebody say s’mores?
When: Sat., 7-9 p.m.
Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell (770-992-2055). Adults and children, $10.

GLIDE
Centennial Olympic Park Ice Skating Rink
What: Take a few laps around to chase away winter blues.
Why: You’re pretty sure her spins are gold medal worthy.
When: Thru Jan. 29. Mon.-Fri., 4:30-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 265 Park Ave. W. NW, Downtown (404-223-4412). Adults and children, $7; skate rental, $2.

CROON
Annie
What: The redheaded orphan sings and dances her way into your heart.
Why: You still know every word to “Tomorrow.”
When: Sat.-Jan. 22.
Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. NE (404-881-2100). Tickets online at ticketmaster.com. Adults and children, $25-$65.

Photo: Courtesy of Little Duck Organics

Mix-and-Match Nursery Design

2012-01-05T09:45:00Z

My Tiny Nest's Design in a Box Service

A nursery is the tabula rasa of interior design: four blank walls; nothing but possibility.

But the combination of white space and raging hormones leaves you seeing Disney princesses.

My Tiny Nest’s e-design service for expectant moms will set your vision straight.

The custom Design in a Box offering starts with an extensive questionnaire that gathers your likes and dislikes, budget, and essential room information. Next, designer Alessia Corpino and architect Julie Frank assemble a tool kit of around 100 four-by-six note cards that feature color images of everything from rugs and cribs to wall art and lighting — all of which could work together in your nursery.

On the back of each card they include product name, specs, price, purchase information, plus notes they’ve written during their research. Essentially they’ve done the busy work, so all you have to do is mix and match to create your dream.

Admittedly, services like this aren’t new, but the presentation and selection of products in our box had us at hello.

Because when it comes to baby’s room, it’s nurture over nature.

Available online at mytinynest.com, $750.

Photo: Niki Dankner for DailyCandy


	Need design inspiration? We’ve picked more than 60 cribs, rockers, bedding, and more to spruce up any nursery.

Get into a Sample Size

2012-01-03T09:45:00Z

Bluum Product Samples for Mom and Baby

You never met a resolution you could keep for more than a day. (Ahem, we can smell your coffee breath from here.)

We’re turning over our promise to try something new to Bluum, a subscription service that sends monthly packages of sample-size goodies for expectant and new moms (and their offspring) right to your home.

The most recent box was packed with testers from Plum Organics baby food, Dr. Sears baby wash and shampoo, Spiffies cleaning and teething tooth wipes, Dapple all-natural bottle and dish soap, and Wysi Wipes reusable cleaning wipes.

Haven’t heard of some of the brands? That’s the point. Trial-size products give you just enough to get familiar with the goods. Want more? Of course, you do. So log on to the Bluum website to buy full-size items (shipping is always free). While you’re there, write reviews of the products you tried and earn credits toward future purchases.

No willpower required.

Available online at bluum.com, from $9 a month.

Photo: Courtesy of Bluum