DailyCandy Kids Boston

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

CREATE
Family Day: Color
What: Listen to stories, make a collage, and search for hues throughout the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.
Why: Daub on watercolors to brighten the midwinter day.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 51 Sandy Pond Rd., Lincoln (781-259-8355). Adults and teens, $10-$14; children, free.

WATCH
Cinderella
What: Tanglewood Marionettes decks its puppets out in ornate costumes for the classic show.
Why: Prepare for unexpected plot twists (Hint: There’s no pumpkin to give her a lift.)
When: Sun., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Newton Cultural Center, 225 Nevada St., Newtonville (617-527-8283). Tickets at 617-796-1540 or newtoncommunitypride.org. Adults and children, $8 in advance/$10 at the door.

LOOK
Picture This: 90 Years of Storybook Art
What: Whimsical illustrations shown alongside the playthings that inspired them.
Why: Raggedy Ann and other familiar faces.
When: Thru May 6.
Where: Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., Wenham (978-468-2377). Adults, $7.50; children, $5.50; under 1, free.

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.

SHOP
Magic Beans Boston
What: Sure, four outposts are sprinkled around town, but the shop finally opens a location close to home.
Why: Easier access to its award-winning selection of toys, furniture, and gear.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Prudential Center, 776 Boylston St. (617-383-8296).

EAT
Family-Style Dinner
What: Tuck into the three-course meal while tykes watch a movie and make Valentine-themed crafts with Samara Lamm of The Kid’s Place 4 Fun.
Why: The chef whips up seasonal purees for the littlest cupids.
When: Fri., 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Aura, 1 Seaport Ln., Seaport District. Reservations (recommended) to 617-385-4300 or online at opentable.com.

PLAY
PEM Pals
What: Stop by the Peabody Essex Museum for stories and easy art projects.
Why: The book Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? is this week’s wintry twist.
When: Thru Feb. 29. Wed., 10:30 a.m.
What: 161 Essex St., Salem, meet at information desk (978-745-9500). Adults, $15; 16 and under and Salem residents, free.

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.

GLIDE
The Rink at The Charles Hotel
What: Teach your snowflake a few tricks or sign her up for lessons.
Why: You’re convinced her spins are gold medal worthy.
When: Thru Mar. 17. Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 1 Bennett St., Cambridge (617-864-1200). Adults, $5; children, $3; skate rental, adults, $5; children, $3; lessons, $15-$35.

HOOT
Broadmoor Owl Festival
What: Learn facts about local species and meet the birds face to face.
Why: Search for them way up in the branches during the guided stroll.
When: Sat., 3-5:30 p.m.
Where: Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick (508-655-2296). Reservations (required) online at massaudubon.org. Adults, $12-$18; children, $8-$10.

WATCH
Twists on Old Tails Winter Festival
What: Young performers act out Once upon a Mattress, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Into the Woods.
Why: There’s not a drama queen in the bunch.
When: Wed.-Feb. 12. Schedule online at stonehamtheatre.org.
Where: Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. Tickets at 781-279-2200 or online at boxoffice.printtixusa.com. Adults, $10 thru Feb. 1, $15 after Feb. 1; children, $10.

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.

ROAR
Year of the Dragon Chinese New Year Celebration
What: Feast on dim sum, make crafts, and don’t miss the lion dance.
Why: Practice a few hi-yahs at the kung fu demo.
When: Sun., 4-7 p.m.
Where: China Blossom Restaurant & Lounge, 946 Osgood St., North Andover (978-682-2242). For reservations (required), call 978-470-2293 or email richsoohoo@aol.com. Adults and children 12 and up, $25; under 11, $15; under 5, $9.

CRUNCH
Man = Carrot Circus
What: Outfitted with papier-mache masks, Bread and Puppet Theater puts on a family-friendly show.
Why: The famed troupe sneaks in just the right amount of satire.
When: Sat. & Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: Cyclorama at the BCA, 539 Tremont St., South End (617-426-5000). Tickets online at web.ovationtix.com. Adults, $12; students, $6; under 3, free.

THAW OUT
Winter Fun Day
What: Kick the cold-weather blues to the curb with a snow sculpture contest and indoor and outdoor activities.
Why: Forget there’s still weeks ’til spring.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S. Great Rd., Lincoln (781-259-2200). Adults and teens, $7; children, $5; under 2, 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.

SHAZAM
Magic Month
What: Performers amaze the audience with a floating table, slapstick, and disappearing acts.
Why: You’ll be equally entertained (and that’s quite a trick).
When: Thru Jan. 28. Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. Tickets at 781-646-4849 or online at regenttheatre.com. Adults, $10; children, $8.

COMMEMORATE
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
What: Listen to a story about the activist and make friendship bracelets.
Why: School may be out, but you can still squeeze in a little learning.
When: Today, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; story time, 10 a.m.
Where: The Discovery Museums, Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton (978-264-4200). Adults and children, $10.50; under 1, free.

VROOM
Create a Car
What: Check out The Power to Play: from Trash to Treasure exhibit, and then turn repurposed materials into an automobile.
Why: Relax, you’ve got a few years before he asks to borrow the keys.
When: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South St., Providence (401-273-5437). Adults and children, $8.50; under 1, 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.

WATCH
The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Lion and the Mouse
What: The Pumpernickel Puppets brings two classics to life (ages 3 and up).
Why: The snaggletooth troll steals the show.
When: Sat. & Sun., 1 & 3 p.m. (Also Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.)
Where: Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Tickets at 617-731-6400 or online at puppetshowplace.org. Adults and children, $10.

ROAR
Toddler Tales
What: Drop by the Buttonwood Park Zoo for story time and snacks (ages 3-5).
Why: Shake off the postholiday blues.
When: Ongoing. Thurs., 10:30 a.m.
Where: 425 Hawthorn St., New Bedford (508-991-6178). Zoo admission: adults, $6; children, $3; under 3, free.

CREATE
Materials Play in the Morning
What: Let him get messy during the changing lineup of craft projects each week.
Why: Your petite Picasso jumps at any chance to wear his smock.
When: Thru Feb. 24. Fri., 10 a.m.
Where: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W. Bay Rd., Amherst (413-658-1100). Museum admission: adults, $9; children, $6.

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