DailyCandy Kids Chicago

Have a Relaxing Pregnancy

2012-02-13T09:45:00Z

Baby Blueprint Maternity Concierge

Pregnancy is a 40-week marathon. Before you reach the finish line, there’s gear to buy, a nursery to decorate, and epic bloating to contend with.

Stay cheerfully on course with the help of Baby Blueprint maternity concierge. The biz, run by two local moms, helps families prepare for the big day — everything from personal shopping to nursery design to mailing shower invites.

Count on them for registry consultation (they’ll meet you at the store and walk you through all the loot). Or have them on call throughout your whole pregnancy; they’ll put together a month-by-month checklist of vital things to do, from ordering that custom-built crib to taking CPR classes. Through it all, they’re there with the kind of moral support you’d expect from a friend.

Without any of the judgment.

For more information on Baby Blueprint, e-mail baby.blueprint@yahoo.com or go to babyblueprintchicago.com.

Photo: Miho Aikawa / Getty Images

BEND
Yoga for Kids
What: New classes for ages 5-10 use storytelling, role playing, and all-out silliness to explore yoga poses.
Why: A “meet-your-feet” session is a friendly intro to reflexology.
When: Every Tues., 4-5 p.m.
Where: Daystar Center, 1550 S. State St., b/t 15th & 16th Sts. (312-674-0001). $10 per class; $90 per ten-class pass.

PLAY
Building Blocks Toys Game Night
What: Learn and play new and classic family games, eat snacks, and win prizes.
Why: You’ll score 15-20 percent off all games.
When: Every Wed., 5-7 p.m.
Where: 2130 W. Division St., b/t Hoyne Ave. & Leavitt St. Reservations recommended to 773-235-1888. Admission is free.

SEE
Windy City Circus
What: Ooh and aah at aerial artists, clowns, jugglers, and more.
Why: This circus has purpose. A portion of the proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Special Olympics Chicago.
When: Fri.-Feb. 26.
Where: Navy Pier Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave., at Lake Shore Dr. Tickets at 312-803-0096 or online at windycitycircus.org. $17.50-$60.

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

Live Concerts for Little Rockers

2012-02-06T09:45:00Z

Where to Beat the Winter Blues

Your restless little sidekick is singing the winter blues. And it sure isn’t pretty.

Keep everyone upbeat by checking out the city’s best regular gigs for the tiniest of groupies.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Mr. Singer plays a rollicking show at Farm-in-the-Zoo every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 and 10 a.m. He makes learning animal sounds and the alphabet fun with original songs played on acoustic guitar. North Cannon Drive, at Fullerton Parkway (312-742-2000). Admission is free.

Beat Kitchen
The grown-up venue puts on training pants every Sunday at noon. Musicians change weekly: On February 12, Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies (his full band) swing through, and on February 18, folk-pop favorite Joanie Leeds takes the stage. 2100 West Belmont Street, at Hoyne Avenue (773-281-4444). Admission is $6.

Little Beans Cafe
Open play, dinner, and a live concert are on the bill once a month. After pizza and ice cream, musicians go to town in the corner of the playroom, where there is space for dancing. Joanie Leeds plays February 17; Laura Doherty plays March 9. 1809 West Webster Avenue, at North Wood Street (773-251-1025). Admission is $25-$55 per family.

Whole Foods Lincoln Park
Teachers from Bubbles Academy cycle through playful songs every Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. The toddler-friendly show includes lots of sing-alongs and silly hand motions. 1550 North Kingsbury Street, at Sheffield Avenue (312-587-0648). Admission is free.

Now beat it out of the house.

LOVE
Be My Valentine Family Event
What: Show affection with a brunch buffet, cookie decorating, a concert by Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, and a performance of Pinkalicious: the Musical.
Why: It benefits Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., at Michigan Ave. For tickets, call 312-926-7133 or email tlamar@nmh.org. Adults, $85; children, $55.

PLAY
Circus Zirkus
What: Kids make like acrobats and swing on a trapeze, dress up in costumes, and practice tumbling and balancing skills at the just-opened exhibit.
Why: It feels good to clown around.
When: Thru Aug. 12.
Where: Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., at the Navy Pier (312-527-1000). Admission, $12.

BOUNCE
Sweets & Treats Valentine’s Day Celebration
What: Go bananas on inflatable slides and in jump houses, then enjoy a pizza dinner.
Why: A drop-off option is available for ages 5-13, so you can have a date night.
When: Fri., 6-9 p.m.
Where: Pump It Up, 821 W. Eastman St., at Dayton St. (312-664-7867). Children, $15; adults, $5. Drop-off, $25. Tickets online at pumpitupparty.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Singer

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

No Sitter? Get Creative

2012-01-30T09:45:00Z

Sitters Studio Babysitting Service

A babysitter needs a certain level of maturity — a lesson learned when you found one writing love tweets to Taylor Lautner while your kids zoned out in front of Jersey Shore.

Avoid the whole when-the-cat’s-away scenario with Sitters Studio. The local babysitting agency (with another location in NYC) works with sitters who are not only worldly and wise, but have an artistic talent to share. Depending on your interests, the agency can hire out any type of creative brain: visual artists, musicians, dancers, singers, and actors, to name a few.

Sitters arrive with a tote full of activities. So instead of watching TV (the agency has a no-television policy), your eager beaver can hear a guitar serenade, paint a masterpiece, dance ballet, or direct a play.

The agency doesn’t place permanent nannies, but helps with date-night relief, hourly stints, and overnights — all with only two hours’ notice. Just enough time to plan your escape.

Sitters Studio (312-890-8194 or sittersstudio.com), $18 per hour and up.

LAUGH
The ComedySportz Crew Meets Peter Pan
What: Improv actors give J.M. Barrie’s classic a funny retelling that encourages imagination.
Why: Kids get involved as honorary Lost Boys.
When: Thru Mar. 3. Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: The ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont St., b/t Sheffield Ave. & Clark St. (773-549-8080). Adults, $10; kids, $7.

FROLIC
Polar Play Zone
What: Slip into a penguin suit and waddle around, shake hands with sea stars, and jump in a kid-size submarine.
Why: Arctic-themed fun without the frostbite.
When: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., at Roosevelt Rd. (312-939-2438). Included in Shedd Pass admission. Adults, $29; children, $20.

LEARN
Developmental Differences Resource Fair
What: Meet experts and get information about parenting children with neurological or physical disease, dysfunction, or delay at Neighborhood Parents Network’s first-ever event.
Why: Leep Forward’s Lorell Marin talks about setting your child up for success.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Gordon Tech College Prep, 3633 N. California Ave., at Addison St. Free.

Photo: Thinkstock

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

What Everyone Is Talking About

2012-01-23T09:45:00Z

The Chicago New Moms Group

You left the delivery room with one baby and 10,000 questions. (No. 1: Can I take a nap yet?)

Sit back, relax, and get some answers at The Chicago New Moms Group. The friendly support program welcomes freshly minted moms (of newborns through 6 months) for open conversation, encouragement, and Q&A. Social worker and postpartum doula Linda Szmulewitz leads weekly sessions that walk your small group through child-rearing basics and help with the emotional roller coaster.

Moms get started by sharing their birth stories and segue into hot topics like nurturing relationships, sleep, developmental milestones, work/life balance, and body image. Though Szmulewitz moderates and dishes her knowledge throughout the session, most of the time is spent sharing and learning from one another’s experiences.

That’s the best education you can get — without question.

The Chicago New Moms Group (773-340-2229 or chicagonewmomsgroup.com). The next session begins today at Congregation Rodfei Zedek, 5200 South Hyde Park Boulevard, between 53rd Street and East Hyde Park Boulevard. Another session begins February 22 in partnership with KickSprout at Family Grounds Cafe, 3652 North Lincoln Avenue, at West Patterson Avenue. Register online at chicagonewmomsgroup.com, $125 per six-week session.

SHOP
Little Threads Warehouse Sale
What: Score up to 80 percent off everything in the store. Dig through the $1 bin while you’re at it.
Why: Appaman coats, Coccoli sleepers, Zutano dresses, See Kai Run shoes, and many more.
When: Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 2033 W. Roscoe St., at Seeley Ave. (773-327-9310).

EXERCISE
On Your Mark Coaching and Training
What: The Bucktown studio just introduced a kids’ room, where trained child care providers play with your sidekick while trainers kick your butt.
Why: No excuses.
When: Mon., Tues. & Thurs., 9-11:30 a.m.; Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sat., 7-11 a.m.
Where: 1753 N. Damen Ave. (773-292-9330). Child care, $6 per child; ten-pack, $50; unlimited month, $65.

SAVE
Grow Floor Model Sale
What: First, the bad news — the Wicker Park store is shutting its doors. The good? All in-stock cribs, rockers, and strollers are up to 60 percent off.
Why: You don’t need floor models when you’re staying open online (more good news).
When: Thru Jan. 29.
Where: 1943 W. Division St., at N. Damen Ave. (773-489-0009).

Photo: JGI / Tom Grill / Getty Images

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

See Mommy Do Good

2012-01-16T09:45:00Z

More Than Milk Volunteer Group

You’d love to volunteer, but your helping hands are pretty tied up lately. (Hello, diaper changes.)

Reach out to your charitable side with More Than Milk. The new organization puts together volunteer events for busy moms to attend with baby in tow. Every two months, the group throws its efforts toward a different local nonprofit, ranging from cultural institutions to social service agencies.

Recently, moms donated and wrapped gifts for Sarah’s Inn, an advocacy agency for victims of domestic violence. This month and next, they throw support behind literacy-focused charity Open Books, hosting a read-a-thon on January 26 and a donation drive on February 8.

Just sign up online beforehand to participate, and get ready to give back and make new friends.

That definitely deserves a hand.

Learn more about More Than Milk and sign up for events online at morethanmilk.org or email info@morethanmilk.org.

SHOP
Odile Fall & Winter Sale
What: Score up to 70 percent off seasonal merch from La Stupenderia, Sarah Louise, Dal Lago, and more.
Why: You still have a long time to bundle your little bundle.
When: Thru Jan. 31.
Where: 710 N. Wabash St., at Huron St. (312-255-0800).

GLIDE
Soldier Field Sledding Hill
What: Snow-making machines keep this 33-foot drop white, fluffy, and totally fun all winter.
Why: Big thrills for cold days.
When: Thru the end of winter. Dawn-11 p.m.
Where: E. Waldron Dr., at Museum Campus Dr. (312-235-7000). Admission is free.

TONE
Reclaim Your Body Weekday Workout
What: Flex, stretch, and pump your way back to prebaby shape in a guide-led class organized by Bump Club and Beyond.
Why: Child care is available and lunch is included.
When: Thurs., 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Equinox, 1750 N. Clark St., at LaSalle Dr. Register online at bcbreclaimyourbodyjan.eventbrite.com. Child care, class, and lunch, $20; class and lunch only, $15.

Photo: Courtesy of More Than Milk

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

Rock Candy Salon + Spa Opens

2012-01-09T09:45:00Z

Relax Together in North Center

After your tenth trip down the inflatable slide, you vowed to seek out more relaxing mommy-and-me activities.

Put your feet up at Rock Candy Salon + Spa. The just-opened North Center haven pampers adults and kiddos alike with services you can indulge in together. Everything from pedicures and manicures to haircuts is done in a refreshingly sophisticated setting (read: not a toy-car chair in sight).

Using pedicure bowls sized for tiny feet, aestheticians rub the sillies out and create fun toenail art. For boys, there’s a deep-cleaning pedi complete with “green slime.” Haircuts and styles (anything from elegant braids to edgy spikes) are done with organic, good-for-you products.

If you’re feeling ambitious, ask them to throw your cutie a full-blown princess party. All you have to do is foot the bill. Talk about happily ever after.

Rock Candy Salon + Spa, 4141 North Lincoln Avenue, at Warner Avenue (773-883-3000 or rockcandysalonandspa.com).

JOIN
Lake View Play Group
What: Show cabin fever who’s boss with new friends, music, movement, art projects, and more.
Why: Chair massages ($1 per minute) put parents at ease.
When: Weekly, Wed. & Fri., 9:30-11 a.m. & 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Lake View Presbyterian Church, 716 W. Addison St., at Broadway St. To register, call 773-281-2655. Families, $5-$9 per session.

SEE
How to Survive a Fairy Tale
What: The world premiere play traces the adventures of a young boy on his madcap quest through a mysterious forest. Best for kiddos 5 and up.
Why: Fun with frogs, princesses, and gruff billy goats.
When: Thru Feb. 26.
Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., at Farwell Ave. Tickets at 773-761-4477 or online at web.ovationtix.com. Adults and children, $15.

HEAR
Little Miss Ann Band
What: Put on your dancy pants and rock out to family-friendly indie folk.
Why: Tucker them out for nap time.
When: Sun., noon.
Where: Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont St., at Hoyne Ave. (773-281-4444). Tickets online at ticketweb.com. Adults and children, $6.

Photo: Courtesy of Rock Candy Salon + Spa

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