You couldn’t fathom scrimping on a crib and just had to have the best bedding.

By the time you got to the walls, you were all out of rations.

If your nursery is in need of affordable art, check out The Doodle Store’s selection of creative canvases. Local graphic designers (and parents) David and Kelly Robinson’s online shop offers bold prints at prices that won’t break the bank (or what’s left of it).

Styles range from flowers to farm animals; there are bugs, boats, teacups, and toy cars to match any decor. Plus, each six-inch-by-six-inch canvas is only $20, so you can afford a complete series.

And that’s something very near and dear to your art.

The Doodle Store (404-343-1372 or thedoodlestore.com). DailyCandy Kids subscribers get 25 percent off with code dailycandy at checkout; valid through February 1.

BARK
Howl-o-Ween Fall Festival
What: Radio Disney, doggie and kiddie costume contests, trick-or-treating, and more.
Why: It’s a pup party.
When: Sat., 1-6 p.m.
Where: Central Park, Atlantic Station, 245 18th St., Midtown (404-876-2616).

HOWL
Scream on the Green
What: An outdoor, costumed, and candy-filled screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Why: Some things are spookier under the stars.
When: Sat., movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave., Downtown (404-222-7275).

SCRATCH
The 101 Dalmatians Musical
What: A pile of real pups brings the show to life.
Why: The perfect dog day afternoon.
When: Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Northwest Atlanta (770-916-2800).

Photo: Courtesy of The Doodle Store

If it were up to you, she’d be in head-to-toe baby Balenciaga. If it were up to her, she’d sport that faded top she decorated with paint, markers, and feathers.

Meet in the middle with Designers and Artisans, the cute, comfy, and socially responsible new line of girls’ clothing from local mom Karthika Audinet.

Try on one-of-a-kind block-print tees in colors sweet enough to eat, a wrap top with a geometric pattern influenced by ancient Indian textile techniques, and charming smocks made from recycled bags.

It’s all fair trade and handmade by artisans in India and Cambodia, using organic cotton, vegetable dyes, and reclaimed materials.

She’ll be all over it.

Available at Yiro, 1419 Wisconsin Avenue NW, between O and P Streets (202-333-0032); Yiro, 4823 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda (301-654-2412 or yirostores.com); Pink & Brown Boutique, 1212 King Street, Alexandria (703-684-1050 or pinkandbrownboutique.com).

HAUNT
Trick-or-Treat with the Boutiques
What: Go store to store and grab candy for kiddos and sweet discounts for grown-ups at spots like Red Barn Mercantile, The Shoe Hive, and Bellacara.
Why: Eat it up.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Old Town Boutique District, King St., b/t S. Union & S. St. Asaph Sts., Alexandria.

BOO
Ghost Ship Barry
What: Embark for chills and thrills as the crew leads you on a tour of the haunted exhibition ship at the Washington Navy Yard.
Why: Time to walk the plank.
When: Fri., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 6th St. SE, at M St. SE. For reservations, call 202-433-0280.

GHOUL
Halloween Costume Parade and Contest
What: Compete for the scariest, most original, and best costume after strutting your stuff on a walk through Columbia Heights.
Why: You’re dressed to thrill.
When: Sat., 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Trolley Park, 11th St., at Monroe St. NW.

Photo: Courtesy of Designers and Artisans

Discussing the birds and the bees with your kids is a nightmare. But it’s even worse when your own urges vanish. It’s a tough (and hardly talked-about) topic. We turned to sexologist and sexuality educator Logan Levkoff for some answers.

How do you deal when you get the six-week “go ahead” after giving birth but you’re not ready to give the green light?
“Go ahead” simply means that physically you can have sex. But your partner won’t (and can’t) hear it that way. Granted, it’s not his fault. He has no idea what it feels like to have a multipound entity emerge out of his penis. So it’s our job to school them.

Class is in session. Opening remarks?
Most of us want nothing to do with sex until long after six weeks. We’re exhausted, we may still be spotting, and we’re most likely terrified of the potential pain. Let him know where your anxiety comes from and come up with solutions together. Don’t have uncomfortable, partner-pacifying sex.

Let’s talk tatas. I feel like my partner and my baby are in a battle for my boobs.
Whether he likes it or not, if you choose to breastfeed, he loses. Breastfeeding can confuse some men — they begin to think that they aren’t “needed” by us or the kids. But they should think of this as an opportunity to experiment. While one erogenous zone may be off limits, there’s plenty of uncharted territory to explore. (Just remind him that going right for the groin isn’t a turn-on.)

After delivering a baby, sex “feels” different, right?
Having a baby is physically traumatic. If you’re anxious and you tense up, sex is going to suck. You won’t be well lubricated, you won’t be emotionally into it, and your partner will probably sense your hesitation.

Stellar. What can we do to improve between-the-sheets action?
Doctors recommend Kegel exercises. Using lubricant during sex is essential. And a little erotica to get you in the mood doesn’t hurt either.

But sometimes all you want to do after the kids go to bed is put on pajamas and watch Top Chef.
I understand the need to tune out the rest of the world, but that can last only for so long. Sometimes doing it first on your own makes it easier to tackle with someone else.

Wait, you don’t mean … ?
Yes. It gives you an opportunity to remember what pleasure feels like without the pressure of having another person there. After a while, you’ll realize that pleasure is possible again and that you want to experience it with your partner.

Then let nature take its course.

Dreading the sex talk with your kids? Order a copy of Third Base Ain’t What It Used to Be: What Your Kids Are Learning About Sex Today online at amazon.com or by e-mailing logan@loganlevkoff.com.

20% off Tiny Prints and Free Address Labels
Halloween costume, check. Thanksgiving plans, check. Holiday cards, uh-oh. No big deal with Tiny Prints. Get 20% off orders over $99 — and a free set of address labels. Enter DCKIDS09 at checkout; valid thru Oct. 29.

Little Bean Shop Launches
The new web outpost of Christine Visneau’s (Baby Bean Vintage and Small Magazine) Dallas shop is an impeccably edited collection of Clover New York and Mini Rotation, plus Visneau’s online design exclusives.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Music Is Awesome!
The first soundtrack from the hit kids’ show features fresh tracks from The Shins, Of Montreal, The Roots, and Biz Markie. If your family isn’t addicted to the show yet, give these songs a whirl. You will be.

Photos: Christopher Watson / Flickr; Courtesy of Tiny Prints; Courtesy of Little Bean; Courtesy of Filter US Recordings

All day long you deal with crabby, cranky, and grouchy. It’s no wonder you’re not horny, happy, or lovey when your muffin makes his move.

So we asked rocker and hands-on dad Rob Myers, of local funk band Fort Knox Five, for his musical picks to help grown-ups get in the mood.

“Spill the Wine,” by The Animals & Eric Burdon & War
(Getting tipsy is a good step.)

“Mustt Mustt,” by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
(You think you can. You think you can.)

“Genevieve,” by Cymande
(Ask for the royal treatment.)

“Wow and Flutter,” by Stereolab
(You might be getting butterflies.)

“Feel Flows,” by The Beach Boys
(You’re hitting your groove now.)

“Bus Stop,” by The Hollies
(The wheels on this bus are going ’round and ’round.)

“Maps,” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
(X marks the spot.)

“Omid (Hope),” by Thievery Corporation
(Keep it alive.)

“Officially/One X One,” by Lord Parks & Ray-I
(Going solo works, too.)

“Cariba,” by Wes Montgomery
(Let it all hang loose.)

“The Brazilian Hipster,” by Fort Knox Five
(So hot you might be cool again.)

“Tereza My Love,” by Antonio Carlos Jobim
(At this point, he can call you whatever he wants.)

Fort Knox Five’s new album, The New Gold Standard 2, will be available November 3, online at fortknoxrecordings.com or at your local record store.

Photo: Courtesy of Fort Knox Five

EAT
Big-Screen Cartoon Brunch Series
What: EatBar serves up classic kids’ shows and movies alongside homemade donuts, French toast, and crab cakes with biscuits.
Why: That’s all folks.
When: Thru Nov. 29. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.
Where: 2761 Washington Blvd., Arlington (703-778-9951).

SPOOK
Ghost and Graveyard Tours
What: Grown-up goblins and wee witches listen to ghost stories during a lantern-lit walk through historical Old Town.
Why: You ain’t afraid of no ghosts.
When: Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.
Where: Ramsay House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria (703-519-1749). For reservations, e-mail tours@alexcolonialtours.com.

TOUR
Patuxent Wildlife Festival
What: Get a look at the center and check out endangered birds on the one day the government facility opens to the public.
Why: Time to spread your wings.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel (301-497-5580).

The fearmongers love Halloween. The 1988 headline: Beware of razor blades in candy bars! In 2009: Excess candy consumption leads to a life of crime!

But what scares you every year is putting together an ensemble that will knock ’em dead.

We asked Where the Wild Things Are costume designer Casey Storm for tips on building a homemade costume box you can use year-round. So you’ll never have to be frightened again.

Get in Character
Don’t limit creativity. If they can imagine a character, it can be part of their repertoire. Begin with the basics — a monster, pirate, princess, scary animal, superhero — to build your costume confidence.

Make It a Family Affair
Boots from your closet work for pirates and superheroes (ditto old tights). Grandma’s fuzzy sweaters make an animal’s furry coat. Grandpa’s outdated specs with popped-out lenses say secret agent, Einstein, or Harry Potter. A vest from a three-piece suit is perfect for a cowboy, cowgirl, or genie. And load up on everyone’s hats. Because hats are cool.

Be Thrifty
Make it a date and hit garage sales with your wee ones for vintage fabrics and jewelry. Things that sparkle turn ordinary items (tees, pants, dresses) into something special.

Stay Close to Home
Old towels and bath sheets can be transformed into capes and cut into strips for armbands and headbands.

And remember, stuffed animals make the best sidekicks.

Where the Wild Things Are opens tomorrow. To find a theater near you, go to fandango.com.

25% off Lil’ Swanky
Get big savings on clothing for lil’ swankies — Lola & James, Kingsley, Little Ella, Okkies, Splendid Littles, and more. Enter code Dckids25; valid thru Oct. 29.

We’ve Got a Case of the Whyzz.com
Kid-friendly explanations to pressing questions, from “Why is grass green?” to “How come I can’t play with my food?” Plus, activities and experiments to reinforce the answers with more than “because I said so.”

Totsy.com Launches
You’re invited to the latest private sale site for kids and moms, where you’ll get 40-70 percent off lines like Kettler, My Vintage Baby, and Twirls & Twigs. Just click the I Have an Invitation Code button, enter DailyCandy in the code field, and fill out your info.

Photos: Matt Nettheim / Courtesy of Where the Wild Things Are; Courtesy of Lil’ Swanky; Courtesy of Whyzz.com; Courtesy of Totsy.com

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet.

But when it comes to charm, DevonRose is no garden-variety collection.

The line’s simple frocks and playful separates are perfect for piling on. Layer the denim dress, with delightful Japanese animal-print trim, with a scarf and leggings. Keep stems warm in denim leggings with lace ruffles that look sweet for any occasion.

Green sportster pants are tough to beat as a staple for the boys.

And when things heat up, the light fabrics transition nicely into spring.

Making each piece a perennial wardrobe addition.

Available at Little Bean, 5308 Junius Street (214-370-9111 or littlebeanshop.com); online at etsy.com.

FIND
The Perfect Pumpkin
What: Spend a day at the farm — catch a hay ride, feed the animals, and pick a pumpky from the patch.
Why: Squash a Saturday.
When: Thru Nov. 7. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Big Orange Pumpkin Farm, 5518 County Rd. 126, Celina (972-382-4995).

SCORE
A Free Meal
What: Kids eat free at Chipotle Mexican Grill with your purchase of a burrito, bowl, taco, or salad.
Why: Taste-test the new kids’ menu.
When: Sun. Hours vary by location.
Where: To find locations, go to chipotle.com.

SHOP
NPPDS Garage Sale
What: Gently used home decor, clothing, and piles of baby gear for a steal.
Why: Twice as nice.
When: Fri., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: NorthPark Presbyterian Day School, 9555 N. Central Expwy. (214-363-5457).

He can pick his nose (you’re so proud). And has started picking his friends (most of which make you proud).

But as soon as he starts picking his friends’ noses, it’s time to redirect that energy.

Trek out to Homestead Farm for a hayride that deposits everyone at the vast apple orchard and multiple pumpkin patches (15600 Sugarland Road, Poolesville; 301-977-3761).

They’ll learn to milk a cow, feed chickens, and take an old-fashioned wagon ride at the historic Oxon Hill Farm (6411 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill; 301-839-1176).

In addition to all the produce at Cox Farms, farmers-to-be can check out baby pigs, a cornfield adventure path, straw tunnels, and live bands (15621 Braddock Road, Centreville; 703-830-4121).

It’ll be hard to pick just one.

Photo: Courtesy of Homestead Farm

BITE
Dracula, A Family Musical
What: The Georgetown Theatre Company presents a spooky-fun show with original music.
Why: It won’t suck.
When: Thru Nov. 8. Sat. & Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Georgetown Park, 3222 M St. NW (703-271-7770).

SEE
Kids Euro Festival
What: More than 100 free performances for kids by kids.
Why: You can’t beat this exchange.
When: Thru Nov. 10. Schedule online at kidseurofestival.org.
Where: All across town.

HEAR (and SNACK)
Sundaes & Stories
What: Dive into ice cream and listen to local author Judith Viorst read from her classic, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Why: Benefits The Washington Home and Community Hospices.
When: Sun., 3-4:30 p.m.
Where: The Washington Home, 3720 Upton St. NW, b/t 37th St. & Wisconsin Ave. NW (202-895-9680).

They say the oral stage ends before preschool. Try telling that to your paci-addicted 3-year-old.

Why not offer up a Better Bottle instead? The latest from Petaluma-based CamelBak, this mini rendition of the popular adult version has no choking parts and can be used for water, juice, or milk. Durable, dishwasher safe, and entirely BPA and phalate free, the clever design vanquishes all seven of the deadly sippy cup sins (toxic, leak prone, ugly, smelly, fragile, boring, and difficult to clean).

The secret sauce here is in the cap, which is fitted with a button-activated pop-up silicone bite valve. To drink, Kiddo flips open the valve and chomps down lightly while sipping or sucking.

Chew on that.

Available at REI, 840 Brannan Street (415-934-1938 or rei.com). To see styles, go to camelbak.com.

Photo: Courtesy of CamelBak

LISTEN
Lit Crawl at Paxton Gate: Edward Gorey Story Hour
What: A free Litquake storytelling event featuring Edward Gorey shorts and readers Em Gift and Michele Menard.
Why: Book it.
When: Sat., 6-7 p.m.
Where: Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids, 766 Valencia St., b/t 18th & 19th Sts. (415-252-9990).

CELEBRATE
Fiesta on the Hill
What: An annual street fair boasting live music, a dunk tank, and friendly community vibe to benefit the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center.
Why: You’re taking it to the streets.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Cortland Ave., b/t Bennington & Gates Sts.

COOK
Book signing for The Trader Joe’s Companion: a Portable Cookbook
What: Wona Miniati, a local mom behind Cooking with All Things Trader Joe’s, dishes on her new take-to-the-store compendium of busy-mom gourmet recipes.
Why: They’re no flash in the pan.
When: Sat., 4 p.m.
Where: Borders Stonestown, 3251 20th Ave., Stonestown Galleria (415-759-2626).

A Saturday-night sitter. Grass-fed beef.

There are certain things you’re willing to pony up for no matter the cost.

A dress for your tiny dancer hasn’t cracked the top ten.

Cancel your Brazilian; Whitten Grey has launched online. The girls’ line uses organic fabrics to create timeless pieces with schoolgirl charm. This season’s collection includes a gray wool jumper, crisp white blouse with Peter Pan collar, and retro bamboo shift dresses.

And though spending $100 (or more) on a frock may be hard to justify, Project Little Grey Dress makes good use of every dime. With every purchase, Whitten Grey gives a dress to a girl in need. And you get to choose the color of the dress, the country of donation, and craft a brief note for the recipient.

Making it worth its weight in gold.

Available online at whittengrey.com.

Photo: Gretchen Easton Photography / Courtesy of Whitten Grey

25% off Hijkids Apparel
Get a crafty discount on tops, bottoms, and dresses from the likes of Saurette and Pink Chicken — includes all sale apparel items. Enter code SWEET25 at checkout; valid thru Oct. 15.

Read for the Record
Join Jumpstart and raise awareness for early childhood education. Sponsor a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a child in need and pledge to read with your littles tonight. You’ll help achieve Jumpstart’s goal of reaching one million kids.

MasonGray Furniture from Ducduc Creators
The team behind the modern nursery line launches a traditional collection with silhouettes rooted in the past. From cribs and changing tables to queen beds and armoires — it’s all manufactured in Connecticut, finished by hand, and designed to last.

Photos: Gretchen Easton / Courtesy of Whitten Grey; Courtesy of Hijkids; Courtesy of Jumpstart; Courtesy of MasonGray

Organic fabrics create timeless pieces with schoolgirl charm. And with every purchase Whitten Grey’s Project Little Grey Dress gives a dress to a girl in need.

Get the full story on Whitten Grey.

Like it or not, your little chatterbox has a lot to say, with “Noooo, I don’t want to” leading the charge.

If he’s gonna blab, might as well get him doing it in Spanish: Isabella & Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures is a new learning program started by two local moms.

Kids ages 12 months to 9 years get instruction in the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world through activities like Kahlo-influenced art projects, re-enacting a Cervantes story, and dressing up like a new-world explorer.

The school also hosts birthday parties, special events, and has partnerships with embassies and arts organizations.

It’s so much fun el niño will be speechless.

Isabella & Ferdinand, 5117 MacArthur Boulevard Northwest, between Dana Place and Arizona Avenue (202-364-4999 or isabellaandferdinand.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Isabella & Ferdinand Spanish Language Adventures

SPIN
Bike For The Heart
What: Ride bikes, race against circus clowns, and work out with Ringling Bros. acrobats at the family festival.
Why: Benefits Sister to Sister: The Women’s Heart Health Foundation.
When: Sun., 6 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Where: Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW @ 7th St.

MAKE
Alexandria Arts Safari
What: Get messy with a scavenger hunt in the art gallery; papier-mâché animals; and hands-on clay, painting, fiber art, and archaeological-themed projects.
Why: The search is over.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria (703-838-4565).

SEE
Ferdinand the Bull
What: A musical performance based on the classic book by Munro Leaf.
Why: If you don’t go, they’ll see red.
When: Thru Nov. 1.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda (301-280-1660). Tickets online at imaginationstage.org.