DailyCandy Kids Los Angeles

Mommy and Me Braids

2012-02-13T09:45:00Z

A How To from Salon Bloom

By the time Miss Doll Face is cleaned, combed, and out the door, your hair-maintenance energy is depleted. Hello, greasy ponytail day four.

We asked our favorite stylist Kristi Marshall, co-owner of Salon Bloom in Claremont (the hike inland pays off in the form of high-style services without big city prices), to pick a style you’ll both want to rock.

Moms and doll faces, meet the braid band.

You’ll need:
A comb or brush
2 rubber bands
4 bobby pins
Hairspray

1. Part your daughter’s hair down the middle with comb or brush— a little loose and messy is a good thing.

2. Start braiding one side section, keeping your hands at a 90-degree angle to her head. Braid all the way to the end and tie with rubber band. Repeat on the other side.

3. Wrap one of the braids around her “headband” area and cross pin it (pin with one bobby pin, then crisscross another pin to lock it in place).

4. Wrap the other braid across, gently nuzzling against or overlapping the first braid, then cross pin in place.

5. Handle any little-girl fly-aways with a quick comb and set the braid band with a spritz of hairspray.

6. Repeat on your own mane.

Salon Bloom, 969 West Foothill Boulevard, between North Regis Avenue and North Mountain Avenue, Claremont (909-447-0250 or salonbloomclaremont.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Salon Bloom

DUNK
Harlem Globetrotters
What: The legendary team makes hoop dreams come true with playful tricks and athletic feats.
Why: Be a good sport.
When: Sun., noon & 5 p.m.
Where: Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., at W. 11th St., Downtown (213-742-7340 or ticketmaster.com). $20-$250.

REVEL
Mardi Gras at the Original Farmers Market
What: Bring the kids to make puppets, string beads, and dance to live Zydeco bands at this weekend-long festival.
Why: Don’t miss the mutti-gras costume pet parade Saturday at noon.
When: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St., at Fairfax Ave., West Patio, Fairfax District (323-933-9211). Admission is 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

Romper Rooms

2012-02-06T09:45:00Z

A Magic Forest and Pint Size Kids

Once upon a time your living room was easily reimagined into a barn, castle, or the wild, wild West. But lately your blanket forts are falling flat.

Meet two new play spaces that may give you the lift you need.

A Magic Forest
This Culver City storefront has been lovingly transformed into a mystical wooded forest. Spot fairies hiding in the magical hand-painted mural beneath a blanket of green branches. However, the real draw is the rustic wooden playhouse that seems transported straight from Middle-earth. 12512 West Washington Boulevard, between Neosho and Chase Avenues, Culver City (310-397-9400 or amagicforestculvercity.com). Children 1 and up, $8; babies 6-12 months and siblings, $5; babies under 6 months, free.

Pint Size Kids
An itsy-bitsy neighborhood powered by tiny tots, this petite play universe has a house, medical center, workshop, grocery store, and post office all lined up on a city street. Your mini-me travels by foot or car, stopping to get gas or shop. Need a break? He can wind down with a picnic in the grassy reading nook. 13323 Ventura Boulevard, between Dixie Canyon and Fulton Avenues, Sherman Oaks (310-339-7452 or pintsizekids.com). First child, $12; siblings, $10.

CRAFT
Create-a-Valentine at Brentwood Country Mart
What: Kiddos craft cards with the pros from Sugar Paper and make floral arrangements with Botany Flowers.
Why: Record the moment with a sweet snap from the on-site photo booth.
When: Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 225 26th St., at W. San Vicente Blvd. Info at 310-458-6682. Reservations for floral class (required) at 310-394-0358. Event admission is free.

DRUM
Black History Month Free Family Night
What: Feel the beat of an African drumming performance followed by a hands-on workshop.
Why: Free for the whole family.
When: Tues., 4-8 p.m.
Where: Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., at Seco St., Pasadena (626-449-9144).

SIP
Valentine’s Celebration
What: An afternoon of tea, crafts, and love stories at Orange County’s Bowers Museum.
Why: You gotta have art.
When: Sun. 1:30-3 p.m.
Where: 2002 N. Main St, at E. 20th St. (714-480-1520). Adults & kids, $6; under 2, free.

Photos: Denise Estes / Courtesy of A Magic Forest; Courtesy of Pint Size Kids

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

The Core Issue

2012-01-30T09:45:00Z

Babylates Workouts at The Studio (MDR)

There was a time when straps and harnesses meant you were in for a hot date. But now that you’ve signed up for nine months of navel-gazing, you’re in no mood to get tied up.

Unless it’s part of the Babylates (that’s Pilates for the prenatal and postpregnancy set) class from The Studio (MDR). Trainer Jessi Piha has perfected a core curriculum that takes the focus off lengthening abs (which can cause stress and tearing during pregnancy) and redirects it toward strengthening the body to ensure a smooth delivery and easy recovery.

In group classes or private instruction, you’ll learn the ropes of the Megaformer through exercises that safely tone arms, your core, and that ever-expanding booty. And since the arrival of your bundle shifts your center of gravity — both physically and emotionally — devoting an hour to yourself may be just what you need to get back in the mood.

Or at least back into your jeans.

Available at The Studio (MDR), 330 West Washington Boulevard, at Sanborn Avenue, Marina Del Ray (310-561-9814 or thestudiomdr.com). Group classes, $40; private instruction, $100.

DELVE
Summer Opportunities Fair
What: Investigate more than 100 local and international day camps, travel groups, and summer schools to make June, July, and August fly by.
Why: You’re already planning those care packages.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Westridge School, 324 Madeline Dr., at Orange Grove Blvd. (626-799-1153). Free.

LEARN
American Indian Culture Day for Families
What: Scavenger hunts, guided tours, storytelling, and music tell the tale of America’s first families.
Why: This land is their land.
When: Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Where: The Autry in Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, at Zoo Dr. (323-667-2000 ext. 252). Free with museum admission. Adults and teens, $10; children 3-12, $4; children under 3, free.

CREATE
Valentine’s CARds Workshop
What: Create auto-themed cards at this family workshop. Then stay and play with every manner of truck imaginable.
Why: It will drive them wild.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, at Fairfax Ave., 3rd flr. (323-930-2277). Adults, $10; children 5-12, $3; under 5, 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

Honesty Is the Best Policy

2012-01-23T09:45:00Z

The Honest Company Launches

We don’t usually traffic in celebrity moms. After all, they’re just like us. Changing diapers is changing diapers — no matter whom you are.

But The Honest Company, a new line of nontoxic family products from Jessica Alba, is a rising star worth talking about.

Born out of Alba’s own desires for her growing brood, the suite of Honest Co. products includes all-natural and sustainable bath, cleaning, and diapering solutions — with price points that put organic living within reach of most families.

Diapers and wipes are petroleum free and biodegradable, with a soft cloth feel and modern patterns. The plant-based skin care (bubble bath, body oil) is dermatologist tested, and the cleaning essentials (dish soap, laundry detergent) are chlorine free.

Sign up for a monthly subscription and end late-night drugstore runs for good. The Family Essentials Bundle arrives with all the basics — shampoo, lotion, healing balm, laundry detergent, and hand soap — while future deliveries are customizable based on your needs.

For every product you purchase, The Honest Company donates money to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that helps children and families in need.

And that’s honest to goodness.

Available online at honest.com. Diaper, bath, and household bundles, $36-$76 a month.

ENCHANT
Princess Story Time
What: Little ladies-in-waiting don their finest gowns to mingle with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Royal Court.
Why: Ask their majesties what it’s like to be a princess and any other royalty-related questions at the audience Q&A.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: Crowell Public Library, 1890 Huntington Dr., at West Dr., San Marino (626-300-0777). Walk-in registration required. Admission, free with library card.

FIGURE
Puzzlepalooza
What: Celebrate National Puzzle Day with puzzles of every size, shape, and skill level and prizes for the whole family.
Why: Get jiggy with jigsaws.
When: Sun., 12:30-5 p.m.
Where: Zimmer Children’s Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., b/t S. Sweetzer & S. La Jolla Aves., ste. 100, Mid-Wilshire (323-761-8984). Adults, $8; children, $5; under 2, free.

DIG
Dinofaire
What: Travel 65 million years into the past with real-life paleontologists, before making crafts, playing games, and having a dino-tastic day.
Why: The closest they’ll get to the land of the lost.
When: Sat., 1 & 2:15 p.m.; Sun., 11:45 a.m., 1 & 2:15 p.m.
Where: Star Eco Station, 10101 Jefferson Blvd., at Pearson St., Culver City (310-842-8060). Registration (recommended) online at events.r20.constantcontact.com. Adults, $15; children under 12, $12.

Photo: Courtesy of The Honest Company

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

A Hometown Honey

2012-01-16T09:45:00Z

Tamara Kaye-Honey for Nurseryworks Collection

Eastside hipsters, Westside beach bums, can’t we all just meet in Hollywood and get along?

Nurseryworks’s new Uptown collection, created by L.A. designer Tamara Kaye-Honey of House of Honey, channels a playful Hollywood Regency vibe that works whether your view is coastal or hilly.

High-contrast black and white lacquer finishes, all-wood construction, and oversize brass hardware read throwback, grown-up, and welcome to the world all at once. A detachable tray means the changer turns into a dresser, office storage, or dining room credenza once you’re done with diapers; the crib converts to a twin-size bed with storage drawers.

Or you could just have your people call Kaye-Honey’s people and let her design the whole nursery from scratch.

Rest assured, she’ll point you in the right direction.

Available at Petit Trésor, 634½ Robertson Boulevard, between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue (310-659-3970). For more information, go to nurseryworks.com. To schedule a private design consultation, go to houseofhoney.la. Uptown nursery collection, $1,200-$1,500.

WATCH
Stories and Songs with Hillary George
What: The beloved children’s librarian presents interactive stories, puppets, and songs on her ukulele.
Why: Book ’em.
When: Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Children’s Book World, 10580½ W. Pico Blvd., b/t Parnell & Prosser Aves., West L.A. (310-559-2665).

FLOAT
Kingdom Day Parade
What: Floats and marching bands celebrate the life and message of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Why: Celebrate the dream.
When: Today, 11 a.m.
Where: Parade route starts at Western Ave. & Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

EAT
Take a Bao Kids’ Menu
What: Executive chef Gavin Portsmouth combines French techniques with an array of Asian ingredients to create a bento-style menu kids will devour.
Why: Take home a set of wikki stix with every kids’ meal.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 11838 Ventura Blvd., at Carpenter Ave., Studio City (818-691-7223). Kids’ meals, $6.

Photo: Courtesy of Nurseryworks

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

CleanBeeBaby Car Seat & Stroller Cleaning Service

2012-01-09T09:45:00Z

Clean Up Your Mobile Mess

You could fill a cereal bowl with the Cheerios lurking in your car (but you shouldn’t).

If the ordeal of cleaning your mobile mess has taken a backseat, it’s time for an ecofriendly cleanse from CleanBeeBaby.

Founder Jennifer Beall created the convenient comes-to-you service to clean up “mold cocktails,” otherwise known as car seats and strollers. The process starts with a thorough vacuum, followed by a generous spritz of nontoxic cleaning product to break up deep stains. Scraping and scrubbing ensure no icky particles are left behind, and a final hot steam treatment kills germs and sanitizes not only the seats, but the base, straps, and clips. Bonus: Reinstallations are always completed by a certified child passenger safety technician.

Worried your goods look like a scene from Goldfish Hoarders? Relax, they’ve removed house paint from Bugaboos, cat pee from Double Bobs, and just about every combo of curdled milk and snack you can imagine.

So you can wash your hands of it.

To see schedules or make an appointment, go to cleanbeebaby.com, $20-$60.

SEE
Tag, You’re It Exhibition Opens
What: Curated by Amber Noland, this contemporary playground looks at modern art with a “child’s-eye view.”
Why: Giant dogs (“Your Dog,” by Yoshitomo Nara), fluffy cloud princesses (“Beatrice,” by Will Cotton), and gilded turntables (“Bhangra Remix,” by Jim Lambie) will have them seeing art in a whole new way.
When: Sat.-Mar. 25. Opening party, Sat., 4-8 p.m.
Where: Royal T Cafe, 8910 Washington Blvd., b/t Robertson & National Blvds. (310-559-6300).

HEAR
Joanie Leeds Concert
What: Rock and roar to zany, animal-themed tunes from her newest kids’ album, What a Zoo.
Why: Unleash your little party animal.
When: Sun., 11 a.m. 
Where: McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., at 31st St. (310-828-4497). Tickets online at mccabes.com. Adults and children, $8; under 2, free.

LEARN
Junior Biologist Program
What: Young Cousteaus (ages 7-12) study underwater friends through a behind-the-scenes tour, animal meet-and-greets, and structured activities.
Why: A little taste of the life aquatic.
When: Sat., 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, at W. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach. Call 562-951-1630 for reservations. Cost is $24.

Photo: Thinkstock

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