DailyCandy Kids London

Virtual Festivity

2009-11-19T09:30:00Z

Paperless Post Digital Holiday Cards

To: Santa@NorthPole.com
Subject: My Wish List

Dear Santa,

I wanted to send you my wish list by mail (FYI, I want a BB gun). But Dad’s trying to save money and be green. He’s even e-mailing our holiday cards through Paperless Post, a digital custom greeting card company.

Before you deliver my present (a BB gun), you’ve got to see these cards. I helped my parents design them. We uploaded a family photo (I got braces!) and picked fonts, colors, and virtual paper stock and embellishments. We provide the recipient list; Paperless Post e-mails the greetings whenever we want. Cool!

Hope you’re well,

Jimmy Stockings

P.S. Did I mention the BB gun?

To: Jimmy@Stockings.com
Subject: Re: My Wish List

Dear Jimmy,

I’m well as can be. Elves are hyper; sleigh’s polished; I’m freezing my tits off. I’ve heard of Paperless Post; they did Blitzen’s holiday cards within minutes, and an order of 300 cost less than $30.

Stay good,

Santa

P.S. You’ll shoot your eye out.

Available online at paperlesspost.com.

25% off Velvet & Tweed
Have a holly, jolly, and altogether dapper holiday with timeless special occasion threads. As a present to you, the company’s cutting prices site-wide (that includes sale items). Use code candy25; good thru Dec. 19.

Photos: Courtesy of Paperless Post; Courtesy of Velvet & Tweed

Tune Up

2009-11-17T09:30:00Z

Renee & Jeremy "C'mon" CD Launches

Beep beep! All aboard, munchkins!

This is your minivan entertainment director, Captain Noogie. We’ve got a packed carpool today, so fasten your safety harnesses, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

For your listening pleasure, we’ll be blasting Renee & Jeremy’s just-released C’mon. Even parents can’t get enough of the L.A. duo’s alterna-pop layered with guitar, drum machine, and joyful vocals.

Kicking things off: “Share,” a bubbly ode to giving. Go ahead and clap your hands. Get down with that singer-songwriter groove.

Now let’s slow things down with the dreamy “BFF.” Like a lullaby on a summer night, isn’t it? We’ll round our final bend with the all-out dance riot “Do Do Do Do.” That’s right. Feel it.

Is that finger snapping in row two? And air guitar?

Strum, baby, strum!

Available online at reneeandjeremy.com.

25% Off Bajo Toys at Oompa
Just how low can Bajo prices go? Stock up on natural wood playthings like old-fashioned push and pull toys, cars, and puzzles. Enter code DC2009 at checkout; good thru Nov. 19.

Photos: Courtesy of Renee & Jeremy; Courtesy of Oompa

Downward-Facing Sprogs

2009-11-16T09:30:00Z

Yogi Rascals Yoga Classes

You’ve marveled at your munchkin’s flexibility ever since he jammed all ten toes into his mouth with ease.

So it won’t be a stretch to enroll him in Yogi Rascals yoga classes. The 45-minute sessions (for kiddos ages 1 and up, with a parent) are structured around storytelling adventures, often about farms or zoos. It all provides the perfect segue into basic animal poses, from the cat to the cobra.

Other highly physical courses, including kickboxing, baby ballet and street dance, will get your child tuckered out for naptime.

That’s your moment of Zen.

Yogi Rascals, 87 Abingdon Road, basement flat, W8 6AW (07958 516023 or yogirascals.com).

MARVEL
Winter Wonderland Children’s Show
What: The afternoon of music, dance and fashion shows benefits Macmillan Cancer Support and CHASE hospice care for children.
Why: Sweet charity.
When: Sun., 3-6 p.m.
Where: Gibson Hall, 13 Bishopsgate, EC2N 3BA (020 7334 3983).

ATTEND
London Children’s Film Festival 
What: Everything from animated Japanese flicks to a British doc are reeled for the delight of children.
Why: You’re on a screen streak.
When: Sat.-Nov. 29. Schedule online at londonchildrenfilm.org.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk St., at Whitecross St. (020 7638 4141).

JIVE
BabyBop Dance Classes
What: Little feet (ages 2-4) catch the beat of rock ’n’ roll, Latin, disco, soul and more.
Why: Bop till you drop.
When: Mon.-Fri. Class times vary.
Where: Classes take place in Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Maide Vale and Chelsea. For details, call 07967 321504.

Photo: Courtesy of Yogi Rascals

Nest Friends

2009-11-12T09:30:00Z

Green Lullaby Dollhouse and Cradle

There’s a Barbie tea party in the hallway, Disney fairies hide in the dishwasher, and the living room looks like a Bratz convention.

It’s a doll’s world; you just live in it.

Miss Priss’s little friends get a place of their own with My Green Dollhouse and My Green Dollcradle from Green Lullaby. The new portable toys are made from ultralight recycled cardboard and can be assembled or broken down in a snap (Skipper road trip!).

The three-story dollhouse holds its own as a chic nursery decoration, with rooms adorned with retro illustrations of furniture, lamps, and the like. The cradle comes with a mini mattress and rocks any space with a modern floral design.

The only thing missing is more hours in the day to enjoy them.

Go figurine.

Available online at abesmarket.com. For more information, go to green-lullaby.com.

25% off Bajo Toys at Oompa
Just how low can Bajo prices go? Stock up on natural wood playthings like old-fashioned push and pull toys, cars, and puzzles. Enter code DC2009 at checkout; good thru Nov. 19.

Photos: Courtesy of Green Lullaby; Courtesy of Oompa

Steer Factor

2009-11-10T09:30:00Z

Early Rider Learner Bikes

You’d like to keep your munchkin swaddled in her car seat until college.

Sorry: You have to remove life’s training wheels someday. (Le sigh.)

Start slowly with an Early Rider learner bike, a Euro invention that just arrived stateside. The clever contraption turns traditional learning-to-ride philosophy on its head by teaching tykes to balance from day one.

The idea is simple: The lack of pedals forces kids to propel themselves with their feet. As their sense of stability develops, they’ll walk, scoot, then zoom.

Begin with Lite, a smaller model suitable for those 20 months and older, then graduate to the more robust Classic (ages 2 to 5) or Evolution (ages 3½ to 6) styles. When it comes time for an actual big kid’s bike, there’s no teary, knee-skinning transition.

So you get the brake you deserve.

Available online at tykerider.com. For more information, go to earlyrider.com.

25% off Anka Mini Furniture
Everyone’s got a seat at the high-quality birchwood table set that includes four chairs made for mini bottoms and one stool for an adult-size rear. Choose from natural, honey, or espresso finish. Enter code DCMini at checkout; valid thru Nov. 12.

Photos: Courtesy of Early Rider; Courtesy of Scandinavian Child

Bash Talk

2009-11-09T09:30:00Z

Sousette Party Organisers

Remember the good old birthdays, when Junior was happy to crumple wrapping paper and listen to you play kazoo?

Today he’ll settle for nothing less than pony rides and live performance by Iggle Piggle.

Throw him a bash he’ll remember with the help of Sousette party organisers. The energetic team is quick to come up with themes — you won’t lift a finger (yes, really). They can also handle the busy work, including sending bespoke invitations, booking venues, and creating awe-inspiring goodie bags.

The real icing on the cake? They’ll handle all the cleanup.

So you can just sit back and toot your horn.

Sousette (07907 523679 or sousette.com).

BITE
Buttercup Cake Shop Opens
What: The shop’s seasonal selection of cakes delights both young and old.
Why: Bake it or leave it.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Fenwick, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FN (020 8202 8200).

GASP
The Lord Mayor’s Show and Firework Display
What: Catch the three-mile-long parade featuring horses, bands, and an aircraft flyby.
Why: March to your own beat.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Show at Mansion House, Cannon St., EC4N 8BH. Fireworks shoot off from the banks of the Thames, b/t Waterloo & Blackfriars bridges.

Photo: Courtesy of Sousette

You've Got Mail

2009-11-05T09:30:00Z

Yummyfun Kooking Club Launches

Mention the USPS, and your kids will give you stares as blank as the envelopes gathering dust in your desk drawer.

Now imagine their wonder (holy smokes!) when an oversize envelope (Mom, check this out!) is delivered to the door by an actual postman (nice to meet you, sir!).

Sign up for the new Yummyfun Kooking Club and every month a special dossier will arrive in the mail with a bunch of wacky and wild concoctions for you and the kiddos to make together.

Our first batch included recipes for Fried Egg Eyes (a tasty breakfast) and Monster Mouth (an apple and yogurt snack), as well as a recipe box with dividers, a wooden mixing spoon, and a membership card (welcome to the Kook Club).

Once you’ve completed your mixing and shaking, you’re invited to e-mail pictures of your dishes to the Kooking Club online gallery.

No stamp required.

Sign up online at yummyfun.com.

25% off Anka Mini Furniture
Everyone’s got a seat at this high-quality birchwood table set with three chairs made for mini bottoms and one stool for an adult-size rear. Choose natural, honey, or espresso finish. Enter code DCMini at checkout; valid thru Nov. 12.

Eebee’s Mix & Mash: Adventures in the Kitchen for Baby & You
It’s never too early to start them in the kitchen. The new book/DVD combo features basic recipes for babes 6 months and up. Plus, helpful tips on engaging your little foodie and building a foundation for healthy eating.

Trying Funny Stuff DVD
The NYC-based kiddie band, The Jimmies, follows up its smash debut album, Make Your Own Someday, with a visual feast of music videos, karaoke sing-alongs, and a bonus live CD.

Photos: Courtesy of Yummyfun; Courtesy of Anka; Courtesy of Sterling; Courtesy of The Jimmies

Morning Glory

2009-11-02T09:30:00Z

Marcus Wareing's Porridge with Maple Bananas and Greek Yoghurt

Too lumpy, too sloppy, too sweet? Sure, the three little bears could teach you a thing or two about making the perfect bowl of porridge. But we think Michelin-starred chef (and dad of three) Marcus Wareing might have a better take on the breakfast classic.

Porridge with Maple Bananas and Greek Yoghurt
Serves four

Ingredients
50 g jumbo rolled oats
50 g porridge oats
½ tsp. table salt
ı tsp. ground cinnamon
250 ml semiskimmed or whole milk
250 ml water
ı tbsp. unsalted butter
2 very ripe bananas, each cut into 6 slices
8 tbsp. maple syrup
300 g thick Greek yoghurt, to serve

1. Place the oats, salt, cinnamon, milk and water in a medium-size saucepan over low to moderate heat. Stir regularly for 5 to ı0 minutes.

2. Heat the butter in a medium-size frying pan over high heat, add the banana slices and brown them slightly on each side.

3. Add maple syrup, then remove from heat.

4. When the oats are cooked and have soaked up most of the liquid, divide the porridge between four serving bowls.

5. Place three slices of banana and a large dollop of Greek yogurt on each.

6. Serve immediately.

Marcus Wareing’s new family-friendly cookbook, Nutmeg and Custard, is available online at amazon.co.uk or at your local bookstore.

SKATE
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
What: The rink opens for the season with a special space set aside for skating novices.
Why: Ice, ice baby.
When: Daily from Thurs.
Where: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd., SW7 5BD (08448 471576).

WATCH
Pinocchio
What: A new take on the classic children’s tale for the over 3s.
Why: Tell me sweet little lies.
When: Sat. & Sun., 2 & 4 p.m.
Where: The Colour House Children’s Theatre, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, SW19 2RD (020 8542 5511).

EXPLODE
Alexandra Palace Fireworks
What: North London’s much-loved spectacular with bands, fun fairs and seasonal snacks.
Why: You’re a little firecracker.
When: Sat., 4:30-11 p.m.
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (020 8365 4300).

Photo: Noel Murphy

Half Way There

2009-10-29T08:30:00Z

Half Dot Brooklyn Outerwear

Fall used to be your favorite season.

Now it’s just a reminder of the long, cold, wiping-someone-else’s-snot-with-your-mittens season that lies ahead.

One way to sugarcoat it: Half Dot Brooklyn.

The new collection of urban prepster jackets from New York-based designer Judy Lee was inspired by a childhood spent in school uniforms. Made from finely woven Italian wool plaids, Half Dot comes in three styles: a sports coat for little guys, a swing coat for petite ladies, and a cape that works for both.

The jackets are lined in cozy, organic cotton flannel and have generous hoods to throw up when that fateful chill rolls through.

You know, before it really blows.

Available online at halfdotbrooklyn.com.

25% off Kicky Pants at Oliebollen
Get an even bigger kick out of Kicky Pants dresses, coveralls, and footies. A super-soft blend of bamboo (ecofriendly) and Lycra (snaps back after washing) makes for comfy everyday togs. Enter code KICKY at checkout; good thru Nov. 5.

Swellbeing Daylight Savings Sleep Tips

The NYC-based parenting resource offers a simple strategy for beating the clock. And don’t miss upcoming webinars on toilet training, positive discipline, and smart sleeping habits.

Moody Mamas for Target
Maternity clothes rarely have curve appeal (good fit, better price). But Moody Mamas has lent its bump-hugging style to a collection of chiffon and jersey dresses, tops, and nursing jammies expectant mums can’t afford to miss.

Photos: Courtesy of Half Dot Brooklyn; Courtesy of Kicky Pants; Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Target

Straight from the Art

2009-10-26T14:00:00Z

The Doodle Store

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

Look into my Eyes

2009-10-26T08:30:00Z

Elle Dormer HypnoBirthing

You’ve spent nine months mulling over the small stuff — nursery colours, the benefits of an econappy and the font of your baby announcement cards.

The big stuff — how the heck am I going to get this little person out?! — you’ve put firmly to the back of your mind.

Elle Dormer helps bring it front and center. The Kennington-based HypnoBirthing specialist teaches you (and your birth partner) fool-proof relaxation techniques to help you deal with each stage of the birthing process. Plus, you’ll learn to embrace and trust your instincts.

Just like Mother Nature intended.

Elle Dormer HypnoBirthing (07739 728079 or elledormerhypnotherapy.co.uk).

SHOP
Stella McCartney for GapKids
What: Catwalk-inspired dresses and cool hoodies from a dream high street collaboration.
Why: Starstruck fashion.
When: Nov. 3.
Where: At Gap stores nationwide (0800 427789).

COOK
Creepy Cookery at The Kitchen of Parsons Green
What: Learn to make strawberry ghosts and pumpkin lanterns.
Why: It’s ghoulish good fun.
When: Fri., 9:30-10:30 a.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: The Kitchen of Parsons Green, 275 New King’s Rd., SW6 4RD (020 7736 8067).

LISTEN
Winnie the Pooh Storytelling
What: A reading of Pooh’s latest adventures by author David Benedictus.
Why: It’s a bear necessity.
When: Wed., 2 & 4 p.m.
Where: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER (08456 025694).

Photo: Gilberto Santa Rosa / Flickr

Get Your Motor Running

2009-10-22T08:30:00Z

Postpartum Sex Q&A with Sexologist Logan Levkoff

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

Just the Two of Us

2009-10-19T08:30:00Z

Romantic Getaways

Sharing your bed with a toddler is the closest you’ve come to a threesome. Enough said.

Our opinion: you need a weekend away.

Book a night in one of The Connaught’s (16 Carlos Place, W1K 2AL; 020 7950 5493) newly revamped suites. Flirt shamelessly over a martini in David Collins’s gorgeous bar or treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at Scott’s, just up the road.

Countryphile foodies really make out at the West Stoke House (West Stoke, Chichester, PO18 9BN; 01243 575226). Start off with dinner a deux at the Michelin-starred restaurant — the sumptuous beds and views of the rolling Sussex countryside will inspire the rest of your stay.

Or go farther afield to Cowley Manor (Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL; 01242 870900), where you can wallow in the glorious C.Side Spa and share a candlelit bath — perfect for letting sparks fly.

If you manage to stay awake.

Photo: Courtesy of The Connaught

SHOP
Ovale Baby Gift Store
What: A new boutique selling personalized blankets, gorgeous clothes, and cute toys for newborns.
Why: Power shower.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 35b Sloane St., SW1X 9LP (020 7235 5235).

SEE
Princess and the Pea
What: Hans Andersen’s classic tale played out with puppets and projections.
Why: The world’s a stage.
When: Thurs.-Nov. 1.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St., SE1 2HZ (020 7645 0560).

Where the Styled Things Are

2009-10-15T08:30:00Z

Costume Box Essentials

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

Stop and Smell the Roses

2009-10-12T15:00:00Z

DevonRose Clothing

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).

Sip, Sip, Hooray

2009-10-12T13:30:00Z

CamelBak Kids' Better Bottle

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).

The Colour of Your Life

2009-10-12T08:30:00Z

Lilly + Sid Baby Clothes

You swore you’d never let your firstborn play with garish plastic toys: your nursery would be filled with fluffy white rabbits and calming neutrals.

But once Junior was born your true colours came through.

Lilly + Sid will satisfy your newly unearthed penchant for primaries. There are sleep suits, tops and leggings in dazzling stars and stripes and chunky knitted blankets in happy, juicy hues. The company also makes plush bears, cats and rabbits in matching machine-washable fabrics, so you can clean away drool, spit-up or other unpleasantness in a snap.

What a bright idea.

Available at Fenwick, 63 New Bond Street, W1A 3BS (020 7629 9161).

Photo: Courtesy of Lilly + Sid

LISTEN
Mini Maestro Family Concerts
What: An afternoon of Beethoven with treasure hunts, quizzes and musical chairs for kids ages 4 and up.
Why: Hit the right note.
When: Sat., 4:30 p.m.
Where: St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ (020 7766 1100).

RELAX
Rosy Toes Pedicure & Rosé Tea at Brown’s Hotel
What: A rose-scented pedi, perfect for new mums or mums-to-be with profits donated to Breast Cancer Care.
Why: Flower power.
When: Thru Oct.
Where: Albemarle St., W1S 4BP (020 7493 6020).

VISIT
Sindy in the Sixties
What: A look back at Sindy’s ’60s heyday.
Why: Plastic fantastic.
When: Daily to Jan.
Where: V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Rd., E2 9PA (020 8983 5200).

Grey Matter

2009-10-08T08:30:00Z

Whitten Grey Online Shop Launches

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

Whitten Grey Fall 2009

2009-10-08T08:29:00Z

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.

Nui Born

2009-10-05T08:00:00Z

Nui Organics Clothing

Baa baa, black sheep,
have you any wool?
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Three bags full!
One for a sweater
and one for a vest,
and one for a cardigan
for Sunday best.

Baa baa, black sheep, has this wool a name?
Nui Organics, Nui Organics, I proclaim!
Merino spun pieces for an autumn chill,
cozy jackets and leggings that won’t pill.

Baa baa, black sheep, what about up top?
Scarves and beanies are the cream of the crop.
One for just the noggin, one wraps round the neck,
both keep them bundled and in check.

Available at Elias and Grace, 158 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, NW1 8XN (020 7449 0574 or eliasandgrace.com); online at nuiorganics.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Nui Organics

PLAY
Gambado Theatres for Theatres Party
What: A fun-filled children’s party for the under 5s in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Why: Sweet charity.
When: Wed., 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Gambado, Townmead Rd., Chelsea, SW6 2PY (020 7239 3069).

LISTEN
Naturalmat Story Time
What: Random House book readings with cookies, milk and prizes, too.
Why: You’re a literary genius.
When: Ongoing. Wed., 4 p.m.
Where: 99 Talbot Rd., Notting Hill, W11 2AT (020 7985 0474).

SHOP
Atelier de Courcelles
What: New kids’ boutique stocking Chloé, Escada, DKNY, and more.
Why: Dress to impress.
When: When her wardrobe looks bare.
Where: Westfield, Shepherds Bush, W12 7SL (020 8811 2332).