Help! I need last-minute ideas for a six-month-old baby's Halloween costume and I don't have the time to do anything crazy. The truth is, most little babies aren't ready to wear full costumes, masks and complicated accessories, or even m…
This is the time of the year when the anticipation of holiday craziness, my kids' frenetic schedule, and the darker, drearier day conspire to really bum us all out. On these days we really need a big dose of lovely to touch us and make u…
As a homeschooling mom, my kids know that I'm often trying to sneak learning moments into our day . Unfortunately, they are now old enough to resist my attempts to shove some factoids down their throats; often they aren't trying to be me…
After watching a few seasons of Top Chef , I now know what an amuse bouche is: a bite-size appetizer that is supposed to give you an idea of the chef's approach--and hopefully make you hungry for more. And though Lucky Diaz's 15 minute d…
Shopping is not really our first line of defense against breast cancer. But even so, we're proud to support some of the companies, big and small, that are offering special items to help raise funds for research and patient support during…
I can't even walk into a sprawling, mega-selection toy store without breaking into a sweat. Oh sure, they may carry some of the brands I love, or even have an organic stuffed toy tucked into a corner, but I have to weed through so many t…
It's no secret we are big fans of Houston designer Melissa Borrell, having selected her stainless steel jewelry as a 2009 Pick of the Year. But her product line extends far beyond amazing jewelry. I am thrilled to see that she has turned…
I have a trip coming up in December, flying for the first time with toddlers. . . what will I need and what can I use? My kids are not the type to sit! I'm almost afraid to have them on a airplane! Any thing you can share would be great!…
My younger kids wear a lot of their siblings' hand-me-downs but, at Halloween, they draw the line. They want their own special costume and so I take a deep breath and buy new Halloween costumes every year. Oh sure, their old costumes get…
Though I have a six-year-old son, I have somehow avoided those plastic transforming toys that are supposed to go from a car or a truck to a robot, though I can never get them to look like either one. But avoid a block of wood that transf…
Going back a few years, I held fast to the belief that if I was going to be stuck out of my bed in the middle of the night rocking an infant , I deserved to play a little night music that would be awesome and make us both (oh please, oh …
My kids really love their stuffed animals, but not knowing what the heck most of these piles of fur are made of, I kind of wish they'd love them a little less. And after seeing a new organic line of plush toys that is not only safe for a…
Editor's Note : Unfortunately, Big Picture Scrapbooking no longer exists. Lazing in the pumpkin patch. Biting into a just-picked apple. Jumping in a leaf pile. I have all of those iconic family pictures of fall sitting in photo albums al…
I have struggled with how to explain September 11th to my children ever since they were old enough to understand that something big and terrible happened that day nine years ago. I still struggle, but now that this has also become a Nati…
D anielle asked us on Twitter for the best birthday gift ideas for a 5 year old boy, since her son is about to hit the big number five. She says he likes "things that go" but already has 400 cars. He also likes art projects and writing n…
I was a teen when Live Aid rocked the world, and saw how powerful musicians can be when they come together for a cause. Now, many years later, another group of musicians has come together, this time on a fabulous children's CD to benefit…
M y husband and I are taking our first real vacation since our honeymoon without any of our three children! I'm in desperate need of some new luggage and I'm wondering if you have any recommendations. Thanks, Rhonda First, congratulation…
There's nothing like finally taking that summer vacation and then getting stuck in the hotel while the skies rain down on your plans. To save us from extreme hotel ennui, I make sure we take along a few easy-to-pack games to help us pass…
The next person who simpers that kids' music is just too watered down to really rock is getting locked inside my minivan with the Candy Band's new CD -- cranked up to 11 until they cry uncle. Because there is nothing wishy washy about th…
Words I never thought I'd hear come out of my husband's mouth as he strolled by our living room: Whoa, that's some cool-looking pack-and-play. While I've never thought of a portable crib as particularly cool, I do admit this is one that …
My nieces and nephews from Israel are on their way visit grandparents. My 2 year old son will probably not have a chance to visit but would like to send something to them while they are here. Any ideas for a gift to help entertain the 2 …
Super storyteller/singer Randy Kaplan is no ordinary kids' music performer. Oh, sure, he may sing about monkeys, bears and queen bees, but on his latest CD he also has my kids asking me to explain Freud, the definition of Hebrew terms, a…
My children would give just about anything to apparate inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort . The early reviews (and word from CMP Editor Liz who worked with Universal early on in the development) make i…
I've read to my kids since they were wee little things and have never felt like they were lacking in books. Especially since birthdays, holidays and frequent trips to the book store insure they always have new titles to enjoy . But, then…
