I've never doubted the power of music to unite people--though it does bring to mind those big events like Woodstock or Live Aid. But it's the effort of one dad and some very cool bands with loads of heart that now deserve to get people b…
The list of children's books I've loved to read to my kids is l-o-n-g though I've always had a particular fondness for the books of author and illustrator Mo Willems. Unless you live under a rock, or a pile of newborn diapers, you are pr…
We know school lunches have been the butt of jokes since the invention of "mystery meat." But, if watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution taught us anything, it is that what our kids eat at lunchtime can get better with the effort and co…
The UK's Meri Meri has put together these smart Cupcake Kits and my party-throwing life just got a little easier. With 24 colorful cupcake wrappers and assorted toppers, the designs are way cuter than the plastic licensed character stuff…
My 7 month old is an insanely adorable bundle of energy. I recently discovered, much to my dismay, that she also inherited my crazy wide feet. Thinking ahead, I've been trying to find some decent shoes for her . I've searched high and lo…
With some Halloween candies containing loads of hydrogenated oil, artificial colors and even high-fructose corn syrup, I appreciate why so many of us are taking a closer look at what we drop into those pillow cases come October 31st. Eve…
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…
