small + friendly

DIY Cork Boats

Wednesdays are Jude and mama days.  I don't work, he doesn't have preschool and I try my hardest to make it a fun day for both of us.  A few Wednesdays ago, I asked Jude if he'd like to make a craft and he said, "Yes, I want to make a boat."  This is what we came up with.  I originally had no intention of blogging it (sometimes that gets in the way of our fun) but this was such a blast for both of us I simply had to share it.  Be prepared for hours of fun.  Seriously, this might be my all time favorite kid craft.  Especially because when you are finished you have a toy!

Road Trip Activity Countdown Paper Chain

Alright, this little countdown could not be easier to make and it really worked!  The idea is that there is one link for every hour in the car (give or take) and written inside is a suggested activity.  It helped Jude understand that we were getting closer AND kept him occupied.  I will never take a long car trip without one!  

What to make your own?

Free Printable Lacing Cards

Looking for a last minute Easter basket stuffer?  Me too!  Honestly, I was looking for an excuse to do a little baby chick photo shoot; and so, inspired by these lacing cards, I made a version that screams spring.  

Want to make your own?  It's super simple; I've even created free printables (featuring two from our tiny flock, of course).  Can you believe the fluffy cheeks on this one?

DIY Chick Lacing Cards

You'll need:

• Download Lacing Card Chick 1 and Download Lacing Card Chick 2
• Photo paper, card stock, or paper and thin cardboard (like a cereal box)
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• String (I used neon mason line) 

How to:

1. Print each chick on photo paper, card stock, or plain paper.
2. If using plain paper (or for stronger cards), glue the printed sheet to a piece of cardboard and allow to dry before continuing.
3. Cut out each chick, leaving about 1/4" of white space.
4. Punch holes all around the edges, spacing them about 1/2" apart.
5. Cut two lengths of string about 3' long.  You can singe the ends to stop them from fraying.  I wrapped a short length of tape around each end to make for easier threading.
6. That's it! Gift, thread, enjoy!   

Happy (Chick) Crafting!

Top Apps for Preschoolers

Plus another awesome interactive book!

As I mentioned before, we are not a screen free family.  We do limit screen time, but I find that it can be a useful tool.  Ya know, the kind that allows you to take a shower?  Or drive long distances?  It also lets your little one practice a few valuable skills.  Here are our very favorite apps.  They meet all of my requirements: free, visually attractive, and educational.  

*Update: Since the publish date of this post  Endless ABC and Tap a Tune are no longer free.  They are however, wonderful apps well worth the money.  

Endless ABC

I can't say enough good things about this free app.  Seriously, it is so freakin' cool.  You choose a word and then place the letters on the outlines like a puzzle.  When you click on each letter to move them into place, they make the sound of the letter.  After the whole word is built, you watch an awesome little animation about it and hear it's description.  Oh, and they add new words all the time!  

Squiggles!

This is an interactive coloring app.  It allows little ones to practice pre-writing skills and just plain have fun.  You can follow prompts to create squiggles that are then animated.  Or, you can make your own creations, complete with cool stickers.   

Tap a Tune

This free music app is great.  Little ones can learn to play a song by tapping each animal (note) as they pop up.  There is also a free play mode, and an easy mode that plays the song regardless of what you push.  Cute visuals and lots of options make this app a winner.    

I should note another iPad favorite: free read aloud books from the iTunes library.  

I am still looking for a favorite numbers app, anyone have any suggestions?  Did I miss your favorite preschooler app?  

Wait, not an app for kids fan?  Looking for more screen free interaction?  A new favorite around here is Tons of Trucks. 

If you have a truck lover in your house, this one is not to be missed.  Sweet rhymes, adorable illustrations, and something to fiddle with on each page makes it a perfect interactive book for the toddler in your life.  It is so catchy Jude has been "reading" it to himself a lot lately.  His favorite page is the fire truck (big surprise!).  I love the last page, when the trucks go to sleep and you get to peek inside each one to see the little animals getting ready for bed.   

Full Disclosure: Sue Fliess, author of Tons of Trucks, was kind enough to send us a copy to review.  As always, all opinions are my own.    

DIY: Train Table

Jude has had a train set since before he was born.  During an IKEA shopping trip for "baby stuff", my dad and husband filled the cart with only the nursery essentials: all manner of wooden track pieces and accessories.  

For a long time, this epic collection of track and trains lived in a storage bin in the living room.  Every once in while, Jude would get it out and build a grand railroad that would promptly have to be cleaned up before someone broke an ankle. 

 It was fun, but a bit of a hassle for me, and honestly not Jude's favorite thing to play with.  Yet, every single time we visit the toy store, he spends the entire time at the train table.  

Our house, while friendly, is very small.  We don't have room for a traditional train table.  But we do have room for a rad DIY trundle train table!  

We started with an IKEA table top that was headed for the donation pile, but a piece of plywood would work as well.  Jason added four small locking wheels.  

I covered the top in green felt (spray adhesive worked great), and then got to work making a few moveable landscape features (simple shapes cut from more felt).  

The track doesn't slip around on the felt, so there is no need to nail down the pieces.  This way the whole scene can be changed at will, which I love, because for me building the scene is the funnest part!  I added little velcro dots to the signs to stop them from falling over, but everything else stays pretty well as is.   

The best part? The whole thing slides neatly under the bed.  We plan to add a few more felt features (I would really love to attempt something like this), but for now I'm just glad the trains are actually getting played with (and I don't have to keep cleaning them up). 

Here's to tidy trains!  

Secret Message Valentine (Mini Edition)

Last year, I made Secret Message Valentines that where quite fun, but also a bit large and slightly awkward to gift.  This year I refined my idea.  These petite versions boast a free printable and the special addition of a "built in" brush.  (I must credit Creative with Kids for the brilliant watercolor idea.)  

Secret Message Valentine (Mini Edition)

You'll need:

• White cardstock
• White crayon or birthday candle
• Liquid watercolor paint (I used crimson)
• Small paint brushes (these would work well)
• Download Valentine by small + friendly
• Craft knife

Directions:

1. Print out valentines on cardstock, making sure that there is no scaling.  
2. Cut sheet in half horizontally (at 5 1/2") and half vertically (at 4 1/4").
3. Use the white crayon/candle to write your secret message. (Suggested phrases: You are my fav, Let's stay together, I think you're cute, etc.)
4. Fill heart with a layer of watercolor paint (you might need to use a brush) and let dry.
5. Use a craft knife to cut slits for the brush to slide through.  You can place vertical slits on either side of the heart (the brush will slide in horizontally) or horizontal slits on the right or left edge (the brush will slide in vertically).  I like the look of the first option but the latter is best if you plan on mailing your valentine.  
6. Give with love!

Happy Heart Day! 

Five Ways To Survive a Winter Day with your Toddler

In the hopes that all of our East Coast friends have braved the storm, I thought it would be an excellent time to bring this post hope.  This was a guest post on the fabulous imagine gnats from last year.  I hope it brings a bit of California sunshine to everyone. 

We all know those winter days, the ones when the weather outside is frightful, and you have tons to get done. Bad enough on your own, but add a pent-up toddler and frightful isn't the half of it. I have assembled a few tips designed to help you deal, or at the very least make you laugh.

Okay here goes: 

1. Never disturb a toddler engaged in solo play.

Stumbling upon a little one engrossed in play, without any adult attention, is like discovering an endangered species. The last thing you want to do is scare it off. Don't make any sudden movements or loud noises, you just might get enough alone time to check a few emails or apply a little makeup. A load of laundry perhaps?

2. Laundry basket workout.

Want to entertain your toddler and tone your body? I've got your ultimate multitasking workout. Stick you little one in a laundry basket and push them around the house as if they are in a race car. When they beg for more it's like having your own personal Jillian Michaels. Happy kid, sculpted mommy.

3. Bake something.

You already worked out. Bake something sweet with your toddler, anything, though preferably with chocolate. Okay, this doesn't help you get anything done, but it's super fun. I highly recommend leaving any dishes for Daddy.

4. Read. But don't repeat. 

Every parent knows how a toddler can listen to the same story on repeat for hours. I had to "lose" Brown Bear, Brown Bear so that I didn't lose my mind. Then I discovered a solution. Read a beloved story once (or twice) and then it's your kid's turn. One of two things will happen. They will lose interest and you can both move on...or, they will read it to you, and it will be so cute and funny, you will totally forget about your to-do list. I guess with a toddler there's always option number three: a tantrum. Which is a perfect excuse to ignore them while tackling another thing on that list of to-dos. 

5. Bath time.

When it all gets to be a bit too much, stick them in the bath ... water optional. 

If your little one loves water, go ahead and add an extra bath to the day (I'm pretty sure it never killed anyone). If water equals tears, think of the bath as a mess containing playpen. Get them some paints and yourself a magazine, the day will be over before you know it.

I hope these tips provide a little sunshine to your otherwise gloomy day.

Here's to the adventure that is parenthood: rain or shine, sleet or snow!

Top Toys For Toddlers

Last year I shared the top five toys that Jude adored between the ages of 1 and 2 (actually, he still loves them, talk about value).  This year I thought it would be cool to do the same for 2 to 3 year olds.  Jude, being a just after Christmas baby, is the perfect age-based toy tester (Psst, did you hear that Melissa and Doug?).  I am a "less is more" gal when it comes to toys (and most other things too, except chocolate and glitter, of course), so with the same intention as last year, I gathered the very top toys that Jude enjoyed all year long.  

Please note, this post contains affiliate links to Amazon, but as always I encourage you to check out your local, independent toy store. If you do chose to shop on Amazon I earn a tiny commision, thanks so much for your support.

1. Play Kitchen - Of course I'm a big fan of the DIY option, but there are some awesome and affordable pre-made models.  A tool bench is another fun idea.  Anything that let's your little one pretend to be grown up.  

2. Art Supplies - An easel or special art table are optional, but access to plenty of paint and paper is sure to provide hours of fun.  

3. DUPLO - Here's what I love about the Duplo sets:  They are building toys plus imaginative play with the figures and cars.  Of course, all building blocks rule at this age.

4. Doll /Action Figure - We all know that I let Jude play with dolls, but he really loves his Toy Story figures and stuffed animals too.

5. Tricycle - A trike with a handle is a godsend when your little one outgrows (or rejects) a stroller.  Plus, before you know it, they will be cruising solo.

6. Puzzles - Jude can't get enough of puzzles.  I really like the wooden ones and the giant floor puzzles are super fun too.

Here's hoping this gives you some great ideas for the lucky little ones in your life.  Happy Gifting!  

Looking for more gift guides? Check out Top Toys for 1-2 Year Olds and Top Toys for 3-4 Year Olds