Roasting a Turkey 101

Are you in charge this year of the annual Turkey? If so, I've got your back!

Above is a chart that was passed down to me by my grandmother years ago when I made my first bird. Yes, my turkey skills have evolved and I now brine, stuff and even have (unsuccessfully) fried my bird, but this is meant for the true first timers out there that could use some simple beginner advice!

I hope it helps! ~Marlo

P.S. All of you pros out there, share any tips you might have to help out the newbies!

Brave enough to try and brine this year? This video from Food Networks Alton Brown is pretty helpful. Good luck!

Quote of the Day: My Kids Have Two Volumes...

Often, the volume level of my three noisy boys makes it feel like I'm at a bad rock concert! Not to mention the increase in volume when a few of their friends are added to the mix (which is fairly regularly!).

On my better days I remind myself of what quiet will someday sound like. Yikes! I don't like the thought of that at all! On my better days I like to call it "Joyous Chaos". Thank goodness that I have a lot of joyously chaotic days! Hey, when all else fails, there is always Advil or vodka!
~Marlo

7 Ways to Get Your Kid To Go To Bed & Stay There

via college-social.com

7 Ways to Get Your Kid To Go To Bed & Stay There

1. Kiddos respond best to a routine. Life happens, and sometimes you have to bend the rules, but set some parameters and try to stick to them. This means if bedtime is supposed to be 8:30, they should be in bed between 8 & 8:30!

2. You know when you're having a really draggy day, and end up getting that mid-late afternoon latte? And then you end up cursing yourself at 2 AM when you're still laying awake? Well, same goes for the little ones, so be extra mindful of any caffeine, sugar, candy, chocolate etc. they might have after lunchtime.

3. Doctors recommend between 9 and 12 hours of sleep for kids. What are they, cats? Lucky! Every kiddo is different, just keep an eye on when they actually fall asleep, when they tend to wake up, and what amount of shut-eye leaves them perky all day... then set their bedtime accordingly!

4. This tip is for the whole family! No screens before bed! No computer, no tv, no phone, no tablet, nothing! Scientific studies have proven that the light emitted actually screws with melatonin production, and all the extra stimuli does NOT assist in the winding-down-chilling-out process. This is when you pull out the books and read aloud. This is a LOT easier said than done... you could pretend you're Amish, or that the power is out, and that this is your only option.

via medicalnewstoday.com

5. Slay the monsters! Better yet, spray them! Do a nightly monster check after you brew up your own homemade batch of monster repellent and give your little one's room a good once-over before bedtime. (Hint - lavender is supposed to be a very calming scent, you could try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your spray bottle. Can't hurt!)

6. If they keep getting out of bed, there are several tactics for coping with and changing their behavior. Check out this page for some good strategies, and remember to keep it positive! Verbally praise and reinforce their good nighttime behavior as much as possible!

7. Create a cozy, peaceful bedtime environment. One or two beloved stuffed animals, a dim or dark room, comfy temperature (slightly on the cooler side), soft blankets, and hey, how about a cool personalized pillowcase - these will all set the mood for a restful night of sleep!

After being featured on the Today Show last summer, our personalized pillowcases joined the ranks of our most popular Psychobaby products! We've barely been able to keep them on the metaphorical shelves, but they are back in stock and ready to find new homes! Check out our entire collection (and a bunch of cool new additions) of personalized pillowcases including a few brand new designs here. Sweet Dreams, Psychobabies!

The Coolest (& Craziest) Baby Names of 2013

Personalized baby and kids gifts are the way to go when you know kiddos with names as awesome as these! Remember what a bummer it was being a kid and scanning the rack of miniature personalized license plates, looking for your name? They were always sold out, or else your parents had decided to call you something like River, and you were totally out of luck. Your Psychobaby will never have to experience that kind of disappointment - no matter how crazy (cool!) their name is, we have you covered. Our custom shop carries everything from personalized baby tees to personalized water bottles - all available with YOUR kiddo's name!

A few of our other fave cool/crazy names in 2013 came straight from Hollywood! We love the name Axl and had to put it in our top 20 - (like little Axl Jack, Fergie & Josh Duhamel's little dude!)

We can't forget little North "Nori" West, Kim Kardashian and Kanye's baby - just look at those cheeks. 

via kimkardashianfan.net

And how adorable is Jimmy Fallon's little girl, Winnie Rose? 

via Instagram

Do you have a favorite celeb baby name from 2013? What'd you decide to call your little one? We love to hear all the awesome things you guys come up with, leave us a comment with your coolest, craziest name! No matter what your little one is called, we are here to make you something cool, crazy, and as completely unique as your Psychobaby. Shop all our personalized baby and kids clothes now!

10 New Years Resolutions For Moms

Happy last day of 2013! We hope you had an awesome year, and we can't wait to see what 2014 brings. (No, really, we want to see photos of your cute cool & crazy Psychobabies! ) These are just a few Mom resolutions we're going to try to keep, if you have any of your own please leave us a comment below! If all else fails, do #9 and try for #2. And if #2 doesn't happen, go for #1. You can do it!

Have a rockin' New Years Eve, guys!

Winter Break Activities to Keep Kids Busy!

Cool crafts for kids are a surefire way to keep Psychobabies entertained over winter break. The weather outside may be frightful, but our awesome craft kits are delightful! From air brushing to paint by number and everything in between, we've got the latest crafts that will inspire kiddos age two to tween. If you are looking for ideas of your own, check out a collection of winter break activities on Pinterest for fun-filled indoor boredom busters. (We just pinned a few go outside and play activities too, in case you are going stir crazy!) Here's to a creative, art-filled winter break! Don't forget to make room on the fridge to display all of those new "masterpieces"...

Gifts for Dad to show him he's rad!

If you know a dad who is one cool dude be sure to shop our collection of new daddy & baby gifts for your husband, brother, or best bud! A hip onesie is a great way for dad to proudly display his chip off the ol' block (and will probably earn him twice as many compliments as that new set of golf clubs). Father’s Day is June 17 - three weeks away; prove you were listening during that "do as I say, not as I do" lecture, and make your pops proud. In other words, don't wait until the last minute to shop for Dad!

Gifts for Mom: Please Forward to Daddy...

Gifts for mom always win major brownie points, so listen up baby daddies: you have less than two weeks to shop for Mother's Day! Your little Psychobaby is the whole reason your better half gets to celebrate, so you might as well get a gift that mom and baby can both enjoy. Onesies, diaper bags, and bibs are always a hit, especially when you accompany the swag with "I'll take care of the kids, you go relax." Come to think of it, you can accompany your gift with some flowers while you are at it (and a massage, and a drink, and a vacation, and...we could go on). 

And because we are well aware dads and wrapping paper usually get along as well as Slash and Axl Rose, we are more than happy to lend our talents to make your gift look extra special. Our only request: (just this once) don't wait 'til the last minute to find a great gift for your favorite mama!

Start happy hour one hour earlier...

Admittedly we are not scientists, but our unofficial parenting studies have determined that the earlier our kids go to bed, the sooner we can grab a nightcap! We think cool kids' furniture and room accessories are the secret to getting your Psychobaby excited about hitting the hay. Who wouldn't be amped to cozy up with a personalized pillowcase?! We'll take one that says "Mom" with a martini on the front, please.

Our Favorite St. Patricks Day Crafts and Recipes for Kids

It's that time of  year, as winter melts into spring, people dive into geology books to find that 000.1 percent of Irish heritage they have, prior to buying a "Kiss Me I'm Irish shirt".

Here at Psychobaby, we scoured the web  and narrowed down our favorite St. Patty's themed recipes and crafts...that don't require a power drill or Martha Stewart on speed dial.

 

Photos courtesy of thoughtfullysimple.com

Top o' the mornin' to ye'.
Kick off the day with a green pancakes and green milk with a bowl of Lucky Charms.

Check out the "Lucky Morning" guide on ThoughtfullySimple.

Photo courtesy of The Crafting Chicks

Set traps to catch a leprechaun and go on a gold hunt, the ladies over at The Crafting Chicks,  share their creative crafts for St. Patricks day here.

Photos courtesy of Food With Kid Appeal

A holiday spin on a kid favorite, go green with your mac and cheese in the spirit of St. Patty. Find this recipe and more kid friendly favorites at Food With Kid Appeal

See our selection of St. Patty's day baby and kids clothing.

New lullaby Cd's from Rockabye Baby!

Stick one of these Rockabye Baby lullaby records into your CD player and send that bundle of trouble into the land of Snooze! With dozens of musical lullaby renditions of your favorite bands like Depeche Mode, Rolling Stones, Green Day, Pink Floyd, and The Smashing Pumpkins, you'll enjoy the music as much as your little babe! 

Cool Crafts for Valentine's Day

Love Rocks!

Image courtesy of bunnycakes blog 

Yes it does! These hand stamped muslin treat bags are easy to make (according to Bunny Cakes!) and perfect to hold a sweet little treat for all their pals at preschool.


Heart Shaped Crayons

Image courtesy of Flicker

My boys and I have made these a zillion times over the years. They are fun and super easy. I particularly  love these directions because it shows, step by step, just how easy it is! One warning, peeling the paper off the crayons is the only part that stinks!

52 Reasons I Love You Cards

Image courtesy of Papervinez blog

I absolutely cannot wait to make a version of this with my kids for their daddy! We all plan to contribute reasons we love their dad (my husband). It has turned out to be a fun and sneaky way to remind my, almost teenage, older boys about why dad is so cool!

Hand Shaped Valentines

Image courtesy of marthstewart.com

Awww! Could this possibly be any easier? This is a perfect craft if you have a wee little one in the house! 

I hope you try out some of these cool ideas that I have found and please share any that you have found easy or cool on Facebook  or email them to me at pr@psychobaby.net -Marlo

Sweet Valentines Day Style

Sweet treats for Valentines Day by psychobaby on polyvore.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Melissa And Doug DYO Heart Mirror
$9.99 - psychobabyonline.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Melissa And Doug Pretty Purse Fill and Spill
$25 - psychobabyonline.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Psychobaby Love Tee
psychobabyonline.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Personalized Chocolate Kiss One-Piece
psychobabyonline.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Personalized Chocolate Kiss One-Piece
psychobabyonline.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Okutani Hearts One-Piece
psychobabyonline.com

Valentine's Day Gifts - Psychobaby Kisses for a Quarter Terry Bib
psychobabyonline.com

Beatle Mania Birthday Party!

The Psychobaby crew loves music. We find ourselves debating over iPods, cds, new releases and who's Pandora station is the best. One thing we ALL can agree on is the fact that The Beatles remain number one in all of our hearts, forever.

SHOP NEW BEATLES ROWDY SPROUT

I recently came across a birthday party online that made me wish my birthday was tomorrow so that I could throw this party and wish that I wasn't turning 24 so that it would still be the coolest birthday party ever. I have decided to bookmark the page and save it for a little tyke of my own.

Without further adieu, I introduce to you: The Babymania Beatles Birthday Party, thrown by Suzanne on Hostess Blog.

Thrown for her twins first Birthday party, Suzanne did an incredible job coming up with creative ways to carry out her Beatles theme.

source and more photos @ Hostess Blog

Uno, Dos, Tres, Taco Time!

It's hard to believe by looking out the window that Cinco de Mayo is here! I usually correlate this holiday with basking in early summer weather after over eating Mexican food. This year, after looking at another disappointing 10 day forecast for Chicago, I hit the pavement to find the heat on my own...wrapped in a tortilla.

 picture from toxiferous

Amy's top 4 places to get your eat and heat on in Chicago (all kid friendly).

4. Lazos Tacos - 2009 North Western Avenue

It's one of the most heated debates I find myself in: Aturos or Lazos. Western Ave is home to two side by side, 24 hour taco joints. Once you make your stance known between the two, you never set food in the other again. My loyalty is found in Lazos, where you can pick up just about anything your stomach is craving from south of the border. I am partial to their queso fundito. Order it once and I am sure that you will never walk next door to Aturos again.

3. Irazu - 1865 N. Milwaukee

Ok, so Irazu is Costa Rican, but when it comes to burritos they have it down to a well crafted science. I stick with the chorizo mixed with hot pickled peppers. They wrap it up with a authentic Costa Rican secret sauce and call it a day. Simple and delicious, it's one of the most crave worthy burritos in Chicago.

2. Big Star - 1531 North Damen Avenue

Big Star is quickly becoming a Psychobaby Crew favorite (We have eaten there three times this week!). I was sad to see Pontiac Grill go, but when I got word that a hip taco joint opened up there and made good use of the giant patio, a giant smile crept across my face. Walk up window or sit down, Big Stars pork belly and fish tacos are some of the best I have had. I can imagine that once the summer sun makes it's way here I will find myself on their patio, margarita in hand, all summer long.

1. La Pasadita - 1132 N. Ashland Ave.

If you have ever driven down Ashland ave, near Division, it's quite possible that your first questions are "why do three restaurants right next to each other have the same name? Why does this street smell like awesome steak?". La Pasadita took over the street and with good reason. I find myself here weekly feasting on the chili rellenos taco, their superb guacamole and of course carne asada by the shovelful, all topped off with hand squeezed orange juice. This is my long time favorite and will always remain number one in my book. As for which one of the three to go to? I choose the sit down restaurant, number #1132.

Everyone has their own foodie favorites and as a taco connoisseur, I would love to add yours to my summer eat-athon directory (although if you says Aturo's....) so start sharing and start the fiesta!

- Amy K

Cool spring time crafts made from household materials

It's hard to believe that with Google and the App store, there are still be some good ol' fashioned homemade tricks that outdo even the best robots.

Now that spring has arrived and you can allow your spawn to be outside for longer than 20 minutes without freezing to death, it's a great time to find some new fun ways to re-use materials around your house for a spring fling in your yard.

I left out some of my old spring favorites, which included setting the live trap to catch beavers without my parents permission and leaned towards an urban and safety friendly version.

Bubble Wrap Hopscotch

source and directions: Givers Log

How cool is this? Why throw away your old bubble wrap when you can make it into loud, fun hopscotch mats? It's super light to send as a DIY gift as well. Follow the link below the picture for directions.

Bubble Refill Station
source: Come Together Kids

I have only experienced this while babysitting, but let me tell you, when you have a glass of Sangria and your nails are drying you don't want to hear "I am out of bubbles!" "Fill these again!" or "Help I got bubbles in my eyes trying to pour it and it burns!" This bubble refill machine give kids the independence to refill at their own will while you relax with a great read.

Springtime Scavenger Huntvia: I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

Who doesn't like a good scavenger hunt. Take advantage of the sunshine and all of the new life that comes with spring weather with this scavenger hunt. Print off the hunt-list for the carton by following the link under the photo and begin!

Jeepers Peepers, Happy Easters!

I have never been a Peeps fan.

It's always the same situation, year after year. I stumble out of bed late at night trying to appease a springtime sugar craving only to find post Easter Peeps littering my snack lacking pantry. After 1am, these stale Peeps are extremely persuasive. Half asleep I am eluded to think that "maybe this year they changed" or "what if I am missing out like those 22 years I was under the impression watermelon tasted awful" and I give them another shot. Each year I fall for the same Peep's tricks and am fooled blindly by these foul fowl.

This year is different thanks to two little words: Peeps Smores.

source: Eclectic Recipes

This Sunday the microwave will be littered with blue dye #4 after I cook an entire hen house worth of these corn syrup soaked creatures.

Peeps S’mores for Easter

Ingredients

• peeps
• hershey’s chocolate squares
• graham crackers

Method
Place graham crackers, chocolate and a peep as shown in first picture. Zap in the microwave until soft. (Or place under broiler.) Top with another graham cracker square.

Oh and while we are at awesome Easter stuff, check out this tip from Parent Hacks.

via: Parent Hacks

No more tie dyed kitchen floors and counters, muffin tins make for an easy dying and drying event. Parents think of everything!

-Amy K

Inspired by Design Sponge!

I spent my Friday morning, cup of coffee in hand, meandering through Design Sponge. If you are not familiar with Design Sponge, it is where I find all my decorating inspiration, including DIY helpers. This DIY project is so cute, it makes me want to start combing the alleys for thrown out entertainment centers and deliver new play kitchens to every kid on the block. I'll let you know if I become the summer Santa of toy kitchens, but until then check this out and start cooking a little project in your garage!

Have a great weekend!

Amy K

 source:  design sponge

 Once you get it built, check these Melissa and Doug sweet treats from Psychobaby to keep your teddy bear's stomach happy. 

  

Wooden Bake and Serve Brownies       

 Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set

Ice Cream Parlor Set

Slice and Bake Cookie Set