Backpocket Wisdom: Happy April Fools!

April Fool's Day, for all of its" foolishness" (as my girl Niecy from "Clean House" would say), has a pretty cool and much-debated history that brings Backpocket Wisdom to infoplease.com for its concise version of AF years past. Some think it started in France when the New Year changed from April 1st to January- traditionalists were supposedly then called "April Fools." Another great one has to do with a jester being in command of the King and his Court for a day- other sources I have read, like Whiteley's On This Date. . . states that the jester was actually an abbot or priest. In the beginnings and continuing now, the goal is to send someone on their fool's errand, and anyone who know their way around a whoopee cushion and a hand buzzer loves April 1st! I like personalized pranks myself, and can't wait to see who does what to whom today! Write in your Comments about your kids pranks- we'd love to hear 'em!

----posted by Kristina

The Psychobaby Team Welcomes Christen and Stefanie to Our Blog!

Today we would like to introduce our newest contributors for the Psychobaby Blog.




Christen is a Mother of 4 and a 5 year veteran of the Psychobaby Store in Wicker Park. She enjoys Tattoos, Grilled Cheese, LOLCats and SHOES! ( She Made us make Shoes Capital)



Stefanie, Is Engaged and Lives in The Neighborhood. Loves Her Dog ( Mr. Sausage ), Will Ferrell, Great Cuisine and Kid Robot (Just Like Rotofugi).

Please Join Us in Welcoming them to the Team Of bloggers, and be sure to check out their stories and reviews.

Cool Clothes: Cotton Caboodle Has Arrived!

Well, if you have a Psychobaby, chances are you have some Cotton Caboodle! Our favorite (and many parents across the nation!) mix and match line is back for spring with all sorts of fun colors and styles (tees, tanks, dresses, skirts, pants and more) for both Baby and Big Kid.
If you are unfamiliar with the Seattle-based Cotton Caboodle, we'll break it down for you!
1. Great colors that stay when ya wash em!
2. Well priced
3. "Different drummer" sizing which means in Baby, no 12-18 month and only even sizes in Big Kid. Never fear though, because the Cotton fits everyone well- if you are in a size gap, just go up in the top, and you should be fine!
4. Cosy comfy style that can go anywhere!!!
That's really all there is to it! Our collection is all presented to go together, so go to Cotton Caboodle and start mixing and matching!
And PS to all the Cotton Caboodle followers-- It's all a big pile of colored cuteness, but the diaper covers in Baby take the cake with their ruffly tushies!!!!

For one week only, from 3/27-4/3, if you enter COTTON15 as your Coupon Code, you will receive 15% off all your fun spring Cotton selections!

-posted by Kristina

Spotlight on Appaman!

Appaman's designer named his company after the corduroy monkey friend he had as a child, and he knows what it is like to feel like a revolutionary one day and a Nascar driver the next. His cool cotton tees and pants are full of the stuff that kids are--- high-octane, groovy imaginative little folks who are out there taking over the world....one tee at a time, with the help of their stuffed pals.

To celebrate spring (and corduroy monkeys), if you enter APPAMAN15 as your Coupon Code between 3/20 and 3/27, 2008 you will receive 15% off your Appaman order!

Cool Clothes- Join us on Style Hive!!!

Psychobabyonline.com has joined Style Hive, so if you are hivin', be sure to check us out! If you have no idea what we are talking about please click on our Buzzkill tee to be taken to this fun online shopping community, and let us know what you think and what you'd like to see more of when you are buzzing around!

Charlie Rocket !

This week, the spotlight is on Charlie Rocket, a surf-inspired company that brings their cool relaxed designs to baby and big kid! To celebrate spring, for one week only, Charlie Rocket will be 15% off, so be sure to get your lil surfer dude some cool clothes!

From March 13th to March 20th, enter CHARLIE1 as your Coupon Code on our website to receive 15% off your cool Charlie Rocket purchases!

Mama Lavona's Horoscopes- Pisces!!!

Pisces (2/19-3/20) is quite possibly the most sensitive sign of the Zodiac. A calm atmosphere is key to keeping your little fishy happy. A Pisces child is a natural born dreamer and visionary, so Art, Music, and Dancing should be encouraged, allowing them to journey deep into worlds of fantasy. Dreaming is essential and restorative for your little fishy, and speaking of dreaming, Nap Time is also crucial in maintaining his/her emotional equilibrium! Picses also needs to know when to come down out of the clouds, so be sure they follow through completing tasks, as they are prone to drifting off...parents just need to gently call them back to the “"real" world”. Pisces are gentle, patient and nurturing, so a pet is a great way to teach them to be responsible.

Pisces Fun Facts and Ideas:

Gift Ideas: Dress up clothes, Doctor Kit, Gardens and Terrariums, Fairy Tales and Fantasy Books, and anything Musical!
Color: Blue-green Gem: Aquamarine Essential Oil: Lavender
Famous Pisces include: Kurt Cobain (2/20), George Harrison (2/25), Johnny Cash (2/26), Harry Belafonte (3/1), Elizabeth Taylor (2/27) , Alexander Graham Bell (3/3), Harriet Tubman (3/10), Liza Minnelli, (3/12), Quincy Jones (3/14), Albert Einstein (3/14), and Billy Corgan (3/17)

To find out more about Mama Lavona, go to her blog!

Do you have a Psychobaby?

If so, enter them in our monthly photo contest! The winner gets a $50 gift certificate and a profile on our blog! Send your little one's photo and name to contest@psychobaby.net to be featured in our slide show next month!

Cool, Crazy Person--- Bobby Sox

March's cool, crazy person is Bobby Sox- a father, grandfather and tattoo artist who is based right here in the city of Chicago. Bob's been bringing old school tattooing to places such as Amsterdam, England and our fair city for over 15 years and we are proud to have him answer our 6 Psycho questions! Bobby is currently tattooing at the Tattoo Factory in Chicago, and we highly recommend you go see him in a "flash!" To check out his tattoos, go to his myspace page and to book an appointment with him at the Factory, call 773. 989.4077.

6 Psycho Question answered by Bobby Sox!

1. What is the coolest thing that has ever happened to you?
"Having my kids and grandkids."
2. What is the craziest fashion statement you have ever made?
"When I was in my early twenties, I had a blonde mowhawk."
3. What is your favorite book?
"I have many, but Geek Love by Catherine Dunne is probably my favorite."
4. What toy can you not live without?
"My tools and models are my favorite."
5. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
"I have superpowers- my favorite being my ability to fly."
6. Who is the coolest parent you know (ties between your own Mom and Dad are totally understandable!)
"My xwife is really cool to me!"

Bear Raffle Ends 3/31

Go onto psychobabyonline.com to find our mowhawk bear and win a chance at a $250 gift certificate! The drawing ends on 3/31 so get going on your "bear hunt!!!"

Events for the Whole Family

We just found out about some cool events in Chicago that we wanted to tell you about!
With the Kids:
"Family Day" is the second Saturday of every month at the Museum of Contemporary Art! This month's "Family Day" is March 8th, and from 1-3 pm scheduled crafts and tours bring modern art to your modern mini, like "Make Your Own Marbles!". To find out more info on 3/8's event, go to www.mcachicago.org

CoCoKey indoor Water Resort has been all the rage at our brick and mortar store. To view the splendor that is H2O, visit CoCoKeyWaterResort.com

Bored on a Tuesday because it isn't a Manic Monday or a TGIF? Check out the Shedd Aquarium's "Tots On Tuesdays" program for 3-5 year olds. Kids can get crafty, sing and dance and then go see that awesome Komodo Dragon! Visit www.sheddaquarium.org

For the 'rents!
"Vote 4 Me- Inside a Presidential Election" is running many days of the week until Nov 9th at the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum. Visit www.freedommuseum.us to get details on this exhibit and see how one gets to that Oval Office!

"Lebowski Fest" is gripping our fair city, Dude! Go to www.lebowskifest.com to get dates of events and check out happenings in other cities. Just don't forget your bowling shoes!!!

It's "I want you to be happy day!"

Today, March 3rd, is "I Want You To Be Happy" Day! We don't know the origin, but we think it is a very nice idea, and in honor of today's happy outlook, we would like to offer you a Coupon Code for our website, to say thank you for the time you spend with us here on our blog. From today to 3/6, if you type in PSYCHO20 as your Coupon Code, you will receive 20% off Psychobaby brand merchandise! If you would like to be kept in the know about other offers and new arrivals, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter while you are there! Just think of it as a little bit of Bobby McFerrin that we want to bring to your online shopping experience to thank you for spending your time with us!:)

Yummy Recipes

My Gourmet Kitchen has the recipe for fun!
Co-owner Lisa had a gals night out at My Gourmet Kitchen in Chicago, raved to us about her experience and now we are going to rave to you! MGK is bringing chef-designed organic meals to you with no prep work or clean-up, leaving you more time to spend with your little ones. You pick your menus from their plentiful list first, then go to MGK for an assembly session, don your chef coat and assemble your ingredients per the instructions at the cooking stations! MGK provides to-go containers or bags for your dinners along with heating instructions, and all you have to do is pop your food in the freezer and cook it at your convenience! Along with the fabulous sessions, they also provide a "personal chef" service if you are low on time, and are happy to consult with you on dietary specifications. For an urban dweller with a to-do list the size of the Sears Tower, we think this is the most genius idea yet! Grab your ladies, guys, or spouse, assemble 4-12 menus in less than two hours (saving 12!!!) and then enjoy your new found free time with your family!
PS) FYI, MGK is BYOB, for more fun in the cooking stations!!!
logo courtesy of mygourmetkitchen.com

Backpocket Wisdom

Well, we are back with some new fun facts to impress your kids with, this month with a focus on artists' birthdays!

Dr Seuss, ( 3/2/04)- put a hat on your cat and celebrate! To learn about Read Across America, visit Seussville!
Michelangelo, (3/6/1475)-paint on a sheet of paper (or parchment if you so desire!) and then once it's dry hang it on the ceiling! For rolls of paper, check out Melissa and Doug's brand page!
Vincent Van Gogh (3/30/1853) -plant your sunflower seeds inside to transfer in the spring! For tips, visit the Sunflower Stop!
Our Backpocket question of the month: In 1996, a famous American artist wrote and directed a movie about another artist's life- can you name both artists?
And congratulations to Yari for knowing her presidential pets last month- the correct answer to "What is George W. Bush's terrier's name?" is Barney! Bravo!!!

Crazy Crafts!

March 14th is National Craft Day!

Toss those feathers and confetti in the air--- it's National Craft Day! We'd like to thank S&S Craft for bringing this delightful day to our attention, because any day that involves popsicle sticks, glue and fuzzy pompons is right up our crafting alley! Crazy crafts are a great way to get qt (and a little messy!) with the kids while creating gifts, decorations and useful things (like keychains and "enchanted" gardens) that will remind the family of crafty and fun memories with every use. Our new favorite crafty pack was found at http://www.ssww.com/, who have been bringing crafts to the world since 1906- its called the Mega Craft Stick Activity Pack! We can't wait to use it (we're thinking Easter centerpieces maybe!) and will post our creations at a later date! Let us know what your spring crafting favorite is- cause if you are crafty, you're just our type!
To check out our crafty kits, go to Arts and Crafts.
To check out the fun at S&S Craft, go to http://www.ssww.com/
Photo courtesy of http://www.ssww.com/

Cool Clothes- Red Carpet Style for Kids

Oscar Rules the Summer Runway!
Summer style is about easy-breezy comfiness so for little ladies, take a page from the books of celebrities such as Katherine Heigel and Cate Blanchette and bring it with some bright colors and some bling! How this translates from the red carpet to the carpet in your family room is easy! Brands such as Appaman, Sourpuss and Cotton Caboodle are rockin' the summer brights, while Charm It! has age-appropriate bling-bling for your little one! So whether you love the Return of Shorts, the ever-present Tunic and Leggings or a twirly dress, toss on a bangle and let the sun shine in!
To Shop for some summer outfits for 0-24, go to Shop By Category
To grab some fun-in-the-sun for gals 2-8 years, go to Shop By Category.
For some sparkly, go to Charm It! or Jewelery!