Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Cool, crazy Person of the Month


We are so happy to be celebrating Mother's Day (okay, we're late, but shouldn't it really be a month anyway???) with Portrait Mama Ellen Greene! Ellen graduated with a BFA in painting from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1998, and was inspired to do portraits after the birth of her second daughter. We're so glad she decided to whip a portrait up for a friend, because Ellen's style is picture-perfect, and inspired by high fashion, art and tattoos! She always paints acrylic on wood, can do custom backgrounds so your new piece will fit in any room, and can work off of your favorite image. We are thrilled to have Ellen's answers to our 6 Psycho Questions!

1. What is the coolest thing that has ever happened to you?

"Oh- it doesn't sound very cool but its the truth- having my family, two daughters- Donovan, 6, and
Ruby, 3, and my very cool husband Dave. "

2. What is the craziest fashion statement you
have ever made?

"There have been many. Pink hair- no hair-leather pants-crazy old lady dresses...But I will start
where it all began-First day of first grade. I picked out my very own outfit- a brown checkered blouse ( the 80's kind with the poofy sleeves) tucked into a pleated white polyester skirt (bought at Venture!) and red knee socks. "

3. What is your favorite book?

"I read all the time so I would have to say that my favorites change. I just finished an amazing
memoir called Jesus Land - I cried like a baby at the end! Then there are the books I love reading to my daughters like Harry Potter and the Frog and Toad books. I love reading outloud and doing different accents and voices. "

4. What toy can you not live without?

"I could live without toys- sorry toy lovers of the world. What I love is a good stick, some mud and
water to play in- I'm a hippie kid at heart."

5. If you could have a "Superpower", what would
it be?

"To save the planet. "

6. Who is the coolest parent you know (ties
between your own Mom and Dad are totally understandable!)

"Now I feel like I have to say my mom and dad! Ha
Ha! But seriously my mom is really cool- she let me be very expressive as a child and was supportive of all my crazy ways. Now she is a very cool."

To view more of Ellen's cool portraits, go to her myspace page
To contact Ellen, email her at portraitsbyellengreene@yahoo.com

posted by Kristina___________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Mama Lavona's Astrology!



We'd like to welcome Mama Lavona back to describe your little bull, the Taurus born from 4/20-5/20, and would also like to acknowledge the name change from "Horoscopes" to "Astrology"... we just thought it a lil more accurate!
Taurus is endowed with a charming, sweet placid nature. Little earthy Taurus is here to explore the senses. She will have a fine appreciation for beauty and harmony and will enjoy art and music. When dressing your little one, dazzle the senses with velvet, sparkles, fun fur and corduroy!
Home and family is very important to security loving Taurus and will remain so even as an adult. Create a sacred space for Taurus, customize her bedroom or playroom with a mural! Unpleasantness makes Taurus grumpy, whether it be taste, smell, or surroundings. Invest in things that will help keep her toys, books and closet organized! Taurus is quite the nature lover too, so don'’t be surprised if you find Taurus making mud pie because your little bull will enjoy helping mommy in the garden.
Taurus loves nothing better than a party! Friends, family, food, music, getting all dressed
up....whew, that'’s what it'’s all about! One last thing...about Taurus being stubborn as a bull. A few words of advice: The carrot works better than the stick! Keep in mind that determination is a good quality, and if nurtured properly will serve them well as an adult!

Color: Pink or Light Green Gem: Emerald or Turquoise
Essential Oil: Sandalwood

Great Gifts for your bull: Musical Instruments, Art Supplies,
Kitchen Stuff, Gardening Kits, Dress-Up
Famous Taurus include: Jessica Lange (4/20), Queen Elizabeth II (4/21), Barbara Streisand (4/24), Al Pacino (4/25), Carol Burnett (4/26), Isiah Thomas (4/30), Tim McGraw (5/1), George Clooney (5/6), Tchaikovsky (5/7), Bono (5/10), Stevie Wonder (5/13), Cate Blanchett (5/14), Mia Hamm (5/17), Reggie Jackson (5/18), Jimmy Stewart (5/20)

Check out Psychobaby brand astrology tees!
Talk to Lady Lavona!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Dress for Success Bucktown Event Next Thursday!




On Thursday, May 8th, come to the Dress For Success Spring Shop Around at our store front as well as our fabulous neighbors'! Check in starts at 4:30 pm at p45 (1643 N. Damen) and then shop till you drop from 5-8 at all participating stores. or until you make the after party at Bluebird (cocktails and noshes!!!)! Discounts and refreshments are to be had at each participating store, and the entrance fee ($50 for non-Y.E.S. members and $40 for Y.E.S. members) benefits this awesome organization's cause! To RSVP, call 773.528.8856 or email susan.welter@rcn.com To learn more about Y.E.S. and Dress For Success, go to dressforsuccess.org

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Brick and Mortar Buzz!





The Brick and Mortar Buzz'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at our storefront's Saturday!


Gifts were definitely in the air today! Everyone was totally ga-ga over the new baby and kids tees from Junk Food, the most popular being Vanity Smurf (we're pretty sure he wouldn't be surprised about that!) Baby Stella was making everyone happy with her easy to work pacifier and soft super-cuteness, and folks were pairing her with Mimi and Maggie dresses for the little baby girls! Toddlers were checking out the the new remote controlled cars, the Charm It! the cool rock n roll tees, and it was a huge Saturday for ride-on toys for the active kids! We've had a great day so far, and a lot of the buzz is dedicated to our 5th birthday next week! If you are in-town, we'd love it if you could stop by!






What we've been dancin' to: Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride"


Client's t-shirt of the day: Psychobaby Brand's Martini and Me Onesie


Great Gift of the Day: Pedal to the Metal


Conversation topics: A new potential diaper bag for our web store (we'll keep ya posted!)

posted by Kristina______________________________________________________________________

Thursday, April 24, 2008

It's our birthday!!!!














We're going to be five this year, and you are all invited to our brick and mortar birthday party 5/1-5-4, where we will have games, fun and sur-prizes!!!! We'd love to see you there!
1630 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60647
866.545.2815

Cool Clothes

We'd like to introduce Mimi and Maggie's new spring/summer trends for girls by offering you 20% off! Let your baby or big girl get bohemian with Mimi and Maggie's cool twirly dresses and sets, that take embroidered details to a whole new level of hip-ness!

Just enter MIMI20 as your Coupon Code from 4/24-4/31 and celebrate spring with us!


View the hip kid style of Mimi and Maggie at psychobabyonline.com

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Cool Clothes: New Rolling Stones Stuff for Baby and Kids!


Okay, we'll admit it... some of us (who shall remain nameless!), are total fans of the Rolling Stones who raced out to buy the GQ with Keith Richards this month (be sure to check it out!) and have also already seen the Martin Scorsese doc, Shine a Light! If you are like us, then you will love the new selection from Sourpuss and Kaos on our site that has 40 Licks of style and is sure to impress your "Mother's Little Helper!"
Browse Rock Tees and Baby and Girl Dresses for cool clothes, or check out Baby Rock Records Lullaby Renditions of the Stones!

And be sure to let us know which Stones' members style is your fave in our Comments section!

posted by Kristina__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Ugly Doll Raffle extended through June!!!

Due to popular demand, our Ugly Doll Raffle is being extended until June 30, 2008!!!! We wish everyone who enters the best of luck!

Happy Spring: Free Shipping!


Enter FS-ALL as your Coupon Code on psychobabyonline.com through 4/15/08 to receive Free Shipping on your entire (standard UPS ground) order, whether you are snagging some cool clothes for your own kids (like Psychobaby brand's new Peace dress, left!) or a super hip baby gift for your next april shower!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Modern Accessories: Hooter Hiders are Back!


For those of you who are unfamiliar, BeBeAulait's Hooter Hiders' breastfeeding "apron" (aka nursing covers) will keep breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack just between Mom and baby. Fans will be thrilled to know that the Hooter Hiders have just made a return to psychobabyonline.com and there is super cute new packaging, too!! The lightweight Hooter Hiders stay put, unlike that blanket that slips, and the pretty patterns will keep Mommy feeling beautiful even if baby has had lunch but she hasn't! Hooter Hiders are the a perfect size for toting in a diaper bag, so Mommy will be ready when their little one screams something that would translate to "Got Milk?" Everybody loves the Hooter Hider as the perfect practical add-on shower gift or as that funny present at the baby shower that is sure to make everyone giggle with glee- or point and fall down laughing, whichever you decide!


Friday, April 4, 2008

Cool Mom Picks Infinitees!


Check out Infinitees' product review on Cool Mom Picks, where you'll find everything Baby Shower-y, like Wee-go Bottles and Video Birth Announcements! We're honored to have the cool alphabet from Infinitees reviewed with all this other cool stuff for little ones!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Paul Frank Industries for Kids!

Paul Frank started this hip revolution making wallets for friends, and has parlayed that creativity into every kid's favorite funky monkey, Julius, and all his other cool friends, like Skurvy and ChaChi. Offering a whimsical, funny, and sweet take on children's wardrobes, you'll go crazy for Small Paul's spirited tees, clothes, accessories and lounge wear, available in Baby, Toddler and Big Kid sizes. You won't be able to resist a cool Julius tee, romper or hoodie, the comfy Julius chair or all the other fun kids stuff that makes for a hip baby shower gift or super fun birthday present. We promise you are going to go bananas for the cuteness that is Small Paul!

To celebrate Small Paul's revolutionary style, enter PAULFRANK15 as your Coupon Code from 4/3-4/10 to receive 15% off of your Small Paul selections.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Rockin' Reads! Nili's Top Ten Books!


In honor if the April Showers Blog, Nili has given us her Top Ten (ever!) which, as a gift package would make a rockin' shower gift!
10. Your Personal Penguin, Sandra Boynton
9. the Urban Babies Wear Black series, Michelle Sinclair Colman
8. How Are You Peeling?, Saxton Freymann and Joost Effers
7. Ain't Gonna Paint No More, Karen Beaumont
6. Knuffle Bunny, Mo Willems
5. King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, Don and Audrey Wood
4. The OK Book, Amy Krause Rosenthal
3. Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type, Doreen Cronin
2. Leaf Man, Lois Ehlert.
1. Wow City!, Robert Neubecker

View other Rockin' Reads on Psychobabyonline!

posted by Kristina
________________________________________________________

Classy Mommy Reviews our Year of the Rat Baby Onesie!




We are so proud to say that our Year of the Rat Gift Box has received a review by the Classy Mommy, and feel even classier because it is a super fun video review on You Tube! We have to say that the little one holding our tee makes it all the cuter, and we are super honored to have been featured.



View our entire collection of Psychobaby Brand Tees!
Get Classy with the Classy Mommy to read and see more of her top reviews!

posted by Kristina________________________________________________________

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Congratulations to our Raffle Winner!



We'd just like to say Congratulations to Yvonne St. Angel, who won our raffle for the $250 gift certificate! Yvonne told us that she plans on snagging some "cool and funky stuff with skulls" for her twin boys who are one and a half, and is thrilled to shop a selection that doesn't involve "dumb looking animals!" We are thrilled to get the St. Angel seal of approval, and can't wait for her boys to get some cool rock n roll baby clothes!

Backpocket Wisdom: Happy Grilled Cheese Month!



Yep- that's right! According to ilovecheese.com (where you can get your Cheese Profile!) April is "Grilled Cheese Month, "which I thought was awesome in terms of totally impressing your little ones at lunchtime! Now, I went to school in Wisconsin, home of Mars' Cheese Castle, and so I take cheese pretty seriously, and since the GC is a kids' favorite, I thought it would be fun to chat up our staff about this melted delicacy, although, past Lisa (who was a Cheesehead !) I wasn't sure if everybody else was jazzed about the GC but now I know that our staff is in full support, and also shared some commonalities regarding whose is The Best, GC toppings, and also types of pans and GC secrets!
Our neighborhood kid-friendly spot, Silver Cloud, was voted, as Linday put it "Best Grilled Cheese Ever" and when asked to be more specific, Lisa noted that the "multiple cheeses, super buttery thick bread and tomato soup side are key!" In terms of toppings, everything from bacon, ham, avocado and tomato were listed, although Anna said, "I refuse to eat a grilled cheese without stuff," so she must load those GC's up with the veggies! (She told me her fave was the Chipotle GC at Kerbey Lane Cafe in Austin, which I must try because their website is totally cute, Austin' s cool and much warmer than here!).
"Secrets" abounded, as it seems that home cooked grilled cheese involve "secret" garlic salt, "secret" crusty bread, and, surprising to me, "George Foreman grills! (gonna have to try that!)" It seems like a grilled cheese tour might be in order, but I'm afraid if I watch them prep I'll be "shhh'd" or blindfolded or something. Now, the overall winner was "straight up" as Katy calls it, and we'll go with Marlo's traditional, don't-muck-it-up recipe of "lots of butter, American Cheese, and a regular pan." I'd like to say that that's how they are made in my house, by my guy who I think makes the best GC ever. The cheese is evenly melted, the bread is nice and toasty... and I didn't have to cook! Let me in on your Grilled Cheese "Secret" in our Comments section!

View our Kids Cooking Stuff!

Photo Courtesy of
laughingsquid.com

----posted by Kristina

Cool Clothes: Baby's Got Style!



Since this is blog is all April Showers, I thought it would be cool to give you the online version of the cool baby clothes and funky booties conversations that take place in our brick and mortar all the time. When you first see baby stuff, if you have no previous experience with little ones, a lot of this stuff can be quite confusing because infant clothes are like nothing adults wear- there are feet and snaps and weird shoulders and everything is really tiny! Once you are familiar, you see the genius that created each outfit type, and you'll seriously wonder how people got along before the convertible gown/romper/footie/booties came into existence! This "Baby Boomlet" we are in is a very exciting time for baby style, because there are so many cool patterns, fun sayings, funky colors, and rock n roll stuff for little ones as well as the traditional colors and choices that makes expressing style all the more fun!




The following is a general guide in Psychobaby terms- if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (orders@psychobabyonline.com), and if you have any favorites from your when your child was a wee one, be sure to share in the comments section because something we always hear that is totally true is how valuable information parents share with each other is!



Cool Baby Clothes and Funky Booties Glossary of Terms, PsychoStyle!

Booties: Can be knit , angora or leather and are a basic foot covering that's like a baby "shoe" except they have a nice soft sole. These are also called crib shoes, but in our domain that is more like the Converse and Vans we carry. Booties are more Me In Mind's cool designed leather shoes, and yes, that growing room in the front that you can bend over your baby's foot? Totally normal and stylin' in the baby world. We say if it stays on, go for the bigger because they are sized in months, and we are pretty sure your baby isn't going to get smaller!

Booty Hatch: The classic changing set up for baby clothes- think of all the adverts from the 50's and you'll know what we mean. In this instance, babies are held, the hatch on the tushy is unsnapped and then the little one is laid down to change that poopy diaper. Petit Bateau's classic rompers and footies hearken back to this super fun style.

Easy-off shoulder: This overlap on both shoulders on baby t-shirts and onesies makes it easier to get your baby's head through when you're dressing them so you don't feel like you have a "So I Married An Axe Murderer" "Own Weather System" situation!

Flip-Cuff: Super handy (no pun intended!) cuff that flips over that little hand so your baby doesn't claw at themself!

Footie: Normally these'll snap down the front, middle or side, and in one piece become an outfit with socks! If dressing as an adult were only this easy! See Paul Frank and Bees and Dragons.

Gown (or Sack): A garment, usually with a flip-cuff and easy-off shoulders that is open (usually hemmed elastic) at the bottom for easy changes in that newborn and 0-3 region.
See Psychobaby and Mad Sky.

Gown, Convertible: See "Gown," and then check out the Transformers-like quality of this kind, which has two ways of snapping one that keeps it a gown and one that makes it into a romper!

Kimono: Can be a shirt, onesie or outfit that ties across either with a ribbon or snap, like true kimonos. The avoidance of the center of the tummy is great for those sensitive new belly buttons! See Mad Sky/Barn

Layette: According to Princeton University, a "Kit consisting of a complete outfit (clothing and accessories) for a new baby." In our Clothing Section, we use this term loosely to describe all the squishy and comfy tiny baby clothing that usually also has blankets and hats in the same patterns and colors. These sets, especially in a fun pattern, makes for a great baby shower gift.

Lounge Wear: Normally two-piece sets with straight legs and easy-off shoulders made of cotton. Think: Outfit If Baby Did Yoga! See Hi Ho Batik

Onesies: A "leotard" like tee-shirt that was once popular with adults back in that stirrup-legging 80's phase, now thankfully part of a cool baby's style. Lots of parents like these because they keep baby's tummy covered when they raise their arms or get picked up, and lots of folks treat them as a full outfit with some type of leg warmer, like Baby Legs!
See Psychobaby Tees.

Romper: A one-piecer that has both a top and a bottom. In summertime, they will have short sleeves and shorter legs on the pants- winter will show them with long sleeves. These will always have snaps, zippers or buttons because otherwise there'd be no way in or out! Lots of Moms use onesies underneath as a kind of undershirt. See Psychobaby and Bees and Dragons.

T-shirts: Tees are exactly like adult t-shirts, except many baby ones incorporate the easy off shoulder, and now incorporate cool patterns, rock bands and funny sayings into their designs .
See Hot Tees and Denim.

Take Home Outfit: Usually a layette type thang- outfit, matching hat, socks and blankee- just remember you have to have a car-seat belts appropriate outfit to be able to get home from that hospital!


Now, what we normally tell folks is to try a different style just to see if it is easier to dress or change your baby, and one of our recommendation for gifters is to get a little bigger seasonally appropriate gifts, because just like Goodnight Moon, super tiny sizes re always popular for showers, and Moms always say that it was nice to get something for later! Everybody has their own drummer when it comes to their style preferences- I'm pretty sure that "Onesie/T-shirt" debate will never be resolved! Definitely let us know in the comments what works for you and which styles you like the best!


View all our cool baby clothes and funky booties!










----posted by Kristina

Great Gifts! the Happy Hamper


I love a Great Gift, and I wanted to feature this one that was craftily created by our sales rep Jessica's Mom, Robin DeCoudres. Robin's gift, which I like to call the Happy Hamper, takes the cake for practicality and cuteness! Since I am the gal who sent her guy's Mom a Breadbox full of things to use on a day-to-day basis (ie her "Daily Bread" get it? including Eat, Pray, Love, of course) I love this super gifty idea that will make a stunning "aww" filled gifty moment at that baby shower!
Robin got a lot of baby essentials, including rock n roll onesies such as the Johnny Cash and rainbow-brite Chilly Kids' romper. All were different sizes and colors, and she arranged them on the line from smallest to largest, and then attached a stroller toy to the end of the clothesline. The line was then placed in a hamper that matched baby's room, with the stroller toy peeking under the lid. Mommy pulled the toy, and out came a wardrobe assortment in a fabulous arrangement! Robin gets extra gifty points for the hamper, which as we all know, gets put to work in a little one's room! This presentation really curls our ribbons!!!

Tell me all about your favorite shower package in our Comments section!
----posted by Kristina

Mama Lavona's Horoscopes - Aries


ARIES (3/21-4/19) is daring, bold and dynamic! Invest in a crash helmet because your little Ram will enjoy jumping off the kitchen table! Sports is an obvious outlet, but Aries loves challenging brain sports too, so invest in puzzles and later on, chess! They are natural born
leaders and motivators, because they exude an intense, exciting, magnetic, and open personality. Inquisitive Aries children seek and appreciate honesty, so please, no long lectures or metaphors, Mom! Answer questions honestly and directly. Aries love adventure so they are always willing to try something at least once. This little Ram is sure to keep you on your toes!



Gift Ideas: Puzzles, Games, Bikes, Skateboards, Roller Skates...Sports Related. Yes, for girls too!
Color: Red, Orange
Gem: Carnelian
Essential Oil:
Pink Grapefruit

Famous Rams Include: Johann Sebastian Bach and Matthew Broderick (3/21), Reese Witherspoon (3/22), Aretha Franklin and Elton John (3/25), Alan Arkin, Sandra Day O'Connor and Martin Short (3/26), Reba McIntyre (3/28), Jennifer Capriati (3/29), Eric Clapton (3/30), Debbie Reynolds (4/1), Doris Day, Eddie Murphy and David Hyde Pierce (4/3), Robert Downey Jr. (4/4), Kofi Annan (4/8), Paul Robeson (4/9) , Joel Grey (4/11), David Letterman (4/12), Jason Sehorn (4/15, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (4/16), Conan O'Brien (4/18), Kate Hudson and Ashley Judd (4/19)


----posted by Kristina




Yummy Recipes- Candied Apples for a Baby Shower!



Valerie McSwain, mother of cutie little Mylo (pictured with his apple- awww!) and former Pastry Chef at the Jackson House in Woodstock, VT was kind enough to give us this Candied Apple recipe, which is super dainty and pretty and perfect for toting to a baby shower. Considering she missed her own shower because she busy having the baby, we think that is super cool of her and we promise to make them for her if she's ever expecting again! Val says that Whole Foods or a similar store is great for finding these delectable Lady Apples, and that after they are tied in the cellophane, they can be placed in a cigar box ("It's A Girl!!") or stuck in a flower pot with some flowers to make a spring baby shower topiary centerpiece! Any which way, they are super yummy and we are very grateful she has shared with the group!





Mylo's Mom's Candied Lady Apples (makes about 3 dozen)


The stuff you need:
36 lady apples (rinsed, dried, room temp)
36 lollipop sticks
1 c water
2/3 c light corn syrup
2 c sugar
1/2 tsp red food color (liquid)
1/2 tsp cinnamon oil

What you do with it:
  • Twist and remove stem from apples and insert one stick into each apple. Line up your apples on a baking sheet lined with an non-stick material (Silpat).
  • Carefully combine the water, corn syrup, and sugar in a 1 1/2 quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Try not to splash any sugar onto the walls of the pan.
  • Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Boil, without stirring, until candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees (hard-crack stage).
  • Remove pan from heat and let stand until bubbling subsides (about 1 minute). Gently stir in food coloring and cinnamon oil.
  • Holding the sticks, dip each apple into the hot syrup, allowing any excess to drip back into the pan. Set each dipped apple back onto the non-stick mat.
  • The apples should cool and harden in about 1 hour (depending on humidity). Wrap each in cellophane and store in a cool, dry place.
---posted by Kristina

Great Games: Poopy Diapers


This one comes from one of our brick and mortar store sales reps, Jessica, and we'd like to thank her for this totally gross shower game!
"At my cousin's baby shower, we played a fun and smelly game- Poopy Diapers! To prep for it, gather anywhere from 5-10 brand new diapers. Then collect as many different types of chocolate candy bars as there are diapers and get ready for the gross part! We used Hershey's, Butterfinger, Reese's, Mounds Bars, Milky Way, Snickers and Twix for our stinky diapers! You melt each of the bars separately, and place each different choco goo into the diapers. After you finish "filling" them you should number them and make a chart (otherwise you won't remember which is which!) and then you and your friends are ready to play! The rules of the game include that you can smell, touch or taste (icky!!!) Whoever guesses the most chocolates correctly is the Poop Diaper Champ. I'd like to say, I've been the champion of this game before and it really makes you feel like you know your snacks! Have fun!"--Jessica

We were thinking that you can make this one less poopy for the environment by limiting the number of diapers, or using cloth!
Send us you Baby Shower Games- we'd love to hear what's popular with your friends!


View Daddy Changing a Poopy Diaper on You Tube (photo courtesy of thinkqik on You Tube)
Check out our hip Baby Shower Gifts!
Browse our fun Games for toddlers and bigger kids!

----posted by Kristina

April Showers Playlist!