Valentine's Day Round-Up!

1. Psychobaby Personalized Little Valentine Kitchen Towel | 2. Valentine Pom Pom Monsters by Create Craft Love | 
3. Valentine's Dipped Rice Krispie Treats by Cooking on the Side | 4. Strawberries and Cream Cake by Gimme Some Oven | 5. Valentine's Moccasins by MyLOMoccs Etsy Shop | 6. Finger-less Heart Gloves by beyazdukkan Etsy Shop | 
7. Conversation Heart Brownies by Gimme Some Oven | 8. Love You More & Most Pillows by AndersAttic Etsy Shop 

Valentine's day gifts and grub for your sweetheart can be easy to find, if you know where to look! Lucky for you, we already found a ton of fun, food and fashion for those of you that share our love of all things pink and heart-covered.

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Food 

1. Conversation Heart Toast 
by Hungry Happenings
2. Heart Shaped Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
by Make.com
3. Cutest Chocolate Covered Pretzels
by The Paper Piñata
4. Red Velvet Melting Moments
by Raspberri Cupcakes
5. Heart Shaped Homemade Gumdrops
by Melissa's Cuisine

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Fashion 

1. 25 Cent Kisses Tee 
by Psychobabyonline
2. Red Heart Snuggle Mittens
by isewnaked Etsy Shop
3. DIY Cross Stitch Heart Sweater
by Über Chic for Cheap
4. Be-You-Tiful Raceerback Tank Top
by Joy & Chaos
5. Valentine Nail Art
by Being Genevieve

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Fun 

1. DIY Heart Scribble Mug
by Messy Little Monsters
2. Beary Love Valentine Cards (and Snacks)
by Cupcake Cutiees Designs
3. Be My Valentine Personalized Gift Bag
by Psychobabyonline
4. Conversation Heart Bingo
by Create Craft Love
5. Personalized Lace Heart Placemat
by Psychobabyonline

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John, Paul, George & Ringo: It's a Beatles Round-Up!

The Fab Four are our fave. (Say that ten times fast!)  Their music, their fashion, their attitudes resonate with millions; I mean, there is a reason it's called Beatles MANIA! Here are just a handful of the amazing things these musicians have inspired - crafts, lullabies, and even Russian Nesting Dolls.  We had to limit ourselves to just these items this time, or this blog would be ten pages long.  Check out a tiny selection of our faves below and then come meet us in an Octopus' Garden - we'll be in the shade. 

1. The Beatles Lullaby CD by Rockabye Baby Records  
2. Beatles Band Cupcakes by Instructables 
3. The Beatles DIY Abbey Road Art by a little artsy 
4. Beatles Love Me Do Girlie T-Shirt available at Psychobabyonline 
5. All You Need is Love Cedar Plank Sign DIY by Seven Thirty Three
6. The Beatles Sgt. Pepper Nesting Dolls by Great Russian Gifts
7. Beatles Yellow Submarine One-piece available at Psychobabyonline 
8. Beatles Inspired Birthday Party by Hostess with the Mostess 
9. Beatles 1964 Cake by Cake Central 
10. All You Need is Love DIY Sneakers by Dream a Little Bigger 
11. Personalized Lil Yellow Submarine Pillowcase in Blue by Psychobabyonline  

Years and years after the last Beatles Album is released (I'm sure there are some hidden tracks just biding their time to resurface...), people all over the world will still find them and fall in love with their music and their message.  Because remember: 

If you like what you see here, check out Beatles-themed gifts here! 

Soccer Round Up!

Soccer. Football. Futbal. Calcio. Futeball. Voetbal. Fusball. The beautiful game. The world's game. Whatever you call it, soccer is an amazing sport.  I mean, there is an entire genre of mom dedicated to mothering little soccer stars. Don't worry, we love your minivan - and how do you always have the BEST Capri Sun flavors?? To help out all you sports-loving mamas and papas out there, we have gathered up some of our favorite Soccer tees, crafts and snacks! Enjoy! 

1. Say Soccer T-Shirt by Psychobabyonline 
2. Soccer Survival Bag Essentials by Sports Mom Survival Guide 
3. Soccer Themed Birthday Party Decorations and Snacks by The Chickabug Blog
4. DIY Soccer Goal by I Can Teach My Child 
5. Soccer Ball Cake by Mom Spotted 
6. Gatorade Jello Squares - Soccer Snack! by Cookies & Cups 
7. Personalized Soccer Jersey T-Shirt by Psychobabyonline 
8. Soccer Team Washer Necklaces by Crafty Confessions 
9.  Personalized Soccer Star Bib by Psychobabyonline 
10. Soccer Cookies by My Love For Words 
11. DIY Soccer Ball Hanging Lanterns by Young America Blog

We agree. Play ball. (And if you want to see MORE of our favorite soccer, baseball, and basketball ideas, head on over to our Play Ball Pinterest Board!) 

P.S. And for a little soccer poetry, we bring you the great Ray Hudson.

Batter Up! + Baseball Round Up

Springtime is here! And we all know what that means - Baseball! America's favorite past time is about to take over every park across this country.  Teeball, Softball, Little League - everyone is getting ready to play ball! We've compiled some of our favorite baseball DIY crafts, outfits and party tips to help you get ready for the big leagues! 

1. All About That Base Tee by Psychobabyonline
2. Little League Baseball Cupcakes by Worth Pinning 
3. Baseball Wreath by My Repurposed Life 
4. DIY Baseball Lamp by Saw It, Made It 
5. Baseball Decorated Donuts by Craftibilities 
6. Retro Baseball Party Decorations and Snacks by Second City Soiree
7. Baseball Jersey Pillow Keepsakes by Sweet Bee Buzzings 
8. Baseball Night Stand by Love of Family & Home 
9. Hand print Baseball Souvenir Keepsake by Dukes & Duchesses 
10. DIY Scoreboard for a Baseball Themed Birthday Party by Love of Family & Home 
11. Baseball Belly Gift Set by Psychobabyonline 

Can't get enough of these baller crafts and snacks before the season starts?  Check out our Play Ball Pinterest Board - featuring all of our favorite sportsball (baseball, basketball, soccer, etc.) outfits, crafts and general appreciation! 

Top 5 Craziest Ways To Use Glitter

  

Here are five of the CRAZIEST ways to use glitter, aside from using it at all. You have to be kind of nuts to even open one of those little jars! Once you pop that glitter top, you'll be finding it in weird places for what will likely be the rest of your life. It's like sand from the beach, but even more ubiquitous. Luckily, glitter has its looks going for it, we're huge suckers for anything sparkly & glitzy! Check out these awesome (and insane) ways to use glitter:

 Edible Glitter Ice Cubes 
Because you can't always drink champagne, so might as well add some zazz to your... water.

    

 Glitter Toilet

Because if you eat too much glitter, you're gonna need to use this...

DIY Glitter Sneakers
Because it's scientifcally proven you burn more calories walking if you're wearing THESE...

 

 DIY Glitter Creepy Christmas Ornament
Because don't you have a friend that secretly needs this? Don't you!?

DIY Glitter Party Cup
Because after all this glitter crafting, you could use a drink.

 
And now for five totally acceptable ways to add some sparkle to your life:

 1.Personalized Guitar Playing Baby One-Piece Pink $26.00
2. Personalized I Am A Rockstar Hoodie $40.00
3. Shake It Off T-Shirt $20.00
4. I'm So Girly I Cry Glitter Baby Shirt $20.00
5.I'm So Fancy Mug $12.00

Check out our Glitter Pinterest board for all of the shiny sparkly, glittery things we love! Shine on, you crazy lil' diamonds!

7 Tips For Throwing a DIY Dance Party, Kid Style!

 

 
Summer is an awesome time for live music.  Especially in Chicago, when there are music festivals EVERY weekend. But it isn't always easy to organize an expedition that doesn't involve an industrial sized stroller or an embarrassing kiddie lease so your toddler doesn't wander off in the crowd. Therefore, we are giving you all the tips to throw your very own "Baby Rave" in your own backyard. Or living room if the neighbors don't like pants-less babies...and FUN in general. 

1. Pick Out Proper Dance Attire
It's important to have the proper dancing gear. Everyone loves a good concert tour tee, but sadly
your "Chumbawamba '99" isn't aging as well as you hoped.  Here's our suggestions for something a little more "timeless" and a little more customized for your little boppers...and as we've already said, pants optional. 

We recommend the Boppin' 2 the Beatz Headphone Tee to get you in the mood.  Or if you're feeling like skipping the pants, check out the Boppin' 2 the Beatz Headphone Dress! 

2. Fill the room (Don't go crazy...we mean like, 5 or 6 kids)
Invite the neighbor kids, daycare kids, cousins, play dates, etc. Dance parties are more fun if you've got people to share them with, so make a few calls and do your friend a solid by keeping their kiddo distracted for an hour or so. 

3. Clear the Dance Floor 
Is it outside on the lawn? In the living room? CLEAR THE AREA. Otherwise you'll be kissing a boo-boo or digging in the freezer for an icepack in no time.

4. Pick the Right Tunes
We've all fallen victim to the Toddler Musical Attention Span, and if your family is like mine, you've got the lyrics to "Let It Go" ingrained in your brain forever.  We're not sorry...that song is catchy.  However, we are here to offer relief to your eardrums and offer up some song selections that won't have you explaining that "Talk Dirty" just means talking with your mouth full...right?

Not only have we discovered an entire playlist of fun kid-appropriate songs, but we actually LIKE them.  The first one on the list is absolutely going to get stuck in your head, but it's in ours too, so you're not alone.

SO basically, just press play and let the kiddos twist and shout and shake (and let's face it, fall) for the next 45 minutes. Or until they need a potty/juice/pet the fluffy animal break.

5. Know when to stay out of the way! 
Once the tunes start, it's best to keep an eye out and even dance along! Teach them a couple of your favorite moves (the twist n shout, the shopping cart, etc.) but then step back and let them shake, rattle 'n roll on their own!

6. Provide refreshments for your guests
Now that you've danced hard in a circle for about a half an hour, give or take a couple minutes based on your toddler's attention span, it's time to chow down! Might we recommend some delicious finger food, or any of these awesome Family Friendly Recipes.

Don't use chopsticks, it'll just result in sword fights

And last, but not least...

7. HAVE FUN!
By FAR the most important part of the Baby Rave is to have fun! Be goofy! Sing along! Do that funny dad-dance where you point your fingers at everything.  The best part about a DIY Dance Party is spending time with the kiddos, so put down the phone and hit the floor! (Unless you're recording it to share on Instagram, in which case you should tag it #PsychobabyDanceParty)

Fourth of July Roundup: Food, Fashion & Fun!

Summertime Barbeques are the best part of the Summer season - which in Chicago lasts roughly three months, so we pack everything in pretty tight. There are birthday party BBQs, break-in-the-new grill BBQs, and of course, holiday BBQs. This year is extra awesome because the 4th of July falls on a Friday - which means an entire weekend of chillin' & grillin'! Get ready for your get-together with some of these super fun ideas for Fourth of July!

Food 

Obviously, the most important element of any BBQ is the food.  Here are some DELICIOUS looking Star Spangled Snacks that are sure to impress.

Just add Sparkler Candle...instant celebration!

* Patriotic Breakfast Toast - a healthy way to start the day before you see the dessert table...
* Taco Salad Flag - if you want to get technical, just mix in white cheddar instead
* Flag Fruit Kabobs - SOO easy and will offset all of the negative health effects from delicious  BBQ
* Chocolate Covered Pretzels Flag - another flag-themed dish...way more sugar than the fruit flag
* Watermelon Keg - FOR ADULTS ONLY...based on what you put inside.
* Sparkler Cupcakes - almost as good as regular cupcakes, but you get to light something on fire.
* Red, White & Blue Popsicles - made with fresh strawberries, blueberries, yogurt & honey
* Stained Glass Jello - obviously we saved this for last because there's ALWAYS room for Jello
* Grab one of our Hey Hey USA Placemats and save yourself a little clean-up!
 

Fashion 

Any old American can rock the red, white & blue on the Fourth of July, but the true fashionistas personalize their patriotism!

* Psychobaby World's Biggest Fan One-piece - A design for the World Cup, but applicable to pretty much any and all Summer BBQs
* Psychobaby Hey Hey USA Tee - It doesn't matter which of the 50 you're from, so show your home state a little love.
* Stella Blu Born Free Tee - seriously does NOT get more American than this! 
* Psychobaby Patriotic Gentleman Tee - It's too hot to actually dress up with suspenders, so this is the next best thing!
* Psychobaby World Love One-piece - Wear your flag on your chest with pride...and also your bum.
* Psychobaby Bomb Pop Tank - An absolute summer favorite! (Not just the dessert, this tank too!)

Fireworks and Fun!

In the land of the free and the home of the brave (enough to let their kids hold sparklers) it's important to be safe!  However, not everyone is old enough to partake in the pyrotechnics, so we've gathered up some crafts to make everyone feel involved in the celebration!

Super fun craft! Just don't glue yourself to the table...

* Safe Sparklers - much safer, less fire.
* Red, White & Blue Tin Can Candle Holders - add a citronella candle to ward away those pesky bugs
* DIY Flag Tee - not too messy and super easy!
* Fireworks Painting Project - pipecleaners and (washable) paints.
* Popsicle Stick Flags - really cute decorations! Just don't glue yourself to the table...

And last, but certainly not least: 
* Firework Safety Rules - print this off, put it somewhere EVERYONE can see it...just in case.


You can see all of these awesome ideas (AND MORE) to make your 4th of July Holiday BBQ awesome on our Fourth of July Pinterest Page.  Hope you all have a safe and happy Holiday!

11 Awesome Super Hero Birthday Party Ideas

If your kiddo has ever wondered what it would be like to leap tall buildings in a single bound, swing through the air on a spiderweb, or ride around in a car that is so amazing it has its own name (The "Brad Mobile" just doesn't have the same ring to it) ...then we've got the party plans for you!

Super Snacks

We all know the most important part of any party is the cake! If you'd like to avoid a riot, or at least some major tantrums, go with a variety of Super Hero frosted cupcakes! That way your Wonder Woman fan doesn't have to get stuck with Caped Crusader snack and everyone gets a tears-free sugar rush.  

We all know that sugar causes Super Powers

Or, if you're dying to show off your cake-design skills, you can put together this amazing sheet cake featuring all the different hero designs of your choice.  (Personally, we would have thrown in an Iron Man, but mostly because we love RDJ.)

The only time you'll see DC and Marvel together

And just in case Jimmy's mom doesn't want him hopped up on sugar all night long, throw in some healthy snacks, labeled according to which super power they will provide.  We really wish one of these would cause "Super Naps"!

These just might cancel out the cupcakes

Super Crafts and Activities

Now that your house is full of Super Kids, keep them occupied and in crime-fighting shape with these fun activities:

Find the biggest box in your house and turn it into your very-own Super Hero transformation station! They may enter as a mild-mannered five-year-old, but by the time they pop out they will be ready to fight crime and uphold reasonable bed times! (Not really, but one can hope.)

Works best with refrigerator boxes

Assemble your team of tiny Avengers and put their super powers to the test! We recommend using whiffle balls with this cool project, or at least something soft enough that no one gets hurt if a ball strays out of city limits.  

Add ramps on the inside so the ball pops back out!

The best part about having super powers has GOT to be flying.  Laser vision would be cool, but who wouldn't want to cut off 30 minutes from your commute to day care by soaring over that traffic jam? Let your kiddos' imagination fly high with this awesome photo booth set up!

Costumes

Every good Super Hero comes with an equally awesome Super Hero Name!  And we've got just the thing to make your Wonder Winnie or Super Sam's day marvelous!! (Lasso of Truth not included) Personalize any of these amazing tees so the townspeople will know exactly who saved them from impending doom! (Don't worry, it was just...)

Psychobaby Action Packed Hero Tee

Psychobaby Super Power Birthday Tee

Psychobaby U-R-A Hero Tee 

And if your Little Incredible has no regard for Edna's Rule...

via imgur.com

 ...then check out these SUPER EASY No-Sew Capes.  You don't even have to be crafty to follow these easy instructions to add a little lift to their day!

Favors

And to ensure that your guests had great time, be sure to send them off with one of these gifts as a thank you for sharing in your Super Duper Day!

Customize each cape with a special message for your guests: Hope you had a SUPER TIME at Mason's Party!

Like they need more sugar at this point...

Or, if you're looking for the Coolest Parent Ever award, put together Itty Bitty Bat Signals to be used to summon Night Wing for night-night.  Also amusing when trying to stop the cat from scratching the couch again...

Let's be honest, you want one for yourself, don't you?

Alright, now that we've given you the instructions for an amazing superhero party, gather your sidekicks and get started...Gotham wasn't built in a day. Check out all our cool custom superhero gifts for kids here, and as always, we LOVE seeing pictures of your super-kiddos, so please share!

P.S. Don't forget to enter our Super 11th Birthday Giveaway! Click here - it's as easy as Kapow, Bam, Splat!