Our Apologies! 10/29 Book Reading Cancelled!

Please accept our apologies- the Halloween book reading slated for 10/29 has been cancelled. Join us at our brick and mortar store on 11/5 for more tales from the Story Book Mom.

We're Melting Down over flipping kitties!

Just like the kiddies after they play with the shopping car in our store, today everyone in the pffice is melting down over this postcard we got in the mail...with Acrocats on it. Yep. Add the words "Acrobat" and "Cat" together and you've got the Acrocats (There are also Rock Cats playing guitars, but we digress). We're not sure what the deal fully is, as the postcard was to inform us that the Acrocats will be performing on November 9 at both 1 and 3 (you could go twice!!!) at the Gorilla Tango Theater. We are tooling over the idea of going over there are watching these feline Olympians do their things.... has anyone ever seen this in action? If so, we'd love a full report! One of them is named Tuna (shown) though, and we think it is definitely worth checking out the website for You Tube clips galore!

To get more info on the Acrocats, go to Amazinganimals.biz

Freaky Friday Clue #1

Professor Plum in the kitchen with a candlestick! Just kidding!
We've comprised a spoken word poem in regards to our first Freaky Friday!

Some think they're freaky
Others think cosy
Some of them are pink like a posy.

That's all for now,
We don't want to bore
So, see you later, alligator!

Big 80's Hair, Big Giveaway!

Well, we do have to say that we are impressed-you guys have got the look! We have started to receive your big hair photos, and they are like, so totally 80's (And your photo names are hilarious)!!! Keep sending them in, folks.... you've got til our slideshow which will appear from November 15-30 in a slide show so the world can vote on who's got the most hair-raising look! The winner gets a Bead Shop Wig Kit full of fun for the whole family, and also will be interviewed on their Big Hair technique, which must be shared with the world! Keep 'em coming!

Send your Big 80's Hair Photo to contest@psychobaby.net with your contact info and the name of your photo as you would like it to appear for the voting!

Freaky Fridays Are Here!

Fridays are now freaky-in-a-good-way, like when you have parkma, start to window shop, happen upon the handbag of your dreams on super sale, meet your long-lost-bff-from-kindergarten on the way out of the store with your fabulousness and then find $20 in the street! That kind of freaky goodness is on psychobabyonline.com every Freaky Friday! For one day only (Friday) there's a doozy of a deal on one special item (cool stuff cheap). Supplies are limited so no pushing, kids (haha). Freaky Friday items are final sale, so no returnin' any day of the week! Our Freaky Fridays start at 11 am (CST) and go until the clock strikes 6pm or the cool stuff sells out, whichever comes first! Then, we'll rinse and repeat the next Friday and the next and next and next- freaking you out with awesome specials on special stuff! Enjoy Psycho Baby's Freaky Fridays- youll get great stuff and won't have to worry about turning into your mother (haha again) Clues for our blog readers will be presented on Thursdays so stay tuned!

Image courtesy of about.com Bookmark psychobabyonline.com and get the heads-up every Friday!

It's Bump Day!!!

In honor of the middle of the week, we'd like to proclaim Wednesday "Bump Day" and provide features, interviews and info for all our pregnant friends! To kick off Bump Day, we thought nothing would be better than Momtreprenuer, Jessica Kim of BabbaCo Covers to inspire those with a bun in the oven!

Jessica Kim's inspiration to start BabbaCo was to balance her entrepreneurial dreams while still getting to spend lots of time with her little 19 month old girl Kayla, who, says Jessica, "Cracks me up and makes me want to be a better person!" Jessica's dream of bringing the super cute to the super functional led to her creation of some of the coolest car seat covers on the market!

Jessica speaks to all the busy mamas in the world who take that dream of having it all and apply themselves to making it a reality! Jessica says, "Becoming a mom, I found juggling in reality was not an easy task. I wanted to be Top Mom, Top Model and Top Career Woman. Although many would argue that being top in all of those things was impossible, I concluded that finding some sort of balance was crucial. So, I created BabbaCo. to exude that aspiration of all parents (Moms AND Dads!) and developed products that were high in both functionality and design!
BabbaCo. covers are fleece and cotton delights with mixed patterns and fun styles like the Beep Beep (shown) that are sure to put a smile on your baby's face whilst you stroll! Jessica has more fun products in the works that are innovative and mom/dad proven, and we have to say, we just can't wait for more of Jessica's mix of products that make life easier and are super cute!

Shop the entire BabbaCo. Collection on psychobabyonline!

Check out Jessica's site and rap with her on her blog!

Mama Lavona's Horoscope: Libra!

Little Libra is charm personified and (s)he learns from a very young age how to use this to his/her advantage! Peace and Harmony are the key to happiness for Libra and for this reason they are natural Diplomats. Don’t be surprised if you find him/her working out disputes on the playground. The only thing worse than a chaotic environment is an ugly one. Libra is is the sign of balance and beauty so an aesthetically pleasing environment is of utmost importance. (S)he will display his/her artistic sensibility at an early age, so let your little one help decorate his/her own room and help choose their own wardrobe. You might find young Libra doing a lot of talking and debating. They enjoy exchanging ideas and require a lot of freedom to explore his/her world. Give your little Libra a kid’s camera or journal to document his/her discoveries! (S)he’ll love to entertain you with stories about his/her explorations.

Birthstone: Sapphire, Opal

Essential Oil: Ylang Ylang, Juniper, Bergamot

Gift Ideas: Kids' art supplies, poetry books, blank books to write and draw in, cool fashion choices

Check out Mama Lavona's Blog!
Shop Psycho Baby for cool gifts for an October Baby!

Trick or Treat Psycho Baby 10/26 and 10/31

Join us for Wicker Park Shops Trick or Treat on Sunday, October 26th from 11-5. The Midwest Bank Parking Lot has got it goin' on with a petting zoo, costume parade and more!
After many brainstorming sessions and one secret ballot (we are serious about Halloween!) the Psycho Baby team will be passing out candy on Oct. 31st (10-6) dressed as pop icons of the 80's! Be sure to stop by our brick and mortar for big bangs, candy and tunes! Our Halloween book reading is slated for Oct 29th at 10:30 am and promises to be a monster of a good time! Kick back with a musical preview of our 80's Halloween, and send us your tales of tails, mullets and that big hair!
I'll go first: The big hair was a must have to complete my tee, Jordache Jean, jelly bracelet look! I had The Hair That Reached For The Sky for a bit, so I had a system for curling where I could complete the Look is less time than it took to sing "Lucky Star" The Big Hair's Demise has to do with all of us gals not eating lunch after swim class so we could take our cordless curling irons out of our handbags and re-curl the Fwahhh! for our afternoon classes. At the start of semester, I had what was termed a "Front Front, Back Back" which took 4 separate curling patterns, some ratting and also at least a can of Aqua Net per day! Twice in one day got to be too much and I got hungry, so by the end of the semester, I had no big bangs and an air-dry because I just couldn't handle the hair-metal "mane-tenance!" I was thrilled to get into the 90's and go grungetastic!

If you were rockin' the Kid from Kid and play or your Hair Just Wanted to Have Fun, send us your story in the Special Comments Box! Or, enter your Big Hair Photo in Our 80's Photo Contest! Send your Big Hair Pic to contest@psychobaby.net with your contact info and what name you'd like to appear under your photo til Nov. 15th, 2008 and then get votin' - photos will appear on our blog under the Psycho Baby of the month, and the winner will receive the Bead Shop Hair Design Kit, valued at $25.00!

Check out our selection of Spooky Halloween Stuff!
-posted by Kristina for Psycho Baby

Me In Mind Socks on Cool Mom Picks

Well, we knew that the parents at Me in Mind were onto something special when we received their rock boy socks and cool girl sock packs, and we were so right! Sold out in two days and back again to cover those tootsies in a way befitting of their rock n roll lifestyle, and giving them fun guitars and tattoos to look at when they do baby yoga and have their feet up to their heads! Bravo, Me In Mind, for keeping little ones in mind all the time!

Shop now for the Me in Mind Sock Sets!

See us on Cool Mom Picks!

Hot Trend For Fall - Cupcakes!

We'll tempt that sweet tooth with the new fall trend- cupcakes! Frost your gifts with selections from Haba, the Psycho Baby brand, Jeeto! and more, all for your lil Pinkalicious!




To view more Little Lady Gifts that take the cake, shop our Great Gifts section now!

Cool, Crazy Person of the Month - Harald Husum from Appaman!

Harald Husum has been bringing his Scandinavian take on American pop imagery to Appaman, his cool line of kids' clothes, since 2003! We are thrilled to be hosting Appaman's birthday party at our brick and mortar store (Sunday, September 28, 2008) because we have loved Harald's cool streetwear since the first time we got" struck" by his lightning bolt tee years ago. Harald named his cool kids' clothes company after the corduroy monkey friend he had as a child, so he knows what it is like to feel like a revolutionary one day and a Nascar driver the next. Available in Baby, Toddler and Big Kid sizes, his cool cotton tees, funky jackets and hip new denim line denim are super cool and comfy and born of the "Mean Streets of Brooklyn!" Appaman's designs are wantin' to bring some "street cred" to your little one, to thank them for being the high-octane, groovy, imaginative little folks they are. In one of Appaman's bright designs, they'll be ready to take over the world....one cool tee at a time, with the help of their stuffed pals! Here's to Harald, our Cool, Crazy Person for October, and his answers to our Psycho Questions!

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

My three girls. And a little monkey.

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

My wife would say my leather pants. Don’t know, maybe my white and orange Billy Idol hair in the 90’s? Have toned it down now. Gold sneakers?

3. What is your favorite book?

Papillon

4. What toy can you not live without?

My Iphone.

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

Fly to the moon

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

Definitely not myself. Maybe Ruby C’s dad, he’s really funny

Through 9/30, enter APPAMAN5 as your Code to receive 10% off Appaman's cool kids' clothes!

Wells Street Popcorn Is Like Butter!

We'd like to say thank you to Wells Street Popcorn for sponsoring the Appaman Birthday Snack Table! If you love that tasty goodness, be sure to check out Wells Street Popcorn- with retro recipes from the 1930's and a variety of tin sizes that can be shipped throughout the US, they'll really make your taste buds pop!

Project Funway!

It's no secret- we love love love Project Runway! From Michael's jokes to Heidi's "You're In," Tim's vocab and Nina's straight talk, we watch every week! If you have a fashion star in the making, check out the new Fashion Magazine Editor Kit from the Bead Shop! Including a digital camera, tripod, backdrops, style ideas, this cool, PC-friendly kit will have your little one "Making It Work" in a flash!

Tell us who your favorite on Project Runway is- we'd love to dish with you!

Knuckleheads Has Arrived!

We are pleased to announce that Knuckleheads has arrived, bringing your baby and kids a bit of that 50's magic! Along with the cool rockabilly button downs and pants for boys, Knuckleheads also has the Hula Mula collection of retro girls' wear that will surely keep her look rockin' around the clock! Be sure to check out the new fall styles of Knuckleheads and other Cool Retro Tees and Toys at psychobabyonline.com!

Join us for the Appaman Denim Launch Party!

If you are anywhere near Chicago on Sunday, September 28th, be sure to boogie on down to our brick and mortar store for the Appaman Denim Launch Party! We are thrilled to be hosting this wonderful event for one of our favorite kids' designers, and it promises to be a bunch of fun! Appaman's entire denim line for babies and kids will be 10% off, and with each denim purchase, your lil one will score a free tee to decorate at our DIY station! Face painting by Mary Macaroni and other fun surprises await you, so be sure to stop by from Noon- 3pm and get some Appaman 'street cred!'

To preview Appaman's denim selection , check out their cool kids' clothes on psychobabyonline.com!

Mama Lavona's Astrology for your little Virgo!

Little Virgo is very grounded and will finish anything (s)he starts. Virgos take life very seriously and are their own worst critic. It's safe to say they are perfectionists and need to be reminded that their best IS good enough. (S)he's methodical and analytical, and for this reason will be great at puzzles and games. Brainy Virgo will love books and excel in school. Virgo will enjoy trips to museums, as (s)he will enjoy looking at the museum's ORGANIZED collections. In fact, I wouldn't doubt it if most Museum curators were Virgos! Structure is very important to Virgo. When things are out of order, (s)he may fret and worry. However, (s)he doesn't like to make a fuss and might not ask for help when (s)he needs it. Preferring to do it themselves, I think it was a Virgo who first said, "If you want something done, you have to do it yourself!" Virgo also doesn't demand much affection or reassurance from others, but of all the signs, (s)he may need it the most! The best way to get a Virgo to relax is to tickle their funny bone because they really enjoy comedy and jokes!

Birthstone-Emerald, topaz

Essential oils- Lavender and Tulip

Gift Ideas- Puzzles, Games, Books, Joke Books, Museum Passes, Science kits, Specimen Collections

Our Sand and Water Table Voted Babble's Best!

Well, the Sand and Water Table from International Playthings has always been the best here at Psycho Baby! The kids we know adore the multiple things they can do with the table and the included funnels of fun, which is why we have one parked in front of our brick and mortar store in Bucktown! We love it, kids love it, adults love it (we saw ya splashing! haha we know you love the fact that it stores within itself!) and now Babble has rated it Babble's Best! We're so proud!



Check us out on Babble!
Snag a cool Sand and Water Table for your little ones!

-posted by the Present Posse!

Fall Into Style with Baby and Kids Cotton Caboodle!

We love the mix and match cotton style of Seattle-based Cotton Caboodle! The fall collection includes separates for boys and girls in the brilliant jewel-toned colors that are super popular this season! For girls, be sure to check out the cool cord jumper, scallop-edge tees , cutie sailor pants and stunning 3/4 jacket! Boys will love the comfy cargo cords and two-toned baseball tees that are sure to coordinate with every item in his closet! Cotton Caboodle is bringing comfort back to style for back to school!

Check out Cotton Caboodle and other cool baby and kids clothes!

-posted by the Present Posse!

Mama Lavona's Horoscopes - Leo!

LEO

Today the Sun moves into Virgo at 2:02 pm. But wait, you didn't think we forgot about the Zodiac's shining star Leo did you? Sun-ruled Leo loves to romp and play! This little cub craves attention and is very sociable. (S)he loves to show others (S)he's King/Queen of the Jungle...but make sure (s)he knows who boss at home and plays nice with others. Attention loving Leo is naturally drawn to the Theatre and performing arts and can be quite the little drama king or queen even under normal circumstances. (S)he comes alive ar parties and likes to dress to impress. Leo have a flair for fashion and are trend setters at a very young age! Leo love family most of all! Even though Leo maysoar to great heights, he will always remain loyal to those (s)he loves.

Birthstone-Ruby

Essential Oil- Grapefruit, Tangerine, Orange

Great Gift Ideas- Fashion and accessories, dress-up costumes, Arts and Music classes, magic kits, Theatre tickets



To read more from Lady Lavona, go her her myspace page!

View hip Lion gifts for Leo babies and kids!

Cool, Crazy Person of the Month- Wesley Kimler

Artist Wesley Kimler, is internationally known for his colossal and evocative paintings, known in the blogosphere as "the Shark" on the Shark Forum (Opinion With Teeth: beware, you can spend many an hour there!) and known 'round these parts as "Daddy" to his beautiful little gal, Amina. We are thrilled to have him here answering our 6 Psycho Questions. Here are a few words from the multi-faceted Mr. Kimler!




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

2. What is the craziest fashion statement you have ever made?
God, I have always been such a slob -though I do like to head down and get fluorescent suits from the Pakistanis on Roosevelt Road.......

3. What is your favorite book?
Amina is named after the heroine in the great Egyptian novelist Nagib Mahfouz's first installment of his Cairo Trilogy -Palace Walk -currently I am enjoying With The Old Breed At Peleliu And Okinawa by E.B. Sledge -a gritty and harrowing account of two of the bloodiest battles fought in the Pacific Campaign of WW2 -as told by a private in the Marine Corp.

4. What toy can you not live without?
Toys? how about smoke and mirrors- I play for a living.

5. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Immortality- or at least the ability to not fear my own impending doom-

6. Who is the coolest parent you know (ties between your own Mom and Dad are totally understandable!)?
I am my own parent -and I am cool.