"Framing" your Kids' Artwork

2009-11-16T06:49:07Z

I have long coveted the "frame wallpaper" that jumped onto the design scene a few years ago. However, I have been too much of a Nervous Nelly to commit to something so expensive and long-lasting. Instead I invested in a framed cork board that color coordinates with the paint in my kitchen. That worked well until my son became prolific at all things art. One day I arrived home to find that he had double-sided-taped dozens of drawings to the foyer and dining room walls. Soon thereafter, I discovered that scotch tape removes wall paint. UGH. That's when I discovered the miracle of sticky dots. But still, as much as I was cool with the concept of displaying my son's drawings throughout the apartment, it still made me all fidgety. My apartment looked like a classroom. There had to be a better way. After many ~~months~~ years of google searching and failed testing, I found my solution. Behold, Frame Tape. I created a gallery of my son's artwork, which was a big hit at our Halloween Party. I love that it fits around your drawing as kids use all different sized papers. Better yet, the tape doesn't take any wall paint along with it when removed. However, the borders of the artwork don't fare as well. So, use this frame tape with caution if the artwork is especially dear to your child. Our "Art Gallery" I'm so pleased with this solution that it's actually given me confidence to use the "Frame Wallpaper." I will keep it small though. Confining the project to just a short hallway. Aren't these lovely? This frame wallpaper is by Graham & Brown. This wallpaper is entitled The Family and is by Lisa Bengtsson. ]]>

Veteran's Day: Ancestry.com Opening its Military Records

2009-11-11T06:36:32Z

Last month I was invited by Ancestry.com to visit their offices and learn about their genealogy company.* Since I'm from Portugal, I didn't expect them to find anything about my side of the family (they eventually did by going through their experts network-- just waiting for it to arrive). But on my husband's side of the family, with just a few names and approximated birth years, they were able to discover some key pieces of my husband's grandfather's background from which I was able to track down what part of Eastern Europe he came. The answer was found on military record, a WWII draft card. As an aside, I've become so enthralled with the piecing together my son's family tree that I even included it on my 40 before 40 list. Researching and uncovering your family's history is like playing a video game, but in this case you reach the next playing level by discovering genealogical information, and the work becomes more involved and fun. So, I feel compelled to share that from today until Friday, Nov 13, Ancestry.com is making its entire U.S. Military Collection at www.ancestry.com/military available for free to the public as a way to honor the millions of American military heroes past and present. Within the collection, users will be able to search 100 million names in records spanning more than three centuries (!!!) of military service. From my personal experience, I felt that the Census data and the military information were the most helpful as far in piecing together information about my husband's family, for now. I will warn you that Ancestry.com is quite addictive (again much like video games), but at least you'll walk away with some tangible gift to yourself. And, without further ado, thank you to all the men and women, past and present, who serve in our military forces. __________________________________ ** I participated in a blogger trip to visit Ancestry.com. They paid for my trip, accommodations, and provided me with products.]]>

Kids' Knit Caps

2009-10-19T17:15:44Z

Poof! All of a sudden it's really cold out there. That means 'tis the season for adorable children's knit caps. We've done some searching for you and here are some of our favorites. Left column: Bat Girl Cap, Bat Boy Cap, and Animal Hat & Booties all at Oeuf. Center: Coverall Hat by Ouef. Right Column: Sock Monkey & Owl Caps by DeLux. Clockwise from top left: Ava girl's knit cap by Malindi, Lemongrass Buckle Beanie at Two Seaside Babes, Newsboy Brim Cap Knit Hat at Deusprovidebit, Welcome Hat at Oeuf. ]]>

Big Apple Circus in NY Giveaway

2009-10-19T16:51:00Z

Do you live in the NYC-area or plan on visiting during the holiday season? Need an excuse to visit? Well, get a little closer because we have something you might be interested in.... The Big Apple Circus has given usone (1) package of 4 tickets (Family 4 Pack) for a show this season . These are Mezzanine seats (and, no seat is more than 50 feet away from the main stage). The show runs in NYC from Oct 22, 2009 through Jan 18, 2010 and the winner will receive a voucher that will have some specific dates to choose from for their prize package. Whee! The giveaway is now over. To enter, just send an email to contact@alphamom.com with 'Big Apple Circus' in the subject title and you are entered to win (only US, sorry international folks and our regular contest rules apply-- see our policies). This contest is open until Monday, October 26, 2009 at 11:59:59pm EST. We will notify the winner by email. If we don't hear back within 48 hours, we will select another winner. Our winner will be selected randomly. ]]>

Blow Me Away with the Dyson Air Multiplier

2009-10-18T05:12:47Z

James Dyson is one of those iconic figures who not only invents his own products but also serves as its spokesperson. There are few who can pull that off. The others may be passionate for their products and services, but it just doesn't resonate the same way. In two short years from the introduction in the US, the colorful Dyson vacuum cleaner was already the top vacuum cleaner brand-- topping Hoover-- and a much coveted household staple. Look, there's even a toy version (that's how you know you're indispensable). This week I had the pleasure of meeting James Dyson and interviewing him about his new invention... the Dyson Air Multiplier, which is a bladeless desktop fan. here's james dyson telling our small group all about his invention honestly, i didn't understand half of the engineering stuff. but he's clearly very smart and there are 650 engineers at the company (whoa). also, isn't he adorable? (he wore grey & black striped socks!) What is important to know is that this desktop fan works very differently to conventional fans. It uses special technology to draw in air and amplify it 15 times, producing an uninterrupted stream of smooth air (meaning no unpleasant buffeting). i'm cooling off. (Photo by Jean Aw of NotCot) Most important to me is that is this baby is safe. There are no blades or grills. I don't know about you, but I've always had this fear of getting my fingers and hair caught. This is the only tabletop fan I would let near my (or any) young child. looky, i'm putting my head THROUGH a working blowing fan! Now, this fan doesn't come cheap ($299 for the smaller unit & $329 for the larger size) and it's not silence-free BUT it is very safe, easy to clean, easy to store, and uses much less electricity (not recycled air like an air conditioner). According to Mr. Dyson, next up is a vacuuming robot (in development now for 12 years). I asked if he was going to name it Rosie, but his quizzical look clearly indicates that lucky for us this inventor spends his time in the workshop and not watching Jetson reruns on TV with his grandkids. The fan is available now for pre-order on the Dyson Website. ]]>

Alpha Mom creates an invite collection for Pingg

2009-10-12T13:52:34Z

We are thrilled to announce our new designer invite collection on pingg, the stylish electronic invitation & announcement provider. We are now in the company of some of our heroes, like Martha Stewart and The Pop Sugar Network who are also featured designers. Our Halloween Party Invitation We've started out with four initial original designs, with one for Halloween, and three for birthday parties: Pirate, Princess, and Firefighter. We will be adding to the collection in the coming months with more original illustrations, particularly for birthday parties. (You will also see some other designs in the "Alpha Mom collection" but those are curated by us, rather than illustrated by our artist.) You can use our designs for your FREE electronic invite needs. Our Pirate Birthday Party Invitation Our Princess Birthday Party Invitation Our Firefighter Birthday Party Invitation Forget Evite, it's all about pingg! Again, find our collection on pingg here. ]]>

Peanuts' 'Great Pumpkin' Sneakers are Perfect for the Autumn

2009-10-09T05:03:27Z

Is Autumn your favorite season? Is 'The Great Pumpkin' your favorite Peanuts episode? I know I'm not alone. At least my son is right along with me. Check these out! It's Linus with his Great Pumpkin and what you don't see in this picture is the mini cobweb on the back of the sneaker and a comic that lines the sole. So, we were really excited when our friends at New Balance released these sneakers just in time for Halloween and sent us a pair. But New Balance Kids also released two other fun Peanuts designs. I LOVE the chocolate and pink Snoopy & Woodstock sneaker. The Peanuts sneakers are available in infant, pre-schooler and grade-school sizes. If you like, I recommend acting fast. Last year's New Balance Sesame Street sneaker line sold out quickly. ]]>

Kidlandia Maps at Pottery Barn

2009-10-07T14:46:46Z

We had heard of Kidlandia before. They are special map makers, wherein they use the names of the loved ones in your kid's real life to reflect the places in your kid's magical world (as reflected on a map). Now, Pottery Barn has added their unique design sensibility and created the prettiest Kidlandia maps I have seen thus far. They have also added Pottery Barn prices to the mix. So, this is definitely an investment piece of art. I love it and plan on gifting my son with "Ryland Land" for Christmas since this is something right up his alley. ]]>

Where The Wild Things Are & Monster Activities for Kids

2009-10-05T06:00:15Z

Have you seen the trailer for Where The Wild Things Are movie? It's spectacular and the movie hits theaters on October 16. Now, that you've seen it aren't you as excited as me? If your kid(s) is anything like mine, he'll want to immerse himself in monster-related imaginative play and crafts upon seeing the movie. Luckily for us all, one of Alpha Mom's contributors, Marie LeBaron of Make and Takes, has written an eBook, Monster Mania, chock-full of monster-related crafts, activities and culinary ideas. Our favorite is the Furry Feet. Let the wild rumpus start! ]]>

Jillian Michaels is our Fitness Hero

2009-09-25T12:56:39Z

We have mad love for Jillian Michaels on this part of the internet. We first heard of Jillian Michaels when she became one of the stars of the huge TV hit, The Biggest Loser. Then, we started reading Twitter chatter initiated by Linda of Bodies in Motivation during the summer of 2008 about Jillian's 30 Day Shred workout. When talk of the 30 Day Shred spread across the Twittersphere with the support group Shreadheads launching, I personally took the plunge. And, I was converted. I have never been the DVD workout-type, much preferring to go to a gym. But this workout? Effective and efficient as it's only 20 minutes long and all you need are the DVD and a pair of light weights (I use these 3-pounders). I saw improved definition in my arms after two (2!) workouts. My friend, Lindsay, saw results right away as well. So, lucky me when I got an exclusive look at the new Jillian Michaels Wii workout, Fitness Ultimatum 2010. I was all over that event especially since Jillian WOULD BE THERE demoing the new product. Aayyyaaee. Of course, I harassed Jillian as soon as she arrived, telling her I was a Shreadhead and forcing her to take a photo with me on my iPhone. The results? * I was able to try out the Wii workout, which was fun (set on a Pacific Island because Jillian loves Lost) and for the next several days I could not walk. That workout targeted my inner things, hamstrings and glutes differently than the 30 Day Shred workout or running has. Once I get my free Wii copy (again, lucky me!) which is released on October 6th, I will be alternating this workout with the 30 Day Shred and running on the treadmill. Bonus features! * My picture with Jillian * Jillian mentions Shredheads and ME! in her tweet * Jillian mention Shreadheads in her QVC appearance this past weekend. Here is the video of her appearance (make sure you press the "video" tab). And, to top it all off, she's a really nice in person. ]]>

Animal Temporary Tattoo Fun

2009-09-21T07:04:15Z

Last year, we stumbled across these gorgeous hand-paintings. Yes, literally, hand-painted hands. Works of art, I say. All I could think of was whether I could ever find one talented enough to reproduce such beauty for a party one day. Then the realistic side of my brain realized that I wouldn't want my son coming near any of the furniture in my house. Because, oy, the mess. Fast forward to last week, and my buddy Tom Ajello (his Twitter handle is @meat99) sends me info on these super cool animal hand temporary tattoos. Don't they make a nice alternative to the gorgeous artwork above? These would make for perfect birthday party favors, stocking stuffers, to have fun on a long car trip. Or, for no particular reason other than FUN. Looks like the only place you can find them is via online in the UK. Placing my order NOW. ************************* Special Contest: Our friends at bTrendie, the sales event site (selling some of our fave brands like Ed Hardy, CloudB, Morgan & Milo shoes, and Tea at up to a 60% DISCOUNT), are giving one lucky reader a chance to win a Caden Lane nursery gift package (crib bedding, diaper bag & burp cloths... perfect for an expecting or new parent) worth over $500. Enter to win through this link until October 1. ]]>

Sneak Peek at the New Dora Doll. Yes, that one.

2009-09-02T05:43:19Z

By Isabel Kallman, founder of Alpha Mom I was able to get a in-person sneak peek at the new Dora doll. Yes, that one. The one that garnered lots of controversy when a sketch of her (called "Dora Links" or "Dora Explorer Girls") was released to the press back in March. So, what do I think? Mixed feelings. I have been thinking hard about this. I don't think I've thought this much about a doll since my own days playing with Barbies. First, the new tween Dora doll doesn't vary much from the sketch. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture to show you since I wasn't allowed to take any and you won't be able to see what she looks like until she's available at retail on September 29th. The new Dora doll does NOT wear a mini-skirt- as had been speculated- but rather a tunic with leggings. Instead of ballerina slippers, she's wearing platform sandals (which made me pause, but ultimately, I found acceptable). She comes with lots of bells and whistles and was developed after two years of research and development including input from moms and young girls. Girls want to play with a doll's hair, add jewelry, dress her up, etc. Moms were hoping their little girls would continue loving Dora beyond her 5-year-old original self. Kindergarten and first-grade girls find the original Dora too babyish (something I have heard firsthand). But, moms LOVE Dora and her adventurous spirit and, well, wholesomeness. Ta-da, Mattel created the new Dora doll. (The original Dora doll is not going anywhere and will continue on her backpacking adventures). But, see this is where I am having problems embracing the new Dora doll in all her long-haired and tween glory. The new Dora doll was created for the five-to-eight year old set, yet she is designed to be 11 years old. In fact, the new Dora doll's body has been constructed based on the proportions of an actual 11 year-old girl's prepubescent body (props for honest representation here). When I look at some of the most popular dolls out there for girls in that target age group, the first that jump to mind are Barbie, American Girl, and the dreaded Bratz dolls. Originally, I thought that the new Dora doll would be a less expensive alternative to American Girl. But it's not. The American Girls are made to portray eight-year olds for eight-year old girls. I wish they had made new Dora eight-years old, not eleven (but they didn't ask me and it's nt all about me either). Even Polly Pockets have developed bodies. Do little girls need to play with teenaged dolls? However, I do believe there is a market and will be demand for the new tween Dora doll. When I asked my Twitter buddies what alternatives there are for girls when you don't want to buy a Bratz or Barbie, these were some of the responses: - American Girl (age-appropriate, but expensive) - Only Hearts Club (looks age appropriate and great) - Groovy Girls (love these, but they are plush dolls so no combing hair) - Corelle Les Cheries (looks a bit young, but great) - Polly Pocket (tiny dolls but with teenage bodies) - Liv Dolls (dolls look like teenagers, but not as bad Bratz; nothing is as bad as Bratz) Yes, I think the "Dora Links" doll will be a hit, if the moms embrace it. Do I prefer some of the more age-appropriate choices listed above? Yes. But, I am also realistic and recognize that as girls push the the upper end of the target age group, they will be seeking out dolls that are more exciting. And, steering them away from the Bratz pack for as long as possible will be on moms' minds. On Bratz dolls, one mom told us "my daughter has enough of them now to open her own little whorehouse." Ouch. And, the tween Dora has some cool attributes when I look at this product through the innocent eyes of my seven-year old self. Once you connect the Dora Links doll to your computer via USB, you can make Dora's hair grow (though the execution is clunky) and retract to different lengths, make her jewelry sparkle in a variety of colors and even change her eye color. As much as I don't want to like these blingy features, even I squealed when I saw the eye color transformation. One thing I didn't like was that you could apply make-up to onscreen Dora and in-person Dora Links' cheeks would light up (ick). These are the new Liv dolls. Better than Bratz. But still? But overall, no matter how carefully a toy manufacturer engineers or tinkers with an existing icon, there will be some opposition to change. Even though the original Dora will still be around, it will be hard for some to embrace the tween Dora. Which honestly is not surprising. Watching our children grow up is hard enough. And now, Dora, too? Yes, life is rough. __________ BTW-- the doll is available for pre-order right now in case you think this is something a little girl in your life would enjoy.]]>

"A Parent is Born" Video Series

2009-08-28T05:26:55Z

Are you enamored with pregnancy and birth stories? It's okay, lots of moms and women who visit our site are. Honestly, what's there not to love? I recently started working with Pampers as a parenting expert and want to share this video series entitled A Parent is Born. You can follow the story of Suzie and Steve who are pregnant with their baby after having overcome two miscarriages. It's a well-produced video series with touching moments and hilarious ones, for example as the father-to-be wears a pregnancy suit simulator. And, finally you see their birth of their adorable little [gender redacted]. Sorry don't want to spoil it for you. As an added bonus, our friends at Pampers have created a video widget that can be placed on your site or blog so that you don't forget about following along. Those who participate in posting the video widget on their blog, website or web page by September 4 will be entered into a drawing to receive a “Parent is Born” prize pack to include: a six month’s supply of Pampers diapers and wipes, a scrapbook and a Sony Cyber-shot Digital camera; for you to keep or give to one of your readers. ]]>

Another Nice Guy Award to Toys "R" Us

2009-08-26T14:36:33Z

Toys“R”Us just released its annual Differently-Abled Guide, a toy guide which matches specific skill sets with a wide range of everyday toys. It's complimentary, available in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores nationwide and online, in English and Spanish, at Toysrus.com. The guide has been developed for the past 15 years now with the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the world accessible to children of all abilities. They assess the play value of hundreds of toys for children with special needs. Then the toughest toy critics chime in-- the kids. You can search by skills that are important for your child's ability level. Recommended are the same toys you would find in all kids' homes. For example, under "Language Skills," the ubiquitous Zingo game is a best-seller. ]]>

Back-to-School: Art Smocks

2009-08-21T07:57:28Z

They say that "play is the work of children," so it only makes sense that when my son was in preschool, the only school supply he needed was an art smock. Luckily there are so many beauties to choose from. I have to admit, I'm partial to the long-sleeved art smocks seen below. Art Smocks on the left and center from Bumkins and the ones on the right are from Cattiwampus. These colorful ones are from one of our favorites, Land of Nod. We love these Brooklyn made smocks by Petite Violette (thanks Cool Mom Picks). This one is from Warm Biscuit, a retailer that reminds us a lot of Land of Nod. - Back-to-School Essential - Back-to-School Lunchbox Inspiration - Back-to-School: best lunchboxes - Back-to-School: best getting-ready-for-school books - Back-to-School: best school supplies - Back-to-School: best lunch boxes - Back-to-School: the best backpacks - Back-to-School: Eco-friendly Backpack - Back-to-School: Vintage-fabric Backpack - Back-to-School: Messenger Bag - Back-to-School: BPA-free Reusable Bottles - Back-to-School: PVC-Free School Supplies]]>

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