mother’s day idea: kids’ art becomes modern art
Your child’s art may already be suitable for framing, but The Great Remember makes it official. They arrange for a photographer to shoot your child’s work, then the company will turn it into a surprisingly attractive mosaic. Of course, it’s not free: mosaics start at around $150 and go up to $380, with the option of having the final work printed on canvas for an additional fee. For even more nostalgia, send in special or outgrown clothes and The Great Remember will turn them into an appliqued piece (starting at $200). There’s also a selection of Mother’s Day gifts. And if you place an order now through 4/25, you can use coupon code MD15 to save 15%.
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outdoor organizing: decluttering the yard stash
After reading reviews for RubberMaid storage sheds for the kids’ bikes, I’m on the hunt for something that doesn’t leak. Enter the YardStash. At 78†long, 32†deep and 62†high, it should be able to fit two bikes and scooters easily. And at $99 (plus $19.95 shipping), it’s less than half the price of the hardware store option. While I certainly have bad memories of leaking tents from camping trips, in theory, it seems like this could work. My husband, however, is convinced it’ll end up in Kansas. Anyone tried it? Got a better idea? — Sarah L.
not for the weak minded: death star cookie jar
There’s a whole world of pop culture that my kids are just now nearing the age to take in. Key word: nearing. (The oldest came home from book character day saying that one friend had dressed as another friend’s dad. It was like pulling taffy to figure out one boy came as Luke and the other as Darth Vader, at which point, it made perfect sense.) So while the Death Star cookie jar is still a little bit beyond them, there’s still something pleasing about the gray goodness of the thing. 12 x12†and $49.99 from the geniuses at thinkgeek. — Sarah L.
steal this idea: a repurposed book storage solution from ikea
Repurposing items for nifty and imaginative alternate uses is where it’s at, but repurposing Ikea items? Now that’s where you’re bound to get a project at a price you can’t beat. I’m always amazed by the projects featured on Ikea Hackers, but for those of us with less time, space or power tool prowess, nothing compares to a straight up, no-mess repurpose. Lillian of Domestic Simplicity has a great one with her use of Ikea spice racks, $3.99 each, to store children’s books. With their slim design, the racks are the perfect way to let little ones see the covers of their favorite books while preserving floor space in small bedrooms. –Sarah C.
post off: what’s the best gift for a new mom?
Is it just me or is *everyone* having babies right now? I can count at least four of my friends who are expecting or just gave birth in the last 6 months alone. With this baby boom comes countless showers and parties, and I often feel like some of the things I gift may not be the most useful, especially with NO experience with babies outside of being a sitter in junior high/ high school. So when I ran across this post at Lilly and the Brothers (written by one of my favorite bloggers, Greta), I couldn’t have been happier with the timing. There, she linked to a list at doula Gloria Lemay’s blog of 10 things a family needs after a new birth — things like “come over at l0 a.m., make me eggs, toast and a 1/2 grapefruit. Clean my fridge and throw out everything you are in doubt about. Don’t ask me about anything; just use your best judgment”. A great set of ideas, yet not completely appropriate in my situation, as I live hours away from some of the expectant mamas in my life. So I look to you, faithful and awesome readers — what are some absolutely dynamite and fantastic gifts for new moms? — Megan B.
Image courtesy of Greta Eskridge
