While I had visions of a garden rivaling Versailles, what we ended up with was a small plot of carrots. And by plot, I mean a teeny, tiny little patch of earth. You may have to break out your magnifying lens to see it.
But oh! Oh, I don’t think I could be prouder of our little carrots. They came from a modest plot of land. And yet, they made us wildly happy.
I love children’s parties. I do, I do. I love planning them, crafting for them, coming up with games. Perhaps this love stems from one of my fondest memories: my sixth birthday party. It was a party at my house. My mom planned it. I wore a smurfette tank top, and my childhood love was there. Ah, it was a grand day.
So it should come as no shock that when I ran across a charming new site dedicated to kid’s celebrations I thought, “Oh! this is fantastic! I must share it with everyone I know!” (everyone I know translation: you of course!).
So today I’m going to introduce you to Suann Song, creator of the delightful new blog Hip Hip Hooray. Suann was gracious enough to answer some questions I had about her inspiration for starting the new site. Here’s what she had to say…
Why did you start Hip Hip Hooray?
With the closing of magazines like Martha Stewart Kids and Cookie Magazine (though a lot of their archives are still available online – hooray for that!) I wanted to create an resource for moms – our focus is on fresh, stylish, creative but affordable and approachable parties.
The focus of Hip Hip Hooray is on real parties. Why did you feel it’s important to focus on real world parties?
I wanted to provide a place where anyone can come and get fun ideas they can do themselves. I’m a mom and I work full-time. And I know how much time putting a birthday party can take …. so I thought it would be helpful to provide a gallery of real parties as well as party resources.
What’s your favorite type of party?
I love a comfortable, creative, personalized and just plan fun party – for both kids and adults. It doesn’t need to be over-the-top – personal and thoughtful touches, creative activities and being around your loved ones makes a great party.
What are some of your tips for making a celebration special?
I love taking a basic supply and adding a little personal touch to it. I also love adding pops of color and or pattern. Whether it be balloons, bunting, confetti, striped straws or just colored napkins. A little pop of color goes a long way … and is just plain cheery!
You are passionate about parties and celebrations. What is it about them that inspires your passion?
Kid’s parties and birthday are just so sweet. I have a 3.5 year old little guy and he’s just coming to the age where he LOVES parties and everything about them. There’s just something very special about birthdays and the childhood memories you build around them.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?
Anything to do with paper. I collected every bit of paper imaginable. And my dream has come true…I have a full time letterpress printing studio and happily play with paper all day, every day!
By day, Suann Song runs SIMPLESONG Design, a letterpress and design studio based outside of Washington, DC in Old Town Alexandria. In addition to the recently launched Hip Hip Hooray, Suann also has a lifestyle and design blog that is update daily. Suann is mom to little guy, Ike, who turns 4 in October. While she hasn’t started planning quite yet, birthday themes are on both of their minds!
What to do when it’s too hot, thunderstorm clouds are rolling in, or it’s just one of those days? Let the kids become life size paper dolls. Click here for the how-to.
This is a picture of my brother Steve and me. Weren’t we cute kids? From the picture you’d think we never argued. I mean, really, look at how much fun we’re having.
But the fact is, Steve and I didn’t always get along. Siblings squabble. You’re particularly aware of this fact if you have two or more children home with you all day during the summer.
So what can you do when the bickering starts? Here are some suggestions:
Change the scenery – This is one of the first things I do. Simply sending the kids out to play, taking them to the park or just a walk around the neighborhood can make a world of difference.
Break ‘em up - Kids can’t seem to play together nicely? Well then perhaps they need a little time on their own. I find that when I tell my kids they can’t play together, they all of the sudden start getting along.
Let them work it out – When my kids come running to me about some slight, or disagreement, I take the time to listen. But if there’s no imminent danger or bullying involved, I tell them they need to work it out themselves. Then I use what I call my ninja-parenting skills. I monitor what they’re saying while making it appear as if I’m not listening. That way, I’m still able to jump in if negotiations fail.
What do you do when the kids start the summer squabble? Share your tips!
Last week we met Jennifer, a creative mom who seeks to celebrate boyhood without all the commercial influences. This week, we meet another creative mom, Melissa, who is redefining girlhood. Both Melissa and Jennifer are on the same mission: to Rescue Childhood.
When I met Melissa, I was incredibly impressed by her vision. She wants to teach the next generation of girls that they can be strong, independent and not afraid to reach for the stars—literally, blast off into space and study the universe.
When I was a kid, my dad had a telescope. It was white and took up residence on the balcony porch off my parent’s bedroom. Sometimes he’d move it out to our backyard if Mars was in the right location or there was a comet coming our way. One thing you could always rely on, no matter its location, it always pointed to the heavens.
Folks, the heatwave is here and it hit us hard. Those meteorologists aren’t lying when they say it’s hot. Temperatures are expected to reach into the 100s again today. Humidity is at an unbearable level. The air is sticky and oppressive. The only thing I can think about is water. Well that and watermelon, popsicles and running through sprinklers.
I’d write more. But it’s too hot to think.
But before I go, I wanted to tell you about a special discount on Ellie Bellie Kids gear for our facebook fans. I was inspired by the heat. Go check it out. Then eat a popsicle. Or jump in a pool. Or run through a sprinkler.
When I was little, my dad was in the Navy. He was often out to sea. His travels took him to places like Haiti, Denmark, England and Puerto Rico. He traveled all over the Atlantic.
He always brought back gifts from the far away places he visited. It was a tradition. There was a hand-carved table from Haiti, a book of nursery rhymes from England, a wooden shoe from Denmark and a doll from Puerto Rico.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why is it so hard to find good stuff for boys?” Well if it exists, today’s guest poster finds it and shares it.
Jennifer Murnaghan from The Brothers Trimm not only has an enviable eye for style, her philosophy on childhood is as good as it gets. Jen believes childhood is something to celebrate and is currently in need of saving. It’s a crusade that’s near and dear to so many of us who seek to make play the primary job of today’s children.
I’ve gotten to know Jen and I’d best describe her as charming, genuine and just plain cool. I thought, you know what? I should introduce her to everyone. I just know they’ll love her. So I asked Jen here today to share a little about herself and why she started The Brothers Trimm. Here is her story…
In our Travel Issue, we offered an idea for a backyard playdate where kids create a magical plane ride to anywhere their imaginations take them. (Click the picture below or the links above to get the full article.) While we hosted our playdate in the backyard, you can easily adapt it for the indoors if you live in an apartment or city.
This weekend I broke out into a happy dance. The occasion you ask? My picky eater ate a chickpea, cucumber and bell pepper salad. Not only did he eat it, he said, “It was a million goods.” It was historic.
Trying to get our picky eater to try a variety of food has resulted in many a standoff. Between the picky eater, my husband and me, meal time can quickly turn into a scene straight out of a Spaghetti Western: tumble weeds blow through the dining room and our eyes dart nervously back and forth. I imagine I’m the Good. In reality, I end up the first man down. Making me which one? The Ugly or the Bad?
Since I know so many of us face this same battle, I’ve asked Blogger Kristin Potler, from LoveFeast Table, to offer her tips for getting the kids to put down the bag of chips and walk towards the healthier food light.
We’re heading into the weekend which means we’ll be out and about. But I didn’t want to leave you without something to read. So, I’m sharing some of my favorite posts I’ve run across this week. Enjoy!
The summer solstice is here and that means we’re heading to the pool to celebrate. But before we dash off, I wanted to share a couple links with you.
First up is my guest post on Mommy’s Still Fabulous. I wrote about compassion, empathy and the new girl. Please stop by and say hi to Erica. She’s funny, smart and really is fabulous. I am so excited she asked me to post!
The other link I wanted to share is to Charlotte’s Fancy. The very lovely Molly featured the Storm Trooper lanterns from our little man’s birthday party the other week. Thank you so much Molly!
And finally, I wanted to ask everyone how the father’s day celebrations went yesterday. Dave spent his day building legos, watching the World Cup and going to the movies.
I hope all the wonderful Dads out there enjoyed their day. They certainly deserve celebrating!
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. -William A. Ward
The other week, I dropped my daughter off at school midday. Her class was out a recess. As we came into view, her classmates started cheering. This was my daughter’s home away from home. These were her friends welcoming her back to their community.
The teacher ran over and gave my daughter a hug. She was happy to see my daughter return to school after battling a little illness. Then the kids came over to give her hugs. One of the boys in the class asked her to play. Many of the kids smiled and waved to me. “Hi, Mrs. Cooper!”
It was exactly what I had hoped for my children’s school experience. If they must be away from my care, then this is how I wanted them to be treated—warmly and with respect.
Yesterday, my kids had a sick day. It means I had a sick day too.
A couple weeks ago, I posted about our Memorial Day strep mess? Well, it seems the ol’ streptococcal is still making the rounds. Deep sigh.
Remember sick days as a kid? My memories are of watching MPT (Maryland Public Television), Bewitched (with both Darrens) and I Dream of Jeannie reruns. I tried to watch an episode of I Dream of Jeannierecently. Yegads, that show was sexist.
It may be from the Fall ‘07 issue of Classic Play, but we think you’ll find it’s just as fun to play on a warm summer night.
Flashlight Tag
To play:
1. Choose a player to be It.
2. That player counts to 20 with his or her flashlight on while everyone else hides.
3. To tag, It shines a light on a player and calls out their name.
4. Once all the players are caught the first person tag becomes the new It.
The Challenge Host a fifth Ewok themed birthday party and you have a week to pull it all together.
When the birthday boy asked for an Ewok party, I wasn’t sure what we’d do. It’s not a common theme and it didn’t come up in a search on the web. So, I looked to Twitter. There was a good deal of enthusiasm and some great ideas offered. My other go to source was YouTube where I found videos and cartoons featuring Ewoks.
Slideshow
Take home gift – Ewoks. The bears were hand drawn, then screen printed onto 100% cotton, stuffed and sewn. So cuddly!
Take home gift – Lego pod racers designed by the birthday boy’s dad.
Large terrarium surrounded by buttermilk cupcakes topped with chocolate buttercream frosting
Terrarium centerpieces featured Lego characters from the Return of the Jedi movie.
An Ewok hut serves as decoration. The lights are battery powered and can be found in the floral department of most craft stores.
Craft: Ewok necklaces. Feathers were glued to wooden beads making them easy to string.
Spray painted coffee cans were made to look like storm troopers.
Cans were hidden along a trail for guests to find and capture.
Guests were told there were reports of storm troopers in the area. They went on a hike to find them.
A battle against storm troopers.
With the bad guys safely captured, guests were able to head back to camp for a celebration.
The Party
As party guests arrived they were given a walking stick and burlap backpack containing furry ears and a small bag of nut-free trail mix. Then they were directed to a station while where they could make a wooden bead and feather necklace while we waited for all the guests to arrive.
Evenings spent catching these guys are a sure sign summer’s arrived. All one needs is a net (if you’re feeling fancy) and a jar. The evening takes on a magic all its own.
The fireflies o’er the meadow
In pulses come and go.
-James Russell Lowell
Now here’s the real question, which camp are you in? Fireflies or Lightning Bugs?
A week ago, we celebrated Memorial Day weekend. It’s also commonly regarded in the United States as the beginning of summer. Traditionally, it is spent picnicking, barbecuing, heading to the pool and spending some quality time with friends and family.
My introduction to summer included none of those things. I spent the entire weekend sick in bed with strep throat. Well, actually that’s not entirely true. We did spend a couple hours driving around trying to find an urgent care clinic.
Isn’t it amazing what a week and a heavy dose of antibiotics can do?
So if you missed the fanfare of summer’s grand entrance like I did (or even if you didn’t), I’d like to offer this wish for you: may your summer be filled with sunshine, lemonade and moments of magic.
While there’s still a few days left on the school calender, we’re already dreaming of days spent running through the sprinkler and evenings spent catching fireflies.
So over the next couple weeks we’re aiming to bring you some ideas and inspiration as you dream about, or plan for, some summer fun. First up: Packing!
If you’re like me, you need a little, okay a LOT, of help organizing. Here are a few links to help get you started.
This week my son graduated from preschool. It was a milestone. For him, it means he’s now a Kindergartner. For me, it means one parenting chapter closes and a new one begins.
It seems fitting to celebrate such a milestone this week. As we head into this long weekend we also head into a new season—helloooo summer!
Now, before I leave you to slather on the sunscreen, I want to share a story with you. You’ll find it over at Special Sauce in the House—the home of my friend and Classic Play contributor, Cheryl Rosenberg. Cheryl is simply amazing! And if you haven’t visited yet, let me be the first to say, you’ll love it. In fact you may not want to leave. What am I saying? She lives in Southern California! Of course you’ll never want to leave.
In my post, Love is a Three Legged Race, I discuss love, magical moments and making the most out of car rides with the kids.
My friend Jenny was the first to tell me about the power of books in the home. She’s an avid reader and an educator. So when she tells me something, I listen.
Today, I was reminded of the conversation Jenny and I had when another educator, Lindsay of Coffee In the Classroom, shared this article in the Chronicle. By the way, if you’re not familiar with Lindsay’s blog or follow her twitter stream, you should go check them out.
So what do you think? How important is it to you to have books in the home? And what about new media (e.g. wikipedia, blogs, online news sources) and new technology (e.g. kindle, ipads, etc)? Will it dumb down our kids?
We need some help spreading the word about the new issue of Classic Play. So we’re pulling out the big stuff and asking our friends (that’s you!) for help.
Here’s what we’re doing—We’re giving away four pairs of prizes: one for your child and one to give to your child’s friend. Sharing is caring! Want a chance to win? Just share the Food Issue of Classic Play on your blog, twitter or facebook then comment below with a link or where you posted it.
What’s the old adage? When it rains it pours? Or was that always just a marketing slogan for Morton’s salt?
In any event, May has been a big month for us here at Classic Play and Ellie Bellie Kids—we launched our newest issue, Food!, our contributors have been all over the internet, and one of my favorite toy stores was kind enough to ask me to guest post on its blog. *humbly happy sigh*
What’s that you say Rod? There’s even more? Why yes, studio audience. There is more. I’m also going to announce a new contest here shortly. We’ll be giving away over $300 in prizes. So please stay tuned!
When I was in my late teens, I took up gardening. It’s kind of a strange thing for a young adult to take up, isn’t it? It was as if one day, I woke up and said, “Today, I’m going to start a garden.” There was no real rhyme or reason to it as I recall.
I had my then boyfriend (who incidentally is my now husband) help me start a garden in a plot of yard at my parents’ house. I grew all sorts of herbs and veggies. I used loose straw to make pathways and broken tree limbs to section off beds. I even put up a little white picket fence from which white twinkle lights were hung. It was magical.
“…the more buttons and batteries the toy has means the less sounds and noises the child is making. How are you pushing your child to be creative and teaching them to grow if their toys do everything for them?”
-Pamela Paul, author of Parenting, Inc
For the past week, we’ve been hard at work on the next issue of Classic Play. Oh yes, we’ve been busy little bees here: writing, crafting, photographing, designing and drawing. We’ve been so busy that I looked up to see that there’s been no post in a week! Yikes!
Can’t make it to a museum this spring break? You can still have a museum experience by encouraging the kids make a museum of their very own.
I’ve asked my good friend, Clare Brown, an exhibit designer whose recent work can be viewed in the First Ladies exhibit at the National Museum of American History, to share some tips for kids who want to create a museum of their very own. Here’s what she had to say…
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined. -worldautismawarenessday.org
Today is World Autism Day.
I figured this was the perfect day to teach my kids a little about autism. While I spent a number of years working in early intervention with kids with autism, I don’t think I’ve ever actually talked to my kids about it.
This is a picture of me with my kids during a recent visit to Walters Art Museum. I love museums. Love them, love them. This enthusiasm for museums developed at a young age.
Spring break is just around the corner leaving many families faced with this question: What are we going to do? This year our family is going the staycation route. But that doesn’t mean we’ll be bored. Over the next couple weeks, as I make my own plans for spring break fun, I’ll feature ideas you and your family can enjoy right in your own backyard. First up: the Photo Scavenger Hunt.
Encouraging storytelling is something we’ve spent a good deal of time talking about here at Classic Play. There are so many reasons to encourage your child’s love of storytelling as well as flex your own literary prowess. Not only will you stimulate the right section of your brain, your children will learn a little something about you and in turn you’ll learn more about them. Creativity, empathy, ability to convey ideas to others—these are a just a few of the qualities of a great storyteller.
Didn’t win the iStopMotion software but still want to make your children’s stories come to life? You can by using the Iconographic technique. In essence, you use a video camera to pan and zoom over an illustration to create the illusion of movement.
Most people herald the first of March – FINALLY! The Beginning of Spring! Six foot drifts of snow on the ground be damned! For the kids in my house, it marks the end of the most groundbreaking, radical experiment ever.
When I was a kid, I used to make coloring books. I’d fill them with pictures and mazes, word searches and draw what’s missing doodles. I would fill pages and pages, staple them together and then try to sell them to my younger siblings as a fun project.
Last spring, I was invited to be a guest writer over at Make and Takes. I was so excited! I went to work brainstorming. It can be a little nerve wracking to figure out what you want to share. Will the readers like it? Will my instructions be clear? So I sat and I thought. And I thought while I sat. I guess I do my best thinking while physically inactive.
As I settled into day five of a stomach bug that has taken hold of our house, I realized I could use, no required in order to survive, a good laugh. So here it is. Something you can watch with the kids (who I hope are healthy in your house) and have a good chuckle over together. Enjoy…
Because there is a natural storytelling urge and ability in all human beings, even just a little nurturing of this impulse can bring about astonishing and delightful results.
-Nancy Mellon, The Art of Storytelling
I have always been fascinated by the art of storytelling. Everywhere you look there is a story. We go to the movies and the stage to watch stories. We pick up books or follow blogs so we can read stories. We buy music or go to concerts so we can hear stories. We write, we create so we can tell stories.
Recently, I stumbled across a series of stories that became fast favorites in our home. The stories are those of the Fox and the Polar Bear (the Polar Bear being affectionately nicknamed Mrs. PB).
Did you know that there are not one, not two, not even three or four, but SIX issues of Classic Play that you can look through? Click on the Issues button under Classic Play! Happy Reading!
It appears that we, here in the mid-Atlantic region, are about to be walloped by a snow storm. The media outlets have been talking about it for a couple days now. So yesterday I prepared. I went out to stock up on a few essentials: art supplies, popcorn and milk for hot cocoa. Oh, and let’s not forget marshmallows. These items are a must in any snowstorm kit. At least, in my opinion anyway.
In the Love Issue we visited a family as they enjoyed a simple night in—pizza and a movie. This is something we do often in the Cooper house. Last year, my daughter had a mock pj party (she was a bit too young for a real sleep over). She invited a friend over to make their own pizzas, mix up some yummy rootbeer floats and watch Herbie the Love Bug. I must say, they seemed to have a lot of fun.
I want to sincerely thank everyone for spreading the word about Classic Play yesterday! The response has been incredibly lovely. It has been a true labor of love for everyone here which makes it especially thrilling to hear so many of you enjoy what we’ve done.
My goal is to not only make this a place you’ll want to come back to often, but also one in which you feel comfortable sharing your own family stories. So I hope to hear from you soon.
In the Love issue, Kirsten Nilsen discusses her first childhood love. I adore this essay. And it’s particularly interesting to me as I’ve already watched my children experience their first childhood loves. At their ages, it’s all very innocent and sweet. They seem to be working through what on what marriage and love means. Right now it’s pretty rudimentary. In fact, this is how my son recently declared his love for a preschool classmate: “Mommy, I’m going to marry her because she lets me play with her Hess truck.”
I’ve been fortunate to meet some very talented people during my time. One of those people is artist and illustrator Linda Olliver. When I met Linda and saw her work, I knew that I wanted to work with her one day.
This song has been on replay in my head for days now. Not sure if it’s from putting together the love issue or if it’s from my seven year old singing it day and night. Whatever the case may be, when I complained to a friend she made a good point saying there are worse songs to be stuck in one’s head. So true.
Our makeshift concession stand stocked with treats for movie watching.
Welcome to the new and improved Classic Play! We hope you love the new layout and site as much as we do. While you’re here, check out our newest issue. It’s all about love.
By day, Suann Song runs 
