Nested

The Saddest and/or Greatest Costume Ever!

We know that in a couple years we're not going to have much say in what costume Penelope wants to wear for Halloween. Sure, we're going to outlaw baby Lolita garb and will offer help in the form of sewing skills, but we have a feeling that she'll have no problem expressing a strong opinion.

That's why, this year, we couldn't resist dressing our precious one-year-old girl up as Gallagher! 

Yes, that Gallager.

We got to show off Penelope's costume at yesterday's Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. It's fair to say that it was a hit. Of course, none of the kids at the event had the slightest clue who/what Penelope was. The parents, however, seemed to delight in her costume.

To be fair to Penelope and, really, to prevent her from truly hating us when she's a teenager, she will be a more feminine (and homemade) homage to Gallagher for Halloween day: A watermelon.

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This Nested post was brought to you by Matt Haughey who supported the kids by donating to my DonorsChoose.org Nested & Dollarshort Challenge, [read more about it here] Donate to one of my challenge projects and see your name appear here!

Help Kids. Get a Finger Puppet!

Nested is participating in DonorsChoose.org's Blogger Challenge 2008. For those unfamiliar with DonorsChoose.org, it's a great organization that helps teachers (mostly from low-income communities) find donors to help fund school projects. When you donate, you'll hear back from the schools you've helped -- in the form of letters from the kids!

How is Nested participating? We've created a special giving page that spotlights the projects we'd like to help fund. These projects share a common goal of bring arts (& crafts) and writing to early education.

So donate to help these kids. Donate to feel good! 

As a special incentive, if you donate via our special giving page, we'll send you a Nested handmade finger puppet as a token of our thanks.*

* If you'd like to receive the puppet, be sure to use your full name when you donate. Then, just send us a message through the contact form noting your name and address. We can then match the names via our administration page at the DonorsChoose.org Challenge.

Saddest Halloween Costumes Ever!

It's late August so you know what that means!

Yes, stores have moved onto their next fun holiday (Labor Day doesn't count) and Halloween merchandise and decor is popping up everywhere. We've been casually looking for costumes for the little one and have been slightly overwhelmed by what's out there. Some have left more of a lasting impression on us.

Take the Sleepytime Turtle. We're sure that this costume has the potential to be cute, but after seeing this photo, we can't decide whether we want to curl up and sleep or curl up and cry.

In search of some other slightly pathetic costumes for your kids? Here's our parade of losers winners: 

Teddy Roosevelt. From the description: "Whether you'll be taking control of the Panama Canal or negotiating peace between Russia and Japan, you can be sure you'll look the part in this costume!" This costume seemed a lot more pathetic before we remembered that Robin Williams plays Roosevelt in those Museum movies. Don't get us wrong -- we'd love to be the parents of the kid who wants to be a historical figure for Halloween. That probably doesn't mean the kid isn't a lovable dork.

Humpty Dumpty. There's just something wrong about mocking a baby this much. Sure, he looks cute and will make everyone smile, but that little hat on the top of his egg head just puts the costume over the top. Way over the top.

Pizza Infant Costume. Call us crazy, but that chef's hat looks like it's been Photoshopped onto the baby's head. That strange since you could only imagine that after being dressed like a slice of pizza, there wouldn't be any struggle left in this infant to fight the hat.

Little Trees Car Freshener. Any costume that requires a big ol' registered trademark to be slapped in the middle of a baby's torso is probably not the right type of costume for your child. Enough said.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

 

We can't think of a better sentiment for a child's glow-in-the-dark tee than this one available at Threadless. In light, the message allows your little one to assert his or her toughness. In the dark, however, the directive is clear.

These shirts come in onesies for baby and t-shirts for kids (and adults too!).

San Francisco's Peapod Fabrics

Just when we were getting pretty fed up with the selection at chain fabric stores (though you have to give Beverly's Fabrics credit for carrying Amy Butler) we've discovered a sweet little gem in San Francisco's Inner Sunset. 

Peapod Fabrics carries the adorable type of prints you'll find on sites like Repro Depot, but if you're local to San Francisco or the Bay Area, it's quite nice to be able to browse and purchase in person. In addition to regular yardage, they also offer most of the fabrics as $2 fabric squares.

Even if you don't already sew, a visit to the adorably cute Peapod is certainly enough to get you crafting in some way.

Peapod Fabrics

1314 18th Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94122

Frances England Rocks

Even if you're the type of parent who dresses their baby in a Folsom Prison Blues onesie, you'll eventually realize that one day you're going to actually purchase and play children's music for your children. If you're like us, then you probably don't know where to start. After all, how many formerly childless adults do you know who are well-versed in the children's music scene? And if you did know many childless adults who were really into kid's music, you'd probably be a bit creeped out. 

Via a playgroup mom, we were delighted to be introduced to the music of Frances England. A local of San Francisco, England calls her music "music for the whole family." Before listening to England's Fascinating Creatures, we were pretty skeptical that there's any new music that really could live up to that claim. There's the music from our childhood that relies on nostalgia to make it listenable to our adult ears. But if it wasn't for fond memories of Saturday mornings in front of the television, would you really love Conjuction Junction that much? 

England's songs -- especially on Fascinating Creatures -- are melodic and catchy. That's catchy in a good way, not in the "will-I-ever-get-this-song-out-of-my-head" catchy. We think it's the point of view of the songs that is most endearing: they're the thoughts of kids -- smart and clever kids. Take Busy as a Bee:

Last night about a quarter to eight, you came into my room 
You said, “Honey, it’s getting late, it’s getting late.” 
I said, oh no Momma this cannot be, 
I got too many things to do before I sleep, before I sleep 
I got trucks to pull and train tracks to lay before the break of day 

England draws comparisons to Sarah McLachlan, Neko Case and Cat Power. In the sense that she's a woman singer, that's fair. But England's light and playful songs stand out as something completely different -- it's as if they able to generate nostalgia for the present day and make you realize how wonderful childhood can be. 

Oh and babies love her too.

Buy Fascinating Creatures and Family Tree on Amazon.

On this Day: Disneyland!

Fifty-three years ago, today, Disneyland opened its doors to the world and began its reign as The Happiest Place on Earth. We couldn't think of a better way commemorate this date than by celebrating the work of frequent Disney artist Mary Blair. You may not know her name, but you have no doubt seen her work -- especially if you're a Disneyland old-timer. Although Blair's most visible works were the mural art for the Tomorrow Promenade (which was sadly removed in 1998) and the It's A Small World attraction, her illustrations and color design stand as a major influence to designers.

We're convinced that every kid's room needs to have some Blair flair in it so here are some books to get you started:

The Art and Flair of Mary Blair

I Can Fly illustrated by Mary Blair

Walt Disney's Cinderella illustrated by Mary Blair

Browse the Mary Blair tag on Flickr.

On this Day: Secret Agents & Spies!

Today (well, yesterday) marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ian Fleming, literary father to 007 a.k.a Bond, James, Bond. It may be a while before your kids are wondering why people snicker at the various Bond girl names, but they'll be oh-so-cute playing secret agent and spies with the following merchandise:

1. The Boring Store: Not something to buy, but somewhere to visit. The boring store is the "front" to the front of Chicago's after school writing program (one of the 826 Valencia chains started by Dave Eggers) and it sells stuff for secret agents. The perfect combination.

2. James Bond Tee or Onesie Sandbox Threads, $18

Start with Sean Connery as 007 and customize style and colors.

3. Mustache Wallet Etsy, $22.00

"Disguise your wallet. Turquoise vinyl wallet features an awesome black moustache - it's even fuzzy to the touch. Coordinating fabric completes the interior. Features a large pocket for cash and 4 slots for cards. Heavy duty nickel snap closure keeps your belongings safe & secure." Available in additional colors.

4. Secret Agent Logger Plush Toy Etsy, $30.00

"Secret Agent Logger is handmade with lots of TLC from the nice folk at Chocolate Log Industries. Also he is made from super soft felt and top grade polyester filling so they are nice and cuddly."

5. James Bond Bib Etsy $28.00

"Put this bib on your baby and bring him from a onesie to formalwear in mere seconds!"

6. The Princess Emerges from Hiding Etsy, $8.00

Hand-colored print from an illustration created for CD cover. 

Custom Oil Paintings of your Wee Ones

If you have ever considered commissioning a custom oil painting of your child, you may have been discouraged by either the price or by the process. And because there are hundreds of custom oil painting services online -- with many questionable in quality and work standards -- choosing a service is often more difficult than choosing the photograph to have painted.

In our case, we were quite pleased by the experience we had with Master Arts on Canvas. In October, shortly after the birth of Penelope, we were contacted by Nested reader, Jane, who is the owner of Master Arts on Canvas. She asked if we'd be interested in commissioning a painting of Penelope and then reviewing the work.

The process was quite simple: We selected a photograph to have painted (a close-up works best) and the painting begins. Along the way, we were contacted about decisions that were to be made (for example, did we approve of how the photograph was to be cropped). Finally, when the painting was ready to be proofed, a photograph of the work was sent via email. If we wanted changes, then they would make them. If it was okay, the painting would be stretched and dried. We were happy with the painting and so no changes were requested.

We received the art a couple weeks later and were delighted by the results. Everything about the painting was polished, from the stretching to the work itself. The painting captured the photograph, but was clearly a painting.  

The oil portraits of single subjects start at $142.95, inclusive of shipping. Our art was stretched, which is an additional fee. The standard delivery method is canvas, rolled in a tube and ready for framing.

The only downside -- looking at the art now -- is that we commissioned a painting based on a photo of a four-day old baby. And, as much as we love our little one, newborns are kind of weird looking. Of course, this isn't any fault of Master Arts. It's just a pro tip from us: pick your photo wisely!

If you're looking for a great father's day gift or just some art for yourself, then we highly recommend the folks at Master Arts on Canvas. 

Jane has provided Nested readers with a 10% off discount from now until June 30, 2008. Just use the voucher code "nested."

On this Day: Modern Marvels!

On this day in the 1930s two manmade landmarks officially opened to the public. May 27th, 1930 saw the completion and opening of the 1,046 foot Chrysler Building in New York City. And on this same day in 1937, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge opens for pedestrian traffic. Another milestone in modern marvel building came three days ago (May 24th) when the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic in 1883. 

So let's celebrate the spanning of both vertical and horizontal distances with these daily picks:

1. Golden Gate Bridge Print, GG National Parks Conservancy $9.95-$90

"The Parks Conservancy's classic Golden Gate Bridge image is captured in this handsome graphic available in an outstanding silk-screened edition on premium stark white paper or as an intimate matted print. Both are available framed in classic black wood. Artist, Michael Schwab."

2. New York City in a Bag, Muji (Available at MOMA), $15.00

"MUJI's New York in a Bag comes with eight wooden city structures and six wooden cars. Included are New York City icons such as MoMA's original 1939 building, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Guggenheim Museum. The wood is from sustainable forests. Recommended for ages 6 and up."

3. Skyscrapers!: Super Structures to Design and Build Amazon, $10.36

"A brief history of the skyscraper precedes a series of hands-on learning activities, including determining the best foundation and then constructing a frame. The author intersperses information about the Sears Tower, the Woolworth Building and San Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid."

4. Golden Gate Bridge Felt Baby Booties Etsy, $25.00

Fits 0-6 months. Light bluish-gray felt with deep red bridge and cloudy-fog spanning across both toes. Comes packaged in a tiny cake box with a "to and from" hang tag--ready to give!

5. Egg + Avocado Brooklyn Bridge Tee Amazon, $32.00

"Strollers in singles and multiples on a bridge to Brooklyn. Plasticized screen print. Lap shoulder with wide trim. Double stitching detail."

6. Wooden Golden Gate Bridge with Track Amazon, $16.99

Lead-free and non-toxic, this mini bridge can add San Francisco sophistication to your model train set.