Playdate: A Trip to the Market (Free Downloads!)

We stumbled across this website, 1 et 2 et 3 dous dous, and its too cute not to share.

Now granted, its all in French... but the magic of pretend play doesn't require translation! 

A favorite page on their site are these market themed downloads.

What a fun playdate!  Invite over some friends and play market.  From fruits and veggies, to soft cheeses and bakery items - turn your playroom into a little French Marche!

Outfit one child in an apron and they can play shopkeep.

Supply the others with grocery bags, pencil and paper to make their lists - and send them off shopping!

The images shown below are just a sample, there are many more to download and print available.

 

The site even has a mock up for a printable register along with play Euros.  But if you want to use this opportunity to begin teaching your little one about American currency, you can find printable play US dollars here!

Finally, while the kids are spending their cash at the market, you and your Momma friends can be oh so au courant while sipping on some Sofia Blanc de Blanc!

Merci Beaucoup!

Family Time: Fostering Multi-Generational Conversations

 
This is a different kind of children's activity, but its probably one of the most rewarding ones we've discovered in a while.  

1. Try to gather multiple generations in one room.  If physically that is not possible - Skype or FaceTime it!
2. Have your child draw their bedroom
3. Draw your own childhood bedroom
4. Ask a grandparent (or great aunt or great uncle)  draw their childhood bedroom.  
5. Then what?  Talk about it!  

• How are the pictures the same?
• How are the pictures different? 
• What colors do you have in your room compared to that of grandma / grandpa?
• What from mom/dad's room would you want in your room?

Depending on the age of your child they may lose interest pretty quickly after the drawing segment.  Thats ok, you can equally benefit from these conversations.  Remember, many people reading this wish they had the opportunity to do this same project.

So even if your little one doesnt make it long past the drawing - save all 3 pictures, there will be a day in their future when these drawings will be cherished.

Share with us your drawings using #MyRoomYourRoom!

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This post was inspired by a tweet from Chris Sacca.  Not familiar with him? Check him out (I recommend listening to his podcast with Tim Ferriss).  He is a investor with a very unique viewpoint on life - breaking the mold for what you may expect from uber successful tech types:

Ask your parents or grandparents to draw the layout of their childhood bedroom. You'll treasure the conversation that follows.

— Chris Sacca (@sacca) March 30, 2016

Plan Ahead! National Walk to Work Day is April 1st

With a little planning ahead, the whole family can enjoy National Walk to Work Day!

First, have your favorite to-go mug ready for your morning cup o'joe.
Personally, we are loving this cold brew recipe and have gone as far as brewing a special batch just for the ice cubes so there's no watered-down taste! 

Have an activity that requires the car after work?
Have your hubby pick you up after work or see about leaving the office a bit early to head home and grab the car!

Afraid you'll work up a sweat on the way in?

Wear layers and carry a backpack for the extras (we love to use these carabiners on the backpack because they are perfect for looping through coats/sweaters/and even some shoes).

Need to drop the kids off on the way to work and don't want to be stuck with an empty stroller for the day? Ask your daycare if you leave your stroller there until pick-up (ours doesn't mind)!
   
If walking with the kids, don't forget to sing their favorite walking song!

Walking walking. Walking walking.

Hop hop hop. Hop hop hop.

Running running running. Running running running.

Now let's stop. Now let's stop.

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot!

Here comes a heatwave!  In Boston that means one thing - SPRAYGROUNDS!  For wet fun in the sun, check out this list of free spraygrounds throughout Boston & all of Massachusetts.

To be the cutest thing at the sprayground, we suggest you dress your little girl in one of these vintage inspired bathing suits by Dagmar Daley:

Now, the sad truth is there just isn't the same selection of over the top cuteness when it comes to baby boy swimsuits - but these little European style swim trunks from Zara will set your guys apart from the crowd.

Love This: Father's Day DIY

Most Dads dont ask for too much on Father's Day, right?  No brunch, no breakfast in bed, no flowers... but most Dad's appreciate a little DIY, and all Dads will love a handmade gift on Father's Day.

Here is an excellent idea for a great Father's Day present - homemade handkerchiefs.  Check out the details at Paper Stitch!

Once you've finished your handmade handkerchiefs, head over to All for the Boys for this free printable to be personalized by your little ones!

Go Barefoot for Father's Day!

We know you're busy -so -we've made it easy for you by picking out a few special books for your little one to give their daddy from Barefoot Books.  If you live in the Boston area, make an afternoon of it and go check out their studio/store in Concord; they always have a lively schedule of events.  A sweet way to personalize these is by bringing out the paint and having your little one put their hand print inside the book with a sweet note for dad.

Too Good Not to Share: I'm Your Fan!

How about we spend these rainy days preparing for the sun!

Those hot, humid, sticky Boston summer days are just around the corner.  So lets use these gloomy days for some fun indoor crafts.

Check out these fun & free printable fans offered by Mr. Printable. They are easy to assemble, and your kids will be enjoying the final products within minutes.   Make them now, so come August when your little guys need to cool off in the Tot Lot, you'll be prepared!

Swimmin' in the Rain! Just Swimmin' in the Rain!

While the gardens are enjoying all of this rain, the little ones are probably starting to get bored!  Make an adventure out of it and take them under the sea (or just out for a walk) with Uncommon Good's Goggle Umbrella.  They'll have fun and it will give you a chance to get out of the house!