What to Do: Take an Exercise Class

Going to the gym on your own isn't always easy; sometimes it's easier if you take a scheduled class. Check out what classes are available at your gym or a studio near your home. Most offer introductory classes, so  you don't have to worry about being stuck in something you don't like.

Five Faves: Sunscreen

With more time being spent outside, we need to make sure we remember to use sunscreen. Here are our five fave sunscreens.

Neutrogena Wet Skin Junior Sunblock 

We're told to reapply sunscreen after being in water. Now Neutrogena makes it easier with its Wet Skin Sunblock. No need to towel off; just spray it on as soon as you're kids are out of the pool. 

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV

More a moisturizer than a sunscreen, it's super light yet really moisturizing lotion. You wouldn't even know you were using something with SPF 30 sunscreen.

Aveno Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF55

Extra gentle, waterproof and fragrance-free. You'll love this sunblock for your kids and for yourself.

Blue Lizard Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

"Chemical- and fragrance-free," Blue Lizard sunscreen uses zinc oxide to give you great sun protection. It's waterproof, too.

                            

California Baby Sunscreen Lotion

Water-resistant formula with titanium dioxide to scatter UV rays, California Baby is made with "organic and sustainably grown ingredients."

 

Can I Have This?: iSi Gourment Whip

Oh, the fun you could have with the iSi Gourment Whip! You can use it for whip cream, soft cheeses or frosting. And it's dishwasher safe. All this for $140.

Just In Case You Missed It

Happy weekend! Here's what happened this past week.


Can I Have This?: Fuji X100
Five Faves Outdoor Toys
What To Do: Drink Champagne
Love Links: Bakerella
All About the Packaging: Origami Box
Things That Make Us Smile: Roses

Things That Make Us Smile: Roses

Roses in the garden make us smile. The sunshine helps, too.

All About the Packaging: Origami Box

Sometimes it's hard to find just the right sized box. Now you can make your own by following the step-by-step instructions at Origami-Instructions.com.

Photo: Origami-Instructions.com

Love Links: Bakerella

Look no further than Bakerella for delicious baking ideas. From cake pops to pies, you will definitely find something you want to make... or have someone make for you.

What To Do: Drink Champagne

We'll pop the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate something big, but why not have a glass every once in a while for no particular reason? It'll change your mood and make even a pizza dinner special. Pick up champagne splits and you won't have to worry about finishing a whole bottle.

Five Faves: Outdoor Toys

Spring has sprung and it's all about spending as much time playing outside to make up for the horrible winter. Of course, being at the playground isn't always enough. Here are our five fave toys to bring along to keep the kiddies occupied.


Jump rope
An oldie but a goodie, a jump rope is always fun for kids. Get a longer one if you want to make it a group activity.

Ogodisk
Bounce the ball to each other or just see how long you can keep a ball up in the air. And when you tire of that, you can use the Ogodisk as a frisbee.

Chalk Paint
Kids can unleash the artist within outside.  And when they're done, it just washes away.

Bubbles
What kid doesn't love bubbles? We especially like the "squeeze and blow" bubbles because there's no digging in the bottle for the wand.

Gertie Ball
The Gertie Ball is great soft yet bouncy ball that's easy to catch. What's even better is that you can deflate it for easy transport and storage.

Can I Have This:? Fuji X100

Here's a camera that looks as good as the pictures it takes. The Fuji X100 is not something you'd just toss in your backpack, especially at $1,200, but it would be a nice piece of equipment to have.

Just In Case You Missed It

Happy weekend! Here's what happened this past week.

Can I Have This?: CedarWorks Rhapsody Bed
Five Faves: Bakeries
Party Time: Subway Party
What To Do: Buy Yourself Flowers
Love Links: A Feathered Nest
All About the Packaging: Flower Gift Band
Things That Make Us Smile: Hawaii

Things That Make Us Smile: Hawaii

Memories of past vacations and the thought of future ones.

All About the Packaging: Flower Gift Box Band

Catherine Peart of Gingham Cherry has a beautiful way to dress up a plain box. Her Flower Gift Box Band is just amazing.. Click over to her site to check out your step-by-step tutorial to create your own.

                                                                         Photo: Catherine Peart

Love Links: A Feathered Nest

Abby's blog, A Feathered Nest, is full of great ideas. We particularly love her sewing projects; her Baby Booties Masterpiece really are a masterpiece.

What To Do: Buy Yourself Flowers

There is just something about seeing cut flowers that lightens people's moods. We always think about buying someone else flowers, but rarely think of buying them for ourselves. Change that by going out and picking out a lovely bouquet for yourself. It'll brighten up your space and put a smile on your face.

Party Time: Subway Theme Party

We just threw our first party together! Okay, it was for one of our own kids, but who better to test things out on than your own family?

Before the party plans even got started, Melanie made up some amazing invitations that look exactly like the service notices on the platforms.

On the day of the party, we gathered up all our things, hopped in Paula's car and headed to the NY Transit Museum to set up for Elliott's 5th birthday bash. Everything went smoothly and the staff was so helpful. We were pretty happy with the end result, even if we had to change things on the fly.

We had construction hats and safety vests from SafetyDepot.com for the kids to wear while on the "Great Subway Search" scavenger hunt.

 They loved exploring all the vintage subway cars on the platform.

Then it was time for pizza and drinks.

And.of course, cake. Elsa made a delicious chocolate cake with vanilla butter-cream frosting and Maddie helped roll and make the fondant mosaic. Since candles aren't allowed at the museum, we went with a lollipop from Vintage Confections. Instead of blowing out a candle, Elliott just licked the lolly.

 After all the food was finished, we sent everyone home with their hats, vests and a goody bag filled with a flashlight, a measuring tape, a "5" tin of M&Ms and a thank you note.