Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Introducing...Retro Wednesday!

Hey friends!
Here at Little Bird, we know that Wednesdays can sometimes be a little dull, which is why we're so excited to present you with 'Retro Wednesday'!

Often, while parents are watching their kids in our playroom, we'll get into great talks about our own 'good ol' days'. Almost always, the conclusion is that toys, games, and TV shows...they
just aren't like they used to be.

So now you can come to the
Little Bird Facebook page, and get a little dose of nostalgia. Every Wednesday, we'll be providing links to the best pop culture of our childhood. We encourage you to join into the conversation, by providing your own memories and thoughts about each weeks reference.

Mind you, my references will be limited to the late 80's, so if you've got something you want me to post, just leave a comment or link, and I'll be sure to get to it!


Looking forward to traveling back in time with you!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hop into bed, and turn up the Pyjama Pop!

If you haven't tried out Lullatone's Raindrop Melody Maker, you definitely need to head over to their website and check it out! You can create your own soothing, melodic, fun but mellow songs that KidHaus describes as the perfect music to play 'after dinner, while the kids are in the bath, pulling their pajamas on and winding down for the evening'. Get it? Pyjama pop! Sounds nice, huh?

Check it out here.


Lullatone has also produced a number of full-length albums. Their latest is 'Songs that Spin in Circles'. 'Originally composed for their newborn son, this set of merry-go-round melodies is the perfect bedtime background music for babies and adults alike.' You can listen to the tracks here.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Christmas Gift Guide: DIY Rag Quilt Letters

This DIY gift idea is pretty to look at and it's educational!


Jessica, from
Happy Together, put together this tutorial, and says these cloth letters have become an instant hit at her house!

Please don't be intimidated by the quilting aspect of this tutorial, as you could easily adapt it to a simple sewing project. It's also a great way to use up all the scraps of material you might have lying around your house!


You can find the tutorial
here. Don't these pictures get your mind spinning with all the projects you could use this for? Birthday banners, Christmas ornaments, gift tags, the list could go on and on...
via IDIY

Sale on Winter Outerwear!

We're tired of seeing the coats and boots, just starting at us, reminding us every day that winter is coming. So, we're having a sale!

Starting tomorrow, all boots, coats and snowsuits will be 30% off!
We've got a great selection, so you can be prepared for when that snow does decide to show up...


See you soon!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Have you heard of 'Papier Mache'?

Papier Mache is a gorgeous, drool-worthy online children's magazine that comes out only twice a year. It's full of great photography, exceptional DIY ideas, interviews, and unique articles. It's a free magazine, and I highly recommend subscribing. It's like getting a present in your inbox!

Some highlights from the newest issue:

My World (simple photographs taken by children, revealing a little bit of the way they see the world):

Immaculate children's clothing:

An article about how to turn your children's drawings into a work of art:

Photo-stories:

And that's just a taste! I absolutely recommend seeing it for yourself....

Christmas Gift Guide: Soy Crayons and Modeling Dough

How gorgeous are these art supplies?


These crayons ($5.50) and modeling dough ($9.00) will be a hit with any child. They're made by Clementine Art, and available through Fawn & Forest. The dough is all-natural, and get this: the colors are produced with turmeric, carmine and spinach!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Christmas Gift Guide: DIY Photo Flashcards

Christmas is coming up, and so we thought it would be fitting to post some lovely, gift ideas for the little ones in your life! We think gift giving should be an enjoyable, thoughtful experience, and hope that you'll be inspired by the adorable gift ideas we post. Some will be DIY, some hand-made by our favorite artists, and all will be eco-friendly. Because that's just what we do...

We'll start our gift guide with these DIY flashcards. They're a great option for a niece, nephew, or sweet, little neighbor....


Jackie Kersh, of Avocado and Papaya, developed these lovelies, and offers a full tutorial here. You could also use this idea to develop a 'memory' game, or even just a personalized set of blocks.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Can you tell me how to get...


...how to get to Sesame Street?

40 years ago today, something very special popped up on America's television screens. It was the first ever episode of Sesame Street, and it was the beginning of what would become the longest running children's program on US television.


Did you know...

*Ernie's 'Rubber Ducky' song was released as a single, and hit #16 on the Billboard Chart in 1970?

*Cookie Monster pre-dates Sesame Street by three years? He was originally known as the 'Wheel Stealer' in General Mills commercials.

*In 2002, on a South African version of Sesame Street, an HIV-positive muppet was introduced? Kami was a five year old girl who was infected by HIV through a blood transfusion as an infant. Her name was derived from the word 'Kamogelo', which means 'acceptance' in several African languages.

*Oscar the Grouch was originally orange?

...there you go. Now you're a little more educated in the subject of Sesame Street.

Lastly, to mark this special event, I thought I'd provide you with some great Sesame Street clips. Here are some of my favorites:

One two three FOUR five, six seven eight NINE ten, eleven twelve
...such a classic, I'm sure you all have this song tucked in your memory.

For the music lovers: Feist, Norah Jones, REM and the Goo Goo Dolls...

The Yip Yips. Nothing else to say about them.

The classic 1977 breastfeeding clip...good job, Sesame Street. And a bit of a remake, years later...

'If he can do it, I can do it too'...a touching tribute to Jim Henson.

Do you have some Sesame Street favorites? Feel free to link to them in the comments...