If you’re looking to make mealtime a little more fun, check out this fun project by Alexis Birkmeyer. The instructions on Oh Happy Day walk you through the steps in creating artwork on plates that then become backdrops for a multitude of food scenes. Who knows? Kids just might forget they’re eating vegetables!
(concept, styling, and photos by Alexis Birkmeyer, via Oh Happy Day)
Check out this cool table which shows data listed each day of the year with a ranking for how many babies were born on each date from 1973 to 1999.
The least common birthday was February 29th. The most common? September 16th. Just one more reason why the holiday season is so busy. Blame it on the mistletoe!
(infographic by Matt Stiles, The Daily Viz, data source: NYTimes.com, Amitabh Chandra, Harvard University)
Here is an awesome story:
In early 2008, in an effort to fight depression, Hailey started a year long photographic project which involved taking one Polaroid photo a day of something she felt grateful for. Initially this was a chore but eventually it became a delight. The discipline of having to look for the good things that happened every day changed her life in so many ways. Hailey found not only her marriage, spiritual life and health improved, but this project accidentally, wondrously spread and affected the lives of many others.
While doing her project Hailey posted it on flickr. Gradually others began to do their own versions and over time 365 Grateful went viral. Now she’s working on a film about uncovering what happens when ordinary people unlock the remarkable powers of gratitude.
AWESOME!
(found via Design Mom)
Look what we stumbled upon a few days ago! And a post Mother’s Day quote to go with it:
“One of my favorite quotes, by Goethe, is “Do not hurry; do not rest.” And this pretty much sums up the way you balance having a child with having a life.”- Martha Brockenbrough
Enjoy your nest and all that is in it!
We were at the local plant nursery this weekend, checking out the vegetable and herb plants when I saw these fun kits called Growums.
What a great idea for turning little ones on to gardening and teaching them the fresh ingredients that go into popular meals, such as pizza and tacos. The six kits include: Pizza Garden, Taco Garden, Herb Garden, Ratatouille Garden, Stir-Fry Garden and Salad Garden.
Today was a big day at school. First, it was Grandparents’ Day for Livi and the second graders. Because I was already at school volunteering at the annual Mother’s Day plant sale, I was able to sneak over to the auditorium to catch the performance with Livi’s grandparents. It was fantastic and hearing small voices paired with giant gestures brought tears to my eyes.
There were several students that had a quick verse at the microphone, including Livi. I could tell she was nervous when she was in line to speak. And every time I had ever been nervous speaking in front of a group came flooding back to me. I crossed my fingers and prayed and tried to send her every ounce of willpower I could muster from my cells. Do it, Livi! Do it! And she did. A fleeting, four-second accomplishment that will lead her who knows where.
Words just can’t describe the feeling you get when you see your kid seize opportunities that you never experienced or which you may have shied away from!
Then it was back to my shift at the plant sale in the science lab. I thought I had made it through the emotional part of the day, when I was seized by some very sweet moments amidst the trays of tiny plants. Since I enjoy gardening, it was a pleasure to help the kids pick out plants and figure out how many they could get based on their budgets, but it was also so lovely to see them all really excited to be there, making very important decisions about gifts that would be going home to their mothers and grandmothers. I got the feeling that some would be in there all day if you let them and many walked out proudly, bearing giant trays that would have to make challenging treks home on the bus.
Halfway through my shift, Livi was back for a second tray. Yesterday she proudly stepped off the bus with her first giant tray. And it was too heartbreaking to think ahead to the teenage years when simple things like this won’t be such a joy for her. Ouch! I’m reminded of the quote, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”
Thank you for the flowers, Livi; they are beautiful. But you are all the gift I will ever need.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone!
A couple of weekends ago we made up a fun game at home: This or That?
It’s super fast and easy to play and might be good for road trips too!
First, one person (or everyone) makes up a list of pairs; these can be objects, places, activities, or anything, really.
Then each person takes a turn circling what she likes best from each pair. Then you compare notes. Or, each person has to guess the other person’s favorites. Do you know someone as much as you think you do? This could also be a fun ice breaker at a party. Or a fun game to play at a child’s birthday party every year, since kids’ passions can change quickly.
Beyond a game, it’s also a great way to document a family’s interests from year to year. With everyone’s busy schedules these days, it’s comforting to know that a quick list can trigger fond memories. Don’t forget to add the date!
Still looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for Mom? Check out the beautiful and unique finds I uncovered at Felt & Wire’s online shop!
After all, she’s given you everything: from a chance to play the game of life, to her last bite and finally, your wings. How do you show mama she’s special?
P.S. Egg2Cake’s Momglish Pocket Dictionary is featured product of the week; in honor of Mom all products in our Felt & Wire shop are 25% through Sunday!
(box image courtesy Felt & Wire)
Hi friends!
I’m back in the saddle after a long weekend in Santa Fe. My husband and I were asked to come out for the AIGA New Mexico chapter’s 4th Annual Showdown Awards and Exhibition to judge. (For those of you not familiar with the AIGA, it’s the national organization for graphic designers.)
Many thanks to Robert Innis, President and an old friend from WAY back, the fine folks on the board and all of the volunteers who worked enthusiastically and tirelessly to host a fun and engaging evening! I can’t decide if the highlight was the custom-designed, anti-lucite awards or the delicious signature cocktail that was served. We were also fortunate to meet design celebrity/hero, Jamie Koval, who has led the inspiring charge at VSA Partners in Chicago for many years.
Below: a Q&A session with the group.
There was a lot of work that was presented but I wanted to share with you the funnier moments from my husband’s presentation. As you’ll read, he took full advantage of the unique situation of two out of three judges being married and two out of three named Jamie!
At this point, Brian transitioned from his company’s work to the inspiration for Egg2Cake.
Hello, baby (a.k.a. Livi)!
The next few slides, which concluded the presentation, came to us in the days leading up to the event. And the backgrounds? Those came from an awesome hike we did earlier in the day, which just goes to show you; you can plan all you want ahead of time, but don’t be surprised if inspiration comes knocking at the last minute!
Here’s to the American Dream, whatever yours may be!
(event images courtesy AIGA New Mexico Showdown)
If you and your kids are into science experiments, then Steve Spangler Science is the place for you!
We’ve had a lot of fun with all kinds of things from the website but one of Livi’s favorites was the colorful growing orbs, which start out as tiny colored balls and grow to the size of marbles when placed in water.
So you can imagine our delight when we discovered there were giant orbs! These colorful polymers start out slightly larger than marbles and over a couple of days they grow to the size of tennis balls! They’re smooth and round, and have the same consistency of jello. Interesting side note: when they start to grow they become wavy and bumpy on the outside, not unlike a brain! They’re fun to hold and see how light and reflections pass through them. Take them out of water, and they’ll shrink back to their small size.
Straight out of the jar.
After a couple of days in water.
Our biggest and best, slightly bigger than a tennis ball!
