Each year during "Escapes" month on Ohdeedoh, we ask you, our wonderful readers, to share your (hard-earned, but oh-so-worthwhile) wisdom on traveling with children. One of the highlights of family life is heading out to new locales, whether to visit grandparents, see a new city or hit the beach. But, we also know that it brings its own set of challenges, so to share the joys (fun holiday pics) and to spread the wealth of knowledge (tips and tricks), we kick off Adventures and Outings, 2009. So you've made your kids a play kitchen, but don't have the time or inclination to sew some felt food - stock a shop for them! Amida made this one by stuffing food packaging with pages torn from a
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Check out Amida's post at her wonderful blog, Journey Into Unschooling, to see what direction her kids took this (hint: coupons, cash and credit cards) and to check out some of the "fresh" food she made.
(For more inspiration, revisit Jakob's supermarket.) ]]>
What's the craziest thing you had to do, or not do to keep from waking your light sleeper? Not Your Goddess has a funny post about not flushing the toilet and her husband leaving the house by way of the living room window rather than the door...
Usually when we talk about traveling, we feature helpful tips for road trips, vacations and more family fun and adventures. But what about those times when you head out without your little ones in tow? It could be for work, or even for a personal vacation where your kids stay with Grandma while you're away. How do you help calm the nerves of those being left behind? 
It always pays to shop non-baby stores for baby items, especially when you aren't happy with the existing baby offerings. We've blogged about converting that changing table into a bar. We've even blogged before about using a kitchen cart or tool cart as a changing table. And here is a great looking example of tool cart turned changing table.
We love the bright yellow finish, the industrial quality and the casters. The parents here added metal baskets to this Sunex tool cart for extra storage. You can read more about it here.
(via Nesting Blog) ]]>
If you're anything like most parents, "blankie" or "favorite stuffed toy" top your packing list when you're planning a family trip. But what if your child's blankie is a full-size quilt or their most beloved stuffie is a six-foot Ugly doll? Do you squish them into your bag, or leave them behind and risk bedtime wrath? Perhaps introducing a special travel-sized quilt is a better option.
These 21" by 21" quilts are handmade to order, and are available in a number of different patterns, including fabrics by Amy Butler and Michael Miller. Each quilt is backed with soft flannel or minky material for extra snuggliness.
$25 and $30 at Raggedy Owl ]]>
We always feel so inspired after visiting The Selby. The photographs and the untold stories presented there are so great! Recently, more inspiration came via Emma Balfour's home...
To view these photos and many more, visit The Selby.
]]>In our neighborhood at least, there are Maclaren moms and then there are the rest of us. Maclarens signify that you put function above fashion. That you're not falling prey to (possibly) over
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The first thing you'll notice is that it is both forward and rear-facing (for those of you who don't want to stress out your baby) and reclines in three positions making it suitable for use right from birth. You can read about all the ins and outs of the stroller at Maclaren's website, but we wanted to mention one more innovation: the Strollometer. You probably feel like you walk ten miles a day in your stroller and now you can find out as the Strollometer measures your time and distance. As one Amazon reviewer says, "Totally gets me thinking exercise every time I go out with my little girl. It's like we're workout Buddies!"
So now you want to know how much the Grand Tour LX is going to cost you? About $900. Yes, Bugaboo territory. BUT, we must add that this includes a mosquito net, raincover and a cup holder. For a limited time, a dashbag organizer, storage bag and wheel bag are also included. In the US, the Grand Tour LX is available in Coffee/Champagne, Racing Green/Celery, Scarlett/Champagne, Black/Champagne. They also seem to have a pared-down version (no Strollometer for example) called simply "Grand Tour," but we haven't seen it listed on any U.S. site so far.
Well, what do you think? Have you already purchased the Grand Tour LX? Thinking about it? ]]>
Our friends over at Design Sponge shared this fabulous hanger idea from Morgane Rouault, in Berlin. She used old boards, some cute drawer pulls and a bit of left over gift wrap to add some extra personality to her walls. Not only is it practical, but it can be customized to fit any space, even the bedrooms of our little ones. Click through the jump for details... 
What a simple way to add that personal touch to a child's room. Instead of having a fussy sham, you can dress up a plain white pillowcase like crafter Jana did for her friend's daughter, Avery. 
Naming one's baby is a very personal thing, so we're wondering if you think a shower game in which guests all throw names in a bowl to be read by mommy-to-be for consideration sounds like a fun or helpful thing. What do you think? Should games stick to bingo and guess-mommy's-belly-size instead? 
Finally. Greg of Daddytypes has been teasing everyone with updates about the modern crib he designed and crafted. He's done and is showing pictures. It's called the Juddy Crib, inspired by the minimalist artist Donald Judd.
The Juddy is made from one-inch thick birch ply. We like how thick and sturdy it looks. The front panels are plexiglass. Greg's design complies with all CPSC and ASTM safety regulations. So what do you think of his creation? Visit Daddytypes for a link to his full Flickr set.
(pic via Daddytypes) ]]>
