parenting

Cool New Baby Book Trend

Many a mom puts off creating their child's baby book, as assembling an album of baby's first year often takes a backseat to parenting.

Many a mom puts off creating their child's baby book, as assembling an album of baby's first year often takes a backseat to parenting. But a start-up called Blinkbuggy aims to simplify the process, helping moms and dads put together the traditional piece of memorabilia online, TechCrunch reports.

Google ad sales manager Emma Weisberg says she recognized the need for a virtual baby book because so many baby photos are captured by mobile phones and shared by family and friends via email, Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube. Thus, she designed Blinkbuggy to allow parents to record all of their memories — photos, emails, notes, artwork, milestones, etc. — with one cloud-based service. Parents can categorize items for multiple children, as well as control privacy settings, depending on what content they want to make public and share with friends and family.

If all that sounds like a great way to organize and preserve memories of your child, then stay tuned. Weisberg says the ability to print albums and use a mobile app is in the works.

Source: TechCrunch
Spring

Lovely Little Liberty London Finds For Girls

With a 138-year history, Liberty London's dainty floral prints have long been a hallmark of classic British style.

With a 138-year history, Liberty London's dainty floral prints have long been a hallmark of classic British style. The brand has recently experienced a resurgence, partnering with everyone from J.Crew to Petit Bateau to Nike. Since the look lends itself so well to warm weather, and little girls, we've rounded up 11 of our favorite Spring Liberty print finds for kids. It's a garden party!

Pregnancy

It's Not Just a Snip

I got my tubes tied when I was 33 years old, right after the birth of my daughter.

It's Not Just a Snip

I got my tubes tied when I was 33 years old, right after the birth of my daughter. She was my third child, and even though I wasn't entirely sure that I was "done" with the whole baby-making thing, I knew that my husband and I couldn't handle any more.

I became pregnant the first time while I was on birth control. I did not know that antibiotics and birth control didn't like each other, and I unwittingly asked them to play nicely. They didn't; the antibiotics won, and I found myself in an ER in the middle of the night, writhing from the sharp pain of a kidney infection, and thinking that surely I was hallucinating when the nurse told me that I was six weeks along.

Keep reading.

Kid Shopping

10 Under $10: Great Drugstore Finds For Kids

In a perfect world, we'd be supermoms — never leaving the house without being fully prepared for any and all surprise circumstances.

In a perfect world, we'd be supermoms — never leaving the house without being fully prepared for any and all surprise circumstances. But in reality, we've all been caught off guard by things like flight delays, traffic jams, and visits to friends or family when there's absolutely nothing to keep the kiddos busy.

We've found an in-case-of-emergency solution. Whether you're in a major metropolis or out in the country, there's sure to be a drugstore either on the street corner or a car ride away. We perused the aisles of our nearest spot — a Duane Reade across the street from POPSUGAR's NYC headquarters — and came up with 10 cheap and easy ways to entertain tots when you're in a bind. Leave the credit card at home — they all ring in at less than $10!

Food and Fun

9 Simple Foods Kids Can Make Themselves

Have a little chef in your kitchen?
Easy Foods For Kids to Make

Have a little chef in your kitchen? We've rounded up nine of what moms say are their kids' favorite foods to cook. These recipes are easy, fun, and tasty! From a simple avocado on toast to crockpot lasagna and yummy brownies, we're sharing recipes for kids of all ages to test in the kitchen. Click through to find your family's new favorite.

parenting

What Do You Think of Postretirement Couples Starting New Families?

When most people think about retirement, they dream of picking up a leisurely new hobby, traveling the globe, or spending more time with their families — but starting a new family of their own?

When most people think about retirement, they dream of picking up a leisurely new hobby, traveling the globe, or spending more time with their families — but starting a new family of their own? The New York Times reports on the growing number of retired individuals or couples adopting children. Some of the families featured were empty nesters who had already had a "first round" of raising kids, some were taking over for family members who were unable to care for their own children, and still others were first-time parents.

"Children do far better in families than in institutional or temporary care," said Adam Pertman of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute and author of Adoption Nation. "These are competent, vetted people." The approval process for becoming an adoptive parent is a rigorous one, and the need for qualified families in the US is great. According to federal data, in 2011, more than 50,000 children were adopted with the aid of public child-welfare agencies, with more than 104,000 waiting to be adopted, the Times reported.

What do you think of couples or individuals in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s adopting children? Weigh in by voting in our poll below.

parenting

Does Birth Order Affect Your Child's Personality?

The role birth order plays in shaping children's personalities and IQs has been debated and researched for years.

The role birth order plays in shaping children's personalities and IQs has been debated and researched for years. But do the stereotypes hold water?

"They say that children's behavior and development depends . . . a big percent on what role they play in families," Brenda says, asking other Circle of Moms members, "Where is your child at?" Another member named Charlie P. has a similar question. "Birth order and personality: Where do you fit in? Do you think this is an accurate description of you or your children?"

As you parent, Circle of Moms members say it's worth considering your children's birth order, and subsequently how you work through some of the less desirable traits. Read on.

Food and Fun

Up, Up, and Hooray! A Cool Airplane Birthday Party

Suzie Boluarte of Project: Party Perfect knew just what the theme for her son Caiden's second birthday should be.

Suzie Boluarte of Project: Party Perfect knew just what the theme for her son Caiden's second birthday should be. "We live near a small airport, and he loves going to the observation deck," Suzie says. "It's on the tarmac, and he gets an up-close experience seeing small planes and private jets take off and land."

Suzie took that love of planes and created an inventive party full of high-flying clouds, crafts, and cute treats. "Because it was homemade and not a commercially licensed, themed party, it was a lot easier on the wallet," Suzie says. "I got to mix and match products and choose my own color theme with a budget." Budget-friendly, DIY, and adorable? Sounds like a party we can get on board with!

Nurseries

A Sneak Peek at The Land of Nod's Fall 2013 Collection

Summer hasn't even started yet, but we've already got our eye on Fall after previewing The Land of Nod's upcoming collection of delectable room furnishings.

Summer hasn't even started yet, but we've already got our eye on Fall after previewing The Land of Nod's upcoming collection of delectable room furnishings. The Fall 2013 collection, which will be in stores (and online) in July, is filled with new furniture pieces — many of which take a sharp and exciting turn from the retailer's usually eclectic fare.

Among the most exciting things to come out of the line is a new collaboration with NYC-based contemporary furniture designer Ducduc. The Ducduc for Nod collection will include custom cribs and case pieces designed just for the retailer (at a fraction of the brand's regular cost, natch!). Other key finds include a handwoven wicker headboard, a variety of nightstands, and lots of geometric shapes spread throughout the collection. Keep reading to see some Fall picks, and tell us: which are you craving?

Kid Shopping

Frankie & Ava Dish Out Laid-Back Clothes For Cool Kids

When it comes to kids' clothes, timeless most always beats out trendy.

When it comes to kids' clothes, timeless most always beats out trendy. While quickly growing little ones don't last long in their threads, opting for classic pieces increases their hand-me-down potential and means that when you look back at photos years down the road, your kids won't cringe at what they were wearing.

Our favorite new line that exemplifies classic cool is California-based Frankie & Ava. Founded by British designer Natasha Lee Thomas, the brand draws upon Thomas's years of experience in menswear at Ralph Lauren, Levi's, and Donna Karan. The Frankie & Ava collection blends Thomas's English heritage and California lifestyle, including a special group of hand-knit pieces. Everything is made in the designer's hometown of Venice Beach using sustainable practices. Check out some of Frankie & Ava's best looks by clicking through!

DIY

Cute as a Button: 10 Cool Crafts You Can Make With Buttons

Button up! It may not be coat season quite yet, but if mama's got a drawer full of buttons, or if she's simply looking for an easy DIY project, those extra fasteners may be perfect for her next arts and crafts project!

Button up! It may not be coat season quite yet, but if mama's got a drawer full of buttons, or if she's simply looking for an easy DIY project, those extra fasteners may be perfect for her next arts and crafts project! Check out these 10 cute-as-a-button crafts. We've got something for everyone!

Pregnancy

Fourth Love Maternity Clothes For Pregnancy and Beyond

Discovering a great new maternity line is like finding a diamond in the rough.

Discovering a great new maternity line is like finding a diamond in the rough. Fourth(Love) Maternity was founded by a mother of two who found herself limited by the options on the maternity market while pregnant with her second son. Fourth(Love) features a collection of simple, chic, and easy-to-wear pieces that are designed to flatter your form both during and after pregnancy. We love the layer-ability of many of the line's looks, and their wear all-year-round quality. Check out some of the highlights from Fourth(Love)'s Spring collection!

family life

Teen Suicide Prevented Thanks to Online Samaritan

A 16-year-old girl's life has been saved, thanks to the online detective work of Cathedral City, CA, resident Jackie Rosas and police.

A 16-year-old girl's life has been saved, thanks to the online detective work of Cathedral City, CA, resident Jackie Rosas and police.

Rosas is no stranger to the blogosphere, as she frequents Tumblr, a social networking site. On May 6, she saw a posting on a teen blog discussing suicide. Rosas told USA Today she had previously followed the teen's depression on the girl's blog, so she knew the suicide threat was serious.

Keep reading.