GoodyBlog

Spankin' New Headlines

Meet the (surrogate) parents: A look at the women who carry other womens' children. Newsweek

Only a third of eighth graders and a fourth of high school seniors are proficient writers, according to a national test. New York Times

When the circus comes to town parents fret—Is it a nice family activity or a display of animal mistreatment? Washington Post

Eight glasses of water a day? That might be bad advice, says a new scientific review. Reuters

The stigma attached to men receiving alimony checks from their ex-wives may be on its way out. Wall Street Journal

Photo via

Monday Morning Laugh

You can never be sure how little kids will react to anything you put in front of them. But I guess when a baby meets an adorable French bulldog, a simple pat on the head just won't do.

Pandas Are The New Penguins

Judging from what I saw at the Toy Fair, pandas are poised to replace penguins as the cuddly black and white creature your kids will soon be clamoring for. A rep for North American Bear told me they plan to roll out a line of silky plush pandas this summer, just in time for the Olympics. You know, because they're being held in Beijing.  And if that's not enough to cause some major panda-monium, the release of Kung Fu Panda in June certainly will. But really, how can you resist this face?

[Photo via ]

Everything's Owlright Now

I admit that I am a sucker for cute animal stories. But ones that involve cute stuffed animals—well just forget about it. These little owlets were abandoned by their mom and they've taken on this stuffed owl as a surrogate. They burrow in its wings to keep warm. I have to go read the The Velveteen Rabbit now and have a good cry. For the whole heartbreakingly cute story go to The Daily Mail. Link via yokiddo.

Owls Are Here to Stay!

I love the mod mix of patterns and fabrics on these cute creations from b.delicious. Not only are they hand crafted from Ultra Suede, cotton and 100% wool felt, they're stuffed proof that the owl trend is still going strong. Also check out their line of sweet felt flower pots - perfect for that bare windowsill in your child's room during cold winter months.

We Larvae the Bee Movie!

Unless you've been trapped under a honeycomb for the past month, you know that Jerry Seinfeld's Bee Movie opens in theaters this weekend. And it's certainly a sweet treat for all you parents out there who never outgrew your love of cartoons. (You know who you are.) But is it a film that your pint-sized swarm of movie critics will be buzzing about as well? We went straight to the source—Jerry Seinfeld himself—to get the answer:

"From the tests that we’ve done, the kids are responding to it even better than the adults. The funny thing is, adults are saying, 'We don’t think our kids are gonna get some of this.' And the kids are saying, “I like it better than you do!” So I never presume the sophistication level of kids, or whatever the age group is. But the kids do respond to it."

Which is good news for Seinfeld, who plays an adventurous and curious bee named Barry Benson, as he realizes there are no second chances with this medium. "It’s like sculpting in granite," Jerry tells us of the animation genre. "Movies like this last a long time, because you don’t see the characters age. You’ll never see Barry Benson old on some game show, you know, like, 'Oh my god, he got all wrinkly and gross!' "

So, Seinfeld was undoubtedly must-see TV. But is Bee Movie on your list of must-see movies? Let us know what you think!

Dogs in Halloween Costumes: Never Not Funny

Okay, I know this is GoodyBlog and not Cute Overload, but I really cannot in good conscience keep this photo of French bulldogs dressed as the cast of The Wizard of Oz to myself. This is adorable artistry at its finest, people. Thank you, Seattlefrenchbulldogs.com, for making my Halloween.

Snow is the New Pumpkin

Our pumpkin decorating days are almost behind us—let's move on to snow! These adorable penguins can be made with a snopals kit. Or get one to make this bear. Sooo cute.

You can buy a kit at solutions. Link thanks to rare bird finds

Hot Dogs: Cool Pet Lamps

Maybe it's just because I *really* want a dachshund, but I'm crazy for these new mod pet lamps from Target. I might get one since we can't get a puppy yet—and you could totally use the same tactic on your kids. (Hey! If it works on me...)

Cute Animal Halloween Costumes

Not much to say... I was stumbling, and then... I found this!




Those are my faves, but PLEASE go laugh at all the rest!