GoodyBlog

Pigging Out

It's time to retire that antiquated slot-in-the-back piggy bank—there's a new hog in town. And this one moves. And oinks too.

Check this out—when you place a coin in the Hungry Bank's mouth, it's detected by a built-in motion sensor. The precious piglet begins to chew and swallow your cash into it's savings belly. And of course, it oinks and snorts while munching away. Wanna see the pig in action? Click here. This would no doubt encourage your kids to save their coins away for a rainy day.

The Hungry Bank is available for sale here. Thanks to This Next for the link!

Organization Inspiration

I haven't done any spring cleaning yet (I always find something more fun to do instead...imagine that!). But I'm getting inspired thanks to Pottery Barn Teen, of all places. They've got some surprisingly sophisticated and pretty organization tools, like these sunburst canvas bins. I'm loving their dry-erase bins too. They'd be perfect for helping little kids learn to clean up: It'll be easier for them to figure out where their things belong if you draw a picture of whatever type of toy is stored inside.

These T-Shirts Rule!

Now you can show your kid who's boss—and look totally stylish doing it. Mamaisms Tees feature classic mom images and phrases like "Mind Your Manners" and "Look Both Ways." The tees are cut to flatter, come in a variety of colors and cost about $30. Browse, shop and learn about the moms behind the brand by clicking here. 

Spankin' New Headlines

As the recession looms, families are relying more on food banks, which are struggling to keep up with the need. Washington Post

Mind your manners! Do your kids need etiquette lessons? Boston Globe

What it's like to be a successful mommy blogger. Wall Street Journal

How to get your infant started on good sleep habits. Time

One out of 15 hospitalized kids is affected by medication errors, new research finds. Yahoo! News

Original photo via

Be In Parents: Tell Us Your Tricks For Dealing With Separation Anxiety

It's a good sign that your baby is so terribly attached to you that she cries whenever you leave the room, much less drop her off at daycare. But when she's screaming and you're feeling guilty about trying to rush out, don't you wish you had a magic wand that would make her calm down and forget about you for a moment?

So, we're wondering: Do you have any clever methods for dealing with this stressful stage? Post a comment and you could be in an upcoming issue of Parents magazine!

Photo via

Spankin' New Headlines

No child support? No hunting! A new program in Illinois encourages dads to pay up. Chicago Tribune

Why being pregnant makes you want to renovate. New York Times

A new study looks at the long-term health consequences of premature birth. Yahoo! News

Pregnancy discrimination complaints are on the rise. Wall Street Journal

Scary trend: Parents sign their kids up for human “cockfighting.” New York Daily News

How does it feel to be a pregnant man?  Advocate

Original photo via

Bike Helmet Decor

I can't decide what I think about these new "helmet duvets" from Gigis Apparel. The idea is that if you can transform your kid's bike helmet into something fun, she won't protest wearing it so much. But really? A head of worms?

Most of the stuff from Gigis Apparel is really pretty and feminine, and they also sell helmet duvets more in line with that aesthetic--check out this one with a giant flower on the side.

What do you think? Would this make it easier to get a helmet on your child's head?

How-To Gurus

I admit it--I am a "how-to" junkie.  I can't get enough of this D.I.Y. craze sweeping the nation.  So you can imagine how totally thrilled I was to come across Howcast.com, a website that will show me how to basically do anything. The site is broken down into categories, from Kids to Personal Care & Style to Mind & Body. 

Some of my personal faves are How To Pretend You're a Real New Yorker, How to Make Your Girlfriend's Parents Like You, and How to Get Into a Nightclub (the materials needed: appropriate clothing, good shoes, money to burn and optional: an expensive car).  But in all seriousness, the kids section is super-fun, with videos on crafts, games, and even essential how-to's like changing a diaper. 

I love the cute "You Will Need" graphics--they include grown-up as a material needed.  Listed right under scissors.  How perfect.

Learn How to Draw Dinosaurs

DK Kids has a really cool interactive drawing lesson where you and your kids can learn how to create a T-Rex, a Velociraptor, and Pteranodon (link thanks to SwissMiss). With 4 easy steps they'll show you how to use a long, curvy line and a few circles to make an outline of your creature. Then, follow the instructions to make your picture more and more detailed. Super easy and so fun!

Calling All Kid Cooks!

If you have a young Iron Chef in your midst, then listen up.  A clever and creative stationery company called Bob's Your Uncle is on the hunt for submissions for a cookbook written by children.  From the publishers:

Here's what we need: Simply ask the child to write down (or just tell you!) how to make his or her favorite dish.  Do not correct them in any way, but you could ask them for clarification on cooking time, temperature, or ingredients. 

Brownies by Marisa, Age 4:
Ingredients: Chocolate
You have to pour chocolate in a bowl and then when you do that you cook it.  And when you take it out its ready and it's good.

Please submit the recipe to recipes@bobsyouruncle.com.  Don't forget to include the child's name and age, along with your name and mailing address. 

The book will be designed in type, so the submission does not need to be in the child's handwriting.  All submissions will receive a copy of the book whether they are included in the final or not, and the selected recipe writers will also receive a special prize.