what kids around the world eat for breakfast. October 14 2014, 0 Comments

They say "Americans lack imagination when it comes to breakfast." Although we keep away from the sugary kind, cold cereal or toast (and yogurt and fruit or juice) is typical in our house and change would be a great thing. I'm inspired from these spreads of what kids around the world eat for breakfast. [The New York Times]

baby bump selfie series. October 13 2014, 0 Comments

We love that our photo history can include images of us even if our children are too young to help or our partners aren't home with a camera! With reversible cameras (or mirrors or long arms), we can document those small, everyday moments with our families, our own feelings...or the progress of our growing belly each week. Isn't this baby bump "selfie" series pretty inedible to see- a celebration of the baby miracle, our changing bodies and what's to come. [How to Paint the Sky]

Did you self-document your pregnancy?

from a father: October 09 2014, 0 Comments

We talk a lot about mothers but it's really family that means everything to us and a big part of this is dads. While every individual family and culture is so unique, we are so appreciative to be a part of a time and place where dads are choosing to play a bigger role in their children's lives. "Fatherhood expert" Timothy O'Leary shares some powerful insights about what mothers and fathers need from each other, from a less common father's perspective. He teaches us that

"we are better parents when we are in a more even state of mind."

From his experience as a father and therapist, our two sentence summary of what he has learned is: "mothers need a whole lot of support from the father (giving her his presence)" and "dads need to feel loved."

His unique wishes for dads out there:

1. "I’d wish new dads some energy"

2. "I’d wish patience"

3. "I’d wish fathers to have two kinds of knowledge: One is the kind of knowledge that helps you to understand your family’s needs better. The other kind is the knowledge of yourself that allows a dad to know what he needs right now."

Have you moms and dads found a good, "mindful" balance to building and balancing a family together- meeting each others' needs? We would love to hear from you!

homemade halloween. October 08 2014, 0 Comments

[photo via]

 It's costume time! Whether you fall into the elaborate creative or simply homemade category, here's a roundup of our 10 favorite, fun + clever make at home Halloween costume ensembles. Do you have any awesome ones to add?

1. strongman : oh happy day

2. fantastic mr. fox : handmade charlotte

3. pinata : modern kiddo

4. donut : diy studio

5. no-sew pineapple : delia creates

6. moonrise kingdom : oh happy day

7. space invader : martha stewart

8. little miss sunshine : real simple

9. squid

10. rain cloud costume : you and mie

practicing simplicity. October 07 2014, 0 Comments

Simplicity seems to be a movement with lots of excitement and support and we love this: celebrating slower family weekends, DIYing, capsule wardrobes and baby essentials that really are (our mission behind the Puj Tub). And it has us thinking- how are we practicing it? Are we living simply out of necessity alone (smaller spaces, quicker meals, one-ingredient beauty routines)? Or forming habits so that when seasons shift, we value a simple life, still?

forest animal headbands. October 06 2014, 0 Comments

bagel bar shower. October 03 2014, 0 Comments

A new baby is the perfect reason for celebration! For those who like to simplify party planning, hosting a bagel bar would make for a delicious, fun way to shower a new mom without much effort. Read these bagel bar tips to pull this off yourself. [100 Layer Cake-let]

popcorn on the cob. October 01 2014, 0 Comments

Happy October! It's harvest season now which usually means school parties and family celebrations and this popcorn on the cob treat is delicious and so fun with its creative packaging! With 4 ingredients and unbleached parchment paper, your offering will be an easy favorite. [Watch a simple how-to video here.]

resourceful + beautiful nursery. September 30 2014, 0 Comments

We love a peek into a family's home and this modern farmhouse nursery in New York wowed us with the great + resourceful + beautiful details: the Ikea dresser overhaul (with tape and white paint), pine wood siding to break up white walls and stacking wooden crates for their baby Parker's things-to-store. [Design Sponge]

kids' art. September 30 2014, 0 Comments

“Creativity is contagious, pass it on” – Albert Einstein

I cannot think of a better way to decorate our home than with our kids' creations. It's always so colorful, inventive and telling of who they are! And I'm so proud + excited to share it. After trying SO many types of art displays, this is still my favorite: organized, uncluttered and easily changed. Thanks again, Ikea! [Apartment Therapy]

makeover your screen. September 29 2014, 0 Comments

be a good one! September 24 2014, 0 Comments

longboardstroller. September 18 2014, 0 Comments

Maybe you're an urban parent that wants to get further, faster? Well Quinny has thought of an exciting solution! Meet the longboard stroller:  "an experiment in mobility"- giving you the freedom to move in a quick, fun, environmentally friendly way. Great idea or a little nuts? Tell us what you think!

bathtime firsts. September 18 2014, 0 Comments

homework habit: September 17 2014, 0 Comments

Homework. It may be one of the biggest ongoing subjects of stress, frustration and debate among families. What's enough time? Too much time? How to motivate them and encourage focus? With each child having a different attention span or desire or ability to learn, we loved this very simple advice:

“The idea of homework is creating a habit of sustained learning. We’re not learning when we’re being assisted by our parents. Parents need to step back from focusing on the outcome — the completed, corrected assignment — and focus on the effort.”

We're encouraged by these simple steps to creating this habit for a good, balanced life:

1. Pick a time and a place you let your child set up

2. Remove distractions

3. Set a timer! Suggestion: 10 minutes a day per grade on weekdays

4. Allow the child to close the books and walk away when the timer is done. ("A time limit helps the child to train her mind to stay on task for the set period, and putting work aside undone will encourage better focus next time.")

Would this work at your house? Have you found any helpful solutions to a positive homework experience? [NY Times: Motherlode]

fridge magnets. September 16 2014, 0 Comments

one small step... September 14 2014, 0 Comments

A miracle of parenthood is how often we grow right along with our children. Our first's 1st birthday is also our first birthday of parenthood and so the cycle continues- their little accomplishments become ours (and they rarely feel little). This art says that, we think, and even better- it's free for an extra-large download. Hello, new hallway poster! [Caravan Shoppe]

bath time essentials. September 14 2014, 0 Comments

Good morning! It's so sweet to see Stella Rose in her Puj Hug and other darling bath time essentials. What are your bath time must haves? [Lovely Lindsay]

creative kids lunches. September 12 2014, 0 Comments

I love the idea of my boys eating an exciting and super good for them kids lunch, but I do struggle with the creativity and energy each night. Enter: howaboutcookie and Selena's clever kids meals for school and home that are so easy to put together yourself. Some of our favorites:

DIY gift card holder September 05 2014, 0 Comments

banana sushi. September 05 2014, 0 Comments

Fun food is always a big hit at our house, so this (healthy) power snack is an exciting new addition to our usuals. We call it banana sushi and it is delicious fresh or frozen and eating it with chopsticks is a must! :)

See how to make it right here with a simple variation here.

how to ask your kids "so how was school today?": September 03 2014, 0 Comments

My boys love school but they don't love to talk about school. Or maybe they're just too tired to remember the details I would love to hear unless I can be creative enough to pull them out of them! So these 25 suggestions of how to ask your kids "so how was school today" without asking your kids "so how was school today" is exactly what I needed to read this week!

5 favorite fall crafts with kids: September 03 2014, 0 Comments

one: painted leaves

two: wooden spoon bugs

 three: easy origami bear

four: pebble tic tac toe

five: straw paper airplanes 

Amanda Jane Jones on motherhood: September 02 2014, 0 Comments

Oh, we love strong, beautiful women! Amanda Jane Jones is one of them who lives according to "less is more" even in motherhood!  She says for Mother mag,

"My mother loved us unconditionally and tried her hardest to be the best mother she knew how. I can honestly say, I’m trying to do the same."

Simply encouraging and refreshing! Amanda's love and focus and simplicity transfers to her striking, clean design. View her picks for simplifying parenthood in our new Puj Approved collection.