Mommy and Me - When I Get Bigger

When I Get Bigger is the newest feature in our Mommy and Me series.  It's an adorable book about all the things that children dream about doing when they're old enough.  Here are a few fun ideas to try once you read the book with your child.

• Talk about the different things your child wants to do when they get bigger.  Ask them what things they can do now that they didn't use to be able to do.
• Depending on your child's age, start teaching them to tell time.
• Make a paper plate clock.
• Camp out in the backyard or take a trip to a local campground for a night.

Make sure to check of the rest the books we've featured in our Mommy and Me series!

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Decorating Ideas - Teddy Bear Nursery

Baby & U White Pink Green Bears and Circles Baby Blanket 

Button Bear Sage Green Wall Hanging Set Kids Line

Owen Pink Plush Baby Blanket Teddy Bear Applique

Teddy bears are an adorable theme for a child's nursery or bedroom.  They work well for a gender neutral room, but they are easy to customize for a boy or a girl if desired.  Today we're sharing a few potential inspiration pieces and a few decorating ideas.

• Start the decorating process by choosing a color scheme.
• Dress the windows with coordinating curtains or valances.  Customize your window treatments with coordinating trim or teddy bear ribbon - just use fabric glue to attach it.
• Add personality to the room with accessories.  Display stuffed teddy bears on a shelf, add teddy bear themed artwork (such as framed pages from a children's book), and chose lamps with coordinating shades (these can also be customized with fabric glue and trim). 
• Set up a child sized table and chairs in one corner.  Seat bears at the table having a tea party or playing games.

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

4th of July Fun - Craft Ideas Part 2

We've already shared some craft ideas/DIY decorations that your children will have fun helping you make.  Today we've got a few more craft ideas to help you celebrate Independence Day.

• Tin Can Luminaries.  You'll need a (clean) empty tin can*, a large nail, and a small hammer.  Draw a pattern onto the can if desired.  Let children carefully tap the nail into the can to create small holes.  (Children should be supervised at all times - use common sense when deciding if your children are old enough for this craft.)
• These Glow Stick Stars are really cute - it looks like they're just glow sticks with paper stars glued over them.
• Use up some more of your empty coffee cans and vegetable cans by decorating them to hold silverware and napkins.  These are great for a 4th of July picnic or cookout because they can be thrown away after the party.  Just let your kids use construction paper, tissue paper, markers, etc. to decorate the outside of the cans.

*Make sure you have the type of can opener that doesn't leave a sharp edge at the top of the can.

Don't forget to check out our festive recipes!

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Product Spotlight {6/22}

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique has added new products!  Check out a few of our new items below and then head over to our website to browse through all of our items.

Carter's I Heart Love My Mom Blue Bear Rattle Security Blanket

Carter's My First Doll Brown Braids Brunette Plush Stuffed Toy

Carter's My First Doll Blonde Braids Blue Eyes Plush Stuffed Toy

Carter's Mommy Loves Me Pink White Bunny Security Blanket Rattle

Carter's Plush Doll Pink with White Dots Brown Hair Pony Tails

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

4th of July Fun - Festive Recipes

We've already given you some DIY decoration ideas that are great for a party or just because - and they're all kid friendly!  Today we're sharing a few festive recipes that your children can help make.

Rocket Dogs 

Sugar Cookie Flag 

Star Spangled Marshmallow Pops

4th of July Trifle

Star Spangled Pie

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Mommy and Me - Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon is a wonderful book about the power of imagination.  It's a great way to inspire your children's creativity.  Once you read the book together, try a few of these ideas.

• Make Muffin Tin Crayons.  This is a great use for all the broken pieces of crayon that seem to appear everywhere.
• Once your crayons are ready to use, draw your own world (like Harold).  Take turns describing the features of your world to the rest of your family.
• If your children are a little older, this Melted Crayon Art would be a really fun project.
• Make Crayon Letters.  You could spell out a word, let everyone make the first letter in their name, or make one to give as a gift.

Make sure to check out the rest of our Mommy and Me posts - we've shared lots of other wonderful children's books and fun ideas to go with them!

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

4th of July Fun - DIY Decorations

The 4th of July is coming up soon, and it's a great time for your family to have fun and celebrate our independence.  We'll be sharing great recipes, fun activities, craft projects, and more over the next couple of weeks.  Today we're sharing a few fun DIY decorations/craft projects that are perfect for a party.

Festive Lights

Supplies:

• Strings of lights (leftover from Christmas)
• Red and blue construction paper
  Safety scissors
• Hole punch

Directions:

1. Cut red and blue stars out of construction paper.
2. Punch a hole in the middle of the star.
3. Put the stars over each light in your strand.
4. String the lights around your porch, yard, or home for a festive touch.

Decoupaged Fourth of July Candles

Supplies:

• White glue
• Red, white, and blue tissue paper
• Empty baby food jars
• Tea lights
• Make-up sponges

Directions:

1. Tear the tissue paper into small pieces.
2. Water down the white glue – about half water and half glue.
3. Use the make-up sponge to paint a thin layer of the glue mixture on the jar.
4. Cover the jar with pieces of tissue paper.
5. Add another layer of the glue mixture to seal the paper.
6. After the jar is dry, place a tea light inside.

Edible Flags on a Stick

Supplies:

• Mini marshmallows
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Wooden skewers

Directions:

1. Let your kids put the marshmallows and fruit on the skewers.
2. Display them in a clear glass vase – instant edible centerpiece!

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Father's Day Gift Ideas Part 2

We've already shared several great Father's Day gift ideas with you.  Today we have a few more DIY ideas that would be great for any dad.

• Tie Snack Boxes - the perfect way to package Dad's favorite treats!
• Football Picture Display - great for the office.
• This Candy Bar Letter is super cute (and tasty)!
• World's Best Dad Keychains - a great project for older children.
• 365 Things We Love About Dad Jar.

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Product Spotlight - New Loveys and Dolls

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique has added more new loveys and dolls - visit our website to browse through the rest of our products!

Plush Stuffed Doll Red White Blue by Baby Starters 

Baby Starters Bunny Rabbit Security Blanket White Pink Snuggle Buddy

Baby Starters Lion Security Blanket Orange Brown Stars Snuggle Buddy

Tan Monkey Blue Gray White Dots Snuggle Buddy Baby Starters

Carter's White Bear Flowers Security Blanket Lovey

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Mommy and Me - Freight Train

Freight Train 

Freight Train is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to how a train works.  It's full of pictures showing trains in various locations and includes simple text describing the illustrations.  It's perfect for a little one with a train fascination.  Here are a few ideas to go along with this book.

• Find out if there is a train station in your area.  Visit with your children and watch the trains come and go.
• Take a trip on a train.  Many areas have trains that make short trips to neighboring towns.
• Make this Easy Paper Train.
• Children who are a little older will have fun making this Lifesavers Train.

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Under the Sea Nursery

Nautica Kids Octupus Pink White Stripes Baby Blanket

Nautica Kids Whales Blue White Baby Blanket

An under the sea theme is a fun choice for a nursery and can easily grow with your child.  It also works well for a boy or a girl.  Here are a few ideas to help bring your theme to life.

• Paint the walls blue and stencil fish and various other sea creatures onto them.
• Add a 3-D affect to the walls by adding artificial seaweed to the bottom of your walls.
• Get a fish tank for the room.
• Hot glue shells to a plain lampshade.
• Fill a refillable glass lamp with small plastic fish or shells.

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is June 17th, and it's a great opportunity to show Dad how much you love him.  Today we're sharing a few gift ideas he's sure to love.

• Gift certificate to get his car detailed. (Professionally or at home.) 
• Something related to his hobby - for example, nice golf balls, a new video game, grilling tools, etc.
• Dad's Day Out Package.  Include a gift certificate to his favorite restaurant and tickets to do something he loves, such as go to a movie, concert, or football game.
• Signed t-shirt or CD (or vintage record) from his favorite band.
• Homemade Photo Collage.

What are you planning to give your dad (or husband) this Father's Day?

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique

Celebrate Yo-Yo Day! (June 6th)

Yo-yos are a classic children's toy and have been around for ages.  They're loved by adults and children alike and are a great indoor toy.  Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate Yo-Yo Day with your family.

• Learn the history of the yo-yo.
• Visit the online yo-yo museum with your children.
• Buy your own yo-yos.  Practice using them and doing yo-yo tricks.
• Make a yo-yo on a stick (great for younger children!).

~~~~~~

Bear Hugs Baby Boutique