Cleeo & Bea Finds: Easy, Healthy Road Snacks
If you read our road trip game ideas in the new March issue, you'll notice a theme here… But even if you're not going for the long haul, you'll appreciate mess-free innovation when it comes to snacking in the car during everyday errands. » Read more
Shamrock Magic
Turn This Shamrock Green
Stare at the center of this red shamrock for at least 30 seconds, then look quickly at a blank sheet of white paper and focus on one spot. A green shamrock should show up within a few seconds. Have your kids try it. You can tell them it’s Irish magic, or you can explain how it really works. » Read more
The Dinosaurs Are Back in Town!
There was a time that I wanted to be a paleontologist when I grew up. I mean, what kid doesn't, right? All the mysteries and unanswered questions surrounding dinosaurs create the perfect world for a child's imagination to run wild. Unfortunately, I didn't end up trekking around the world digging up ancient bones, but, is it any surprise that Jurassic Park is still one of my favorite movies? (Yep, you saw that one coming!) » Read more
Cleeo & Bea Finds: The Coloring Book Goes Big
So much for staying inside the lines! We love this giant coloring and doodling book by beloved Japanese illustrator Taro Gomi. (You may recognize his work from the classic, Everyone Poops.)
Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book is great for the burgeoning scribbler, filled with pages of unfinished pictures to stimulate the imagination and encourage creativity, plus many pages for coloring and doodling of all kinds. It's fantastic for the 3+ crowd, but younger tots can appreciate this enormous book, too. » Read more
Liz Picks: Fun Family Events in Portland, February 7 - 17
I haven't usually thought of February has the most eventful month, but then I looked at the calendar. These next two weeks (most concentrated during next weekend) are actually jam-packed with events—the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, the Chinese New Year, even Presidents Day—and Portland has found a way to celebrate every one. So get reading and get planning so your family doesn't miss out on any of the fun! » Read more
Family Superbowl Parties
Tips for a Family Superbowl Party
A Superbowl party is all about football. You have built-in entertainment and low pressure to get people to dance or chitchat, so it's a perfect opportunity to host a stress-free party.
The key is stress-free. Don't go overboard with decor or cleaning. Just make sure you have space in the coat closet. Light a smelly candle in the bathroom (obviously don't do this unless it is safe from kidlets) OR pop up some popcorn for good smells when people walk in. » Read more
Top Tips for Balancing Budget & Family with Ease
From bringing the kids to after-school activities, to shopping for everyday family meals, the challenge of keeping the family organized and on a budget can be a source of stress for any busy mom. Get it all done without sacrificing quality time with the family. I'm pleased to be partnering with Safeway, which is making a concerted effort to make our lives easier and helping us shop smarter. » Read more
Cleeo & Bea Finds: Fun Valentine's Day Card Ideas
The mamas behind local blog Cleeo & Bea find some of the gosh-darn-cutest items for the kiddos (and some that we might decide to keep for ourselves), and we're so lucky to have them sharing their discoveries with us! Look for exclusive ideas once a month in the magazine and newsletter, and every other week right here on the blog. Since we're fast approaching February (can you believe it?!), we got their take on Valentine's Day cards that'll garner some hardcore crushes:
Liz Picks: Fun Family Events in Portland, January 22 - February 4
Well, hello there! Let me introduce myself…. I’m Liz, and I’ll be your new NW Kids cruise director in these uncharted waters that we call the Internet. I’ve been covering all the family-friendly fun around Portland for the past six years, first at PDX Magazine, then on LivePDX.com, and, most recently, as a contributor to Neighborhood Notes. Let’s just say I know the city gosh darn well!
And I spend all day behind my laptop so you don’t have to — reading blogs, following Twitter, scouring Facebook for insider tips and links that I can share with you on the our NW Kids blog, in our newsletter (sign up so you don’t miss a thing!), and on Facebook (become a fan!) and Twitter (follow us!). » Read more
Free Things to Do With Kids in January
NW Kids Picks: Free (or Cheap) Things to Do in Portland This Month
Get Wordy
Free story times are in abundance every day of the week, at the public libraries, bookstores and many other shops. Our new fave in the Alberta area is the cozy reading room at Green Bean Books, which offers a weekly story time on Tuesday mornings at 11.
