All this talk about ponies, big hats, and mint juleps got me inspired to plan a Little Kentucky Derby Playdate with some friends this weekend!  Given our little friends have no idea what OR when the big Derby race happens, these adorable activites are good for any day of the year (and will be used again and again in our house)! 

#1. Mix up Mini Mint Juleps. Love this simple blackberry mint lemonade from Babble.com!  The perfect faux-julep for friends of all ages.

...

Posted on May 04, 2012 at 11:05 AM by Sarah Cobb

Hello Lovies!  Valentine's Day is such a fun holiday to share with children. There are so many darling ideas out there it's hard to choose!  We decided to go Sweet & Simple and share some of our favorite inspirations with you.

1. Decorations.  Making cute mailboxes for the family to leave cards in is such a fun idea.  Create a little centerpiece from some simple items or even carnations!

2. Get Crafty.  Break out the craft supplies and...

Posted on February 09, 2012 at 7:30 AM by Anne Book

New Years Eve is such a great night to stay IN! The Holidays are over, and the kids have been out of school for what feels like forever.  Use the New Year's Eve celebration and the perfect way to get together with good friends.  Skip the expensive night out, wrangling for a last-minute sitter, and those not-so-easy to find taxis.

Why not invite the entire gang, your friends big and little, for a New Year’s Eve family style party? Choose a few activiti...

Posted on December 22, 2011 at 7:00 AM by Anne Book

As a parent, there is so much more to be thankful for than I ever realized before I became one almost five years ago. Itʼs all about the simple things from being well, to making new friends, and the cutest things our children say and do every day.

This month, I was inspired by my girlfriends who I share so many great, { and no so great}, daily moments with just being moms. The women whoʼs smiles, coffee breaks, advice, thoughtfulness, and play dates all help all make “our worlds&...

Posted on November 17, 2011 at 8:00 AM by Anne Book

Signs of Fall are here and the city is looking gorgeous.  The leaves are changing and mild yet brisk days are calling us to plan time outside!

Parks are perfect for Fall Playdates, and we are so fortunate to have incredible parks and tot lots in every neighborhood.  Here are some ways to plan a play date and Mix It Up this Fall.


1. Mix UP a FUN snack-

Last week I was inspired by the gorgeous trail mix bar at Lincoln Park Whole Foods.  We made a fun mix...

Posted on October 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM by Anne Book

September is a transition month in Chicago indeed. 

New routines are happening everywhere, the days are shorter and cooler, and for many of our children, it’s back to school.  So why not embrace a new ritual as you settle into Fall.

Cooking with friends and family is a great experience all through life.  Why not create a new play date plan for Fall by initiating a weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly kitchen gathering for family and friends.

Ideas to get you ...

Posted on September 07, 2011 at 10:46 AM by Anne Book

Hello Chicago Families & Friends-

Let me guess, you can’t believe it is already August! Where has the summer gone?

You also have a list of friends that, like me, you promised to get together with and still have not seen! Sound familiar?  So, let’s all make a Summer Resolution and get those friends together by planning a Potluck Playground Party!

Start by picking an easy local park or tot lot. I love the little one at the end of my street.  It...

Posted on August 01, 2011 at 8:30 AM by Anne Book

Welcome to NPNʼs first Playdate of the month!  Here are a few easy and fun ways to fire up your 4th of July!

Hosting playdates are not only a great way to keep your child entertained and to see their friends. They are excellent opportunities to instill basic concepts in your child giving them the opportunity to learn how to plan, purchase for, set up and host something fun! We thought creating a playdate of the month would be a great way to inspire fun, seasonal and themed ac...

Posted on June 26, 2011 at 8:55 PM by Anne Book