image: john french

1. 500 Days of Color

Holy smokes. For 20 months you’ll get 25 different colored pencils…for a total of 500. Amazing. Buy it here.

2. TASTY SQUARES

We’ve all seen amazing rainbow cakes, but I’ve never seen a cool Rubik’s cube cake! Check it out here.

3. LOOKS LIKE A POTATO SACK 

I’m obsessed with these photos of a vintage 60s “Potato Sack” dress that Nubby Twiglet found for Halloween. SO cool. See more here.

4. MUSHROOM O’CLOCK

Yes. Very cute indeed. Buy it here.

5. WILDFOX AND ILLUSTRATIONS THAT ARE TOO CUTE.

I love the style of this look book. The illustrations by Emily Faulsich are SO great! See more here (found via design love fest)

6. ENID WOULD BE PROUD

I have to say, I’m one of those purists who doesn’t usually like to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I prefer to savor the holidays. When stores start decorating the beginning of November it makes it seem just a little less special to me, ya know? BUT when Dottie sent me this link to Craft, I was grinning from ear to ear. You know I collect Enid Collins bags and just adore her (Check out the Happy Little Handbag article I did for MAEVE magazine!) so these made me so happy. From the adorable Midwest Maude.

7. PRETTY CAKE IN A JAR

Remember how you were going to make me some caramel apples? Well I’ve changed my mind. I’ll take a little cake in a jar instead, ok? Yum. Make it here.

8. CUTIE Q-TIPPERS.

I would love to have this sassy little holder on my sink stand. Buy them here.

9. SAY CHEESE!

Me likey. See the other rad designs and even buy one over here.

10. ON POINT WITH BONPOINT

Cute. Like really cute. Bonpoint for Kids. Pricey, but the photos this fall are SO great.

BONUS VIDEO

Whenever I need to smile I watch this little vintage Sesame Street video. It’s the best! Happy Friday friends!

BONUS VIDEO

Three more days! The Meatball has been paper mached, painted reddish and is nearly ready for its big debut tomorrow at Wolfie’s elementary school Harvest Festival. I can’t WAIT! How about you?? Are your kiddos all ready? I hope you got some great inspiration from the Modern Kiddo Costume Parade. SO MANY talented readers we have! OK…but in all the costume hub bub, I didn’t forget about our fun links. Check out this spooky cool collection I managed to scare up this week!

1. HUG THE MOON.

This cuddly Glow in the Dark Pillow is a little pricey but oh how my Wolfie would love this. No electricity needed.  Buy one here. (via DesignMom)

2. EARTHA’S BROTHER IS ROCKIN’ MY SOCKS OFF.

Eartha Kitsch is a fabulous storyteller, collector of fine vintage things and expert on all things kitsch-tastic. Somehow I missed this post she did on her brother’s best Halloween costume experience. You must see/read about it over here.

3. BOYS DO CRY.

Have you seen these yet? This haunted house in Niagra Falls—called the Fear Factory—promises chills and thrills! They also have a hidden camera that snaps photos of guests as they are getting spooked, and then kindly posts them on their web site so big chickens like me can look from afar and laugh. Hee. See more here.

4. DEATH BY CARAMEL APPLE.

I looooooove caramel apples. And these filled ones are making me positively drool. Damn you Chow for coming up with such scrumpdillicious treats. See ’em here. Then make me one. Please?

5. CUTEST MOMMY/DAUGHTER DOLLIES EVER.

Katie and her little cutie Hope are hands down the sassiest pair around! Katie is super talented and crafty so this shouldn’t surprise ya. I first spied this over on Katie’s blog, Skunk Boy Creatures but you can see the full “How To” on A Beautiful Mess.

6. A NOVEL IDEA FOR IPHONE CHARGERS.

I’ve always wanted a bookcase that opened up on to a secret passage way. While that doesn’t seem to be in the stars, these sneaky little chargers could be the next best thing! Get one here.

7. SPOOKY CUTE ART FROM TWEEDLEBOP.

I love Michael Fleming’s artwork. While it’s perfect year-round, his creepy cute paintings and illustrations especially fun for Halloween. Check out his site and nab a print for yourself here.

8. AHH, THIS NEVER GETS OLD.

Just when you thought you were tired of the ol’ Keep Calm and Carry On poster, comes this free, funny printable. Perfect for your front door. Print one out here.

9. HEY BATTA BATTA BATTA!

The adorable Cinti has come up with some easy peasy bat wings for you to craft! Seriously, bat wings are the new superhero cape! See more over on My Poppet.

10. CAKEY SPIDER BRULEE.

While these seem a tad ambitious to make, I loooove the idea of having to “crack” the chocolate spider web before eating. Mmmm. When you’re done making me my caramel apple, you can make me one of these too! See how here.

BONUS VIDEO.

Ooooh creepy dolls. Patty Playpal….do you ever get the feeling she’s going to replace YOOOOOU?

http://youtu.be/UUXqbE8bC_c

The count down is ON! One more week til Halloween and we are all excited for costumes and candy over here! I’ve been getting in some really terrific reader submitted homemade costume photos for our Costume Parade….do you have any awesome costumes you made your kiddo? We want the best—and the worst! Even if you had a wee costume fiasco, send it on in! You can still email me YOUR photos thru Monday. Simply send ’em to alix[at]modernkiddo.com). OK folks, so let’s get to the linkies! I found some goodies for ya.

1. LET’S HAVE A GORGEOUS KEY PARTY.

The ultimate Keyboard for Happy People…..or even for grumpy folks who need to lighten up. It’s so good. See how Minifanfan made it over here.

2. DESTINATION : DAINTILY AWESOME

Honestly. These dresses, made out of old maps, make me soooooo happy. You know how much I love paper dresses (you may recall my post on vintage paper dresses). While they can’t be worn, they would look stunning on a bedroom wall of any little (or big!) girl. Buy one here.

3. CLEAN UP YOUR THRIFT ACT.

What would you say if I told you that all that stood between you and a beautifully cleaned up vintage painting was an old bagel? Yeah. For reals. Find out how over here.

4. THESE COATS ARE RRRRRROAR-GEOUS.


Walking around Rockridge the other day, I wandered into a shop and spied the most AMAZING coats in the shop window. They are SO well made….I was dying, and bemoaning the fact that Wolfie is too old for one of ’em. See more at Little Goodall.

5. THREE WORDS: VINTAGE CIRCUS GIRLS.
Pictures of girls who fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Really fun. And amazing wardrobe. See them here.

6. THE QUIRKY, NASTY FUN OF SPITE HOMES

Two brothers inherit land from their deceased father. While the second brother was away serving in the military, the first brother built a huge home on most of the property, leaving his brother only a tiny spot of land. The second brother returned home and was aghast. In retaliation, he built a house on the sliver of property—blocking the sunlight and ruining his brother’s view. Heh. There are more examples and recent pix of the houses here. I kinda love it.

7. HIDE AND SEEK SPIDERS RULE.

This is the cutest little Halloween custom ever. Marie and her boy take turns “hiding” the spider around the house….I love the idea of it popping up in Wolfie’s sock drawer! hee.  Find out more over here at Make and Takes.

8. SO SCARY IT’S CUTE.

Teri’s little girl is so stinkin’ cute…..it’s hard to believe she can turn into a crazy faced zombie girl! Find out how you can make your own zombie kiddo here.

9. I HEART EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS.


My pal Lisa Congdon is a fabulous artist (and all around cool gal). The latest book she illustrated is really terrific! Check it out here.

10. THIS IPHONE CASE WILL LEAVE YOU IN STITCHES.

This iPhone case has Miss Dottie’s name written ALL OVER IT. Find out how to make one yourself over here. via the Purl Bee.

BONUS VIDEO

This video Dottie sent me is awesome. Granted, it helps if you are a size 2….but this charming video shows you a whole bunch of “no-sew” ways to turn a men’s dress shirt, into a cool dress.

http://vimeo.com/26721240

Ahh Friday! Any fun plans? We’re heading out to the pumpkin patch this weekend and I’m SO excited! I will tell you that I have all our Halloween decorations out—and they’ve been sitting on my dining room table ALL WEEK. I need to hang that business up pronto! So that’s on the “to do” list too. Also, walks with Sammy dog, Wolfie’s soccer practice, plot Halloween costumes and maybe squeeze in a little movie. We all saw Dolphin Tale last weekend and loved it. It’s schmalzy as all get our, but Winter the dolphin (who plays herself in the movie!) is an inspiration. I was totally weepy by the end. How about you guys?

Well before we kick off the weekend, here’s some fun stuff to browse when you have a few moments to spare!

1. VINTAGE SUIT CASES GET A CUTE MAKEOVER.

I love a good vintage suitcase….sturdy, sweet and colorful. But I have to say I thought this remix was utterly adorable. See it over here.

2. THE BEST LITTLE DESIGN CHALLENGE EVER.

Emily Henderson is adorable. She won Design Star and now has her own cool show, “Secrets From a Stylist”. So it should come as no surprise that she has devised the world’s cutest design competition—featuring DOLL HOUSES! I love it . See more here.

3. SWEDEN IS DA BOMB.

Acne Junior is a Swedish toy company who says their ambition is to “make traditional, iconic, toys in a modern way.” I’m not sure how traditional a piece of bamboo is in Sweden, but lawdy they sure do make it look adorable. The site is extremely cute too.  You must visit it! Do so here. (via Bloesem Kids)

4. DAHLINK, PLEASE DON’T LEAF ME ALONE.

Ko-ko-ko KIDS have come up with very simple, but very excellent craft using found leaves. I’m thinking Wolfie and I should collect some on our next walk with Sammy and try it out! See their their website for more ideas. (via charlottes fancy)

5. WHACKA WHACKA! IT’S BABY BURRO TIME.

Piñatas are just inherently FUN. I always had one at my birthday parties when I was little and I’ve always liked them (except for that ill-fated birthday when I was whacked in the head with the piñata stick. OOF!). These little mini piñatas are just too cute. And surprisingly, very easy to make! (found via Oh Happy Day.)

6. THESE FABRIC PENS ARE LOOKIN’ SHAHP.

I love a good Sharpie. Fine point especially. And now they’ve gone and made a special fabric paint sharpie with a brush tip, called “Stained by Sharpie.” Color me (permanently) intrigued.     (image via howaboutorange)

7. HEY THERE SPOOKY CAKES.

Sweet Paul is a bit of a genius when it comes to food and styling. I love these simple sheet cakes that have been turned into spooktacular works of art. AND they look like they’d still be pretty shummmy too. See them here.

8. BUILDING BLOCKS, BOO!

How cool is this house? AWESOME. And how cool that its made out of Legos?? AWESOMER. Lego’s are always cool. It’s just true. See all the crazy houses that Mike Doyle has made here.

9. COTTON CANDY COOL FASHION SHOW.

I can’t lie. I had never heard of designing duo Meadham Kirchhoff til I laid eyes on this photo from their runway show. But I’m now officially obsessed. See more photos from their crazy runway show here.

10. HIYA, WATHA.

Hee. It’s a kitty kat tee pee. I think that’s really all that needs to be said here, no? Buy one here. You can also get a little log cabin. (via the Lady Whoreange)

WE’LL MISS YOU STEVE:

What a fascinating man he was….and how he changed our lives in so many ways. I love that quote. Be brave! Dream big! Think different.

BONUS VIDEO.

156 characters introduce themselves. And it’s pretty amusing.

http://youtu.be/PEBIw0hHadk

WOW. This week sort of flew by! I think i say that every week though, huh. Out here in San Francisco we are having SO. MUCH. RAIN. I tell ya, it was sunny and in the high 80s last week and now I’m thinking about having Greg make a fire tonight so we can all cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie. Despite the rain, Sam has been enjoying walks and then coming home and hogging up the entire couch…I told you he was a big boy!

So to kick off the weekend, here are some cool things I’ve came across this week. And yes, that picture up there is me. I was 22 and kickin’ it with my groovy friend Mirka, who was renting out Chuck Berry’s mini mansion with a bunch of her Cal Arts friends. Every day a new art project/photo shoot/film shoot was happening over there. I can’t remember what all these bunnies were for, but I do remember we had FUN! K, on to the links.

1. PICTURE PERFECT LITTLE KIDDOS.

The styling on these two portraits by Stephanie Rausser are so dang cute. Reminds me I need to take some more photos of my kooky vintage boy too…..found over on Eliza magazine.

2. STICKY SWEET.

I have always loved origami. And i think I already told you I love wrapping paper….so origami tape is something I feel like i MUST have! Check it out over on the Wantist.

3. OH CHEWIE, YA BIG SOFTIE.

This little guy is Awesome with a capital A. Once again, sassy Pilgrim doesn’t disappoint! Find out how to make one over here.

4. MASKED CREW-SADER.

Have you seen these sweet little downloadable masks over on J Crew? They’re free! Download them here. You’ll be taken to the J. Crew web site, and have to look on their left sidebar for a little b&w mask that says, “BOO!”

5. HIP HIPSTER HURRAY.

I’m kind of dying over the F/W 2011 duds from Talc. These kids are cooler than anyone I know. Except maybe Wolfie. 😉

6. WHAT WERE THEY REALLY SMOKING??

These vintage print as are both horrifying and hilarious….I think I prefer the Marlboro Man as a devious marketing tool. See more crazy retro ads over here.

7. AND THEY LIVED MODESTLY EVER AFTER.

Photographer Dina Goldstein’s collection of “Fallen Princesses” had me looking twice. You can see more here or on Dina’s site. Look for Pochahontas as a crazy cat lady.

8. I LOVE THE FLAVORS OF FALL.

I’m sooo excited autumn is here…it’s my favorite time of year. I love being snuggly and bundling up….and I love the food. This post of Tracy’s had me positively drooling. An amazing collection of autumnal treats—veggie and non. See ’em here on Shutterbean.

9. CASUAL DOORWAY GORGEOUSNESS.

British designer Eloise Grey shot some really lovely lookbook photos at her friend’s West London home. I love them. See more over at Honey Kennedy.

10. TARGET NEEDS TO START PAYING ME.

I swear I go there WAY too much. But I always find cool stuff. My last trip I saw a little bear hat, a Dr. Zhivago 60s faux fur pom pom hat, this cute foxy wallet, a cuckoo clock necklace, a deer ring AND a fox purse. Nope, I didn’t buy them all….but they all made me smile. Damn you, Target.

BONUS VIDEO:

Jessi Arrington only packed 7 pairs of undies in her suitcase to TED….everything else she wore she thrifted over the weekend. While I don’t necessarily love every ensemble she puts together (she is even more color crazy than I am!), I thought she was super adorable and smart and her message was spot on! Watch her video here. It’s not too long and really great!