If your household looks anything like ours, the best family photos are probably stuck on a device or floating around in the Cloud somewhere. It’s time to get those pictures off your phone and onto your walls. Nix pricey professional photo framing services and do it yourself with one of these user-friendly apps. Read on for the scoop.

photo: Keepsake

1. Keepsake
It will probably take you longer to get the kids to sit still for a family photo than it will to pick the perfect frame and click “order” on this easy-to-use photo framing app. Keepsake only offers photo framing and photo-to-canvas printing, which means you won’t have to worry about too many options confusing your agenda. Just choose your photo, adjust the filters and cropping dimensions, then preview it in a variety of tasteful frames (or canvases) to see what look best suits your image.

Cost: Frames are $25 and up, and shipping is free (within the U.S.).

Available from Google Play or iTunes, free. 

photo: Brushstroke

2. Brushstroke
Do you want your latest, greatest shot to look more like a painting than a photo? With Brushstroke, you can turn photos into art on canvas with just a few clicks. Pick an art filter—styles aren’t attributed to specific artists, though most of the filters have a Monet or Van Gogh-style slant—then swipe left or right to change the saturation, density, and color of the image. Finally, sign your print, choose a product (poster, framed print, or canvas print), and click “Ship.”

Hint: If you’re not ready to put your work on the walls, you can still upload your creations to social media, e-mail, or instant message with the click of a button.

Cost: Products start at $26, and are printed via a partnership with CanvasPop.

Available from iTunes, $3.99.

photo: Mixtiles via Facebook

3. Mixtiles
Mixtiles is like the real-life equivalent of Instagram. This app takes your photos and turns them into adorable, stylish little squares you can stick to the walls as easy as you can slap a magnet on the refrigerator. The tiles adhere via four double-sided tape squares designed to come on and off your walls without damage, which allows you to easily move them around to suit your whims. Click on a whole slew of pictures, and you’ll have a ready-made tableau to dress up your walls in no time.

Cost: $49 for 3 tiles, $9 for each additional tile. Shipping is free.

Available from iTunes, free. 

photo: Art.com via Facebook

4. Photos to Art
The coolest thing about the Photos to Art app is that it lets you superimpose your selected image onto your wall to get a sense of whether or not it’s worth printing in the first place. Upload photos directly from Instagram and Facebook, as well as from your phone’s camera roll. Then, choose from a slew of options for your finished product, including photos on metal, wood mounts, acrylic prints, canvas or framed prints.

Cost: Products start at $2 for small poster prints, $50.99 for framed prints.

Available from iTunes, free. 

photo: Framebridge

5. Framebridge
Framebridge has one mission: To get your treasured things and favorite photos up on your walls. That means you won’t find any coasters, photo books, or tote bags here—only frames. Upload photos from your phone or Instagram account, choose from a selection of 40 styles and then let the team custom frame your piece. Not sure what frame style will look best with your piece? Framebridge’s design team will mock up some options for free. You can also do it yourself by choosing the size, matte, and frame style, with previews of your finished product every step of the way.

Good to know: Want to frame something other than photos? The Framebridge folks say they’ll frame anything, from your child’s artwork or kindergarten diploma to your baby’s baptism dress or first blanket.

Cost: Prices start at $39, and shipping is free.

Available from iTunes, free. 

photo: Snapfish via Facebook

6. Snapfish
The advantage of choosing a heavy-hitter like Snapfish is the sheer number of options available, as well as a consistency that has garnered the site more than 40 million members over more than 15 years. Along with an assortment of gift-minded photo products (mugs, pillows, iPhone cases, etc.), you can put your prints onto several different sizes of canvas, including panoramic-sized canvases and wooden-framed canvases, and even metal wall panels. The app also offers four different styles of frames for various photo sizes.

Hint: Check the site regularly for a revolving door of discounts and seasonal specials; some offer as much as 60 percent off your order!

Available from iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Store, free.

Have you ever used a phone-to-frame app? Tell us about your experience in a Comment below.

— Melissa Heckscher

Chicago’s unique vocabulary and insider references could fill up an entire dictionary. We figured it was time for an addendum just for you parents out there. Here’s a lesson in local lingo for Moms and Dads.

Dan Ryan
Everywhere else: Common names for dudes.
In Chicago: The clogged interstate where your little one conveniently decides to have meltdowns or diaper blowouts during rush hour.

photo: David Wilson via Flickr

Wiggleworms
Everywhere else: Kids that can’t sit still, no matter how many candy bribes their parents offer.
In Chicago: Old Town School of Folk Music’s music- and puppetry-filled classes that get babies and toddlers shaking their thang.

photo: Old Town School of Folk Music

The Jewels
Everywhere else: Precious gems.
In Chicago: Where you buy your groceries. Replace “The” with “Da” on the South Side.

 photo: Jewel-Osco Facebook page

Cubs & Sox
Everywhere else: Crosstown teams that typically need minor miracles to win.
In Chicago: A fandom choice you make for your child at birth. Switching sides or choosing Wisconsin is grounds for disownment.

photo: courtesy of a Red Tricycle reader

Babies, Tots n’ More
Everywhere else: What you see at a zoo, park or Yo Gabba Gabba! concert.
In Chicago: The twice-yearly consignment sale that’s so big, Moms have gone in and come back out hours later with bouncy seats, strollers and enough clothes to dress a small village.

photo: Babies, Tots n’ More Facebook page

Prentice
Everywhere else: An archaic word for “apprentice.”
In Chicago: The hospital where many bouncing babies are born.

photo: bradleypjohnson via Flickr

The Bean
Everywhere else: What’s usually left ignored on a kid’s dinner plate.
In Chicago: The shiny silver sculpture that your child left a nose print on, just before you took a family selfie.

photo: Cody Austin via Flickr

NPN
Everywhere else: A acronym for what sounds like some big fancy corporation.
In Chicago: A warm group of parents (Neighborhood Parents Network) that plan events for learning and fun.

photo: NPN via Alexis Staryk Photography

The El:
Everywhere else: The 12th letter in the alphabet.
In Chicago: The elevated train system you take with your kids — but only while clinging to hand sanitizer like it’s the key to the universe.

photo: discosour via Flickr

Bubbles
Everywhere else: What you can blow using soapy water and a wand.
In Chicago: Lincoln Park’s magical play space and education center that delights parents through the baby and toddler years. (See also: Little Beans Cafe, Purple Monkey Playroom, Kidville, Sod Room.)

photo: Bubbles Academy

Polar Vortex
Everywhere else: Something very cold.
In Chicago: Something very, very, extremely, overwhelmingly, need-three-snowsuits-and-omg-my-eyelashes-are-frozen cold.

photo: Rob Swystun via Flickr

Cheers
Everywhere else: What you say when you raise a glass.
In Chicago: A Facebook moms group that insiders rave about.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via Flickr

Sue
Everywhere else: What you do when you want to take somebody to court.
In Chicago: The large bony T.rex that greets you in the lobby of The Field Museum.

photo: Kelly Aiglon

Magnet
Everywhere else: A piece of iron that attracts other iron-containing objects.
In Chicago: The type of school you become obsessed with getting your kid into when he or she is still in utero.

photo: Catherine via Flickr

The Suburbs
Everywhere else: Big yards, green grass, good schools, peace and quiet.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “way out there” and “the country” to city parents.

photo: LancerE via Flickr

The City
Everywhere else: Awesome architecture, exciting sports, beautiful lake, amazing museums.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “way out there” and “date night Mecca” to suburban parents.

photo: Nicolas Henderson via Flickr

Oak Park & Evanston
Everywhere else: Suburbs on the west and north side.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “still the city — really, we swear” to parents that live there.

photo: Eric Fredericks via Flickr

Do you have any additions to our dictionary? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

You likely weren’t planning on getting a BOGO deal when you got pregnant, but that’s what happened. Now, your pre-baby life is a distant memory and everything is influenced by the multiples. Here’s a list of things that ought to ring true if you’ve brought two (or more) kids into existence at once. See if you agree with our 12 signs that you’re a parent of twin babies.

Photo: Jeff Saporito

1. Your house is starting to look like a daycare center.
Dude, where’s my floor? Twice the kids means you somehow seem to end up with four times the clutter. You only vaguely remember what the flooring underneath the pile of toys looks like.

Photo: waferboard on Flickr Creative Commons

2. Coffee is the new water.
Oh sweet, brown elixir of life. You’ve bought stock in Starbucks and feel personally responsible for keeping their share values up.

Photo: Russel Harrison Photography on Flickr Creative Commons

3. You don’t want to hear about single-baby problems.
“Awww yeah, you poor thing.” You try to act sympathetic when parents of just one baby talk about the difficulty of raising a child, but inside you’re sneering with envy.

Photo: Martin Thomas on Flickr Creative Commons

4. There is no such thing as running a quick errand.
See you in a few hours! Going on a day trip to grandma’s house looks like you’re moving.

Photo: The Other William and Kate

5. Getting them to sit still at the same time is an Olympic sport.
That’s as good as it gets. Whatever your worst nightmare used to be, it’s now attempting to take a civilized family photo.


Photo: Donnie Ray Jones on Flickr Creative Commons

6. You don’t remember what quiet sounds like.
At any given moment, at least one child is yelling, screaming, crying, not eating, throwing a tantrum, or pooping their pants.

 Photo: Dylan Walters on Flickr Creative Commons

6. You never stop doing laundry. Never.
Just a minute, there’s only 8 loads left. Your children have 6,000 pieces of clothing. They’re all always dirty. Also, none fit.


Photo: Manda on Flickr Creative Commons

7. Your twins are a magnet for public affection and you can’t go anywhere without questions, oohs, ahhs and the dreaded baby pokes from strangers.
Oh no… they’re going to talk to us, aren’t they? You’ve been forced into extroversion because everyone in public feels the need to talk to you. However, you do now have a nice instant, unspoken rapport with other parents of multiples.

Photo: Brandon Grasley on Flickr Creative Commons

8. You’re going to lose it if one more person asks, “Are they twins?”
This has become your least-favorite combination of words in the history of language.


Photo: Diamond Farah on Flickr Creative Commons

9. You don’t need to go to the gym anymore.
You haven’t been to the gym in two years, but you keep getting stronger from hauling humans around. You call this hot new workout accidental weightlifting.

Photo: Jeff Saporito

10. You have bags and bags of used baby goods that you don’t want to throw out. 
You have storage bags full of attempted-and-failed bottles, sippy cups and utensils that the kids wouldn’t use. You don’t want to toss them. They cost hundreds of dollars.

Photo: Jeff Saporito

11. The other question you’re tired of is, “Which one is older?”
Four minutes is not a big deal. They’re the same age. What they do with this information, you’ll never know.


Photo: Donnie Ray Jones on Flickr Creative Commons

12. You’re the luckiest.
You live in a world with extra smiles, extra giggles, and extra love – and it’s worth every minute of extra effort.

What can you add to our list of twin parenting facts? Tell us in a Comment.

–Jeff Saporito

Whether you have grandparents in your life or not, any day of the year is a great opportunity to join age-groups, old and young, for a fun-for-all experience, and to teach your kids how they can easily give back. Scroll down through the below ideas and then share your suggestions on how to help out a senior today.

Good to know: many senior or assisted living homes have special visiting hours or restrictions on non-family visitors. Be sure to call ahead before dropping-in or donating anything.

1. Bake something yummy to share with the residents of your local senior center. Try one of these healthy and delicious cookie recipes that are low or no-sugar.

Tip: Not all senior centers allow drop-ins so give them a call and ask about dietary restrictions or visiting hours.

2. Make a card with your kids (who can resist craft time?) and deliver it to your local senior home. Many elderly no longer have family or don’t receive cards during the holidays.

3. Not into cards? How about making a magnet or a placement? Click here for a ton of ideas that range from the simple to more involved.

4. If your local senior center does allow visitors, bring over a puzzle or games like cards, checkers or dominoes to play.

5. Or, your kids can practice their reading skills by reading aloud their favorite page turner.

6. If you’re looking for a longer-term idea, check out your local Meals on Wheels program. While each chapter has its own restrictions, many allow young visitors to ride-along with the driver (you!) to deliver meals to seniors.

What other ideas should we add to our list? How else can you help a senior out? Leave a comment below!

— Erin Lem

photo: Jeffrey Smith via flickr

Got a little LEGO maniac in the house? Good news! The Danish company recently unveiled its newest flagship store, and it’s smack dab in the middle of Manhattan’s Flatiron district. (That’s right — you won’t have to head to tourist magnet Rock Center anymore to get your mega LEGO on.) The shop’s grand opening is this weekend — see what LEGO has planned and take a look inside!

The Brick Basics

Located at 200 5th Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets, the LEGO Store Flatiron District is a whopping 3,500 square feet. (The store’s impressive footprint is what earns it the label of “flagship”; LEGO’s other properties dubbed as such can be found in Minnesota’s Mall of America and at Disney’s Florida and California parks.)

The Flatiron store reflects its home in both the macro and micro sense. The front windows along 23rd St. feature multiple New York scenes rendered in oversized LEGO murals. Inside, LEGO sculptures depicting the evolution of the Flatiron District itself — from farmland to circus site to current day business and residential area — preside over the colorful sales floor. (Fast fact to impress your kids/friends: many of the more elaborate LEGO creations were designed and built by LEGO Master Builders — that’s a thing? — in a Czechoslovakian shop and shipped over by boat.)

Only in New York

Other unique features of this LEGO Mecca include an eight-foot-tall LEGO model of the Statue of Liberty (she lights up!); a striking LEGO sculpture of the flagship store’s mascot, Brickley the Dragon, which weaves throughout the space, and a miniature replica of the store and surrounding neighborhood for kids to build upon. Is your little builder seeking a LEGO in a transparent lime hue? You’re in luck!: the store is also outfitted with a “Pick-a-Brick” wall, where shoppers can load up on individual LEGOs by the cupful. The majority of the store’s inventory is a dizzying number of LEGO kits, which can be assembled to create everything from superhero and space scenes to castles, architectural monuments, and sushi.

The store will also include the first-ever LEGO Lounge. With the mini LEGO store replica as its centerpiece, the lounge will be outfitted with comfortable seating and charging stations for presumably weary parents, as well as a Library of LEGO books, a LEGO carpet, and even Duplo LEGOS in a preschool building area.

Grand Opening Plans

The LEGO Store Flatiron District will host its grand opening on Columbus Day weekend, with festivities kicking off on Friday from 4-6 p.m. As part of the celebration, LEGO Master Builders will be constructing a 20-foot-tall LEGO model of the Statue of Liberty in nearby Madison Square Park throughout the holiday weekend, and everyone is invited to help. (All participants will receive a “Certificate of Achievement” for taking part.) The statue will remain on display in the park after its completion for several days. (In store, LEGO will be rewarding customers who make minimum purchases with a different LEGO premium each day of the grand opening festivities.)

Beyond the opening weekend events, you can expect monthly Mini Model Builds for kids ages six to 14 on the first Tuesday of every month, during which children can make a seasonally-themed model and take it home — for free! The store will also host LEGO Club Meetings.

The LEGO Store Flatiron District
200 5th Avenue between 23rd and 24th St.
Flatiron
212-245-5973
Online: stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/flatiron-district

What’s your favorite LEGO store? Tell us in the comments below!

— Mimi O’Connor

 

If you’ve ever asked for hourly updates from your babysitter, you probably wouldn’t have expected photos like these. Sure, the 6-month old adventure magnet seems completely oblivious of the danger around him, but maybe that’s because his babysitters are pros at running away from dinos, sharks and space ships. Scroll down to check out these hilarious photoshopped pics that were uploaded to imgur. We wish we had a sitter this creative.

Disclaimer: No babies, sharks, dinosaurs, bears, snakes or aliens were hurt in the process of making these photos. 

Photo credit: ukalala via imgur

‘Like’ this story if it gave you a chuckle! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. 

— Christal Yuen

Jump for joy! There’s oodles of fun to be had at House of Air, a magnet for active kids and fun-loving families. Picture a place where it’s okay if your kids bounce off the walls and jump around. House of Air is the real deal: full of trampolines and sporting all kinds of options for fun. Now, one lucky winner will receive a Puddle Jumper Party Package for ten Jumpers (must be age 7 or older). This package includes one hour of jumping in the Colosseum and Matrix area, 1.5 hours of reserved party table, and a House of Air wristband for each guest. Sounds like a high-flying birthday to us.

What’s the scoop on House of Air?

House of Air is an indoor trampoline park located in a historic airplane hangar at Crissy Field in San Francisco’s Presidio. They offer open trampoline jump time, spring break and summer camps, aerial training programs, trampoline dodgeball, and fitness classes. They also cater to group events – including birthday parties, corporate events, family events, and fundraisers.

How to enter:

1. Head over to the Giveaway Entry page and choose “10 Guest Puddle Jumper Party Package at House of Air” in the dropdown menu.

2. Fill out rest of the form, click on the “enter” button and you are all set!

Want to double, triple, and even quadruple your chances to win?

  1. Like House of Air and Red Tricycle San Francisco pages on Facebook
  2. Share the giveaway with your friends and family by using the share buttons on the giveaway thank you page.
  3. Tweet this post by simply clicking on the tweet button above.

For all of you moms and dads who grow just a few extra white hairs at the mere thought of throwing an amazing birthday party, we’ve uncovered an awesome (and one you can totally DIY) theme for your kids next bash: a camping-style birthday. We recently sat down with Kelly McLeskey Dolata, the founder of A Little Savvy Event, who dished to us about this impressive first birthday party for the lucky tyke, Greyson. Kelly was even generous enough to provide us with photos of this outdoor soiree to help all you parents get inspired.

Greyson’s first birthday was inspired partly by him and partly by his parents. Greyson is a total “boy” and according to Kelly, his Dad is a fishing fanatic so it made sense to plan an outdoorsy/sportsman-themed birthday party. We love this theme because even if your family aren’t fishing enthusiasts, throwing an outdoor/camping-style birthday can totally work, especially during the warm summer months.

We love all the thematic signage at Greyson’s party. From the “Welcome to Camp Greyson” banner to the “Happy Birthday” and “Let’s Go Fishing” signs, once you enter the birthday area you know you’re at a camping-themed party.

If you want to get crafty, you can make the banners at home with paint and markers (the kids can help too) or Kelly suggests using Andrea at Print Your Party. According to A Little Savvy Event, Print Your Party is a great source to work with for the DIY enthusiast. She will collaborate with you to create a custom design theme and create template for you to print on your own (all you need is a printer!). She does label tags, straw tags, flags, large signs and invitations.

With the warm summer months upon us, throwing an outdoor birthday party is a great idea. Greyson’s took place at a local park in Sonoma because the birthday boys’ family wanted a casual outdoor setting that provided easy access for his party guests. Another alternative is to throw the birthday party in your own backyard.

Let’s face it — for first birthday parties, the fiesta is just as much about the birthday boy as it is about the parents being able to get together. The round tables (pictured above) are great for allowing big groups to sit together and mingle. And, a table with food makes grabbing your meal easy and hassle-free.

We all know that kids have a short attention span sometimes and it is important to have interactive activities to keep everyone happy and entertained. For Greyson’s party, A Little Savvy Event set up a fishing hole to tie into the overall theme. Guests could grab a homemade fishing pole and cast it into our pool full of fish. This was a huge hit with Greyson’s friends who were elated to catch a fish!

For those DIY parents, this “fishing pond” is a kiddy swimming pool. The fish were found at Target and then all you have to do is add a magnet (the fishing pole was fastened with an opposite magnet so they would connect!).

According to Kelly, the trail mix bar is an easy and healthy party favor for guests and it also doubles as an activity station. Your guests will love to mix their own combinations of ingredients to take home.

The goodie bags are stuffed with Luna Bars, swedish fish, a mini coloring book and crayons and Fish shaped lolli-pops.

For those kiddos with a winter birthday, Kelly suggests hosting a sleep-over type party complete with tents and forts in your very own living room. Other ideas are making a make-shift s’mores station and roasting marshmallows over candlelight. What could be better than a tent, sleeping bag and a cup of hot cocoa with your friends?!

Greyson’s birthday party featured multiple sweets. Below are photos of the bundt cakes that included pancake w/maple syrup butter cream with bacon toppings & s’more flavors. There are also fish cookies. Yum!

Even Greyson’s cake featured an outdoors/camping theme. If you want to make your own, mix some green food coloring with vanilla frosting and voila, you’ve got yourself a green frosting base. You can create the makeshift tent with graham crackers, the logs with pretzels, and you can buy the trees at a crafting store.

We love this photo of Greyson devouring his cake.

What theme did you go with for your kids’ first birthday party? Is anyone planning to throw an outdoorsy or camping-style party for your little birthday tot? Don’t forget to check out A Little Savvy Event for some drool-worthy party photos!

Photos courtesy of Allyson Wiley Photography

Click here to find more inspiring birthday party ideas!

If you’re looking to kick boredom to the curb on a rainy day or just an average day, we’ve got 8 awesome activities to keep everyone entertained from sunrise to sunset. And with low- to no-cost, easy clean-up and plenty of creativity, it’s an epic win, one awesome step at a time. Scroll on for the scoop.

Primary Color Drops
Dye some vinegar in vivid colors, sprinkle some baking soda in a casserole dish, add a medicine dropper and TA-DA, kids have a beautiful template for learning the color palette. Get your 3 primary colors: red, yellow and blue, and start experimenting. Red and blue make purple, yellow and blue make green, red and yellow make orange…you see where we’re going here, right?

Rainbow Bottle Bowling
A rainy day activity that’s eco-friendly and easy on the pocketbook? Yup, this super cool DIY bowling set helps to keep plastic out of landfills and will thrill little ones to no end. Start collecting your bottles now! Add a little paint, a glue gun and you’ll be throwing strikes in no time.

Denim Drives
Have a few pairs of jeans from the good ol’ days from which you haven’t yet parted? Well grab some scissors and with a quick snip, snip, snip, create an entire layout for cars, planes and trains, by simply cutting strips about six inches wide, paint on dividers and add velcro to the back for sticking if wanted.  Best part about this cool project? These handy dandy little roads can roll right up for super easy storage and travel.

Under Construction Sensory Box
Create a construction site right in the living room! Grab a storage bin, fill with rocks and look around for any hard hat type machinery from the bottom of the toy box, under the bed, our outside. Sit back and watch your children work to their hearts content in a very quaint quarry.

Go Fish!
Learn about magnetic pull and the alphabet in one cool game, perfect for when the weather isn’t cooperating. Create a fishing pole out of a stick, string and magnet or, if the little one is already a fishing enthusiast, add a magnet to their pint-sized pole. Dump a set of Alphabet letters and various sea creatures, rocks and shells into a tub filled with blue-colored water and Voila! A whole ocean of adventure and education.

Tin Can Chat
Kids playing with a phone that doesn’t have the latest and greatest apps? You betcha. Bring back the classic tin can phone for a super fantastic science lesson and fun game to boot! Grab a hammer, a nail and some string and BAM, the little ones have a private phone all to themselves.

Kiddie Car Wash
If the tot needs some downtime, try setting up a mini car wash. Simply grab a baking pan, some blue dish soap, some mini vehicles needing “cleaning,” an old toothbrush and watch your kiddo go to town on those mini wheels and chrome while working on hand-eye coordination.

Magazine Mosaics
Wondering what to do with all those old issues of Marie Claire, Real Simple and Parenting? Try having the kiddos create a fantastic design out of the pages. Grab some paper plates, use equal parts glue and water to paste and be prepared to be wowed!

What is your favorite DIY game or source of entertainment? We want to know! 

–Gabrielle Cullen

Picture #1: Denim Drives courtesy of Jen Brown; Picture #2: Color Drops Courtesy of Jessica Traffas; Picture #3: Rainbow Bottle Bowling Courtesy of Jillian Dubien; Picture #4: Construction Box Courtesy of MaryLea Harris; Picture #5: Go Fish Courtesy of Rachel Shore; Picture #6: Tin Can Chat Courtesy of Joel Henriques; Picture #7: Kiddie Car Wash Courtesy of Jenni Fischer; Picture #8: Magazine Mosaics Courtesy of Hester Jane