ringing in the new year with kids

Whether or not you're heading out or staying in, there are lots of fun ways to ring in the new year with your mini-mes in tow. Many kid-friendly events happen way before midnight so you can celebrate earlier with the kids and grab a sitter for a later-evening adult soiree. Heading out on Friday to round up some fun NYE Kit materials... just LOVE that idea from The 36th Avenue. You?

13th Annual Noontime New Year Celebration at Port Discovery: Can't stay up til midnight? Countdown to the New Year at 12 noon at Port Discovery! Come dressed in your favorite costume and make "sound sandwiches" for the big noon countdown hosted by Eric Energy; Toast the New Year with juice and cookies and enjoy special musical performances; science demonstrations with Eric Energy; art projects such as masquerade mask decorating and Mardi Gras beads; Paint Your Own Face, LITE FM Prize Wheel and so much more! Saturday from 10 AM - 5 PM.

Midnight Noon at the Maryland Science Center: Does the Ball Drop before your bedtime? Not this year! Join the Maryland Science Center in its 4th annual New Year's Eve celebration at Noon for Midnight Noon. Make your own party hat and noisemaker, then get ready to dance the day away to the sounds of popular kids band Milkshake as they take the stage at 11:30am. Crafts will be available for you to create from 10:00am-2:00pm while supplies last. Stop in to see Now This! Improv at 10:30am and 1:00pm for an interactive musical performance. Saturday. All events free with paid admission to the Science Center.

time outs: do they work? really?

I want to play with it! It’s mine! The first raised voices of the day between your children. You can see the two of them in the next room, so there will be no case of “he said, she said” when it comes to fixing the problem. You watch for a second to see if they might turn the ship around and return to calm waters. Nope.

A parental headache is unfolding & instantly becomes a migraine after you see your daughter hit your son in the face. They know that hitting is against the rules! Why do it?! You’re into the room in a flash, taking your daughter by the shoulders to tell her that hitting isn’t allowed and that she’ll have to go to time-out for her behavior. She cries as you carry her over to your time-out step, chair or spot. You place her back there a couple of times before her time is over all the while wondering if you’re doing the right thing. Are you simply being mean? Is she learning anything from this? Is it important that she does?

(cool) reads: goodnight, goodnight construction site

Every once in a while, you stumble upon a book that becomes an instant favorite. The book that topped all others this Christmas? Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.

The premise is pretty simple: it's the end of the day, and all of the construction trucks put themselves to bed one-by-one. First the crane, then the cement mixer, then the dump truck, then the bulldozer, and finally the excavator. We learn about how each truck spends the day and gets ready for bed. Then we (because your kiddo WILL join in for this one) whisper: "shhhhh..... goodnight {insert truck name}, goodnight."

What I love most about this book -- and sometimes a pet peeve of mine when it comes to other children's literature -- is that the rhyme scheme flows effortlessly, lulls like a lullaby and doesn't seem forced. It's gentle, rolling, perfect for bedtime, sleepy tots and tired parents whose brains needs to calm down. After saying goodnight to all of the trucks, your mini-me will be ready to say goodnight to you, too.

hampden christmas lights

Nothing says "Bawlmer" holidays like millions of Christmas lights. And the illuminating miracle that lights up 34th street in Hampden is one of my favorite holiday traditions.

I suspect it may be one of the Bug's favorite things about Christmas as well since she keeps asking to go see the "WOW" twinkle lights (and inevitably we give in since it's so darn close to our house). A few weeks ago we even made a quick trek in our pajamas, at the Bug's cute little pre-bedtime whim {"Mom, I'm not tired. See twinkle lights?"}. Yes, we were that family in flannel pj pants, North Face coats and UGGs. Who says only college kids can pull off that look?

Annapolis-based filmmaker Josh Davidsburg shot me an email with a link to his fantastic video about this year's 34th Street Christmas light bonanza. Neighbors estimate that more than 120,000 will make a pilgrimage to the light display this year, which runs through New Years Day.  You can also check out the Baltimore's Sun's Lights Photo Gallery.

holiday breakfast ideas {a round-up}

So, we've got some sort of ick in our house. Both Pat and the Bug aren't faring too hot (well, or maybe 'overly hot' is the right description). Christmas morning breakfast has pretty much been the last thing on my mind-- but it's literally a few days away.

Rather than let this mom-dilemma escalate to def con 5 level, I decided to start perusing my favorite area foodie blogs for some inspiration. And because some of you may be in the same boat as me, thought I'd share what I found!

Word to the wise... this post will make you hungry. My stomach has been growling since I started writing it!

7 Fun Holiday Apps for Kids (+ Giveaway!)

It's beginning to feel a lot like Merry Hanukkahkwanzaismtas. Yes, folks. The holidays are HERE.

Here are a few apps to help you celebrate the season with your kiddos. Great for entertaining while you're trying to squeeze in another grocery store trip (did you remember the flour this time?) or just some tech-savvy ways of adding holiday magic.

All apps are Bug approved. Even the Hanukkah ones, and we're not even Jewish. Plus we're giving away a Kiddie Christmas Tree app! Scroll down for more info.

the winner! holiday scvngr hunt 2011

Thanks to EVERYONE who played and shopped local with us for the last week -- you helped make our FIRST Holiday SCVNGR hunt a success! There were over 300 instances of activity at area locations participating in our hunt. Yeah, you all rock.

Just to review, here's what the winner is nabbing as part of an ah-mazing prize pack: Chaser Tee and Rockabye Baby CD from Wee Chic Boutique, a $100 Gift Certificate to the Green Spring Station store of her choice, a Tegu Block Set from aMuse Toys, a $40 Gift Certificate to Petit Feet Footwear, Press Here board book and an "I Trike Baltimore" onesie from Urban Baby Runway, a Puffin Classic from Trohv, a purple Superhero Cape and White Storybook Crown from Ellie Bellie Kids, a set of Kleynimals, My Foodie ABC Placemats from DuoPress, an Irvine Nature Center Membership AND a Port Discovery Membership. Whew! That's quite a prize pack!

There were a few players that really jumped in and racked up the challenges. But we have to give a HUGE congrats to....

what's up for the weekend... dec 15-18

In what is most likely you're already crazed schedule (have you finished your holiday shopping yet), you should definitely find time to check out some of these ah-mazing holiday events around town. Tis the season for stress folks -- but don't get so caught up in the baking, shopping, wrapping and running around that you miss out on all the fun! {Hello, Pot. It's Me. Kettle.}

Holiday SCVNGR Hunt Wrap-Up Want to win a gift basket FULL of hot items featured in our 2011 (cool) approved holiday gift guide? It's valued over $500. {Um, yeah?!?!} Come play and shop local with us December 10th through the 17th! We've worked with some of our fav local businesses to create an uber fun scavenger hunt for the whole family. You've got a week to travel around the city, shop for gifts and complete fun challenges. The individual (or family) that racks up the most points takes all.

Fells Point Merrytime Tradition: TONIGHT! (Yepp, that's THURSDAY, December 15th!) Shop, drink, eat and be merry. Over 20 participating stores, bars, and restaurants offering promotions, events, and entertainment. Participating retailers will have extended holiday hours --open 'til 10pm! Complete a punch card available at participating stores, turn it in at Bond Street Social to enter the drawing. 3 lucky people will split over $1000 in gift cards! 

how well do you ignore your children?

The kid whisperer is back with -- what I think -- is pretty timely advice. The holidays, while wonderful and magical, also seem to be prime time for tantrums since routines are out of sync. Katie Robinson has a thought for dealing with tantrums. Just I-G-N-O-R-E.

When I was growing up with a younger brother who had frequent outbursts, the spelling of the word ignore (I-G-N-O-R-E) almost became a word in itself (we also found ourselves spelling c-o-o-k-i-e a lot). We weren’t and still aren’t always the best at overlooking his “ignore worthy” behaviors, but we do try.

So how good are you at ignoring your children? Many parents have probably never been asked this question. Many parents might also think it rather impertinent if they were asked. But it’s an important thing to consider. Parents do ignore their children in productive ways all the time. If you have a baby who is old enough to begin soothing themselves back to sleep when they awaken in the night, then you have most likely productively ignored them. The same is true when you hear yells from another room. Sometimes the appropriate response is to ignore the noises so that your child/children can fix the distressing or frustrating situation themselves.

But what about when your child is underfoot and whining about something...?

we're in the houzz

So excited to announce (cool) progeny's latest collaboration -- you'll now find us on Houzz.com! Once a month, we'll be creating and featuring an ideabook full of products we {{love}} related to kids and family. We couldn't be more thrilled.

Not familiar with Houzz? It's a collection of over 240,000 images all about home decor and products. Think pinterest for designers or those of us who want to be (and, lets be honest, those of us who play designers on blogs). I love the tool and can't wait to use it for my next home design project -- the Bug's bedroom.

With our scavenger hunt still in full play, we're still thinking kids and holiday gifts around here. So this month's ideabook is all about ah-mazing kids gifts. We've got a few items you've already seen in our Holiday Gift Guide -- but we added a few new fab finds too. Everything on this ideabook can be found locally. Sweet.

wishing you a holiday full of sparkles: courtesy of laura black photography & mlc designs

If you're anything like me, I agonize over finding just the right holiday card. Coupled with that search is the trek for the perfect (and I do mean -- perrrrfeccttt) photos out of my seemingly endless collection of Bug images.

Laura Black Photography and mlc designs put me out of my self-imposed misery. {Merry Christmas to me!}

You may or may not be aware of the free photo sessions Wee Chic Boutique and Laura Black co-sponsor a few times a year {become a Wee Chic fan on Facebook to be kept in the know}. Each free -- yes, free-- session gets you 20 minutes with the fabulous Laura Black inside Wee Chic's store and/or in the Green Spring Station courtyard, plus one free 8 X 10. The images are always incredible and Laura is a real pro when it comes to capturing cuties.

ICE: in pictures

Last weekend, our family headed to ICE: Merry Magascar at the Gaylord National Hotel as part of a blogger event sponsored by the resort and MomzShare. We loved it -- and you'll see from the photos that Pat may have been even more excited than the Bug. Over two million pounds of ice creatively sculpted into our favorite Dreamworks characters? Too (cool).

ICE: Experience Merry Madagascar is part of Gaylord National's Christmas on the Potomac experience -- running through January 8, 2012. The photos don't do this ah-mazing display of icetacular justice. You and your tots will love wondering through this real-life winter wonderland. And it's only a little over an hour from Baltimore.

holiday scavenger hunt locations: ALL LOCATIONS OPEN!

Welcome to Day Two our WEEK LONG HOLIDAY GIFT SCAVENGER HUNT!

We've got really exciting news today -- SCVNGR granted us additional capacity on their app. Meaning that ALL locations on the HUNT have challenges. Stop by any of the 13 to earn points now through Saturday!

There is ONE challenge active for each location at this time. We will change the challenges for all locations on Wednesday, which gives you time to rack up points at all locations -- TWICE.

Get shopping Baltimore.

holiday scavenger hunt locations: saturday, december 10th

Today's the day! The first day of our WEEK LONG HOLIDAY GIFT SCAVENGER HUNT!

Each day for the next seven days, we'll feature 4 local businesses. Patronize those businesses and use the SCVNGR app to complete a challenge at each one.

Every challenge is worth 4 points -- and the person with the most points at the end of the week will nab a gift basket FULL of prizes featured in our holiday gift guide (valued over $500). Businesses will be featured more than once over the week, and the challenges will be different each time. So go ahead -- visit 'em twice.

Good luck to all the players -- we can't wait to see how this inaugural "shop and play local game" goes!

(cool) ideas: kleynimals

If you're a frequent reader of (cool) progeny, you know I have a thing for smart, modern, eco-conscience design. Anything that helps make the crazy that can be the life of a modern mom a little easier.

So when Claudia (Charm City's own toy maven) at aMuse Toys introduced me to Kleynimals, it was awe at first site. When she mentioned that they were created by a local mom, I had to learn more.

What are Kleynimals? Fun, stainless steel, non-toxic animal shaped keys designed for babies. A simply brilliant idea created by Annapolis area mom Kirsten Chapman.

holiday scavenger hunt: the clues

So many of you have told us how excited you are about our FIRST Charm City Holiday Gift Scavenger Hunt that kicks off tomorrow. Players have ONE WEEK to complete 24 challenges at 13 area retailers or family friendly businesses. An fun opportunity to shop and play local! Click here for full details.

In order to be eligible for a prize, you must use the SCVNGR app to log in your challenges. But those challenges don't go live until tomorrow (Saturday) at 8:00 AM. So we thought we'd give our super savvy readers a bit of a sneak peek. You can download ALL of the clues in one handy printable document right here.

The Challenges will go live on the SCVNGR app tomorrow at 8:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM on Saturday, December 17th. GOOD LUCK!

what's up for the weekend: december 9-11

Don't you just love this time of year? There is TONS going on this weekend, but here are our top picks. (Don't forget to check out our calendar for more options!)

Holiday SCVNGR Hunt Kick Off: Want to win a gift basket FULL of hot items featured in our 2011 (cool) approved holiday gift guide? It's valued over $500. {Um, yeah?!?!} Come play and shop local with us December 10th through the 17th! We've worked with some of our fav local businesses to create an uber fun scavenger hunt for the whole family. You've got a week to travel around the city, shop for gifts and complete fun challenges. The individual (or family) that racks up the most points takes all.

Rock the Dock: Head over to Power Plant on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM for their FREE Rock the Dock Celebration! Live music, Santa, stories, ornament making, moon bounce, trackless train rides and more. Plus you can warm up with soup tastings and other delicious samplings from Power Plant and Power Plan tenants, including Phillips Seafood, Dick’s Last Resort, Chipotle, Houlihan’s and Joe Squared. Hello, yum.

this isn't your grandma's christmas carol... new holiday concert debuts in baltimore next week

‘Tis the season for transformation. Or so says the classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol. But the timeless tale of Mr. Scrooge (heck, it’s even a Disney classic at this point) is getting a facelift this December... thanks to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the forward-thinking artists behind the international debut of A Christmas Carol -  The Concert.

A brilliant musical collage of rock, blues, gospel, classical, broadway show-stoppers and even a toe-tapping Irish fiddle number, this Christmas Carol performance is definitely not your Grandma’s orchestra concert.

But she'll probably still enjoy it.

“I’m trying to think of a genre I didn’t cover in this piece!” said composer Bob Christianson during a phone interview last week. “It’s very eclectic and fresh. It’s not a musical -- that’s been done before. This is a concert that tells a story. It’s more a hybrid piece.”

A Christmas Carol - The Concert reinvents the orchestra concert experience and, if Christianson gets his druthers, will appeal to a whole new generation of concert goers. Including the pint sizers in your life.

holiday scvngr hunt 2011

We have HUGE news! Want to win a gift basket FULL of hot items featured in our 2011 (cool) approved holiday gift guide? It's valued over $500.

{Um, yeah?!?!}

Come play and shop local with us December 10th through the 17th! We've worked with some of our fav local businesses to create an uber fun scavenger hunt for the whole family. You've got a week to travel around the city, shop for gifts and complete fun challenges. The individual (or family) that racks up the most points takes all.

What's in the winner's basket? So far we have a $100 gift certificate to Green Spring Station, Tegu Blocks from aMuse Toys, a Chaser Tee with Rockabye Baby CD from Wee Chic Boutique, My Foodie ABC Placemats from DuoPress, a $40 gift certificate to Petit Feet Footwear, a Puffin Classic from Trohv, a Port Discovery Family Membership, a perfume brooch from Polina's Prive Fine Lingerie, an Irvine Nature Center Membership, a set of award-winning Kleynimals, a superhero cape and storybook crown from Ellie Bellie Kids... and MORE! The prizes keep piling in!

charm city families will be rocking the dock on saturday

Don't you just love this time of year... the lights. The grins. The excuse to drink as much peppermint hot chocolate as you'd like under the guise of starting your diet on January 1st. The rock music.

Wait -- the rock music?

You heard me. Head over to Power Plant on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM for their FREE Rock the Dock Celebration! Live music, Santa, stories, ornament making, moon bounce, trackless train rides and more. Plus you can warm up with soup tastings and other delicious samplings from Power Plant and Power Plant tenants, including Phillips Seafood, Dick’s Last Resort, Chipotle, Houlihan’s and Joe Squared.

Hello, yum.

Want to cash in on even more savings (since the event is free)? The first 100 families to RSVP for this event will get $5 parking, courtesy of Pier V. How do you RSVP? Email mslattery@cordish.com.

If you're looking for a way to give back this season, bring a long a new unwrapped toy to Hard Rock Cafe. They'll be collecting toys all day on Saturday for the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

november's give mom a break winner!

I don't know about you, but with the holidays around the corner I could REALLY use a break.

The house looked gorgeous on Monday morning, but by Thursday I felt like I needed a skid loader to dig out. Mail piling up on the counter (catalog inundation), dirt tracked in from muddy shoes and paws, a shedding Christmas Tree... and don't even get me started on the toys.

Feel that way too? Yeah. Thought you might.

Well, one lucky mama is getting something cleaned -- courtesy of Pampered Mommas and 2 a T Cleaning -- as part of our Give Mom a Break Contest.

And the winner is...

2011 (cool) approved holiday gift guide

It's here!! It's here!! Our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide. {Can you hear the hallelujah chorus? We can.}

We reached out to our fantastic local partners to bring you 100 ah-mazing gifts.  Fab ideas for modern kids on the go, those with pint-sized style,  rough and tumble boys and twirly whirly girls. We’ve got ten sure to wow ‘em whole family options, presents that inspire play and ones to help little brains grow. We even have some creative thoughts for foodies of ALL ages.

Plus a few seriously (cool) ideas for mom and dad... The best of Charm City and beyond. According to us.

There is also a little announcement about our UNBELIEVABLE funtastic scavenger hunt taking place December 10-17th. The idea? Shop local at our favorite area retailers and complete fun tasks for a chance to take home a -- and this is where the teenage girl squealing comes in -- a huge basket of hot gift items featured in our guide. Check out page 22 for more details. We are beyond excited.