For the gamers: five great Nintendo DS games for kids
As an avid gamer I often find myself wandering the video game section and observing the myriad of parents attempting to choose a video game for their child. More often than not the parents choose a totally age inappropriate game (Resident Evil for a six year old?) or a game that is just plain bad. I understand that not everyone enjoys video games and that the sheer number of available games can be overwhelming so here is a list of five amazing, fun and educational (!!!) Nintendo DS games for kids that their parents might enjoy as well.
Post-apocalyptic zombie-slaying family portrait session
Jessica at Bakan Photography recently worked a whole lotta bloody magic when she shot this zombie-slaying-themed family session. We first heard about this shoot from a reader (thanks, Katie!) and then we got an email directly from the mama of the family, photographer Jennifer Owen.
Get your nerd on and DIY your own Star Wars-themed “quiet book”
The other day my friend Michelle linked me to Julie Gillrie’s ever-so-adorable “quiet books.” I imagine she did this because a) the books are super cute and b) she and her fam are as obsessed with Star Wars as we are and Julie’s book is Star Wars-themed. As soon as I saw this UTTER BRILLIANCE I knew Offbeat Mama would never be complete without featuring it… so here we go!
Put prizes inside balloons and add a little “pop” to your kiddo’s birthday shindig
You can easily add a little “pop” to your next party or gathering with balloon prizes and treats! There are so many ways to use them, and kids go crazy for balloons with a surprise inside. All you need are balloons, prizes, a balloon pump, and voila — insta birthday success!
All you need to entertain your kids are marshmallows, sticks, and a free hour or two
With fall and winter weather on the way, I start to collect ideas for indoor projects that will keep my kids busy for longer then five minutes. This simple activity is perfect and the materials are readily available and cheap. You simply need toothpicks, mini-marshmallows, and willing hands!
How do you tell your kid you’re an atheist?
How do you have the atheist talk? We don’t believe in any religion, therefore we don’t have any literature, examples, or classes to give him. We tried to explain what other people think “god” is, but just couldn’t find the words to describe it. He ended up thinking that there is a god who is a magician who lies to people, which is not what we want him to think.
Because anyone should be able to be a princess AND Darth Vader at the same time
Who wouldn’t want to be a princess AND Darth Vader? Somebody hand me my pink lightsaber already.
A punkishly good afternoon
One of the things that a lot of photographers are doing today that I absolutely LOVE is involving some kind of narrative with their photo sessions. Take this series of shots from Briana Moore Photography for example — first, you’re chillin’ at the park. You have your two kiddos and baby in tow, just hanging out and having a good time. And then you breezily transition over a set of stairs and hang by an incredible brick wall, where you proceed to absolutely OWN your family photo session.