With spring still upon us and summer right around the corner what better way to take advantage of this weather than to pack a meal and head outside. Whether you have an newborn that will simply sleep  through it or a infant that will be content with just a few toys while playing on a blanket we all get the benefit of spending time outside and getting some fresh air.

If you have older toddlers or kids that may need a little more excitement in your picnic outing, we have compiled a few of our favorite picnic activities for toddlers.

1. A fun birthday picnic idea (via a glittering muffin)
2. this easy and fun picnic tray perfect of backyard play dates (via JDANIEL4’sMOM)
3. While your in the backyard why not pitch a tent (via connecting family and seoul)
4. If you need a little more dining ideas here are 16 more (via connecting family and seoul)
5. What about taking those stuffed animals outside for a teddy bear picnic? (via east coast mommy)
6. Do you have a little one who loves books? Great list of picnic themed books ( via what do we do all day?)

What kind of things do you enjoy doing outside with your little ones?

Cloth vs. disposable diapers. There is no ONE right answer to this question. Like so many other parenting choices it comes down to what fits your family and lifestyle best. As a parent that has taken both these routes I had complied a few pros and cons for each of them. Just a little background I have had two little boys in diapers for the last two years and still switch back and forth between cloth and disposable to better fit our needs.

The skinny on cloth:

Pros:

• they are not as intimidating as you thinks and actually really cute
• if cared for correctly they will easily grow with your little one well into potty training and even future babies
• better for the environment
• they will save you money since you don’t have to restock (warning: cloth diaper purchasing can get a little addictive so if  you are choosing this route to save money be aware that it can sometimes be hard to not purchase cute new prints)
• can often be better for babies skin. (this was actually the main reason I did the switch since my youngest son has really sensitive skin and is prone to rashes.)

Cons:

• they are extra loads of laundry you have to wash.
• the initial investment may be pricey (although you will save in the long run)
• they require a little more care. Special laundry detergent as well as cloth diaper friendly rash cream
• changing cloth when out is little more work and requires you to keep soiled diapers and cloth wipes with you
• they are more bulky to pack

The skinny on disposables

Pros:

• you can purchase anywhere
• they are easy to dispose and change when out
• they are less bulky to pack in a diaper bag

Cons:

• you will constantly have to restock which means you will spend a lot more money
• there is a lot more waste
• some babies may be sensitive to chemicals in these diapers

Like mentioned before this is a choice that has to suite the whole family. We hope that this list will help you make you make the decision a little more easy for you. Happy diapering.

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Leslie is a fashion major, turned preschool art teacher, turned stay at home mom. She enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, photographing and documenting her family memories on her blog Cute and Peculiar.

Even if you aren’t a parent we are familiar with pictures of newborns all bundled up in a swaddle blanket. Though not all babies are fond of swaddling it seem that a great deal are. So how do you get your baby all wrapped up like a tiny little burrito? There are a few different ways. First you can take a traditional swaddle blanket and learn how using the video above or if  that looks a little too complicated there are a few easy swaddle alternatives like THIS one, or THIS one.

The decision comes down to what works best for you and your baby. Sometimes a nice swaddle will settle you baby enough to maybe sneak in a few extra minutes of sleep and in those very exhausting early months it’s at least worth a try.

A white tray with various sized bottles would look so lovely as a centerpiece.

(Image via)

a mason jar some pom pom ribbon and one type of flower , simple and so lovely

(image via)

Takeout boxes you can get at a craft store and tupils would be so lovely for a spring brunch table

(image via)

Succulents and a painted tin can. So simple but to chic

(image via)

]]> http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=469 0 http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?p=455 http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?p=455#comments Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:22:34 +0000 admin http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?p=455

So you may not be a fan of Corned Beef and Cabbage or like me you may not even be Irish. But celebrating even minor holidays with the family can be fun. It gives us an excuse to dress up, have special snacks or food and make crafts together. All in all, you are making a memory with your family and I will take any reason to do that. Here are a few fun ideas to get your St. Patty’s Day Celebration started.

1. This girly four leaf clover shirt.

2. A fun and simple craft idea that even younger siblings can enjoy doing. For full tutorial click on the link HERE

3. You can’t really go wrong with a rice crispy treat. This looks so festive and cute

4. For the boys in your life.

]]> http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=455 0 http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?p=451 http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?p=451#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:09:04 +0000 admin http://www.thebumblecollection.com/blog/?p=451

There are few things I get more excited about sending in the mail (or receiving for that matter) than birth announcements. There is something so special about sharing the news with loved ones and it seems now people are finding even more cute and creative ways to do so.  Here are a few of our favorites.

1. This adorable DIY birth announcement onsie

2. A cute Etsy template that you can purchase here.

3. We loved that these parents personalized their announcements to fit their personal style.

4. These block ornaments would make great gifts for grandparents.

5. And these darling photo announcements celebrating ten fingers, ten toes, and even and innie belly button.

all image credits/ Getty Images

There are some that watch the Oscars for the awards, Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress we are all a little interested. Then there are others like myself that watch the Red Carpet with more intensity that the awards themselves making a mental note of who I think may be on the best dressed list.

This years list was not disappointing, there were some great dresses. What was even better was that some of my favorite looks were  worn by actress/mommies.  From Gucci to Oscar de la Renta these women really hit the mark. It just goes to show that even moms can rock the red carpet.

All images from Weelicious.com recipes 1, 2, 3

Are you stuck in a PB&j rut with your toddlers lunch? I am always on the hunt for EASY and healthy snacks and meals for my little ones. Through my search I have discovered hands downs the best resource for just that. Weelicious.com. It’s not only filled with first food ideas for babies but a great selection of foods for toddlers and even family recipes. What’s great is that it is all under one source so there is no need to hop from blog to blog to find ideas and most recipes have been rated my others on a scale of 1-100 so there is no need to waste your time guessing if it’s going to be good. I can’t wait to try the Pea Wee Kiwi popsicles pictured above.

(image source clockwise 1, 2, 3,)

I am daydreaming of putting my winter coat away, longer evenings and family BBQ’s. The itch to find a new spring and summer wardrobe for my family and I has set in.

There aren’t a lot of items that I feel I would purchase a matching set for myself and my little ones (especially since they are both boys) but a Saltwater Sandal would hands down be one of them. Classic, comfortable and cute, these sandals work great with a summer dress for me as well as a pair of shorts for my boys. What’s great is they come in a variety on colors  that work well for anyone’s wardrobe. They have become a summer tradition in our home. Now I just have to decide what color to get each of us.

If you’re like me, holidays sneak up on you. Even with the best intentions, you may have to wait until the last minute to get your Valentine’s Day  crafts and cards done.  Have no fear, we have a super easy craft for you today that you can do with your  little one.

1. Collect materials: red or pink construction paper, paint and pieces of yarn
2. Dip pieces of string in the paint and have your little one paint with it.
3. Let dry
4. Cut  into heart shapes and write a sweet note for a loved one

If you are looking for a few other easy projects check out some of our favorites from the blog world.

• Valentine’s Day Activities for Babies and Toddlers
• Four Heart Crafts for Toddlers
• Milk Bottle Stained Glass Heart
• Painted Salt Dough Ornament
• Potato Stamping