Think About It Thursday - Halloween Costumes for Mom & Dad

Our kids love for us to dress up on Halloween too...but I always seem to find myself scrambling for quick and easy costume ideas for Mom and Dad around 3PM on Halloween. I spend most of my time and energy on the kids' costumes and then end up being something totally uninspired. (AKA pulling some cast off prop from years past out of the Halloween box and going with it.)

This year, I decided to start a little earlier (as in one whole day!) and come up with some ideas that would be just as fun for us as for the kids - but wouldn't cause me any stress in the time and energy department! Most of these costumes you can throw together with things you have around the house and maybe a quick run to the $.99 cent store or Party City.

If I trusted myself to roller skate around our neighborhood without injuring myself (or someone else) I'd totally be that Roller Disco Girl - love the idea of incorporating a balloon into the costume! And if my hair were darker, I'd be Holly Golightly in two seconds (especially since we just got new kittens!)

Flight Attendent

Don a white dress shirt and a pencil skirt or slacks, put your hair in a low bun, tie a scarf around your neck and grab your rolly bag! Add some bright red lips and you are all set to fly the friendly skies.

{AS SEEN ON}

Ice Cream Cone/Sundae

Make your own "sprinkles" out of brightly colored cardstock and add them to a white top with thread and a needle or hot glue. Make a red balloon, cherry headband and don some kitchy sunglasses and you'll be sweet as a sundae. The brown skirt adds to the ice cream cone idea, but isn't a must!

{AS SEEN ON}

Masked Bandits/Burglars

Surely you have dark pants and a striped shirt in your closet! Turn an old pillow case into a money bag with some paint or a black sharpie and find or make an eyemask. (I found one at Michael's for $1!) Add gloves and red lips to really up the anty and make this costume a STEAL!

{AS SEEN ON}

Holly Golightly

A trench coat, some dark glasses, a BUMPit! and some jewels and you will be the most stylish girl to say "Trick or Tiffany's" your block has ever seen! Meow.

{AS SEEN ON}

Pizza Delivery Boy & Slice

This one would take a little more prep than the rest...but it would only take a few pieces of colored poster board to make the pizza slice and there is something about the guy's headphones, backwards hat and bored face that I just love!

{AS SEEN ON}

Roller Disco Girl

Is it embarrassing to admit I onw neon legwarmers and white rollerskates? If you're shameless like me, then this costume is for you! Side ponytail and a disco ball mylar balloon (or you could make your own with an oversized balloon and some silver glitter) and you are set! 

{AS SEEN ON}

Mary Poppins & Bert

I was Mary Poppins in my elementary school play - so this costume pulls on my sentimental heart strings! With a few pieces from your closet, a red umbrella and red ribbon and you are almost there. Add a black hat embellished with some silk flowers and you will be Practically Perfect in Every Way!

{AS SEEN ON}

Laverne & Shirley

These would be such fun costumes to wear with my neighbor/BFF! Some items from our closets and some black ribbon and hot glue will help complete the look. Be sure and loop arms and skip down the street and you'll be "Making (Y)our Dreams Come True!"

{AS SEEN ON}

You can find many more Last Minute Costumes for Mom & Dad on our "SPOOKtacular!" Pinboard

Clark Kent & Lois Lane, Where's Waldo & Wenda, Inspector Gadget and Carmen San Diego...just to name a few. Whatever you chose to be this Halloween, I hope it's fun and makes you laugh - and results in lots of candy! Or wine. Or Pumpkin Spiced anything...

Pick Your Poison! ~Erin

Think About It Thursday - FALL in Love

I always think of myself as a 'Summer Girl'...but I think I'm really an 'Every Season' sort of girl. By the time one is ending, I am so ready and excited for the next to begin! I have especially been feeling like that this week. Yesterday I added some burgandy and mustard yellow mums to the front planters and they are making me so happy! Today I'm making some pumpkin bread for the kids' teachers. (I could live on all things pumpkin for the next two months!) What are some of the things that make you Fall in Love with fall? ~Erin

Hot Mulled Cider // from The Pioneer Woman

Heirloom Sweater Boots // from Spool 72

Caramel Apple Cheesecake // from Annie's Eats

Pumpkin Donuts // from Pick Fresh Foods

The Perfect Scarf in Pumpkin // from Northernly

Fall Subway Art Printable // from Bombshell Bling

Find more on our {Fall In Love Pinboard}

Never Forget

Pepperdine University (Courtney and my alma mater!) displays a breathtaking 9/11 memorial on the campus lawn every September. The tribute displays one flag for every innocent victim of the attacks, including flags from other nations whose citizens also died on that fateful day. The almost 3000 flags are placed by volunteers and are up from now until September 23rd. If you are anywhere near Malibu, CA - it truly is a beautiful, somber site to see. May we always remember the men and women who lost their lives on 9/11/01 and live in such a way that honors their memory. ~Erin

Think About It Thursday - Fall Reads for Kids

It's still pretty warm here! But Fall is one of my favorite seasons...crisp but sunny days, sweaters and boots, football games, beautiful colors, pumpkin anything!! So, I'm willing Fall into existence today with some apple cider candles and a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. I also started getting out our Fall decorations and children's books and thought I'd share a few of our favorite reads for this time of year. Hopefully you'll find a new book or two to add to your story time reading this season! -Erin

 Awesome Autumn by Bruce Goldstone // Full of bright pictures introducing the events that happen each fall - harvest, changing leaves and migrations.

Bear Has A Story to Tell by Philip C. Snead // Fun story about woodland animals prepping for winter as Bear is getting sleepy.

Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka // Kids will get a kick figuring out all the mismatched pairs in this fun and funny book! "Bears gather nuts. Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south."

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur // An engaging introduction to poetry, beautiful pictures and a run through the alphabet and Fall season all in one!

Sydney Paige: Miss School, Miss Out // Kids learn the valuable lesson of school attendance in this feel good book.

By the Light of the Harvest Moon by Harriett Ziefert // rich illustrations tell the story of bobbing for apples, stacking pumpkins and dancing leaves perfect for snuggle time before bed!

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell // one of my all time favorites! Three baby owls snuggle together and stay calm when Mom goes out at night. I love the illustrations and the comforting message that Moms always come back.

What are some of your favorite Fall books?

Do you have a special story time ritual in your home?

Think About It Thursday - Summer Journaling

I don't know about you, but we are quick to forget about the "Three R's" here in the Summertime. Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic fall by the wayside to water balloons, barbeques and the beach! I wanted to come up with a fun way to keep the kids doing a little "school work" throughout the Summer that didn't feel like a chore.

I came up with a list of writing prompts and bought them each a Wide Ruled Notebook. (These notebooks are $1.50 at Target right now, and for each Up & Up school supply you buy, Target will give one to the Kids In Need Foundation! You know we at SydneyPaige LOVE THAT!) 

Then, I used a black sharpie to write each prompt at the top of a page. I left a blank page after each prompt in case it sparked a lot of writing, or the kids wanted to accompany their work with a drawing or photograph. It's my goal to have the kids complete a prompt 2-3 times a week. I'm going to aim for every other day til they head back to school.

We've completed two prompts so far and the kids seem excited about it! (They are nerds like me...easily excited by all things school/office supply related. lol) But seriously, I'm hoping this Summer Journal Project will be something they enjoy and begin to look forward to. The kids have been taking turns reading their journal entries out loud for the family at dinnertime. It's sparked some great conversations and laughter! -Erin

Print out our Summer Journal Prompts and get your kids "working" through their Summer too!  

Think About It Thursday - BBQ Recipes

Fireworks! Friends! Family! Fun! Isn't that what the Fourth of July is all about? Oh, and BARBEQUE! A festive celebration of the independence of our great nation, in our opinion, isn't complete without a mouth-watering menu. Check out some of our favorite recipes and get inspired to celebrate the best holiday of the summer!

Corn & Black Bean Salad // Produce on Parade

Mustard Marinated Grilled Brussels Sprouts // Anna's Shortcakes

Seven Layer Salad // Paula Deen

Mac & Cheese with Tomatoes // Ina Garten

Coffee Rubbed Texas Style Brisket // Cooking Light

Jamaican Jerk Chicken // Martha Stewart

Patriotic Fruit Pizza // Moonfrye

Think About It Thurday - FOURTH Inspiration

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays! We have a big neighborhood BBQ and do fireworks in the front yard late into the night. I'm loving those white stars on the grass (made out of flour!) and that USA berry cake is adorable...We also participate in a bike parade the morning of the 4th. I think I might need to fill my bike basket with flowers this year. How cute is that?!

Find more fun and festive FOURTH inspo on our

Free & Brave Pinboard

with printables from Chickabug, Moritz Fine Designs, Living Locurto, Catch My Party and more! 

Think About It Thursday - Gifts for Dad

Father’s Day is quickly approaching (June 17!) and if you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for your dad or husband, we’ve got some fun ideas. Each of the items give back to a worthwhile cause - giving you double mileage out of your purchase! Gifts that GIVE BACK are the best kind - to give and receive! 

1 // Socks by Miscoots

Help Dad be bold and stand out! Miscoots are 100% American made socks with a Mission. For every pair purchased, an equal quality pair of socks is given to someone in need. And Miscoots takes pride in employing those less fortunate to get each and every pair of socks packaged up and ready to ship. Give Dad the gift of new, sporty socks knowing you are Buying + Giving + Employing! A triple threat. (Psssst!...there is a 20% off your first purchase code on their website right now!)

2 // Wooden Watch by WeWood Timepieces

What Dad doesn't love the great outdoors? Now he can wear a piece of it on his wrist while helping to ensure the health and survival of the natural world. WeWood watches are made from recycled materials and one timepiece sold equals one tree planted. Their new collection was just released this month!

3 // Raleigh Backpack & iPad sleeve by Sydney Paige

Keep Dad organized and on the go with our popular Raleigh Backpack. Keep his favorite tech device safe, clean, on trend and socially conscious all in one with our iPad sleeves! For every Sydney Paige item bought, we donate the same item to a student in need, giving them the tools and confidence they need to stay in school and graduate.

4 // Mens Give Bag by Sevenly

Sevenly's overall goal is to activate intentional generosity and love for others - two qualities all the best Dad's possess! Honor these traits with a Give Bag filled with 3 shirts from past Sevenly campaigns. Each purchase made gives $7 to the charity partner of the week. With over 3 million dollars raised and counting, you can be sure your gift pays forward Dad's love and positive influence in your life. 

5 // Beanie by Krochet Kids

Whether he's stepping out of the water, off the mountain, or just out the back door to walk the dog - Dad can keep his head warm and make a difference while doing it! Through a unique business model of providing jobs, education and mentorship, Krochet Kids is empowering women in Northern Uganda and Peru with assets, skills and knowledge to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Your purchase (and Dad's warm head) will help create long lasting and sustainable change! The very best kind.

6 // Stainless Steel Spirit Chillers by Balls of Steel

Help Dad keep his drink cool (and look like a boss) while sipping everything from his Whiskey to his White Wine. You can feel cool knowing your gift gives back! Balls of Steel is winning the battle against watery drinks and testicular cancer one drink at a time by donating 15 percent of their net profits to partners like the Testicular Cancer Society and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houson, Texas. Together they are committed to building a support community, spreading awareness, and funding research and treatment for people suffering from this disease. 

7 // Payette Bike by Miir

Help Dad stay active and stylish with this sleek bike. Choose from three different colors and know that your purchase is improving the quality of life for another. For every bike purchased, another is gifted to someone in need in developing countries, allowing them a more safe, efficient and economical mode of transportation to access clean water and employment. It's the Tour de Empowerment of gifts!

Whatever you gift Dad this Father's Day, be sure to include a Hug and a Thank You!

Think About It Thursday - Memorial Day

Thinking about celebrating our service men and women this Memorial Day? Check out some of our favorite food and decor ideas for your long weekend! 

American Flags // Coca-Cola bottles in vintage crates

Bocce Ball // All American Bacon Cheeseburgers // Wooden American Flag USA

Red White + Blue Streamers with Twinkle lights // Flag Toothpick Wreath

{find more on our Free + Brave pinboard}

Think About It Thursday - Kindness

Did you know? . . . Human Kindness not only has emotional benefits, but can cause physical improvements as well? Think About It. 

Follow @SydneyPaigeInc on:
      

Think About It Thursday - Gifts for Mom

Have you thought about making your gift for Mom give TWICE? Show her she can be proud she raised a forward thinking, socially conscious, and caring consumer! We've got some great ideas for gifts that give back - our favorite kind.
(We promise she'll like them! We're Moms. We know this stuff.)

1// VIVA GLAM lipstick and lipglass by MAC

Help Mom perfect her purposeful purchasing pout with these bright and bold lip colors!

Nordstrom Cares donates every cent of the selling price of these lipsticks towards helping men, women and children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS through MAC Aids Fund. 

2// Twice as Grape scarf by Twice As Warm

When you needed a good snuggle as a kid, who did you run to? MOM! Return the favor with this warm and comforting scarf. Twice As Warm matches each purchase with a donation of a new clothing item to persons in need.

3// iPad sleeve by Sydney Paige

Keep mom's favorite tech device safe, clean, fashionable and socially conscious all in one! For every Sydney Paige item bought, we donate the same item to a student in need, giving them the tools and confidence they need to stay in school and graduate.

4// Black Bar Soap by Soapbox Soaps

Made from activated charcoal and a blend of essential oils, sea salt and shea butter this bar soap will pamper mom while giving back! For every bar purchased, Soapbox Soaps donates one bar of soap, fresh water, or vitamin supplements to children in need all over the globe. 

5// Daphne bracelets or the Gardenia bag from 31 Bits

Every Mom loves jewelry or a beautiful clutch! When you purchase from 31 Bits you are creating change, giving hope and helping to empower Ugandan women to rise above poverty.

6// One Hope 2011 Napa Valley Reserve Pinot Noir

Toast to mom and all she has helped you achieve with a glass of wine that gives back! One Hope Wine donates half their profits to charities around the world. The Pinot Noir supports Charity Water - a company that works to provide safe drinking waster to developing countries. Other varietals support Autism, Breast Cancer Research, Veterans, Childhood Hunger, Alzheimer's Cure, AIDS and more. There is sure to be a cause your Mom will love!

7// TOMS Wedges

Put a bright spring in Mom's step with these wedges. A kid in need receives a pair of shoes for every pair that you purchase. One for One - just like Sydney Paige! TOMS also sells coffee and sunglasses that help give people clean water and the gift of sight. New shoes, hot coffee, cute sunglasses? It's like TOMS knows your Mom.

8// UP24 band by Jawbone

Help Mom be the healthiest she can be! The UP system tracks how you eat, move and sleep in order to deliver insights, celebrate milestones, and challenge you to make smarter choices each day. In the month of May, Jawbone is on a mission to help make pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother across the world. Jawbone will donate $15 from your UP24 band purchase to Every Mother Counts when you use coupon code: EMC15 on their website through May 31st.

9// FEED 10 t-shirt by FEED Projects

Mom taught you how to count, right? And to stay in school? And she probably packed her fair share of school lunches! With the purchase of this t-shirt, you will not only be thanking her for all those things - you will also be funding 10 school meals for children in impoverished areas like Rwanda, Kenya and Haiti.

Whatever you gift your Mom this Sunday - be sure and include a HUG and a Thank You!