These past weeks we’ve been celebrating International Guitar Month, which, of course, rocks. But April is also for enjoying National Gardening Month. I wonder if we’re the only people commemorating both? J I wonder if many guitar players have green thumbs? Hmm…
One of my favorite things to do as a child was helping my grandma plant seedlings for her garden. From rhubarb to petunias, she grew flower and vegetable gardens that would be the envy of any horticulturist. Seriously, the woman is a gardening magician (not to mention a fantastic jelly, salsa and pickle canner).
So to encourage you to flex your green thumb this month, I’ve created a simple DIY gardening tutorial below, perfect for your little “sprout” to assist.
What you’ll need:
1. Gardeners – You and your little “sprout.”
2. Seeds – We used Marigold, Zinnia (fairly easy to grow), Sweet Pea, Morning Glory and Moonflower. (Tip: Ask your local nursery for some flowers that grow best in your environment.)
3. Potting soil – We used Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix
4. Biodegradable Pots
5. Water and Care;)
Growing your sprouts:
1. For each kind of flower you’ll be planting, pack a pot about ¾ full of potting soil.
2. Follow the instructions for sowing the seeds on the back of the seed packets.
3. Have your child cover up the seeds with required amount of soil.
4. Place plants in spot with regular amounts of sunshine.
5. Have your kids water each pot regularly (and according to packet instructions).
6. When the seeds have sprouted and the ground has warmed, transplant your little sprouts by burying the biodegradable pots in your garden or larger flowering pot.
If you happen to pick up the same batch of seeds, use our adorable flower markers!
Getting dirty can be darn tiring. Make sure you and your little gardeners get plenty of rest with the help of these lullabies:
Have a serious case of “Spring Fever?” You’re not alone. I’ve been bouncing off the walls since we officially welcomed Spring a few weeks ago at the end of March. Although the weather’s been a bit colder than I’d like.
We’re getting closer to the real feel of Spring everyday though: The sun is sticking around longer, the temperatures are rising, and I want to clean!
So I guess a spring cleaning urge is a side effect of “Spring Fever.” As the saying goes: “Out with the old and in with the new!” Check out my Spring wishlist below:
A few notes on my picks:
2. If you haven’t smelled Capri Blue’s candle line, I advise you to stop what you’re doing and go now! “Hibiscus Teakwood” and “Volcano” are my favorites.
8. I’ve made a long-term goal of collecting all of The Beatles albums on vinyl. Sgt. Peppers is next in line!
11. I’m not going to lie – I’ve been eyeing those mixing bowls for well over two years. If I’m still pining over them after that long, I must really want them.
CLOSED! Congrats to our winners: Bobbie G., Michelle B., Sarah B., Christi A., and Sara B!
Do you love The White Stripes? Yeah, us, too. That’s why we’re fishing to hook you up with your own copy of our upcoming release Lullaby Renditions of The White Stripes.
In a comment below, tell us your favorite White Stripes song and why. You’ll be automatically entered to win an advance copy of the album! Easy Peasy. Five winners will be selected.
**Get a bonus entry if you share a favorite memory involving The White Stripes. Mostly because we love to hear them!
Ready for another Rockabye Baby Movie Night? Here’s a movie that all music-loving parents are sure to enjoy…especially the rockers: Sound City, by none other than Dave Grohl, in his directorial debut. (As if the guy isn’t already talented enough, right?)
This documentary is about the history of the Van Nuys, California, recording studio Sound City that closed in 2011. Nirvana recorded Nevermind there and other heavy hitters such as Fleetwood Mac and Metallica passed through its doors. Want to know more? Check out the trailer below.
As for the kiddies’ soundtrack for the evening, they can cuddle up to any of these lullaby renditions of bands featured in the film!
It’ll be quite the rock-heavy night for the whole family–but the ones who will be snoozing before the end of the film won’t be you!
Did you know April is International Guitar Month? Well, now you do!
In honor and celebration of one of our favorite instruments, we’ve created our very own homemade DIY guitar for you and your little rockers to jam with. So put down the air guitars and get them on their way to becoming real guitar heroes.
What You’ll Need: 1 mailing box or shoebox
1 mailing or paper towel tube (we used an 11 x 2-inch tube)
6 rubber bands (cut in half)
18 solid brass fasteners
coffee cup
Optional: Construction paper
Instructions:
1. Trace a large circle on the top of your box with a large coffee cup, rim down (this circle can be a little off center as we have below) and cut out the circle
2. Trace the circumference of the mailing or paper towel tube on the side of your box (about center) and cut out the circle.
3. About 1 inch down from the top of the box, above the mailing tube hole you just cut out, make 6 slits.
4. Repeat step 3 on the opposite side of the box.
5. Decorate your box and mailing tube, making sure not to cover the holes and slits!
6. After decorating the mailing tube, make three slits on each side about ¾ an inch apart. Insert brass fasteners in each slit about halfway. Open inside the tube to secure.
7. Insert tube into hole on side of box.
8. Open a brass fastener and wedge the end of a rubber band near the head. Repeat with 5 more fasteners.
9. Insert each fastener through slits made on one side of your box.
10. Repeat step 9 with remaining rubber band ends and insert fasteners into the opposite side’s slits.
11. Rock out!
Lollapalooza fans, we have some breaking news for you!
Two of your favorite bands may be headlining this year’s Lollapalooza in August. Who, who, who, you ask? Here they are…
You can find the full lineup HERE, and more details about the August 2nd–4th festival at Chicago’s Grand Park can be found on the Lollapalooza website HERE.
CLOSED! Thank you to all who participating and to our winners: Nicolas P., Natasha A., and Sara F.
Happy National Free Cupcake Day!
April Fool’s! Did we getcha? National Free Cupcake Day should definitely be a real holiday, though, don’t you think?
We’ve got one more April Fool’s Day trick up our sleeves, but this time by not getting fooled you could win a copy of Lullaby Renditions of Blur!
Below are a few recent news snippets from the music world. Some of them are true and some of them are false. Answer True or False correctly for each and you’ll be eligible to win!
True or False
1. Foo Fighters will be headlining Bonnaroo Music Festival this summer.
2. Ace Frehley of KISS celebrated his 62nd birthday last month.
3. A signed copy of The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper” recently sold for $290,500 at auction.
4. Meg and Jack White are, in fact, siblings.
5. The Rolling Stones are expected to announce tour dates later this week.
Just two days until Easter! If you haven’t taken part in our Easter Egg Hunt for savings, there’s still time.
Also don’t forget to try our Easter Egg Hunt Training Kit to prepare for Sunday. But the Easter fun isn’t over yet. We know how much you and your kids enjoy coloring pages, so we have a couple of cute ones for you to help you hop into spring!
And remember to have your favorite lullabies ready after the excitement of Sunday’s festivities are over, and it’s time for the egg hunters in your life to take a nap!
Rockabye Baby is in full swing with our spring training to get all of our lullaby lovin’, Easter egg huntin’ bunnies into shipshape!
To prepare your little ones for the big day, use our egg hunt training kit below.
Easter Egg Hunt Training Kit: Print, color and cut as many eggs as you see fit.
Hide the paper eggs around the house for your bunnies to find.
For maximum egg finding results, repeat daily until Sunday, March 31.
When all the eggs are found, string them together for a cute Easter garland!
And remember, every spring trainer needs their rest, so tuck them in with any of these lullabies and ensure a good night’s sleep.
