Kudos to Little Beans!

No one has to tell me how cute our play villages are.

No one has to tell me how much children love playing in our play villages.

No one has to tell me how much parents love bringing their children to play (for hours and hours!) in our creative, imaginative and fun play villages. 

But even I was blown away by how adorable and amazing Little Beans Cafe is! Yesterday, I visited Chicago and Little Beans in person.  Shannon and Rob have created the perfect play space for the lucky parents of Chicago (note: pictures do not do Little Beans justice.  The personal touches are everywhere.)

You don't have to take my word for it either.  Read what the Chicago Tribune said...hats off to Shannon and Rob!

Stay tuned...I have lots more Little Beans photos to share with you next week!

Winter Wonderland

I love when my customers send me photos of their playhouses!  I genuinely enjoy working with each and every one of you to create the perfect playhouse for your family, your yard, your budget.  When I ship your playhouse (or, as in this case, playhouses!) to you, it's almost like sending off one of my own children.  So, when I am able to see the playhouses in their new home, it always makes me feel contented, satisfied.  I know, together, we have done a good job!

This photo is from a happy family in Luxembourg (I told you, we ship around the world!).  Hello, my darling Hospital! Hello, adorable Firehouse/Garage!  I hear from your new family how very much they love you - and how much joy and happiness you have brought into their lives!  I am so proud of you both!! 

Breaking News: Kids Are Still Kids http://ping.fm/PSLEB

Breaking News: Kids Are Still Kids

Yes, children today have many technological advantages that we in our youth could never have imagined, from video games to cell phones, from DVRs to iPods.  Yes, in some cases, we ask more of our children at earlier ages (as a single mom, I know I placed much more responsibility on my children than my stay-at-home mom ever considered).  And yes, academic demands on our children put greater pressure on them to succeed.  But - and this is a big "but" - the truth is kids are still kids.  They still want - and need - to play, dream, imagine. 

Studies conducted over the past ten years are conclusive: the fundamentals of childhood haven't changed. Our children's needs and wants haven't changed.  Their physical maturation may have accelerated, but their academic, social, and emotional maturity have not.

This is good news: kids are still kids.  They love playing.  Pretending the backyard swing set is a fortress designed to protect them from evil lurking in the distance is as fundamental to healthy childhood development as blowing out candles on your birthday cake. From making up silly jokes to hearing your favorite story reread for the millionth time, kids need to allowed to be kids.  The good news as parents is we just need to let them.

For help picking the perfect playhouse for your child, please call or email me today.  Together, we can help them start playing, imagining, and dreaming.