snowflakes

"Even though we live in Los Angeles, and it's not technically freezing over here, I still loved the idea of making a Winter wonderland-themed first birthday party for Ariella, our little Winter baby," says Emily Klaparda, mom of two and the creative mind behind Emily K Paperie. "I didn't want to re-create those typical Winter parties with penguins, polar bears, and igloos. Instead, I had the idea in my head for a rustic, shabby-chic party that had the Winter feel, but was a bit more girlie and sophisticated — just like our little girl!"

With gorgeous and cozy details including Manzanita branch centerpieces, glittery snowflakes, a sweet hot cocoa bar, and lots of sparkly silver and pink trees, this party makes us wish it was Winter all year round (minus the freezing temperatures, of course).

Source: Emily K Paperie

Snow is falling around much of the country, and you can celebrate the season's most fun offering (for kids, at least) with one of these eight snowflake finds just for little ones. From sweet onesies and pajamas for babes to bejeweled sweatshirts and shiny shoes for older kids, these snowflake-embellished items are totally cool! Keep clicking to check out the chilly finds.

Imagine walking into school after Winter break and instead of seeing florescent lighting streaming down from the ceiling, your kids saw millions of paper snowflakes hanging there. Imagine how much more impactful that Winter wonderland would be if your student had attended Sandy Hook Elementary School and was now reentering school for the first time since the shooting.

As we first noted yesterday, the National PTA and Connecticut PTSA are asking kids and adults alike to make the most creative snowflakes they can and send them to be used in decorating the kids' new school. A great activity for even the youngest tots over their Winter break (you don't even have to explain why they are being sent there if your tots are too young to understand), snowflake creations can be sent to: Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514.

Unsure of how to begin? We've rounded up some tutorials for both novice and experienced snowflake creators alike. So pull out the paper and scissors and get to work!