It’s snowing. It’s pouring. Being stuck inside is boooooring.

Before you pull out a crafty distraction, protect your kids (and your house) with Luke & Loolu. Made from vinyl-coated fabric, the new collection’s smocks, aprons, and table mats are designed to keep project messes to a minimum.

So go ahead and set the kids loose with glue, paint, and markers; creative offenders easily wipe clean. Pockets on the apron and smock are sized just right for crayons and paintbrushes, and the cheerful prints bring a little sunshine to even the gloomiest of days.

Showing once again that home is where the art is.

Available online at lukeandloolu.com, $11-$24.

	Just in case Punxsutawney Phil wasn’t right — sixteen ways to beat the winter blahs.

CREATE
Valentine’s Day Gifts
What: Decorated mugs, handprint tiles, and heart-shaped boxes ($5-$50).
Why: Presents made by your little cupid are better than any box of chocolates.
When: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Purple Hippo Art Studio, 5517 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody (770-730-0605).

IMAGINE
Aladdin and the Arabian Nights
What: Backed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, larger-than-life puppets animate the exotic tale.
Why: Stop by the book fair in the lobby and take home a few stories.
When: Sun., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, The Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Midtown (404-733-5000 or atlantasymphony.org). Adults and children, $15-$20.

LEAP
KangaZoom
What: At the new location, bounce on giant inflatables, explore the obstacle course, and whoosh down the slide.
Why: With a boutique, laptop area, and parents lounge, it’s equally as enticing to moms.
When: Sun.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 5530 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta (770-772-0552). Adults, free; children, $9.25; under 2, $6.25.

Photo: Courtesy of Luke & Loolu