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.

READ
Food for Thoughtful Parenting
What: The tome ($15) by Boston-area moms Nina Coslov and Tara Keppler offers clever tips and bits of wisdom.
Why: Easy-to-read lists let you sneak in a few pages between playdates and carpool.
When: Now’s good.
Where: Online at foodforthoughtfulparenting.com.

RELAX
Healthy Habits Kitchen Meal Registry
What: New mamas (or anyone else that could use a hand) can have friends and family kick in a little moolah for nutritious, ready-made grub.
Why: Who needs another teddy bear or blankie?
When: She’s got a lot on her plate.
Where: 36 Washington St., ste. 2, Wellesley. Register at 781-235-6325 or online at healthyhabitskitchen.com.

HARMONIZE
Sing Along with Jeremy Lyons
What: Dance, clap, and twist to the troubadour’s infectious diddies.
Why: Tots dig the twang of his guitar, ukulele, and banjos.
When: Ongoing. Sat., 11 a.m.-noon.
Where: Stellabella Toys, 1360 Cambridge St., Inman Sq., Cambridge (617-491-6290). Admission is free.

Photo: Courtesy of Luke & Loolu