June 05 2010

Stackable Silhouette Rings

These colorful acrylic farm animal and enchantched forest rings by Scoop are the top of our list of gifts for little girls.  Buy a bunch of them (they're only $6) and you're set for all your summer birthday parties.  Layer  2 or 3 to create a whimsical scene. 

May 27 2010

Keep a Summer Journal

Encourage your child to document their daily adventures in a summer journal.  It will help keep their writing, spelling, and language skills sharp, while creating a memory book they'll treasure for life.  Allow them to take photos on family vacations, trips to park, or backyard play to capture the moments through their eyes (the photos will also help facilitate the writing, should they get "writer's block"). 

May 14 2010

Mr. Putter and Tabby Series

By Cynthia Rylant

We are always looking for books that are entertaining for us and our children.  We love Cynthia Rylant's prolific series of Mr. Putter and Tabby books.  The heartwarming (and funny) stories of Mr. Putter, his fine cat Tabby, and their quirky neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog Zeke, are about friendship, aging, and life's simple pleasures.  The large print and repetitive text is also great for new readers. 

Some of our favorites:

Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears, Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog, Mr. Putter and Tabby Feed the Fish

May 07 2010

Let’s Play the CleanUp Game!

Despite our efforts to contain toys to a designated playroom, our children want to be where we are and thus their toys end up there as well.  "The Cleanup Game" is quick (60 seconds), easy, and a fun challenge for children of most ages.  Begin by placing easily accessed toy storage bins in your major living areas.  Now you're ready to play:

You count backwards from 60 to 0.  Your children pick up as many toys as they can and put them into the nearest bin.  You'll be amazed how much can be picked up in 1 minute!  

Your children will feel a sense of accomplishment, learn good habits, and develop a greater sense of time.  You'll enjoy less clutter and fewer painful encounters with stepped-on Lego pieces.

April 30 2010

Frames Wallpaper

Editor's Pick:

My children love to color...on the walls!  I've had to lock up all writing/coloring utensils and supervise all coloring "projects."  When I saw the Frames Wallpaper at Land of Nod it seemed to offer a perfect solution to the problem!  The hundreds of empty frames encourage my little artists to draw away and the once scribbled on walls are now an adorable showcase of all their mini masterpieces. 

Even better, Frames wallpaper isn't just for kiddos.  I love how is used as an accent on the home-office wall above.  How will you use yours?

Photos courtesy of Land of Nod, homeworkshop.com, and cococozy.com

April 25 2010

Sleep N’ Play Infant Jammies

These little cuties are basic infant essentials.  They're soft and slim fitting and come in cool designs.  The 3 pack is under $10 at Target.  You can't beat that!

April 16 2010

WeeGo Glass Bottles

We love WeeGo glass bottles!  Glass bottles can be reused or recycled and eliminate the risk of leaching chemicals in plastic bottles.  The 100% non-toxic (and plastic free) sleeve provides protection from breakage, a good gripping surface during feeding, and a stimulating tactile experience for your baby.