Wednesday, October 24, 2007

A cute Website




I just happened to find this accidentally, but it is soooo cute, I thought i would share it. You can play games here based around the movie and watch clips from the movie, there are several movie trailers you can watch, there are other activities you can download, they have wallpaper, you name it. Your kids will love it here. check it out, of course it's free. It's at the official site of the movie: www.beemovie.com

Friday, October 19, 2007

What type of bed should your child graduate to?

Our son has been begging us for a new bed for quite some time now. We started him out as a baby in a crib, then when he was old enough not to roll out of a todder bed, we bought him one of those with the railing. Now, he has outgrown the todder bed and we looked everywhere trying to decide, "what would be the best bed for him?" We looked at twin beds, we looked at full size beds, we looked here, there, and everywhere, and finally decided on a futon.

I got the idea from my brother. His son slept on a futonever since he was little and loved it. When they opted for bunk beds, they were able to keep the futon and use it as a couch by day, and a visitors bed when we came over. Plus, its roomy and my son likes to sleep on it the wrong way and he has lots of room to flop around. You can get a sheet and/or cover to go on it. Ours came with a coverbut we bought full size sheets for it. It's just perfect, because he will never grow out of this bed, and it was a really inexpensive way to go if you are on a budget like us.

Remember, every child is different. Listen to what he (or she) would like in a new bed, and do the best that you can. Chances are, they will love whatever you pick out for them, or if time permits, you can take them shopping for a bed with you. I can tell you my boy was more than exited when he came home from school and he had a new, humongous bed to sleep in.

You can compare prices and options for futon beds by clicking here.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Ribbit King on Game Cube




This is a really cute and simple game even your 3 year old can appreciate. You basically just need them to learn to hit one button. You play a game called Frolf. It is kinda like a fun version of golf. I used to play this game myself against my husband and it was really fun and competitive, but if you just want it for your kids, it is nice because they can take their time and it really doesn't matter whether they win or not, it's just plain fun! 1-4 players can play at a time, taking turns, you can unlock cute movie clips. They can chose what frog they want (the frog is used as the golf ball)

We have had this game for about 2 years and we are still not tired of it. I am really happy with the gamecube. They made a lot of good games for kids and the kids in us!

Choosing the right toys

Author: Mark Jackson

Article:
With so many toys and games on the market, it can be confusing
which ones are the best for your children. While you want your
children to have fun when playing with their toys, you also want
them to play with toys that teach as well. Common educational
toys include books, board games, and certain computer games.
Choose educational toys that also look fun. These games usually
include fun characters and incorporate story-telling along with
challenges and tests that children need to pass in order to
advance. Buy toys that are age appropriate so your children will
be able to get the most out of them. Helping them play these
games is a fun activity.

As technology continues to advance, web sites like etoys, now
sell video games for children. When choosing video games, it is
important to read reviews so you can buy games that suit your
child's education and emotional levels. Etoys sells a wide
variety of video games for Playstation, Xbox, GameCube, and
other gaming systems. Read reviews online so you can purchase
games your children will enjoy. Along with these hot toys, you
will also be able to find children's dvds.

Along with learning toys, etoys offers other types of kids toys
including outdoor toys, baby toys, arts and crafts, and
plug'n'play games. You will be able to shop for your children
and other children quickly and easily. Online toys can be
returned if you are not satisfied with them. Regardless of
whether you are shopping for Christmas toys, or birthday toys,
finding toys online will save you time and money.

Toys are a great way to help children develop their imagination
and creativity. Girls toys include chdolls, books, electronic
games, and computer games that can help them learn while they
play. Most girls enjoy playing with their dolls or drawing
pictures that you can hang on the refrigerator. Boys toys are
also available that include remote control toys, robot toys, and
computer games. Other toys include baseball bats, balls, action
figures, and video games.

Before you buy toys for your children, you should find out their
interests. This is important as they age because they will
develop preferences and play with certain toys more than others.
Before spending a lot of money on toys, ask your children when
they are interested in and what they would like for their
birthday or the holidays. If your child likes to play with
robotic toys, then look into buying a roboraptor or other type
of robotic toy.

Even if your children don't ask for developmental toys, you
should still consider buying a few. Once children begin playing
with their new toys, they won't be able to tell the difference
between entertaining toys and developmental toys. Kids toys
should be inspected daily to prevent injury to themselves or
others.

About the author:
Mark Jackson is a freelance editor for EToys Coupons. Read more
and find great deals and discounts on EToys Coupons products at
href="http://www.CouponCart.com/EToys/index.aspx">http://www.Coup
onCart.com/EToys/index.aspx.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Educate and Entertain Toddlers with fun Developmental Games and Educational Toys

Author: Marina Neiman

Article:
Educational toys and developmental games are excellent for
strengthening the parent/child relationships. These games and
toys are great source of fun and are wonderful way to enhance
your toddler's learning. In addition, manipulative games enhance
dexterity and eye-hand coordination and provide numerous
learning opportunities. In this brief article, we'll discuss the
benefits of toddler games, some popular developmental games, and
how you can make the most of your toddler's playing time.

First of all, you should keep in mind that education games and
toys include board games, puzzles, dominoes and memory games.
Here are some popular choices: Board Games: With board games,
toddlers are able to learn their colors, shapes, and sounds, and
move pieces which also enhance their dexterity skills. Puzzles:
With puzzles, toddlers are able to solve problems. Some great
examples are wooden and jigsaw puzzles. You can even purchase
floor jigsaw puzzles and involve the entire family. Creative
Mind Games: With creative mind games, toddlers are encouraged to
learn shapes, colors, and sounds with the use of songs and other
activities.

Second, when choosing developmental games for your toddler, use
variety and choose age appropriate toys and games. For instance,
a 6 month won't like the same toy as a 12 and 24 month old. You
see, 6 month old baby are just discovering the world and tend to
put things in their mouths whereas 12-24 month-olds enjoy
prodding and discovering. To choose the best age appropriate toy
that suits child unique needs, try out various types and see
which one interests the most. You'll soon discover that your
child is not only enjoying himself but learning and developing
skills as well.

Third, take your time and don't schedule too many activities at
once. Toddlers are notorious for not being able to focus for
long periods of time and tend to getting bored easily.
Therefore, it is important that you keep playing sessions short
and do not force toys upon him. Instead, use a variety of
different developmental games and href="http://www.1888toys.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Categ
ory=49">toddler educational toys, and switch gears, or move
to something else, when he seems bored. This will encourage him
to have fun, enjoy the moment and not get bored.

Fourth, have a wonderful time and enjoy the moment. Although it
is tempting to do so, you don't have to have structured play
time all time and you don't have to see the educational value in
everything you do. After all, toddlers learn so much by just
doing and being with you. So, have fun and don't rush the
educational process. It will happen!

In conclusion, playing developmental games with your toddler is
a great way to relax and spend quality time with children as
they improve their skills and improve their dexterity skills. So
regardless of whether you play puzzle game, memory, dominoes, or
snap cards games, you'll have a fun and so will your toddler!

About the author:
Marina Neiman, author and mother of two, writes for href="http://www.1888Toys.com">1888Toys.com - Educational Toys
Store, featuring classic learning toys, developmental games
and selection of href="http://www.1888toys.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Categ
ory=49">educational toys for toddlers.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Video Game Systems Review










We own several game consoles. (my husband is the big gamer, with my 5 year old coming in 2nd). I play them on occasion, more often if it is a game where you can't really die because otherwise, I can't make it past level 2.

We have a PSP, Gameboy advance, Nintendo DS, Playstation 2, XBox, Nintendo (original), PS One... and maybe something else that I am forgetting. Bottom line, we have plenty.

The PSP can play movies on it and has a beautiful picture. It is pricy and they have a lot of good role playing games, which is why my husband bought it. He loves those kind of games, and the graphics are great. They may have easy enough games for your kids, but I cannot confirm that. The ones I have seen are hard.

My 5 year old has a gameboy advance that he loves. There are any number of games you can buy for this that your child will be able to play, just depends on his preference. Some popular games your children will probably beg for and may be too difficult for around this age(5) would be Pokemon and things like that. The rating will give you a good idea as to whether it will be easy enough for you child. My boy likes playing the hulk. He gets to smash down walls and stuff. There is also a game where he rides a bike around that he likes, but it took him a while of frustratino to get the hang of that one.

You can also watch episodes of your childs favorite cartoons on it. Dora, Spongebob, Dexters Labratory, the Fairly odd parents, etc. We have Dora and they have watched that thing about 1,000 times. I guess it's just funner to watch on a little handheld screen.

I have a pink Nintendo DS. I love that thing to death, but recently, my 3 year old has repossesed it and she likes to play the Cats game. You can pet the cat, play with the cat, even clean out it's little box. Really fun. And I like to play Brain Age on it and can't wait to get Brainage 2. It has really sharpened me up. When I first started I was like 80 years old (oh my) I am really 27. I eventually got my brain age down to 20: the best score you can get. Now I average at about 25 but that still makes me happy.

You can get games for the Playstation 2 really cheap now, so that is mainly why I like this one. They do have a wide variety of games to chose from since they have been out a while. My son really likes playing the Superman game. You get to fly and save people, and it is pretty awesome!

I bought the XBox for my husband a couple christmas' ago. I always wait to buy these consoles when they are on sale because the next best thing has come out. Who cares? As long as it has plenty of games and interesting graphics, I don't care. My husband loves playing halo on it. I have played him a few times in frustration because I am not good with all the 100's of buttons a XBox has, and I never know where he is hiding. Often times, he is standing on my head and I don't even know it and when he tells me to look up, he shoots me.... how cruel. But I like that you can watch movies on the XBox. You can even get a remote for it so you don't have to use a controller. Pretty cool.

We keep the original Nintendo around because...well it's old I guess. An antique? and my husband says he likes playing it, but he never does. This is a great starter thought for kids since you don't need to know which way to go, there is only one way to go...towards the right of the screen (for most games anyway) Final fantasy was sort of free roaming I think.

The PS One ... we bought recently. We don't play it as we are having a hard time finding gamesfor it at a store. I'm sure you can get them herethough.

Ahah! Apparently I did miss one. One of my favorites... the GameCube. If you like cutesy games, this console has a lot... plenty to chose from and there are a lot of games that are simple for your children which I will discuss in greater detail in later posts.

Well, that's about it! Thanks for reading!

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Duke and the Great Pie War











This is a veggie tales movie from Big Idea productions and is a Lesson in Loving Your Family.

In this movie, the armies of Rhubarb go to battle against the Kingdom of Scone and the Great Pie War breaks out and things get really messy. Sweet Sweet Petunia, a charming young rhubarb, is forced to flee her homeland and live in a tree stump in a foreign land. When the Duke (played by larry the cucumber) learns of the Princess's plight, he risks his life to help her and learns that true love means thinking of others first.

Also, there is a story called Baby sitter in DeNile-a cute retelling of the story of Miriam and Moses.

I am a fan of veggie tales myself and enjoy watching this movie with my kids. And it gives you a chance to talk about important things, in language they can understand. I give it a 10 in family friendliness and fun.

We got this for christmas a year ago for the kids and they always do love those movies. It is 45 minutes long and has lots of bonus features which include trivia, karaoke, interactive storybook obstacle course game, how to draw the characters of the movie, and more.

I found a site where they are practically GIVING this movie away. To see what I mean, click here.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The best potty seats




This one was chosen from my personal experiences with potty training. I have 2 kids and they both preferred these free standing seats that are just their size. My daughter is doing great on hers and as you can see from the picture is decorated in her success stickers.

They need motivation, and kids love stickers in fact, it often seems as if they can never have enough. Grandma sends my kids stickers all the time, and they use them up in a matter of minutes, sticking them everywhere.

So I bought a package of like over 300 stickers so I would have plenty, and everytime she went potty, or at least sat on it, she got a sticker. And if you think that is a bad habit to break (expecting something everytime you use the potty) I just stopped giving them to her when she just picked up on it and started going on her own and she never missed it. She still gets stickers unrelated to using the potty now, she just knows that she is a big girl.

Now I know they sell those potty seats that go over an adult toilet. I bought a dora one for my girl and guess what? she never uses it. She is too afraid she is going to fall in. So then, what do you do when you are out shopping, etc?

It has been a challenge. The top of the potty seat in the picture comes off. It is bulky, but I put it in a sporty bag and take it everywhere with me, or she will explode, because she refused to use those big potty's without it! I have seen her on the verge of exploding...not pretty. now that I bring a seat she can fit on, I don't have as much problem getting her to go when we are out.

I am however, looking for a new alternative. I just didn't know where I could find one until I found one this morning. It is a portable (it folds up to fit in your purse!) potty seat. Fits on an adult seat and it comes in different designs. I am bidding on one as we speak because it would be way more convenient than carrying her big seat around everywhere. If you wanna check them out too and see what I'm talking about, click here.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Leap Frog For learning










My brother got this for my daughter when she was about 1 year old. I think of this more as a baby toy, and I think he did too, but she didn't really play with it much until she was a little older.

At 1 year old, she was too young to sufficiently press the buttons to hear the songs and do all the different musical lessons.

It can teach your child the alphabet, their numbers, colors, and songs. If you have a one year old, you would just have to press the buttons for them, unless they are very strong.

It does, however have rattles hanging from it, and different things that make noises, and if they play with some of them, it will make that crinkly paper noise.

It also has straps so that you can strap it to a carseat. What is funny is that she really didn't pick up on the toy until she was 2 and now she plays with it all time, and even though she is 3 now, she still plays with it and now even sings along with it.

So in my opinion, this toy may be better for a 2-3 year old. They can appreciate it a little better at this age. I can tell by the way my daughter plays with it it's a great learning tool. You can find toys very similar to this by clicking here. My daughter also has these leapfrog toys as well.

Little Tikes Desk











Every child should have a spot where they can go and express themselves. The one in the picture is my daughters, and she likes to sit in the chair, color her pictures, and look at herself in the mirror.

When you lift up the top, you will see some storage compartments. Your kids will probably enjoy hiding little things in there like mine do.

She also likes to put her dolls in the chair and pretend like they are working too. Either way, I am very happy with the desk. It will last you for years and give your child opportunity to be creative.

They don't only come in pink, they come in every shape, size, and price. You can compare prices and styles by clicking here.

Little Tyke Piano











I think children like anything that makes noise really. I did not even buy this. I try to stay away from noisy toys. However, Grandma bought this one for my 3 year old and she loves it.

Just remember that this is a loud toy, so this one will probably be played with in your childs room... and maybe some earplugs for you.

I am glad that she likes it though. I hear her all the time in her room singing as she presses on the keys and it is soooo cute! I am planning on writing out her lyrics that she is making up so we can always remember what she was singing about. It is so cute and funny.

So if you don't mind listening to your little meistro, I think this is a great toy to find if they have musical talents. Just from my daughter playing with it, I do believe that she will be very musically inclined. My whole family is, amateurly anyway. I found a good deal for one here.

Rocking Horses











I don't know a kid who doesn't like rocking horses. The one in the picture I bought for my daughter's 2nd Christmas, she is 3 now as you probably already figured out by now and she still plays with it.

The one I bought for her makes sounds like a horse and that is a feature that she really loves. I found all different kinds of rocking horses and some really adorable ones that I wish I would have know about here.

Game Cube Power Rangers Review




I am one of those mothers who does not allow my children to watch power rangers. It has been a problem for my child in preschool where the kids will try to act like them by...well...kicking each other. But I was surprised when daddy let my 5 year old purchase this Dinothunder game. I was expecting... powerrangers. Which it is, but the whole game seems to be just about the "dino" part of power rangers, which couldn't be more awesome. I was actually really impressed. This game has good graphics and your kids get to walk a dinosaur around, and they have different dinosaurs they can chose to play. It is actually really neat.

Kids love dinosaurs so I thought this was a great idea. My 3 year old loves to watch too and I have no problem with it. It's a cute game and I got it for next to nothing. You can find it by clicking here.

Perfect blocks for little hands




Both of my children love these blocks. They are bigger than the legos that you are accustom to which is great for your younger ones that like to put everything in their mouths.

No chance they are gonna swallow these! These blocks are very inexpensive, a classic toy that never gets old, and will give your child hours of play time. If you worry, like most parents do about sharp corners, well they have that covered too. as you can see in the comparison above, these thicker blocks have rounded edges.

I purchased these blocks a year ago and my kids have never had any incidents with them. Maybe just a little bit of arguing about who gets to play with them.

I found a really cute set of legos that comes in a set at a phenominal price, just click here.

Her Favorite Disney Shirt











This is my 3 year olds favorite Disney shirt. They are all adorable in my opinion, but this one seems to go really well with her. If you need some help figuring out what size you should get, my daughter (pictured above) is 24 pounds, and the shirt is a size xxsmall, or a size 3T.

I couldn't find this exact shirt anywhere, but you can find shirts similar to this one by clicking here.

The Toy Recalls

Title: It's The Year Of The Pig For The Consumer

Author: James William Smith

Article:
I opened my local newspaper on Saturday, September 22, 2007 and
saw the picture of my wife's bracelet on the front page. The
bracelet, purchased for her birthday by a friend to benefit a
local charity, was highlighted in color at the top of the page.
The story indicated that the bracelet, made in China, was being
recalled due to a high lead content. Her bracelet is just one
example of a large number of consumer products that have been
recalled from Chinese manufacturers in 2007.

The list of 2007 product recalls from China is not only large in
number, but includes a wide variety of consumer products as
well. The recall list includes the following items: Toxic lead
paint is the problem in products that include jackets and
overalls, bracelets, key chains, children's rings, easels,
paint, lunch boxes, necklaces, and wooden toys. However,
recalled products extend beyond toxic lead paint to overheating
ceramic heaters, flammable lamps and oil heaters, and remote
controls. The extensive list of recalled products also includes
breakable bike frames, faulty extension cords, poison pet food,
hair dryers, faulty wall sconces and candles, flammable baby
clothes, cribs, toxic fish, tires, seafood, toothpaste,
glassware, hammocks, and even recliners.

The recalled products from China come from many major United
States companies; such as, Mattel, Target, Family Dollar Stores,
Holmes Group, Best Buy, Currey and Company, Kidsite Jewelry sold
at Kmart, Toys R Us, Disney, Sears, Cracker Barrel Old Country
Stores and many others.

The stories of tainted Chinese manufactured products are
everywhere. Consider the following:

A California official discovered in July that 350,000 lunchboxes
distributed as part of a promotion to encourage healthy eating
in children contained significant amounts of lead. These
lunchboxes were imported from China through a company called T-A
Creations.

Earlier this year, more than 100 brands of cat and dog food were
pulled from the shelves in the U.S. after pets died from eating
food contaminated with the chemical melamine, traced back to
wheat gluten from China.

In Panama, the deaths of some 51 people have been blamed on
cough syrup tainted with Chinese-made diethylene glycol,
commonly used in antifreeze. The same chemical has been found in
toothpastes from China sold in the US and Canada.

Mattel has had three recalls of toys made in China in 2007. In
total, Mattel has recalled nearly twenty million toys including
Chinese-made Sarge die-cast toys from the Pixar film Cars which
have lead paint. In fact an executive in charge at one Mattel
supplier was reported as having killed himself last month after
toys his firm made were among those recalled. Chinese media
reported that Zhang Shuhong, co-owner of the Lee Der Toy
Company, had been found hanged in one of his factories.

The US imports about one-fifth of its seafood from China. Some
shipments were found to have traces of antibiotics and
disinfectants that are banned in U.S. fish production. Other
inspections uncovered fish products that were tainted with
salmonella and pesticides. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recently imposed a nationwide hold on the import of five
types of farmed fish and seafood from China.

China is taking the problem seriously. Recently, the former head
of China's State Food and Drug Administration, Zheng Xiaoyu was
executed for corruption. However, China does not appear
confident that their drug safety situation will be resolved
anytime soon. Here is a recent quote from spokeswomen Yan
Jiangying : "As a developing country, China's food and drug
supervision work began late and its foundations are weak.
Therefore, the food and drug safety situation is not something
we can be optimistic about."

With Chinese imports totaling $288 billion per year, President
George W. Bush has set up a panel to look at the safety of food
and other products imported into the United States. He stated
after the first meeting of the panel that, "the American people
expect their government to work tirelessly to make sure consumer
products are safe." Others in Congress are calling for an
"import czar" to oversee all products brought into the United
States.

My wife is puzzled in deciding what to do with her colorful
bracelet high in lead content. Since the charity is absorbing
the cost of the recall, returning the bracelet would only hurt
the good work of the charity and its foundation. The bracelet
will probably remain in its box for now awaiting an uncertain
future.

In China, this is the year of the Pig, which is an appropriate
animal to highlight the quality of many of China's manufactured
products. In fact, the large number of Chinese product recalls
are making 2007 the Year of the Pig for the consumer as well.

http://www.eworldvu.com



About the author:
James William Smith has worked in senior management positions
for some of the largest financial services firms in the United
States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided
business consulting support for insurance organizations and
start up businesses. Mr. Smith has a Bachelor of Science Degree
from Boston College. He enjoys writing articles on political,
national, and world events. Please visit his website at
http://www.eworldvu.com

Friday, October 5, 2007

Ball Mania Play Arena



This fun ball pit toy thing will give you hours of quiet while your child plays happily. We bought this one about a week ago for my 3 year old. My 5 year old plays in it too. It usually comes with balls (ours did) and the net. You blow it up, throw the balls in, and let the kids have at it!

if you buy the one that I got, it comes with 50 balls, which sounds like a lot but its more fun if you buy more. (see in reference the picture of ours above, there are 50 balls in there!) So if you are having trouble finding balls for 'refills' just click here.

and there are other options in finding a ball pit that look really cool, and kids love these things... and that means more sanity for you. :) just click here to see a good selection of ball pits.

Potty Training


I have recently successfully potty trained my 3 year old, so I thought I would put up a few things that I learned.

I started potty training my little girl when she was 2, and started showing the signs that she was interested, and ready. (ex: interested in using the potty, being in the bathroom, telling you she needs to go). She did not seem to have real bladder control yet, but as she started training it was a learned thing for her. Once she thought it was fun to go potty, she would hold it in so she could use the potty chair.

For both of my kids (I have a boy too) I had to buy them their own potty chairs that sit on the floor. Even though I bought seats to go on the adult toilet, they both thought that they would fall in.

My girl did really great, everything was going swell... then one day she decided she didn't want to go anymore. I was confused, but since experts say that can happen and not to push the issue, I let her start wearing pull ups and diapers again.

Almost a year past and I noticed she would tell me "mom I need my diaper" so possessive and so demanding. I think she knew exactly what she was doing. She was being lazy. I finally told her one day, "The diapers are all gone. You have to go in the potty." I said it nicely and kinda acted like it wasn't my fault but that somehow the diapers went missing... indefinitely ;) She believed it, cried a little at the loss, and proceeded to use the potty.

From that day on things got better and she hasn't worn diapers since then. I did a lot of laundry in that time, but it was worth it because no pull up in the world (I tried them all) were a match for my girl. She was smart. All those diapers that claim they can feel wetness, etc, she could have cared less. So she is 3 years old now, and fully potty trained.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Candles






Ok, ok, I guess I learned my lesson on this one. If you are a parent like me, you probably have a lot of candles, and a lot of air fresheners, and a lot of... well you get the point. So to save some money, I opted for the country air apple cinnamon candle. I bought it for a modest $.70 and bought 3 of them... but I hate them! I had all three of them burning and I couldn't smell it at all!

I just thought...It doesn't look generic. It was in a nice package, but nope, you can't smell it. I do however like the 4 hour room freshener sprays from bath and body works. They are wonderful. I am using the flavor called creamy nutmeg. If you wanna compare prices, just click here.

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