Are you preparing for a newborn baby? Or buying a gift for a baby shower? This issue contains a variety of nursery furnishings from quality bedding to wall accessories and so much more.
1 The naturalmat Coco Mat is the most breathable and organic crib mattress. A core of organic coir, a fiber made from coconut husks, is wrapped with a lambswool dipped in extracts of lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus to make it dust mite free with a bit of bounce. The mattress is then covered with a pure cotton mattress cover for breathable protection. Organic, exceptionally supportive, and heavenly soft! Enter code: ttw10 for 10% off your purchase.
2 Using the adorable artwork of Cathy Heck and her fabulous interactive website, nursery rooms can be filled with one-of-a-kind artwork. A 7 step process allows one to choose the sizes, colors, characters, and letters of their liking. Each creation is printed on heavy canvas using the giclée method and stretched around a heavy 1-1/2 inch frame to create museum quality pieces. Enter code: tottrends99 for 25% off before shipping and handling thru 11/1/09.
3 Upper and lower case letters of the alphabet are dressed in modern hues and arranged in a jumbled, yet orderly, fashion. A great piece of artwork for the contemporary palette. Find this and other great wall decor at Trendy Peas.Enter code: B2G1 in memo at check for a free print when you buy 2 full price prints.
4 With the Design Center at the Simple Stencil, patrons have the ability to preview stencil colors on backgrounds, simplifying the color decision process. All transfers are easy to apply on smooth surfaces...just peel and stick for a quick and easy "painted" appearance. Enter code: SSFC3 for 20% off your purchases.
5 Outfitting a crib is simple & fun at MiGistyle.com. The Alphabet Crib Set contains 4 pieces (a bumper, crib sheet, quilt, and crib skirt) of superbly coordinated bedding. Classic animals and letters set the foundation for this set, while chocolate brown neatly trims and accents. And for just the right amount of panache, some waves, embroidery, and appliques are tossed into the mix.
6 Remaining true to a motto of "No fuss, no muss!", Muralettes offer a quick fix for room decorating. Easy to put up, easy to take off, and great for those with a fear of commitment. The fishies set is stacked with 72 decals ready to transform any room into an underwater adventure! Enter code: tottrends for a 15% off thru 10/15/09.
7 The Bratt Decor Dick Crib in white is an updated version of the classic baby crib. Solid head and foot panels hide distractions and quiet noises and a classic design works with multiple interior styles. The crib also easily transforms into a gorgeous toddler bed with an optional toddler conversion kit. Available at motherearthandbaby.com. Enter code: TOT10 for 10% off thru 11/29/09
8 The low-rider glider and ottoman from Monte Designs is no ordinary glider combination! Sleek lines and a clean design allow these pieces to blend into any contemporary floor plan. Available in 9 attractive colors!
For the love of chocolate recipes: Easy Chocolate Soufflé
Ingredients: 3 tablespoon real butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk 2/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 3 ounces unsweetened, fine baker's chocolate 5 large eggs, separated
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and sugar the inside of a soufflé dish. Melt butter and flour in a pan over medium heat. Add milk and stir constantly. Mix in vanilla and chocolate. Mix until well blended and smooth. Cool chocolate mixture slightly and add three to four of the egg yolks; blend until smooth. Beat egg whites until firm, but not fully stiff. Place chocolate mix in a bowl; carefully fold in egg whites. Place mix in the soufflé dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until top appears to be floating, but isn't oozing liquid. Serve immediately.
Chocolate Pudding Brownie Bake
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon butter, evenly melted 1/2 cup whole milk 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup white sugar 4 tablespoon fine cocoa, halved 1 cup light brown sugar 1 1/2 cup boiling water dash of salt nuts, if desired, 1/4 to 1/2 cup, finely chopped
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend butter, milk, vanilla, white sugar, flour, baking powder, salt and 2 tablespoons of the cocoa. Add nuts if desired. Place the mixture into a greased baking dish or casserole pan. Mix brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle on top of the batter. Slowly pour boiling water into the mix. Bake until a brownie cake rises to the top, approximately 30 minutes. Serve immediately with whipped cream of ice cream.
Ten Things to Consider When Purchasing a Baby Crib When expecting a new baby in the family, one of the most important purchases you will make will be the crib. There is a myriad of styles to choose from. How do you narrow it down to just one? Here are ten important considerations to help you make your decision:
1. Safety standards - The first consideration for any crib that is purchased is whether or not it is safe. Crib slats should have a span of no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart. This will prevent the infant from accidentally getting their head stuck between the slats.
2. Style - When selecting a crib, style plays a part. Do you want it painted or natural wood? Light or dark? If you have other furniture, do you want it to coordinate? One thing to avoid is a crib with finials, as it can be a choking hazard if babies get caught on it once they begin standing.
3. Convertible - Conversion cribs are a great investment. The crib can grow with the child. They cost a bit more to start with, but they can be reconfigured into a toddler bed, day bed and finally a twin bed. However, you may have to buy the supports for the twin bed and the mattress.
4. Wheels - There are pros and cons to having wheels on the crib. It can make it easy to move while cleaning, but you also have to make sure it has locks on the wheels to keep it from moving when you don't want it to be moved.
5. Drop sides/release - Most parents need a drop side crib, unless they are tall. There are some cribs that have a drop on both sides, but most people only need it to be accessible from one side. You should also look for cribs with latches that are easy for the parent, but not the child, to release. There are two-handed or one-handed releases. Test out the cribs in the store and make sure you can do it easily. Also check to see if they move quietly, so it won't wake up the baby. The side needs to be nine inches above the top of the mattress to protect the baby from accidentally rolling out before the side is back in place.
6. New vs. used - Some people want to save some money by buying a used crib. This isn't always a problem; however, you have to make sure that it meets current standards. Check it to make sure it doesn't wobble and has all the hardware in place. Make sure it's not too old, as many older cribs had lead paint.
7. Stability - Make sure the crib you choose is stable. Most cribs have to be assembled once you bring them home. Be sure to purchase one that is easy to put together but is still sturdy enough.
8. Mattress - It is important to get the right mattress for the crib you purchase. Be sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If there are any gaps around the edges, it could be a danger to the baby. If you can fit two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the sides of the crib, it is too small. Be sure to buy a new, firm mattress.
9. Adjustable mattress height - In addition to the convertible cribs, it is important that you are able to adjust the height of the mattress as the child grows. A crib with at least a 26-inch span between the top of the rail and the mattress is a good guide.
10. Where to shop - There are many options for shopping for a crib. There are baby specialty stores, department stores, the internet, gently used baby stores, and garage sales. You have to balance cost against customer support, returns, and shipping. Shop around and find the best quality for the best price.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
v 5 issue 10: The Great Toy Review
This issue is full of some of our favorite new toys on the market to keep your little ones entertained and build creativity.
1 Let your child explore and learn with this Award Winning Block Set @fatbraintoys. Each Twig set consists of 72 wooden pieces made with natural wood, carved with care, and colored with brilliance. Encourage creativity with each precision-cut and compatible piece. Ages 3+. Enter Code: FW-5565 for 10% off your total toy order, 1 offer per customer thru 9/30/09.
2 Hisss is a simple and enjoyable card game where children reinforce the skills of counting, color identification, and cooperation. By matching colors from head to tail, children make snakes for their snake pit. At the end of the game...whoever makes the most snakes wins! Quick and easy for children of young ages. Visit gamewright.com for this and many other fun and educational toys.
3 With Crayola's Crayola Undersea Adventures Color Stories, children strengthen listening skills and their ability to follow directions while playing along with an interactive DVD and included coloring books. Three swimmingly good tales are adapted with a unique randomization feature to provide children with repeated gameplay and unexpected twists and turns while they match, identify, and color.
4 Madeline, the main character of the Ludwig Bemelman's classic tales, has delighted and entertained girls of many ages for 7 decades. Celebrate her legendary tenure with the 70th Anniversary Madeline doll. The dressable doll stands 13.5 inches tall, comes in a fancy toile dress of blue with a matching bow, and is protected in a special gift box. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 10% off this Madeline doll.
5 Miss Sugar Pops makes dolls full of wild and crazy love. Meredith is a funky little girl born on November 7th. Tulle poofs, striped leggings, and sparkly shoes are some of Meredith's fine accoutrements which compliment her soft black hair and beautiful blue eyes. So gorgeous, you may want to leave this one on the shelf! Enter code: KTW to receive 20% off your purchases.
6 Rubbabu presents soft and squishy vehicles which bounce and bumble, but they don't bruise. 100% biodegradable, all-natural rubber is coated with a non-toxic flocking to create the fuzzy nature of this durable and safe toy. Simple and sweet, yet kids love them! nicoandzoe.com. Enter code: tottrends09 for 10% off orders of $25 or more thru 10/31/09
7 Wild Planet and Crayola Crayon Town invites children to color, build, and play in a neighborhood all their own. Five themes available: neighborhood, airport, ranch, zoo, and construction site. All sets come with multiple coloring mats and accessories to turn broken crayons into imaginative props. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 10% off any order. (Excludes certificates, sale items, bundles and packs) thru 12/31/09.
8 Hours and hours of dairy delight can be yours with the Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shop from Play-Doh. Comes with cones, cups, and spoons to aid the imagination, and three unique stations for pouring pleasure. Sprinkle and decorate ice cream goodies with endless possibilities...yummy fun!
This weeks mom tips: Green Tip: Refrigerators and freezer units account for one-sixth of a home's energy use, so select energy-efficient models when buying replacements. Today's appliances consume three times less than old appliances.
The federal government is making money available to states so consumers could get rebates of $50 to $200 for new, more energy-efficient appliances later this year in a so-called "cash for appliances" program. Check with your state's energy department for details on when the rebates will be available.
Organizing Tips: Stuffed animals must go! They not only can cause health problems due to buildup of dander and more but they cause massive clutter chaos. For those favorite stuffed animals consider a hammock for them up near the ceiling or Boon’s stuffed animal holder is a great ‘pillow’ that keeps them contained.
Time Saving Tips: Prioritize items on your to-do list if you feel like you're spinning your wheels. Use A for the items that have to be done today, B for the things you should do today, and C for the tasks you hope to do.
Toys allow creativity to blossom Toys are among a child's first possessions. They entertain kids, but they also help them learn about the world around them. Early experiences with toys can have lasting effects on a child.
There has been much debate about which toys are the best for children. Some argue that high-tech toys provide the best educational opportunities, while others say that simpler toys that require imagination and creativity teach a child to think for himself. But most children end up with a mixture of both types of toys and perhaps that approach gives them the best of both worlds.
Imagination is a great way to learn. Years ago, children did not have electronic toys and video games to play with. All they had were things like dolls and doll houses, toy cars and jump ropes. No matter what toys they played with, they had to use their imagination to a certain extent. Today, kids have all sorts of electronic toys to choose from. Even many books talk and allow children to interact with them. While there are benefits to these types of toys, it is still important to let a kid's imagination flourish.
Imagination is not only a fun way to learn, it is also effective. While children may learn such things as letters, numbers and even phonics from electronic toys, they are no substitute for learning by doing. Imaginative play often leads children to figure things out for themselves and things learned that way are not soon forgotten.
Some great toys that push imagination and creativity: Play-Doh, Dress-Up Clothes, Building Toys, Art Toys, Craft Kits, Dolls and Action Figures.
Creativity comes naturally for kids. Giving them toys that help them express themselves is a great way to encourage them to do so. Kids who are allowed to be creative often have a greater interest in learning and as a result they are more likely to do their best in school and life.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
v 5 issue 9: Off to a Shower
Shower her with gifts We are headed to a baby shower and want to share our favorite gifts to give and receive. It's all about spoiling the mom-to-be in this issue.
1 The presentation of the Apricot Organic Baby Bunch is outstanding! Organic and recycled items are fashioned into a beautiful bouquet and placed into a lidded floral gift box. Each bouquet includes one bib, t-shirt, hat, onesie, and a pair of socks. All clothing items are unbleached, undyed, and sized to fit babies of 0-6 months. Enter code: ttrends09 for 15% off purchases thru 10/13/09
2 The Rings Blanket Bag from Chic Tots easily converts from bag to blanket. Cozy and chic, Moms can carry this bag to any outing where a clean space is needed for play, rest, or diaper changing. The waterproof exterior keeps things dry, while the terry lining provides the comfort. With pockets for all kinds of storage, this bag is both versatile and functional.
3 The Prego Planner at braelynbountybug.com gives Moms-to-be the ability to arrange and rearrange their own pregnancy planner. Take out ages you don't need and move pages where you want them to go. A three ring binder comes beautifully decorated with pre-printed pages for all the planning pregnancy requires. Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive a FREE Tot Tag with any planner. Enter the style you prefer. Exp. 10/13/09.
4 Sweetness comes packaged in a heart shaped box with this gift set from Baby Bella Maya. The set includes a onesie complete with pink champagne ruffles on the touche, a pink headband with a bow of champagne, and matching booties. Sized for 0-6 months @ only $40! Enter code: TTW01 for a 10% discount on your purchases.
5 An absolute necessity! No more troublesome window shades to rumble with, this car seat sunshade attaches to any car seat for an instant sun shield. Works on infant & toddler car seats to provide 50+ upf protection. A fantastic find for new Moms or any Mom who needs to escape the cranky side effects of the sun's rays. Available @ protect-a-bubusa.com.
6 The bbBasic at Baby Time Bags has all your post delivery essentials packed and ready-to-go for a worry-free hospital stay. Exemplary products are neatly stored in your choice of vibrant paisleys or snazzy solids. So many goodies in this gorgeous quilted luggage piece, you need to check out the link to see what's included for only $125! Tottrends Weekly is offering one of these dynamic prepacked carry-alls in a fabulous giveaway. Enter code: TNT10 for 10% off your purchase.
7 Peek into The Looking Glass for the stroller blanket from SwaddleDesigns. A lime green fuzzy blanket is accented with a mod circle print and trimmed in a silky smooth satin. Sized at 30" x 40", the blanket's plush fabric is perfect for covering baby and keeping them snuggly warm.
8 For a Momma who loves her coffee, Pences has an adorable gift set with a presentation guaranteed to grab a few giggles. Two chocolate colored onesies, with cafe inspired messages, are tucked inside a clear coffee cup complete with a domed lid and a top-knot hat of foam. Enter code: tottrends15 when ordering and purchases will receive a 15% rebate back to your credit card.
Our Favorite Shower Games We have asked around and found our favorite baby shower games. Each game costs very little (if anything) and will have everyone laughing and having a great time. Enjoy!
Measure Mommy: Pass out yarn, string, or toilet paper and have the guests take off the amount they think will fit around mom-to-be’s belly.
The Price is Right: Just like the TV show, purchase several baby items and keep the receipt (you may want to do separate receipts). Leave the items out for the guests to see on a table and have them write down what they think the price of each item may be. The guest closest without going over to the actual price for all items wins.
Guess the Baby Food: Purchase 6-10 jars of baby food, remove the wrappers and then number the jars. Have the guests try to guess the food. Provide lots of plastic spoons and have guests write down their thoughts. The guest who answers the most wins.
Guess the Photo Game: Collect a baby photo from each guest and one of the mother, display them and have the guests try and pick which photo is the mother when she was a baby (be sure to alert guests on the invitation to bring their baby photo).
Baby Bottle Drink-Off: Fill small baby bottles with fruit juice for each guest. The person who finishes the bottle first receives a prize. This is the funniest shower game our staff has played!
Feeding Race Pair guests up in two’s. Put a bib on one person from each team. The other team member stands behind the ‘eater’ and will be their ‘arms’. The person behind feeds the person with the bib from a jar of baby food. Warning…this game will create laughter and a large mess!
The Tray Game Pass out a pen and paper to each guest. Have a tray full of baby items ready for the mom to be to walk around and show each of the guests. Once the guest of honor has walked around and shown each of the guests the tray, have her head to a back room. While the guests have studied the tray and believe they will be asked questions regarding the contents, you will instead ask questions about the mom-to-be (example questions include what top was she wearing, was she wearing earrings, what is her due date, etc).
Showcase: Personalized Nursery Art by Cathy Heck
If you are looking for a perfect one-of-a-kind shower gift for a special baby you know (or almost know), here is a wonderful find. cathyhecknurseryart.com From this easy-to-use website, you can customize beautiful nursery art featuring the classic illustrations of internationally recognized artist, Cathy Heck.
Cathy’s adorable illustrations have been defining baby products for over 20 years. In fact, over two million babies own a Cathy Heck baby book. Now, Cathy is offering art for the nursery based on her most requested collections. Each piece of artwork is printed on heavy canvas using the high-quality giclée method of printing, then wrapped around a solid wood frame.
The personalize-your-own nursery art website is easy to follow and just plain fun. You can spell your baby’s name, choose your favorite characters, pick the best border patterns and finish your canvases with perfect ribbon colors.
An assortment of nursery art without names is also available, as well as beautiful limited edition signed prints. Go to cathyhecknurseryart.com and start your baby’s first art collection with a unique masterpiece.
Tot Trends Weekly readers save an additional 25% off your entire purchase before shipping and handling when you shop at cathyhecknurseryart.com before November 1, 2009. PromoCode: tottrends99
Sunday, September 06, 2009
v 5 issue 8: Black & White
Black and white adapts itself so easily to any occasion. It is simple and elegant as well as fun and full of pizazz.
1 A gorgeous tapestry print exudes elegance with shades of black & white in this infant dress from Kidbodies Versatile in both size and style, top-tie straps allow for adequate length adjustment and the dress promises to look great alone or worn over a black knit top and ruffle pants. Available in sizes6 to 18 months for $48. Enter code: TTWFALL for 10% off your purchases.
2 Visit gap.com to pick up a dress full of retro voguish flair with an affordable pricetag. Clean lines and a zigzag print turn this shift dress into a must have for late summer/early fall. Grab this one before it's too late. Enter code: SAVE for 15% off $75, 20% off $100, or 25% off $150, online only. Offer ends: 9/8/09.
3 An elegant motif and sharp color contrasts create the irresistible pattern of the Midnight Garden Baby Sling. At tot-to-go, cotton/lycra fabric is crafted into uncomplicated one piece designs which easily fit into carrying bags, unlike bulky carriers. Great for hands-free soothing of fussy babies, so you can actually get stuff done! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off regular priced slings thru 09/30/09.
4 The Betsy Clippie Set from Ruby's Closet includes a padded animal print heart with a bow and a clippie with a small black crystal. Available in tan animal prints, camo, and, of course, black & white. All sets only $7.50! Enter code: trends20 for 20% off entire order including shipping!
5 The Hipster is a black & white version of the Mop Top Hat. Full of fluff and fun, these hats put pizazz into the art of keeping warm. Sizes begin @ 0-6 months and go all the way up to 2-5 years. @ zooniwear.com. Enter code: TOTS15 for 15% off thru 9/30/09.
6 Sprout Shell, the place to find chic infant carrier covers, offers a black swirl design for lovers of clever curves and classy color schemes. Elasticized edges hug the corners of almost any carrier to keep babies free of rain, stinging sun, and peeping passers.
7 Stacked full of goodies: zippered and elastic compartments, a detachable fold out changing pad, and a snack bag. Bumble Bags are covered in the exclusive bee quilt and lined in a gorgeous print pattern. Each bag easily converts between a backpack, stroller bag, & messenger bag with it's removable and adjustable straps.
8 The fall/winter line from Kit + Lili is here and Dragonflies and Ladybugs has picked out a few special little numbers for preview. The Lucie Black Peace Sign Dress is the perfect outfit for a modern girl with a sharp eye for fads of the 60s. Peasant sleeves and waves of black and white lend a hand to evoking fashionista styles of yesteryear.
Healthy Eating Tips: Importance of Healthy Eating
- Talk to your child about the health benefits of healthy eating, such as how it promotes a stronger immune system , the less they’re sick the more fun they get to have doing things they enjoy.
-Switch to water or milk only with meals, no sugary drinks while they are eating.
- Show them charts like the food guide pyramid and let them ask questions, they will have questions and they may even notice what parts of the chart they aren't getting enough.
-Make small changes to begin. Less sugary drinks, switch to whole wheat products; add fruits and veggies to every meal.
- Pack a nutritious lunch, snack, and drinks for your child’s school lunch. This way you know just what they are eating.
A few of our favorites:
Snacks: Earth Balance's all-natural, no-stir nut butters are the perfect addition to any lunchbox snack (think celery and apples) as a healthier alternative to traditional peanut butters. These nut butters are infused with flax seed for excellent ALA Omega 3 content and are sweetened with natural agave syrup, a low glycemic sweetener. We absolutely love this product in our house!
Plum Organics Tots Fruity Fingerfuls are great snacks for the little tykes and bigger tykes as well. Try these freeze-dried fruits and whole grain deliciousness for a perfectly balanced snack. Available in strawberry, banana and apple flavors.
Drinks: HINT Water is pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with a hint of natural flavor. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners. My son loves these and I don’t have to worry about sugar highs. Thirteen flavors of deliciousness! Try them all.
Wild Waters is another flavored water choice that we highly recommend. Packed with 7 important vitamins and minerals, 100% natural ingredients with 1/2 the sugar of leading kid’s drinks. No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. Packaged in a convenient made-to-grip sports top package that is perfect for lunch, sports or on the go!
And for one stop shopping for guilt-free snack foods check out this site... Healthysnacksdirect.com. Enter code HGirl20 for 20% off your order thru 9/15/09. Full of many favorites such as Popchips, Pirate's Booty, Luna bars, Gnu bars, and more.
Make school lunches and snacks fun, colorful and earth friendly with these ReUsies. They are 100% cotton lined with leak-resistant nylon and are secured with Velcro® closures. Easy to clean, resists odors and are machine washable. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% discount or use free shipping coupon currently in place.
From fruit bars to salads, healthy lunches can be as diverse and different as our unique children's appetites ...and our imaginations.
Getting Kids to Eat Healthier Foods It can be difficult to get kids to eat healthy foods these days. Healthy foods seem to be their least favorite and they would rather eat candy, cookies, and all the other junk than sink their teeth into some good ole broccoli. It is even harder when society teaches them to eat foods not good for them. These lessons can be learned via television, commercials, school cafeterias, and even family events. So what can you do?
There are ways we can increase the amount of healthy foods our children eat without stressing the whole family; how we cook, how we shop and how we eat. Choose whichever methods work best for your family.
Taste is important. We can add cheese to a lot of foods to make them taste good. Most vegetables would be good with cheese, just melt a bit of cheese and pour it on top of the veggies. You can also add natural sweeteners to foods like raw honey or sucanat (non-refined cane sugar) instead of using refined sugars. There are spices you can add to food too that do not have any MSG or salt in them. You have to read the ingredients carefully, but it will make the food you eat healthy and yummy.
Encourage them to eat fruits, especially their favorites. This isn't usually too difficult to do because they are already sweet and/or sour and these are two tastes kids love. You can switch up the fruits available to them. Get some apples and oranges one week, grapes and pears another week, and plums and peaches another week. By switching it up they are more apt to eat all of the fruits every week. Put them in a big bowl on the kitchen table or counter and make them accessible for snacks.
Another tactic that works is to eat healthy foods yourself. Like it or not we are our kid’s role models and if we want them to behave a certain way, we should behave that way as well. Whether it be foods we eat, things we say or the actions we take, they are going to learn from us. So, make sure you have healthy foods on your plate at meal time, and they see you eating them.
There is a lot to say about how you shop. Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store to get fresh and healthy foods for your family. You might also try shopping a grocery store that offers a natural and organic area to shop for condiments, and boxed foods.
Last but not least check out some new and useful recipes. You can make honey pancakes, put chopped up broccoli in your macaroni and cheese and more. These are additional ways to make foods healthy even when they still taste good. Give it a shot and your kids will be eating healthy in no time.
When expecting a new baby in the family, one of the most important purchases you will make will be the crib. There is a myriad of styles to choose from. How do you narrow it down to just one? Here are ten important considerations to help you make your decision: 
, children strengthen listening skills and their ability to follow directions while playing along with an interactive DVD and included coloring books. Three swimmingly good tales are adapted with a unique randomization feature to provide children with repeated gameplay and unexpected twists and turns while they match, identify, and color. 
Green Tip: 
Toys are among a child's first possessions. They entertain kids, but they also help them learn about the world around them. Early experiences with toys can have lasting effects on a child.
Measure Mommy:
It can be difficult to get kids to eat healthy foods these days. Healthy foods seem to be their least favorite and they would rather eat candy, cookies, and all the other junk than sink their teeth into some good ole broccoli. It is even harder when society teaches them to eat foods not good for them. These lessons can be learned via television, commercials, school cafeterias, and even family events. So what can you do?
