Friday, December 21, 2007

Happy Holidays!


From my family to yours, we wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a memorable New Year! May you have peace and prosperity (and continue reading my blog) throughout next year. And may you not laugh too hard at my two little goofballs and their goofball bed-head.

Incidently, no we do not live in Arizona where this photo was taken. We are in Minnesota with snow. I just liked the look of the desert warmth!

I hope you are almost ready for your holiday festivities to begin. If not, good luck this weekend!

I'm signing off for now. I'll be back after the New Year!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Hop On the Reading Railroad


I've said it before and I'll say it again. A child cannot have enough books - especially in this day and age. I am a huge believer in the power of reading (that is not to say I don't enjoy my TV shows)! Books feed the imagination and our own learning system.

It's not too late to hop down to the nearest Borders, Target, or neighborhood bookstore and find a few of these titles for your little one's holiday gift.

If I Built A Car by Chris Van Dusen
Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
My Book About Me by Dr. Suess
Here is a list of 100 picture books everyone should know and 100 favorite children's books.

This is a good time to introduce you to someone who is very knowledgeable in the arena of how the media affects our kids. His name is Dr. David Walsh from MediaWise. What does this have to do with a posting on books, you ask? The media is taking over our children's ability to read as well as their desire to read. Reading is fundamental, essential, and powerful. In fact, their Television's Effect On Reading And Academic Achievement section shares some eye-opening facts. Here are just a few:
  • American children, ages 2-17, watch television on average almost 25 hours per week or 3 ½ hours a day. Almost one in five watch more than 35 hours of TV each week (Gentile & Walsh, 2002).
  • Children spend more time watching television than any other activity except sleeping.
  • Children achieve more success in early reading skills if they have experience with books and other print media, and were read to as preschoolers.

MediaWise does not bash the use of TV. They acknowledge TV is here to stay and share with us ways to control the use of TV. TV is just one media medium. MediaWise also has a ton of research and information on video games, internet/computer use, and music. You will find amazing, and at times startling, facts and research. However, the site is also filled with great tips and information for parents.

After the holidays, I will share some insights from the website on video games. I think you will find it quite interesting.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

The Amazing Spidey

What boy doesn't love Spider-Man? And what boy doesn't love Nerf products? Roll the two into one and you've got yourself the perfect gift for that little boy on your list. The Hasbro Nerf Spider-Man vs. Venom Dart Tag is a sure winner. It comes complete with 2 vests, 2 cool glasses (or protective eye gear), 2 dart guns, and 12 darts. Don't worry the darts are light and foamy with tips made of rubber (to stick to the oponents vest).

Amazon says: This is Spider-Man Dart Tag, the ultimate showdown between good and evil where you have to strike first! Strap the dart tag blaster onto your wrist like the real Spider-Man and take on arch-villain Venom! Launch darts up to 35 feet away with rapid-fire action. Stick darts on your opponents scoring vest to win!

I can see it now. How many darts do you think will be "accidently" aimed at Mom?

Monday, December 17, 2007

Mouth-Dropping Images


I bought Planet Earth for a couple of family members. It looks fabulous and I can't wait to see it. And yes, it is one of Oprah's favorite things. Though if you care that it is one of Oprah's favorite things, you probably already knew that.

Planet Earth is on sale right now, $59.95 for the regular version and $79.95 for either the HD or Blu-ray version. Plus right now through the 19th you receive free Express Shipping in order to get it in time for Christmas.

I can't think of a single person I know who wouldn't think this is a pretty cool gift. Even if you've traveled the globe, you've never seen action and scenes like this. The DVDs contain 11 episodes and bonus material. You can see amazing shots from Pole to Pole, Deep Ocean, Deserts, Jungles, Seasonal Forests, Caves and more. Be prepared to be glued to the TV set.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Truly One-of-a-Kind


"Think of Children as Snowflakes"
A small snowflake falls to the ground in a huge field. Another snowflake falls beside it. One more comes, and many follow. Each is different, has it's own form and size, but, o, the beauty of each one! There is much mystery in each. We must cherish the sparkle of all of them. They are all unique, special, magnificent.

-- Cynthia R. Sanchez

Don't forget about our Emily Allyn One-of-a-kind Snowflake clothing and sets. We've had these for years and they are a hit each year!

Remember there is free shipping on all orders $20 and more. So easy!

My Kids Don't Need a Nicer Computer Than Me

I sincerely apologize for my absence this last week - especially at a time when you need gift ideas! We purchased a new computer "for the kids". Once we received it, I decided I would have a go at it and give the kids my "old" computer. I'm one who believes my 7 year old and 4 year old don't need a nicer computer than me.

Anyone who has ever purchased another computer knows what it is like to reinstall all your programs/software on to the new computer all over again and then burn your Word, Excel, Powerpoint (whatever) files - not to mention all your music files - to many CDs or flash drives and then reinstall them onto the new computer. Time consuming and quite frankly a huge pain in the butt. But again, my kids don't need a nicer computer than me.

(By the way, if you have a Mac, you can skip this post... unless you would like a good laugh!)

Here is where my amazing find comes in to play. My wish for you this holiday season is that you will benefit from my pain and discovery! Well, I did the entire process of reinstalling my programs on the new computer. However, I did hear about this Easy Transfer Cable. If your "old" computer runs Windows XP and your new computer runs Windows Vista, you are in luck - major luck. This handy dandy cable transfers all your files/documents from Word, Excel, etc., your music, and even your email. Yes, I said email! So, I bought the $40 Easy Transfer Cable and software (from Best Buy). I transferred all my files only to find out that there was some bug with my Outlook and I had error messages (on the new computer).

For two days, I tried everything I could think of and every sane thing I could find on Google to fix the problem. I think I can now apply for a job with the Geek Squad. I can't tell you how many times I uninstalled and reinstalled my Office software. I can't tell you how many file paths I followed and deleted this and that. I even went into the registry keys (a no, no for novices, but remember I think I could apply for a job with the Geek Squad at this point). Tedious proceedures. Then just as I thought I had it all figured out and I was going to try transferring my Outlook files using the Easy Transfer Cable for the last time, the cable just stopped working. Typical, right? Try telling this to me at midnight. You could say I was about to go crazy. But again, my kids don't need a nicer computer than me.

Once again, to Google I go for answers on why this Easy Transfer Cable simply stopped working. In my research, I find something called the Easy Transfer Companion. Hold onto your socks people, here comes my amazing find. The Easy Transfer Companion transfers/copies your programs. Your Office suite, your Adobe products, etc. (There are a few things it won't transfer, like your Internet Security, things you have a paid subscription for.) In conjunction with the Easy Transfer Cable, these two devices can save you literally hours, if not days, of transferring/copying programs, files, music, and email from one computer to the other. Remember I had already reinstalled all of my programs, so I was only able to use this feature for Office. So, I hope my discovery is your gain. It worked. Slick.

And that my friends, is what I've been doing for a week. Not to mention a little (very little) Christmas shopping. Boring, I know, but I tackled it and figured it out.

The story does go on.
I was so proud for figuring this out all by myself. Once I uninstalled the Easy Transfer Cable software and reinstalled it, that worked just fine. However, a couple hours later I contacted Norton to install my paid subscription for internet security on to the new computer. I won't bore you with the details, but holy man, I still don't have it all fixed. More problems, but not major.

So, I ask you? Should I really have gotten on my high horse and insisted that my kids don't really need a better computer than me?

YES! Even after all that. I'm sticking to it.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

For the Musically Inclined

Many people have an ear for music. I am not one of them. I love music, but I literally faked my way through playing the french horn in 7th grade band class (at least I thought I did, I'm sure the teacher knew I had no idea what I was doing).

However, start your child young and he/she may become the next Madonna, Mick Jagger, Josh Groban, or Hannah Montana. Back to Basics Toys has a slew of instruments to get your little one started down the path of stardom.

Hohner Guitar - Classic Style and Sound in a Junior Size. Ages 3+. $40 plus optional accessories.
1 Man Band Guitar or the Red Electric Guitar - for the older kids, ages 8+, who want to jam-out. $119 and $99 respectively.

Electric Microphone - little Vanessa, future star of stage and screen, will need one of these. It even comes with a foot pedal to play applause or cheering. A little confidence booster, as if she needs one. Ages 3+. $26.
Karoke - It states the age is for kids 4+. But we all know you will be buying this gift for yourself to play at those wild and crazy dance parties you hold "after hours". And it's MP3 compatible. The party crowd kindly requests that you not play your Tiffany tracks from the 80's. $160.

Baby Grand Piano - the piano is always a good starter, especially when it is an award winner and comes in 3 colors. Ages 3+. $140. (Pictured above.)
Piano Wizard - if you enjoy the more techie side to instruments, buy this keyboard and innovative teaching software. It plugs into your MAC or PC and is also an award winner. Ages 3+. $170.

Drum Set - if you have a soundproof garage or basement, go for it. Every little boy will go nuts. Ages 5+. $160.

Trumpet, Clarinet, Saxophone - hey why not grab all three and form your own Brady Bunch band? Ages 3+. $15 each.

Believe it or not, there is actually a ton more to choose from!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Swashbucklin' Fun

Do you have a little one who would do anything to be Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean? Here are a few things to help start him on his way. We just ask that you don't let him get too far into character and stop brushing his teeth.

From Chasing Fireflies, you can find a slew of treasures. Starting with the Venture Pirate Ship. "Imaginations will set sail for high adventures aboard this spectacular pirate ship." $139.

Nothing says pirate like French words. I don't get it either, but the Pirates Mess Kit would suit any little Pirate-want-to-be. It is a dish set with funny characters and French words. Go figure, but it works! $30.

For a little older Pirate-in-training, he should carry the Pirateology book with him at all times. You never know when Jack Sparrow will appear with a test in hand. $20.

For the pirate and dog lover, there is the pirate dog tee. $46.

And for the guy who just loves the skull and crossbones look there are these fun Tossed Skulls Rainboots, a watch cap, and a ghostly skull tee. $34, $20, $30 respectively.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Project Runway

Now you can hold your very own Project Runway competition with the Designed By You Fashion Studio. (Just don't expect Heidi Klum to show up.) Creative Kidstuff sells this hot-ticket item. The studio features 30 plus pieces, including a velvet mannequin, 4 bolts of fabric, faux fur, sketch book, fabric swatches, satin dress, garment bag and hanger, decorative trims and sewing essentials and accessories.

Creative Kidstuff also extended their 25% off coupon - bonus! You can use the coupon code 25FCAT through December 9th. Fine print: When ordering online enter the promo code in the second box on the billing page labeled "Percentage Off 1 Item Coupon". Your order confirmation page will not reflect the discounted amount, we will adjust your total to reflect the discount when we process your order. You will see the coupon code in the creativekidstuff store coupon line on your confirmation email.

There is another bonus when ordering online now through December 10th. You can receive free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Use coupon code fs121007 in the first coupon code box on the billing information page to receive free delivery.


You would think I have some affiliation with the store because I link to them so often, but really I don't. I just believe in their philosophy and know first-hand what fabulous products they carry.