tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34367944844429503502024-03-18T19:55:55.089-07:00Munchkin MayhemTrying to Make Sense of it All - Baby gear, Kid fun & MoreDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-53013715387480623512015-07-06T09:37:00.003-07:002015-07-06T09:37:41.490-07:00Breakfast Smoothie Kids Will Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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We're back! I have been away for a while, but I have plenty of fun posts planned for summer.</div>
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My four year old saw a smoothie at a restaurant one day, and was immediately hooked. My blender had been sitting in the cabinet for the past four years, but I took it out the next morning, and we have been making smoothies every day since! It took a few days to find a good recipe that gave a good consistency, but we have settled on the recipe below which everyone loves. I am so happy that they are getting some nutrition at breakfast time, and I love that I can hide things in the smoothie like flax seeds and probiotics.<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggREaQRNyD2_rKjjEDEUks4GJ-QDTA-UH0mv0jyCVqHs2e1YTMBo7BgUB9BRrgad0xhNKt_Wlg2hCQlvzECu8FAbQMFJ363F-j8SpdLML9wuYXDYRjTo5WWpYaHwk2CwEIL4YQDbAVzSq1/s400/blogger-image-1099877690.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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Here is our go to recipe:</div>
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<li>1 cup of skim or 2% milk</li>
<li>3-4 ice cubes</li>
<li>4-5 strawberries</li>
<li>Half a banana </li>
<li>Handful of frozen mango and/or <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">peaches</span></li>
<li>Small handful of frozen blueberries</li>
<li>2-3 spoonfuls of canned pineapple tidbits </li>
<li>Sprinkle of flax seeds on top</li>
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On my KitchenAid blender, I use the crush ice feature for 20-30 seconds, followed by the puree setting, and then finally the liquify setting for a minute or two.<br />
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I have substituted other random fruits when we were running low, and the smoothie still tastes delicious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoothie Time!</td></tr>
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We love starting our mornings with smoothies! What's your favorite smoothie recipe?</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-23113198620332550272015-01-29T10:08:00.002-08:002015-01-29T10:08:37.276-08:00Great Toys for Little Engineers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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" 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In this post, I will talk about some amazing toys for kids who love to think, build, and create. We have been struggling with boredom at home with our newly 4 year old. With the cold winter upon us, I was looking to add a few toys to the playroom that would hopefully engage my son, and let him build and create to his hearts content. The list below includes some old favorites, along with some fantastic new additions:<br />
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<b>Puzzles</b><br />
Both of the kids LOVE puzzles. Sometimes my 4 year old likes to work on his own, and other times, he wants the whole family to help. The cardboard floor puzzles are definitely the favorites at the moment. I love the Melissa and Doug puzzles, and the Crocodile Creek brand also has some unique and fantastic puzzles.<br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpUCc1B3rGB5UDv93OpObajP_R6H9Wj_26xtZh2uiLMjvLhYhM" /><br />
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<b>MagnaTiles</b><br />
<b> </b>You can read my previous review on MagnaTiles <a href="http://www.munchkinmayhem.com/2014_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a>. These are still a huge favorite with both my boys. Two year old Baby E is very into the tiles now, and my older son constantly comes back to them with new ideas and ways to use the pieces. I love that they really grow with the child, and each child can find something creative to do that matches his development.<br />
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<img 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" 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<b>Magformers</b><br />
I really thought that these would be redundant since we already had MagnaTiles. Around the holidays however, there was a sale that was just too great to pass up. We got a 62 piece set to start off, and I have been thrilled with them. Magformers allow the kids to build different types of structures, and my older son has really enjoyed playing with them. Magformers have much stronger magnets, and my son really enjoys that he can pick up and work on his 3D creations.<br />
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<b>Clics</b><br />
<b> </b>Clics are much more affordable than any of the magnetic toys, but are great for endless hours of building and constructing. These are a little bit harder to manipulate, and my 4 year old definitely still needs help when building with these. It's a great quiet activity though, and I can see the clics having great play value even as the kids get older.<br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgFpGibwqp1pg4yRN69CzbVoFvEuDS8bWlJeUVMHtYSV1g3Ctg" /></div>
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<b>Lego</b><br />
<b> </b> I felt that I could not have a list like this without Lego. My kids have never really been into legos, but they would definitely be on my list of toys to try if your kids love to build and create.<br />
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What are your kids favorite building toys? </div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-66306776541398150412014-11-26T14:44:00.001-08:002014-11-26T14:44:06.387-08:00Hand Print Turkey Puppets!I have always wanted to try this Thanksgiving project, and this afternoon was the perfect opportunity. I used an image from Google Images as my starting point:<br />
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<img height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJEkE8DSSoJqFci8pDCyBt_dF-4ahyA-S2RORYl6wz60103rBulohZZ8Zc" width="158" /><br />
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These were the materials we used:<br />
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<ul>
<li>brown and pink construction paper</li>
<li>glue sticks</li>
<li>hot glue or regular glue</li>
<li>popsicle sticks </li>
<li>crayons</li>
<li>laminator and laminating sheets (optional)</li>
</ul>
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I was too distracted to take pictures during the actual process of making these, but I have some of the finished product. It was a really simple activity that even Baby E (newly two) really enjoyed. I traced each child's hand on a piece of brown construction paper. They colored the hand prints, and then I cut them out. I cut out little pink construction paper feet, and the kids glued them on with glue sticks. Next was the kids favorite part - laminating! We laminated the Turkeys, and then glued them onto large popsicle sticks. The hardest part was waiting for the glue to dry!<br />
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Here is the finished Turkey puppet:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77KssE2ffNFj9G9C1NHe1mTRKjZFzswiEPUCIeEzlrBhPIBvaNBKC7vN2Pad41kyHfpqcmrVmCf0EvcBhzVyBOT_UEOLrJh1BNTFaivgMgf_5d6rebIFgF_nuTSqaBA6vaM5DlFy6MaYk/s640/blogger-image-458158085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77KssE2ffNFj9G9C1NHe1mTRKjZFzswiEPUCIeEzlrBhPIBvaNBKC7vN2Pad41kyHfpqcmrVmCf0EvcBhzVyBOT_UEOLrJh1BNTFaivgMgf_5d6rebIFgF_nuTSqaBA6vaM5DlFy6MaYk/s400/blogger-image-458158085.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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You could also make these into cute cards or centerpieces.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-10911158310085009862014-11-13T10:20:00.000-08:002014-11-13T10:20:34.599-08:00Review: KidKraft Aspen Table and Chair SetIt's review time! The boys both have birthdays coming up, and with the holidays around the corner, I hope to be reviewing some awesome gear in the next few months. First up is the Aspen table and chair set from KidKraft. Baby E turns two this week! He has recently decided that he will no longer sit in any kind of booster seat or high chair, but will happily eat at a regular kids sized table. I wanted to upgrade our secondhand plastic set to a nice wooden set that will hopefully last a long time. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Baby E has eaten his last few meals at our brand new KidKraft table.<br />
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I decided to go with the natural finish, because it fits our kitchen better. The table was extremely easy to assemble, and I was able to put it all together in about half an hour. The directions were clear and easy to follow, and everything fit together as it should. The table feels really solid when built, and I was impressed with the quality of the wood. The finish is beautiful, and so far cleans up easily. The table does slide around a bit on the vinyl tile, so I plan to look for some type of non slip material to put on the legs.<br />
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The table is the perfect height for the 2-4 year old set. Baby E is average height, and his feet do not quite reach the floor when sitting. He fits well at the table now, and definitely has some space to grow into it. My 3.5 year old can also sit comfortably at the table, but I would imagine this table would be on the smaller side for a 4-5 year old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlCLSGLbkXkcJnuj9vzb-whFKvFE1r7RYJLncLc5UZhaVSjwqrgfHrTyOVBxbtH4e2ihqOGDl3YMPxawnoArDVvor6IAHa7jMR6gGgoZrHAcxwM-qAbMlc7eynsvXwd4Fun0LWfrrjhzR/s640/blogger-image--1526784895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlCLSGLbkXkcJnuj9vzb-whFKvFE1r7RYJLncLc5UZhaVSjwqrgfHrTyOVBxbtH4e2ihqOGDl3YMPxawnoArDVvor6IAHa7jMR6gGgoZrHAcxwM-qAbMlc7eynsvXwd4Fun0LWfrrjhzR/s640/blogger-image--1526784895.jpg" /></a></div>
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Overall, I love the table, and don't see any major drawbacks. It would be a great addition to any family kitchen or playroom. The surface is also great for puzzles, crafts, building, and all the other fun things the little ones enjoy!</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-10060009889029722192014-10-29T16:40:00.002-07:002014-10-29T16:41:18.755-07:00We love Fall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs0gLEYbJZxXhmTm66sJTt28tXc-IOHgMZHhXRJEZgyYXcKyF3EYRi5HuPvjVmxcvvamLNtG288a5j-QZe8PxKkyvKmx1mNL27JbAVUYbh4HfWHQnQC71or54h-FnLnE1R99xLusPQIeS/s640/blogger-image-1179342549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs0gLEYbJZxXhmTm66sJTt28tXc-IOHgMZHhXRJEZgyYXcKyF3EYRi5HuPvjVmxcvvamLNtG288a5j-QZe8PxKkyvKmx1mNL27JbAVUYbh4HfWHQnQC71or54h-FnLnE1R99xLusPQIeS/s640/blogger-image-1179342549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2bztGhoe_AjxWREpW2jSNewNzJSutvY2XpERnkVDmzH7x16hm9Va4RTkxH1cvmNDw0Zl4O6BZ29nrYPnUozRq-hj3a9OKukRWbNjn0PGGU4Tv4KUcHuxgX3wIuP6gk33u9GENjnVJXjt/s640/blogger-image-231458524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Fall is such an amazing time to be a little kid. Baby E especially is mesmerized by all the leaves, and must stop to look at each. and. every. leaf when we go on walks. There are so many fun things to do with leaves, and a lot of great learning often happens along the way. Here are a few of my favorite things to do with leaves:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2bztGhoe_AjxWREpW2jSNewNzJSutvY2XpERnkVDmzH7x16hm9Va4RTkxH1cvmNDw0Zl4O6BZ29nrYPnUozRq-hj3a9OKukRWbNjn0PGGU4Tv4KUcHuxgX3wIuP6gk33u9GENjnVJXjt/s640/blogger-image-231458524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs0gLEYbJZxXhmTm66sJTt28tXc-IOHgMZHhXRJEZgyYXcKyF3EYRi5HuPvjVmxcvvamLNtG288a5j-QZe8PxKkyvKmx1mNL27JbAVUYbh4HfWHQnQC71or54h-FnLnE1R99xLusPQIeS/s320/blogger-image-1179342549.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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<b>Talk About Them</b><br />
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We love to talk about all the colors of the leaves, why they are falling off, and what happens in Fall and Winter. Big brother A is almost 4, and he loves looking at the different types of leaves and trees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdBE7f-QOOx12dbgevBzmqZmnNa9372Rl3eI238E9Fc0xYNAyoozrrhtlkzNgHlHNSXdX6Q8b7Xwi5p8q9o0pG7uATkj56mg2_4C4AVEGJaSP3RLZQdbVlvInrOk7s7g6_yCZ7XY91AFT/s640/blogger-image-1052605776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdBE7f-QOOx12dbgevBzmqZmnNa9372Rl3eI238E9Fc0xYNAyoozrrhtlkzNgHlHNSXdX6Q8b7Xwi5p8q9o0pG7uATkj56mg2_4C4AVEGJaSP3RLZQdbVlvInrOk7s7g6_yCZ7XY91AFT/s320/blogger-image-1052605776.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>Crunch, Jump, and Throw</b><br />
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Jumping and crunching in the leaves is pretty much a dream come true for most kids. It is a great sensory experience, and it is one of the only times Baby E is allowed to throw things to his hearts content. He can stand for a long time jumping in the leaves and throwing them in the air.<br />
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<b>Arts and crafts</b><br />
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Whenever we are outside, my kids collect leaves to bring inside. Most of the time, I throw these out when no one is looking, but I have saved a few for crafts. My kids like gluing the leaves, and decorating them with random art supplies. I am also hoping to experiment with laminating some leaves so we can use them for other things. These <a href="http://thisreadingmama.com/making-leaf-place-mats/" target="_blank">leaf place mats</a> look like an awesome activity!<br />
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What are your favorite Fall activities?<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-88492312334692876282014-08-01T09:35:00.001-07:002014-08-14T17:17:52.961-07:00Summer of Fun: A Day in the Life of Camp Mommy!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dEdjHOSizq8FUBIk5uPfIcEmdiuMdl2Sg0-n-PmD0JFSNSb-5xT-W7k1suoaG9v0eV-xFKAEIdcImIjqeLQTmbIxH4N012JK7xgMMmbD_cZdR7drwZcSrscE1-tM6r47IhRUuieLEOl4/s640/blogger-image-313766766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dEdjHOSizq8FUBIk5uPfIcEmdiuMdl2Sg0-n-PmD0JFSNSb-5xT-W7k1suoaG9v0eV-xFKAEIdcImIjqeLQTmbIxH4N012JK7xgMMmbD_cZdR7drwZcSrscE1-tM6r47IhRUuieLEOl4/s400/blogger-image-313766766.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at the Zoo!</td></tr>
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I was a little nervous about having both kids home full time this summer. I had gotten used to A going to pre-school three days a week, and I knew it would be an adjustment for the summer. Now that we are more than half-way through the summer, I can say that I am very happy with how things are turning out. The truth is that I am exhausted. Period. But it is a good kind of tired. We have been having so much fun! With no school drop off or pick-up to worry about, and extremely poor napping habits from Baby E, (not for lack of trying) we have larger blocks of time to fill, which allows us to explore activities we haven't gotten to do as much in the past.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IEYQRa5VK9f4Fpy3VAZLU8HG-DukEgvqBxGVrPfBwNu81gxCs2yMKSFJ6RksMZpHLizN7tx6NbhNjaKFm05A7KQxDMCRErDdkSJtSBkzWvHwdTHBecHAFX3XWDzsY0vaDAs_JnCe1-om/s640/blogger-image--1340092476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IEYQRa5VK9f4Fpy3VAZLU8HG-DukEgvqBxGVrPfBwNu81gxCs2yMKSFJ6RksMZpHLizN7tx6NbhNjaKFm05A7KQxDMCRErDdkSJtSBkzWvHwdTHBecHAFX3XWDzsY0vaDAs_JnCe1-om/s400/blogger-image--1340092476.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supermarket adventures...</td></tr>
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In the mornings we usually have a short outing to the grocery store, library, or other indoor location.The kids are very early risers, and not interested in lazing around in the morning (as much as I try to convince them). They are usually dressed and itching to get out by 830 or 9am. We are usually home by 11am for some lunch, playtime, and "nap" time. Baby E (already 20 months!) usually sleeps for a short time, while A just has quiet play time. By 1:30, we are usually ready to head out for the afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55FmKdpI4SVOXydrREkXlkNGRkF1Sz9xbHPltDOzGekVr7f-Fd55U5A1x1Jt5KOlEsmZ7-cszAM4-jqXgfnQy2F465jtq-GKS0HW-K2pLfltlRyRximEgRFS38SxWuJ2l8r-OamyeSI1Q/s640/blogger-image-158976187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55FmKdpI4SVOXydrREkXlkNGRkF1Sz9xbHPltDOzGekVr7f-Fd55U5A1x1Jt5KOlEsmZ7-cszAM4-jqXgfnQy2F465jtq-GKS0HW-K2pLfltlRyRximEgRFS38SxWuJ2l8r-OamyeSI1Q/s400/blogger-image-158976187.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with sand at home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy0-SpAf0Bb5ekQnYESHwVNz994ANSZhlinloPNE2ZU3SAmoVknP79QcdUjVJNaM0EGpz9dPlQ_by09UDPwEcA9soCpkYti_Q_gLiMps0aj7Qhc0uYDEid3bF7kAdUrvMioT7oV-gh54b/s640/blogger-image--1612238156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy0-SpAf0Bb5ekQnYESHwVNz994ANSZhlinloPNE2ZU3SAmoVknP79QcdUjVJNaM0EGpz9dPlQ_by09UDPwEcA9soCpkYti_Q_gLiMps0aj7Qhc0uYDEid3bF7kAdUrvMioT7oV-gh54b/s400/blogger-image--1612238156.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock painting!</td></tr>
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We have spent our afternoons exploring new parks, visiting the zoo, and having a blast at the local children's museum thanks to an awesome LivingSocial deal. Thankfully, the summer weather has been pretty mild. No one in this family does well in the heat, so I have really been thankful for any cooler days that we have. By 4pm, the kids are melting down, and we head home for...Ices! I'm not sure how I will break this habit at the end of summer, but for now I am enjoying the few minutes of peace and quiet I get while the kids are both happy with their cool treats!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yumm! Or as Baby E says "mummy!"</td></tr>
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What do your summer days look like?<br />
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-17055440059675850452014-06-16T09:26:00.001-07:002014-06-16T09:26:51.370-07:00End of Year Gift for Pre-School TeachersA was in Preschool this past year for three days a week. We had a great experience, and I wanted to find a cute but inexpensive way to acknowledge all the teachers and staff who worked with him.<br />
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I ultimately decided just to have A make cards for the teachers, and then I packaged them nicely with a chocolate bar. I'm happy with how it turned out, and it was all done for under $15.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H2VYyZcnXVu4TFu1SpcvxU-hfwF269QuxSf9cnUceMhEetFibBp3L4MR5DwndL0gSeF-p2dhKLEqp4XqSj0wF_BRg3pNl1lF8crFF_OG1cBE1YxL7OTS8uaLZcr2JcvTa9FAZJVWFEb4/s640/blogger-image--29356574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H2VYyZcnXVu4TFu1SpcvxU-hfwF269QuxSf9cnUceMhEetFibBp3L4MR5DwndL0gSeF-p2dhKLEqp4XqSj0wF_BRg3pNl1lF8crFF_OG1cBE1YxL7OTS8uaLZcr2JcvTa9FAZJVWFEb4/s400/blogger-image--29356574.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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For the cards, I let A go to town with his art supplies on a few pieces of construction paper. I picked two of the pages, and cut them in half, which gave me a half-sheet to use for each card. I typed up a short message, and had A glue them inside the cards. I laminated them as an extra step, just to make them a little bit nicer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38XQxaEFJahcnxFrqDV9hVIcO7ksVZ2oEItvgk9SBxFWkebLxRGuliHEDG2WoVbykgxlMpV-K4tdJkr_XOV47gfqvhZTRpyLS857_79SZF1NYw-wpnNNMVP7jygYjkejPG4IH72tlfWl7/s1600/gift.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38XQxaEFJahcnxFrqDV9hVIcO7ksVZ2oEItvgk9SBxFWkebLxRGuliHEDG2WoVbykgxlMpV-K4tdJkr_XOV47gfqvhZTRpyLS857_79SZF1NYw-wpnNNMVP7jygYjkejPG4IH72tlfWl7/s1600/gift.png" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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I stuck them in cute bags with the large chocolate bars, and that was it!<br />
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How are you planning to thank your child's teachers?</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-12416064759794290922014-04-10T16:45:00.002-07:002014-04-10T16:46:24.449-07:00A Blanket is Not Just a Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnT2VU6Rbm_tOfUJ5ek6xc13LU47ILU2Cs1voQvKr6GeZXyAoickWCPdDFehLKF5xJn0VnDcaUSkoaEKu-_NyCKUPqvmoyOMEg2yknipK1eYckrzxla4mz5xiO8FsgOW2HL9fE0thXAgoZ/s640/blogger-image--1396521182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYIpw3Ic4CXav_rFZqCHOrdTf8m8quRyy0D1aoJ8izGLWX-wZYxpAEF29FHnDYigfEFzhXs8c_GVIChk3qiUrwc5fvAXc7At3INZD7RGjSyEX9pFCvejVYv-pJRZWG0q1lJup9RxLpo9I/s640/blogger-image--1835334287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYIpw3Ic4CXav_rFZqCHOrdTf8m8quRyy0D1aoJ8izGLWX-wZYxpAEF29FHnDYigfEFzhXs8c_GVIChk3qiUrwc5fvAXc7At3INZD7RGjSyEX9pFCvejVYv-pJRZWG0q1lJup9RxLpo9I/s400/blogger-image--1835334287.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Any parent of a baby or toddler knows that often a blanket is not just a blanket. Both of my kids have lovies that they are extremely attached to. Baby E loves nothing more than snuggling his blankie (AKA nay-nay). He even insists on dragging it through the mud with him as he crawls around outside. Big Brother is attached to a tiny striped washcloth from Babies R Us, that they obviously don't make anymore. Most of the time, I am extremely thankful that each one has an object that brings so much calm and comfort. These small items have helped my kids through many travels, tantrums, and other dramatic events in the lives of babies and toddlers.<br />
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The one bad thing about lovies, is that there is only one. There is no other Blankie for Baby E when he throws up all over it in the middle of the night. And there is no replacement washcloth for Big Brother when he loses it on his way to board an airplane (only to be returned by a kind stranger who we are forever grateful to). My older one understands that his lovy stays in the house unless we are taking a long car or plane trip. But Baby E is too little to understand, and I am too tired to get him used to that idea right now. So Blankie comes everywhere, and that's why you may see me walking in circles around the neighborhood looking for the blankie which he dropped out of the stroller. I think I need to cut it in half, so I can stop having nightmares about losing it.<br />
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But all in all, I think the pros of having a security doll/blanket outweigh all these cons.<br />
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What is your infant or toddler attached to? </div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-46202347104161636372014-03-18T15:40:00.001-07:002014-03-18T15:41:56.033-07:00Salad in a Jar!<div>
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On Purim, it is customary to give friends and family baskets of food. I wanted to do something easy and healthy, so I decided to layer salad ingredients in pint size <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008586UJO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B008586UJO&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">mason jars</a>. I used lettuce, carrot slices, canned corn, red peppers, and croutons. It was very quick and easy to assemble and it looked pretty too! I tied each jar with some colorful ribbon, and attached the cards that my toddler helped make.<br />
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For the cards, I asked my 3 year old to paint a couple pieces of paper. He decided to use dot paints, and went to town painting the sheets of paper. I printed the text for our card, cut them up, and glued onto the painted pages. The text of the note was very short, so I was able to fit 10 copies on each piece of paper that had been painted. I then cut them out again, and laminated. It was a lot of fun, and my son loved participating!</div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-82057868733794181062014-02-25T15:18:00.001-08:002014-02-25T15:18:53.676-08:00Top Toys: 15 monthsBaby E's favorite activity is anything that involves mess making and destruction. At 15 months, his only consistent word is "boom" which he repeats throughout the day as he knocks down block towers, clears out bookshelves, and destroys whatever his older brother is attempting to play with.<br />
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Here is our list of top toys at age 15 months:<br />
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<b>Wooden Blocks: </b>We have an ABC colorful set from Target, and it gets played with multiple times a day. The blocks have held up very well and are the perfect size. Sadly, it looks like Target doesn't have these anymore. <br />
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<b>Books: </b>Believe it or not, Baby E also loves books. His favorites are the Elmo's World: First Flap Book Set, and he can spend a while looking at a bunch of different books when he feels like having some quiet time.<br />
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<img alt="Elmo's World: First Flap-Book Library Book" src="http://static.musictoday.com/store/bands/2117/product_large/6EAM0240.JPG" height="320" width="320" /><br />
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<b>Bucket of Toys: </b>He is pretty content to sit with a bucket of items that can be taken out, and then put back in. His favorite right now is a bucket of plastic animals. He likes to empty it out, fill it up, pour it into another bucket etc. This basically works with any small toys that are not choking hazards like little people, play food, and other similar items.<br />
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<b>Nesting Blocks: </b>I bought cardboard nesting blocks on a whim at a consignment sale, and I'm so happy I did! Baby E heads for these first in the morning, and is constantly bringing us the blocks and asking to go "boom". He is starting to stack them on his own as well. I love that these are so lightweight; they are very easy to build with, and haven't injured anyone when being knocked down. An added bonus is that our toddler loves working on his counting skills with these blocks. We have an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FND36O/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B001FND36O&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Eeboo set</a> like the one shown below.<br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618DWLozEvL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /><br />
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<b>Step2 Push Car: </b>Baby E could ride around in<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IZEM/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00000IZEM&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank"> this car</a> all day. During the witching hour at the end of the day, this is sometimes the only activity that will keep him somewhat content. Whenever we go down to the basement, we better be ready to push him around the room until he decides he has had enough. I reviewed this car in another post which you can find <a href="http://www.munchkinmayhem.com/2013/10/review-step2-push-around-buggy.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nEvbyQBlL.jpg" height="320" width="304" /><br />
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<b>MagnaTiles: </b>While I wouldn't buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CBSNRY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000CBSNRY&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">magnatiles</a> specifically for a 15 month old, I have to mention them because Baby E loves them. They are great for fill and dump activities, and Baby E also loves to stack them, and look through the different colored tiles. <b> </b><br />
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What is your 15 month old playing with?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This post contains affiliate links</span><br />
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-46515732304895194972014-02-13T12:28:00.003-08:002014-02-13T12:30:00.310-08:00Counting Fun and paper Chains!<div>
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We are snowed in today. Being snowed in with little kids can be an interesting adventure. The 3 year old has been keeping himself pretty busy, but Baby E does not like being cooped up inside.<br />
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Making paper chains is a great way to pass the time and have some fun. All you need is paper, scissors, and glue.<br />
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There are lots of ways to incorporate counting into this activity. We counted out our pieces of construction paper, we counted as we held our edges together for 10 seconds after gluing, and we counted the rings on our chains!<br />
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What toddler or pre-schooler doesn't enjoy the opportunity to cut (with mommy's help) and glue to his heart's content?<br />
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Now onto the next activity!<br />
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-48356122587550730702014-02-01T17:33:00.001-08:002014-02-01T17:33:27.252-08:003rd Birthday Blondies!<br />
<img src="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/temp-29413/98333-blondie-mix.png" height="320" width="237" /><br />
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I originally had grand plans for Munchkin's 3rd birthday party. Eventually I realized that all he really wanted was to sing happy birthday and eat cake, so that's what we did. When I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, I got lots of answers including: "a square cake", "an ABC cake", "a chocolate chip cake", and "a mickey cake". The only detail he was really consistent about, was that he did not want any frosting.<br />
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I have been eyeing some cake mixes at Trader Joes, so I decided to try to the chocolate chip blondie mix. I liked that it has all natural ingredients, and that it does most of the work for me! I decided to use applesauce instead of butter, and it still came out great.<br />
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Here's what you need:<br />
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1 box of TJ blondie mix<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup of applesauce<br />
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Pour into an 8x8 and bake at 350 for 28-30 minutes.<br />
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Happy 3rd Birthday!<br />
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-44365365236302156342014-01-15T10:35:00.000-08:002014-01-15T10:35:42.817-08:00Review: Magna-Tiles!<img height="269" src="http://d1jqecz1iy566e.cloudfront.net/large/mag003.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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I am really excited about this review! I first heard about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CBSNRY/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000CBSNRY&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Magna-Tiles</a> last year, when Munchkin was still too young for them. Now that he is approaching three, I thought they would make an awesome (early) birthday present. He started building with the magna-tiles as soon as he got them, (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!) and has played with them every day since. The tiles are little different than I expected, but they are amazing nonetheless!<br />
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We got the 100-piece set, and I think that was definitely the right decision. I don't think 32 pieces would be enough. The tiles are much bigger than I imagined, which makes it easy for little hands to build with them. There is a nice variety of shapes - large base plates, smaller squares, and three different types of triangles. </div>
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Munchkin has mostly been stacking the tiles and making flat designs, but he has also started to experiment with 3D shapes. In a few short days he has become much better at building and thinking of designs he wants to make. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby E getting in on the fun</td></tr>
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It is extremely easy to manipulate the shapes, but there is definitely a learning curve as well. The structures built with magna-tiles are pretty delicate, and my toddler has been frustrated a few times about not being able to get something to stay the way he wants it. But I love that he is engaged and challenged while playing. There are endless possibilities, and I am definitely enjoying building as well! I can see these being well loved, but only time will tell if the magna-tiles will have longevity in this house. </div>
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I am storing our magna-tiles in a plain old sterilite container, and they are a breeze to clean up! <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This post contains affiliate links </span></div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-46431279743998240162013-12-23T17:10:00.000-08:002013-12-23T17:19:08.691-08:00Playing Pretend in the Kitchen!Our toy kitchen has been getting a lot of love lately. I have recently added some accessories and revamped our storage, to make it a more inviting space for Munchkin to play.<br />
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We have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TO4YYC/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B003TO4YYC&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Kidkraft Suite Elite</a> kitchen which I like a lot. Our toy kitchen is in our living room, and I love how this set looks. It's very kid friendly, but not too obtrusive. We got a deal on this kitchen last holiday season, and it came with a set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NVPD64/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B003NVPD64&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">pots and pans</a> from Step2 which are great! These pots and pans have been a favorite for a very long time even when the kitchen itself was ignored. </div>
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I recently purchased a set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KE5GPS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B002KE5GPS&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">dishes and silverware</a> from Green Toys after he started taking silverware from the kitchen for his pretend play. We have some wooden food from Melissa and Doug, but it is very heavy and also kind of dangerous with Baby E around. I am looking for some plastic food to add to our collection, and we also have a shopping basket with cardboard food by Melissa and Doug. (The food in the basket is great, but the basket itself is also very heavy). </div>
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I bought a cheap set of drawers at Target to organize everything, and laminated some picture cards so the little ones who play can easily see where things go. The kitchen also has some good space for storage, but I find that the drawers keep things neater. </div>
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I love how there are so many opportunities for imaginative play in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless! Right now, Munchkin enjoys making soup and setting the table with his play dishes. He also loves "feeding" Baby E his creations! Some easy and cheap additions to his kitchen include regular sponges, a set of measuring cups, and a tinfoil muffin pan that he loves to play with.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This post contains affiliate links </span></div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-36209524563586823132013-12-12T10:07:00.004-08:002013-12-12T10:08:13.876-08:00Review: Conair Sound Therapy Clock Radio If I had to choose only one item to buy after having a child, I would be very tempted to choose this <a href="http://conair%20su7%20sound%20therapy%20and%20relaxation%20clock%20radio/" target="_blank">Conair sound machine</a>.<br />
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White noise has proven invaluable to the sleep of both my kids, and therefore to my sanity as well. Munchkin showed a love for white noise right away. As a newborn, he was soothed by the ocean sounds that came with his bassinet. Later, we accidentally discovered one night that he slept way better listening to the static from a broken baby monitor. We quickly looked for a noise machine to purchase, and this one from Conair was the one we could get the fastest.<br />
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I have been really happy with this sound machine, and it has served our needs well. The noise is a very artificial sound, it does not sound like a fan at all. It sounds like loud static that plays on a loop. It has great volume controls ranging anywhere from very quiet to extremely loud. Most importantly, it does a great job of masking sounds outside the room. With the door closed and the sounds machine playing at a medium volume, you really cannot hear much if anything going on outside the room. (aside from blaring music, construction, or other heinously loud things that should never be allowed to happen when babies are trying to sleep)<br />
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Some other features of the sound machine include 9 other sounds such as heartbeat and thunderstorm. It also has a great illuminated clock that works great as a small light in the room. As a bonus, now that Munchkin is learning his numbers, he knows that he needs to stay in bed until the first number on the clock says 7. This works most of the time...<br />
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That being said, I don't think the sound machine is made amazingly well. We have had to replace them once, and we learned that these sound machines can't survive an airplane ride for whatever reason. Sometimes after being unplugged, it takes a few tries to turn the sound machine on. But Munchkin has used his machine every single night for 2.5+ years, and we have never had any other issues. I like that the machines can plug in or take batteries, so we have different options if necessary. Baby E has one as well, and I love knowing that we can talk in normal voices without worrying too much. <br />
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Overall, I would definitely recommend the Conair Sound Machine as a great option if you have a baby who is a light sleeper, or need to block out noise for any other reason!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*This post contains affiliate links</span>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-63132406171862795732013-12-02T16:39:00.003-08:002013-12-23T17:27:10.206-08:00Meal and Snack ideas for Babies 12-18 months<img height="195" src="http://www.leanitup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fc82ct004-01_ld.jpeg" width="200" /><br />
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I am often astounded by how much Baby E can eat in one sitting. I fear for my shopping bill! I am always looking for more ideas, but here is some of what Baby E currently eats:<br />
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<u>Breakfast</u></div>
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Waffles - I like the Earth's Best ones or some other whole wheat waffles</div>
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Fruit-he eats any and all fruit. Some favorites are bananas, clementines, cantaloupe, honeydew, and strawberries</div>
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Cheese<br />
Muffins</div>
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<u>Lunch</u></div>
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Cream cheese on whole wheat bread</div>
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Toast with melted cheese</div>
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Pizza - he loves loves loves pizza!</div>
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Yogurt (only when he accepts being fed which is almost never) </div>
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More fruit</div>
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<u>Dinner</u></div>
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Meatballs/burgers</div>
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Pasta</div>
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Most types of Chicken</div>
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Fish sticks</div>
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Eggs with cheese</div>
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Dr Praeger's broccoli or spinach bites<br />
Some vegetables - cauliflower, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes </div>
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More fruit </div>
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<u>Snacks</u></div>
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I struggle to find healthy filling snacks that he likes and are easy to take on the go. Right now my go to snacks are whole wheat crackers and string cheese. He also likes oatmeal muffins which I can sneak all kinds of fruits and vegetables into. And more fruit...</div>
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We are slowly transitioning over to whole milk. He is not a huge milk drinker, but also barely drinks any water, so I am still offering him 3-4 bottles a day. I am hoping to teach him to drink water from a straw in the next few weeks.<br />
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What is your 12-18 month old eating? </div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-70884208137217184862013-11-28T03:20:00.001-08:002013-12-23T17:28:54.696-08:00Chanukah PlacematsHappy Chanukah!<br />
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Last night was the first night of Chanukah. I love this holiday and it's extra fun that this year it coincides with Thanksgiving.</div>
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I picked up a Chanukah Placemat coloring set for a small project my toddler could do. He enjoyed coloring the pictures, and really any holiday pictures can be printed and used for this project. </div>
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I set out some crayons and stickers and let Munchkin decorate the placemats. He barely colored, because I told him we were going to laminate and he was way too excited!</div>
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We then laminated the placemats and they have so many different uses. They would make great mats to put under the menorah to catch any dripping wax. Munchkin also wants to use his placemats for meal times on Chanukah. These would also work as great placemats for a Thanksgivukkah meal! They could also work as mats to spin dreidel on.</div>
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Wishing everyone a Happy Chanukah!</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-16195879232256438242013-11-14T16:13:00.002-08:002013-11-14T16:14:23.159-08:00Vanilla Cupcakes for Baby's First Birthday<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Healthy, absolutely yummy tasting Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe by niner bakes" height="400" src="http://www.ninerbakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/healthy-vanilla-cupcakes-03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="277" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of niner bakes</td></tr>
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I adapted this recipe from the <a href="http://www.ninerbakes.com/2013/05/31/healthy-absolutely-yummy-tasting-vanilla-cupcakes/" target="_blank">niner bakes</a> blog. I was looking for a healthier cupcake recipe, and these came out delicious!<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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1 1/4 cups of whole wheat or white whole wheat flour<br />
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1 1/4 tsp baking powder<br />
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1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
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1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
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2 eggs<br />
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3/4 cup sugar<br />
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2 tsp vanilla extract<br />
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1/2 a cup of applesauce + 2 tsp of oil<br />
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1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar<br />
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sprinkles (optional)<br />
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I'm pretty much the laziest baker ever, so I didn't follow her steps. I mixed the milk and vinegar separately, and then combined all the other ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then I added the milk mixture to the batter. I mixed everything by hand, and it worked out well. Munchkin helped out as well, so it was a great bonding activity for us. I baked them at 350 for 10-15 minutes.<br />
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They taste really good! Baby E is not a huge fan, but everyone else in the family is definitely enjoying them. I put some whipped cream and a candle on top when we sang Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday Baby E!<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-29872228721683037552013-11-13T12:09:00.000-08:002013-11-13T15:12:27.549-08:00Top Picks for 1st Birthday Gifts!Baby E turns 1 this week! I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. I have been trying to come up with some good gift ideas that will get a lot of use. We have plenty of toys already, so I have been trying to think of some other ideas. Here are a few of my top picks:<br />
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<u>Ride-on toys</u>: I think this is my favorite gift idea for this age set. Riding toys have so many different uses, and are often loved well into the toddler years. These are some of my favorites:<br />
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<b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005850H/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00005850H&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Little Tykes Push and Ride Racer</a></b><br />
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" width="200" /><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F57148/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B005F57148&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank"> Scuttlebug</a></b><br />
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<img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61fdbZVQNkL._SL1500_.jpg" width="188" /><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FIOB2A/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B000FIOB2A&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Radio Flyer Scoot About</a></b><br />
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<img height="142" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81P58TGsUUL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<u>Push Toys</u>: Kids just love pushing these toys around, and they are great for cruisers and early walkers. I have this walker from Playskool waiting for Baby E:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T2WP/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00004T2WP&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Playskool Walk n Ride</a></b><br />
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<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /><br />
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I also think this is an adorable Push toy!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AHE15K/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B003AHE15K&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Melissa And Doug Rattle Rumble Push Toy</a></b><br />
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<img height="182" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61m%2B3sZol9L._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<u>Toddler Chair</u>: Toddlers love having a special chair that is just for them. A toddler-sized chair is a great place for reading books and relaxing. The <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/kids/furniture/anywhere-chairs/?bnrid=3560101&cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google_c&cm_pla=Brand+GenericKids_NewFurnitureExact&cm_ite=pottery+barn+kids+anywhere+chair" target="_blank">Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair</a> is very pretty but also pricey.<br />
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<img height="176" src="http://ab.pkimgs.com/pkimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201331/0004/img60j.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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For a more affordable option, I found this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018M0V6C/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0018M0V6C&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">P'kolino chair</a> on Amazon that comes in a variety of pretty colors.<br />
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<img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NBATQSyNL.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<u>Toddler Size hooded towels:</u> Most babies are outgrowing the smaller hooded towels by 12 months. I love hooded towels, and want to use them as long as possible. There are so many cute designs that would make a great gift.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008K0TMVU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B008K0TMVU&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Skip Hop Hooded Towel</a></b><br />
<img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/A1AFqCYvTFL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<u>Books</u>: We have so many books, but if you are looking to build your collection, books make a great 1st birthday gift. Baby E loves touch and feel books like this one:<br />
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<img height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcTveCFTM103nrGxviCah4bY5SbrDmTHKT3vLY74dext9io0A1Ml&usqp=CAE" width="161" /><br />
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<u>Zoo or Museum membership</u>: This is a great opportunity to buy a membership to fun places like the Zoo or children's museum. Baby is still too young to be upset if there are no presents to open, and will have lots of fun exploring new places.<br />
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What are your great gift ideas?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: This post contains affiliate links</span><br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-51213459667771818632013-11-04T17:06:00.001-08:002013-11-04T17:18:15.553-08:00Review: Britax Marathon 70-G3At 11 months, Baby E was getting very close to the top of his Snugride 35, so I had to find a convertible seat for him. I am now the proud owner of two Marathon 70's. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00834D5SO/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00834D5SO&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Marathon 70-G3</a> is very similar to the old Marathon 70, with just a few small differences.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mathon 70-G3 in Onyx</td></tr>
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Here are some features of the Marathon 70-G3:</div>
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<li>Rear facing to 40 pounds, forward facing to 70: The seat will most likely be outgrown rear facing by height before your child reaches 40 pounds, but this seat still allows most kids to rear face past age 2. </li>
<li>Safety: The Marathon 70-G3 has lots of great safety features including SafeCell technology, versa tether, side impact protection, and HUGS chest pads. You can read about all these features and more on the Britax website.</li>
<li>Easy adjust harness: I love how easy it is to tighten or loosen the harness, and the seat has Velcro sewn into the sides of the seat to help keep the straps untangled. The height of the harness can also be easily adjusted as your child grows- no re-threading necessary!</li>
<li>E-Z Buckle System: This is a new feature of the 70-G3 which prevents your child from sitting on the center buckle when placing them in the carseat. I love this feature, and wish I had it on my toddler's seat.</li>
<li>Super comfy seat: Both my kids are very comfortable in their Marathons. Baby E was much happier as soon as we switched him to the convertible seat. The seat pad is also easily removable and washable. </li>
<li>EASY install: This is probably the most important feature to me, and why I keep coming back to Britax. It is so easy to get a good install on this seat using either latch or the seat belt. The seat has built in lock-offs for a quick and smooth seat belt install. </li>
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The seat is pretty big, as most convertible carseats are. We have traveled by air with the Marathon 70, and while it is not pleasant, it is definitely do-able. </div>
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In my opinion, the only major con of this carseat is the relatively short shell height of the seat. I wish it was taller! There are other carseats like the Radian that will give you a couple more inches of shell height.<br />
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Overall, I am really happy with our new seat. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our setup</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: This post contains affiliate links</span></div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-66032073393407198342013-10-24T10:50:00.001-07:002013-10-24T17:29:59.835-07:00DIY Kids Bookshelves - IKEA Spice Rack ShelvesWe have a whole shelf full of kids books in the living room, and I have been looking for a better way to store them. I was looking for an option that would allow the books to face front, because it's more engaging for kids.<br />
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I was very interested in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018MCVH4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0018MCVH4&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">KidKraft sling bookshelf</a>, but I realized that it just would not work in the space that I had. I had heard about the Ikea spice rack bookshelves, and after doing some research, it didn't look too hard. </div>
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<img height="221" src="http://www.kidkraft.com/_media/image-cache/full-size/products/kkt_14221_slingbookshelf-natural_hrwnl.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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These DIY bookshelves are all over Pinterest, and the directions are really easy. I purchased four of the Bekvam Spice Racks available at <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40070185/" target="_blank">IKEA</a> or on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BZ5137S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00BZ5137S&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You pay more if you purchase from Amazon, but if you don't have an IKEA nearby or can't get to one soon, they are available. </div>
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<img height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/bekvam-spice-rack__34431_PE124371_S4.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Assembling the racks took about 3 minutes per shelf, and my toddler had a great time helping to tighten the screws. Then came the hard part! I am really challenged when it comes to home improvement things, but we borrowed an electric drill, and I manged to hang the shelves with minimal issue. They are pretty crooked, but I am not starting over, and Munchkin seems pretty happy with the results. I like that he can see the books, and I feel like we are making good use of the space. </div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-21102559545416958392013-10-11T11:44:00.001-07:002013-10-11T11:44:24.414-07:00Extended Rear FacingMunchkin (how I will be referring to 2.5 year old A from now on) is still rear facing. I get a lot of comments that make it sound like what I am doing is weird or extreme. He is a big guy - at 2.5, he is 31 pounds and 36 inches. He still fits very well rear facing in his Britax Marathon 70. He has never complained about being uncomfortable, and he loves car rides. After watching the crash test videos that show the differences between a rear and forward facing child, I am honestly afraid to turn him around.<br />
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I just came across a blog post about the <a href="http://csftl.org/rear-facing-car-seat-myths-busted/?fb_action_ids=10200608372955410&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210200608372955410%22%3A344455345684434%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210200608372955410%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D" target="_blank">myths of rear-facing kids</a>, and I think it reflects a lot on how I feel about this subject. I believe that every parent has the right to turn their kids around when they wish, (obviously after the minimum guidelines are passed) but I don't think I should be looked at weirdly for doing whatever I can to protect my children.<br />
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After looking at these photos, I got nervous that maybe A had reached the height limits for rear facing. But after measuring, he still has a good 2 inches between his head and the top of the shell, so we should be good for a few more months!<br />
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On a related note, we just moved Baby E into the Marathon 70-G3 and I am planning to review it soon, so stay tuned!<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-3419865948036889812013-10-06T16:29:00.001-07:002013-10-06T16:29:55.751-07:00Review: Step2 Push Around Buggy<img height="320" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/35/13354663.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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I purchased the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MWI0GI/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004MWI0GI&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank"> Step2 Push Around Buggy</a> around my toddler's first birthday. I was looking for an alternative to the stroller for short walks to the park, or just around the neighborhood. I really like the car, but we didn't use it as much as I thought we would. Now that Baby E is starting to enjoy the car as well, I am really happy we have it! Here are a few points to think about if you are considering buying this push toy:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby E getting ride from Grandma</td></tr>
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<li>It pushes really well! It is really easy to push outside, even with a pretty heavy toddler inside. Turning the buggy takes some getting used to, because the handle doesn't turn, but once you get the hang of it, it's not difficult. The handle is also at a great height for adults to comfortably push the car. </li>
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<li>It is a great stroller alternative for short outings. Kids have more freedom in the buggy, and they can "drive" the car and beep the horn. </li>
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<li>The buggy has some great features including a buckle, and a small trunk area for storing water bottles, snacks, or small toys. </li>
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<li>The wheels are very loud. If you are looking for a quiet ride, this is not the push car for you. The wheels are loud, but it hasn't bothered either of my kids, both of whom are extremely sensitive to noises. </li>
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<li>The seat area is not very roomy. By 18 months, I had a hard time fitting A into this car, although he is above average height. At 11 months, Baby E fits perfectly in the buggy, but I don't see him fitting much past 18 months either. </li>
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<li>I believe some models of this buggy have a removable handle, but mine does not. Assembly of this car was fairly straightforward, but I would have preferred a car that was already assembled. It is extremely sturdy however, and can withstand a lot. </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old picture of Big Brother A in the buggy around 14-15 months</td></tr>
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<li>Keep in mind, that the way this toy is constructed means that there is no way for toddlers to propel themselves. The car really needs to be pushed in order to move. </li>
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Overall, I think this is a great addition to our riding toy collection. </div>
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What are your favorite riding toys?</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: This post contains affiliate links</span></div>
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-89365484892301682122013-09-30T07:47:00.001-07:002013-09-30T07:49:22.094-07:009 Tips for Air Travel With Young KidsI've been away for a while busy with the Jewish Holiday Season. But now I am back to real life, and I have some fun posts planned. Now back to my tips for air travel with young kids...<br />
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1. Don't do it! Just kidding, kind of. Flying with young kids is not high on my list of fun things to do. However, with a bit of planning and preparation, it can be made more manageable.<br />
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2. Pack light and consolidate. Getting through the airport is a major operation, and the less stuff you have, the easier it will be. For the past couple trips, I have been using one large suitcase for myself and the kids, while my husband has one smaller sized suitcase.</div>
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3. Backpacks are your friend. They leave your hands free for important jobs such as pushing the stroller while pulling a giant suitcase.</div>
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4. Plan, plan, plan. Literally plan out how you will get from the car to the terminal, through the security checkpoint, and then on to the plane. Make sure there are enough hands to push, pull, and carry everything that needs to be moved. We travel with 2 carseats and a double stroller, so getting through the airport can be tiring. We get a lot of comments about our "wide load" and jokes about "traveling light".<br />
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5. Don't lose the lovies! We almost had a crisis when my toddlers lovey disappeared somewhere between the terminal and the door to the airplane, but thankfully it was found. I would rather him not carry his lovey through the airport, but he was not fond of that idea. </div>
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6. Fill up those carry on bags! My husband gets the backpack full of diapers, wipes, and changes of clothes. Bring extra diapers because you never know how many you will need. In my carry on, I pack the kid entertainment and snacks. Lots of small bags of snacks work best, and easy entertainment that has no small pieces which can be dropped. (The iPad is your friend)<br />
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7. Make sure you know how to install your carseat(s) on the plane, and remember that most airlines require carseats to be installed by the window.</div>
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8. Be prepared to answer questions such as: What is a water evacuation? Is the airplane falling? Why is it so bumpy?<br />
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9. Breathe a huge sigh of relief when everyone is happily off the plane...Until next time!<br />
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What are your tips for air travel?<br />
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Sorry for the lack of pictures in this post - I guess I was too distracted and stressed to take any during our travels!<br />
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06003417440246519933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436794484442950350.post-64396574296764365682013-09-16T06:43:00.001-07:002013-09-16T06:44:21.243-07:00Review: Baby Jogger Glider BoardI have been wanting to try the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00318CLAK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00318CLAK&link_code=as3&tag=daddcoupblog-20" target="_blank">Baby Jogger Glider Board</a> for a while now, but I was waiting for my toddler to get a little bit older. He is 2.5 now, and we just got it a couple days ago. He is very excited about his new "skateboard" and so am I!<br />
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I was able to open it and install it on the Versa in about five minutes, with A hurrying me along because he wanted to try it out NOW. It is very easy to attach, and feels very secure.<br />
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I had to turn my Versa seat forward facing in order to use the board, but Baby E doesn't seem to mind. It is very easy to adjust the angle and length of the glider board, and A was ready to hop right on. I definitely need to change my stride when pushing the stroller with the board attached, but it is still comfortable. I love how the board folds up for easy storage when it is not in use, while still staying attached to the stroller frame.<br />
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I think A is still a little bit young for the board, and I wouldn't feel comfortable going very far without an actual seat for him. But for short walks, or the mall where he mostly wants to be out of the stroller, it is a great option. I can't wait to try it out some more!<br />
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