My little girl just took her first gymnastics class.
And she is in love! So I was thrilled when she got the change to try
the newest addition to Ubisoft's games for girls: Imagine Gymnast.
What they say:
Learn gymnastics under the instruction of Olympic Gold Medalist Shannon Miller
Join a team of gymnasts at a premiere academy
Compete in Vault, Balance Beam, Uneven Bars, Floor, and Rhythmic Gymnastics events
Customize your look, routine and team
Unlock new outfits and accessories for you and your teammates by completing competitions and events.
What we say: My daughter just loved this
game. Its her new favorite! She's five and a half and it was just a
little challenging for her, but my 7-year-old had not problem. (And
even the non-gymnastics-crazy daughter loved this one!) Their favorite
parts were all of the customizing options - they love designing
leotards and choreographing routines.
And I am still a huge
fan of Ubisoft kids games. They have great themes, are always
age-appropriate and manage to be educational and fun. My
girls are young and just scratching the surface of what Ubisoft games
offer. So I know they'll be still playing them in a few years, so I don't mind buying them!
disclaimer: i received a copy of imagine gymnast to review and a nintendo ds in order to do the reviewing
from ubisoft. i was not compensated financially for this post.
Massage beads in the Maui focus on the arch and midfoot.
100% recyclable
In addition to being anti-microbial and machine washable, Okabashis clean very nicely in the dishwasher.
Made in USA
and comes with a two year guarantee
What I say: I was surprised at how comfy these
were! I love the massage beads! I have high arches, so regular cheap-o
flip-flops don't really work for me. But the shape of the Maui sandal
took care of that. I wore them for hours and my feet felt great!I'm mostly impressed with Okabashi's philosphy. The
average pair of Okabashi sandals made this year is expected to have
about 25% recycled material and when you're done wearing them, just
mail them back to the company and they'll recycle them for you. AND Okabashi's manufacturing process is waste-free! Amazing! This is a company I can wholeheartedly support!!
disclosure: i received a pair of okabaski sandals to facilitate this review.
Maybe you've never heard of Parigi Fashion. But I'd bet my bottom
dollar that you've seen their children's brands like Apple Bottoms,
Baby Phat, DKNY and Puma at your favorite department stores!
My daughter was sent an absolutely adorable outfit -- a pair of dark denim Applebottom
skinny jeans and a plaid Applebottom
blouse. She LOVED them! "Mom, this is so cool!" And I have to tell you
that my daughter is very - VERY - picky about clothes and usually does
not like what I buy for her. Apparently Parigi Fashions should go
shopping for her instead of me.
These clothes were very well made
and will surely last to be worn by her younger sister. As a mom, I have
to say that I REALLY appreciate that these clothes are hip, but modest.
The material on the blouse was sheer, but has a camisole sewn into the
shirt. And it was nice and long on my daughter's long torso. The jeans
were skinny, but not tight, and didn't gap at the waist. Finally! I'm thrilled!!
I'll be keeping an eye out for more Parigi Fashion items as I'm shopping for summer!
An
outfit
was provided by Parigi Fashions and MomSelect for this review and they
also generously provided another outfit that was donated to the Dine Out to Fight Hunger event on May 17th. I was not compensated financially for this post.
goal
Anyone who knows our family, knows that we are HUGE soccer fans. Especially my soccer hooligan of a husband.
All of our kids love soccer - one of my son's first words was "GOOAAALLL!"
So we were really excited to read two new kids soccer books from Candlewick Books.
The first one we read was Big Kicks
by Bob Kolar. Its an adorable story about a big bear trying to learn to
play soccer. The kids thought it was funny and they loved the colorful
illustrations of animals playing soccer! Its intended for ages 4-6, but
our two-year-old son totally loved it and keeps asking to read "GOAL
BEAR!" again.
The other book we read was Goal!
by Mina Javaherbin. Its a gorgeous book about boys playing soccer in an
alley in South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu described it perfectly
as "uplifting and inspiring, this
beautifully written and illustrated book reminds us of the joys and
saving
grace of friendship and sport. Set in South Africa, this book is a gift
for soccer fans and all families around the world."
And it truly is - its a wonderful story and gives kids a glimpse
into the power of friendship and the bond playing soccer can bring. I
loved it. And with the World Cup being in South Africa, it is just
perfect!!
Both of these books would make terrific gifts for coaches to give
their players (or vice versa!) Any soccer fan would love these -- I
highly recommend them both!
disclosure: i received copies of goal! and big kicks to facilitate my review. i was not compensated financially for this post.
Last week our family went to a place that holds a special
place in my heart, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (A certain blog author *AHEM. ME!* was proposed to on these very steps overlooking Philadelphia!)
We went to see the special exhibit Picasso and the Avant Garde in Paris. It was just fabulous. The exhibit includes over two hundred works of art, including Picasso’s Three Musicians!
We took our girls - ages 5 and 7 - and, yes, even our two-year-old!
They really enjoyed it. This is their third trip to the art museum and
they always love it. The colors, the energy, the whole atmosphere of
the Picasso exhibit was perfect for them.
My 7-year-old even recognized some of
the paintings from art classes and the 5-year-old claimed she saw one of Sesame
Street before. They seemed drawn to the sculptures - looks like another
visit to the Rodin Museum is
in order - and really enjoyed the dramatic presentation of the larger
paintings. Its such a gorgeous exhibit - even children can appreciate
it!
I know that when it comes to activities to do with children, the art
museum probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. After all, it
is very quiet and full of things you're not supposed to touch. But I
really encourage you to give it a try.
Its probably too much for your
average toddler, but older preschoolers and elementary age kids really
can enjoy it. There is so much to see. My kids love rooms like the ceremonial teahouse and temple hall.
And
they recognize lots paintings now from art class or books or tv.
You need to tailor your visit to your kids - go when they are well
rested and have full bellies - and don't plan on seeing the entire
museum. Be flexible and just enjoy sharing the world of art with your
kids. You'll be amazed at how much you'll inspire them and how much
they'll learn about art!
Yesterday, my 2-year-old walked up to me and said "Heere, Mama!" ...and handed me a booger. I guess I should be thankful he didn't eat it. But sadly, this is not an unusual thing to happen to me. And this tops the list of...
Things I Will Not Miss When My Kids Are Older
Wiping other people's noses.
Clipping other people's toe nails.
All TV programs geared towards children. And their theme songs.
Diapers in general.
Having to keep tabs on other people's bathroom habits including,
but not limited to, reminding people to flush, wiping people's bottoms,
and reminding people that if they want privacy, they really need to shut the
door.
Planning all activities around naptime and/or crankiness levels.
Wrestling kids into car seats, shopping carts, strollers who clearly don't want to be there.
Happy Meals.
Being used as a human trash can.
Little people sneaking into my bed at night.
Things I Will Miss When My Kids Are Older
Cuddling while reading books or watching tv
Excitement over simple things.
My kids being sad when I leave and ecstatically happy when I come home.
Teeny-tiny Crocs.
Little hands holding mine, little arms hugging my neck, sloppy kisses.
Songs sung with the wrong lyrics, but that are actually a lot funnier.
The sweetness. Oh, the sweetness.
Cute little outfits. Like sweater vests and Easter dresses.
When I recently heard about StrapDiva, the no slip purse strap, I was
totally game. I am always losing my purse off my shoulder and it is so
annoying!! Especially when you're trying to carry your purse, your
diaper bag, shopping bags AND a squirming toddler! What they say:
StrapDiva is the ultimate handbag accessory for anyone who carries a
purse on their shoulder.
It will keep purse straps from slipping off
your shoulder and you will look smart and stylish at the same time!
StrapDiva is a cover that snaps on to a single purse strap or two handles
together made of super soft and luxurious leather with a suede
lining. On the outside, there is a special material to prevent slippage
and help keep your straps where they belong.
Uses two types of leather: lambskin and supple grain leather for the ultimate in durability and style.
StrapDiva is available in six colors: Black, Dark Brown, Tan, Red,
Light Gold and Dark Blue. Grain leather is available in Black, Tan, and
Dark Brown at this time.
What I say: StrapDiva delivered. I'm
fairly sure I will never be taking it off of my laptop bag. It really
is just the cutest, cutest bag, but the slippery leather handles always
fall off my shoulders and it drove me so super crazy that I was
thinking about getting a new bag. On my recent trip to New York City, I
was trying to navigate the train and taxis, bundled up in my coat and
carrying my suitcase and laptop bag. And my silly laptop bag was constantly
falling off my shoulder - and that is not a light bag to have slipping
around. I almost fell getting out of a cab! So that was the first bag I
tried my Strap Diva on! StrapDiva kept my bag in place - and I
hardly remembered it was there! Its terrific! I probably wouldn't need
it on my cute little satchel purses, but for my massive, overloaded
"mom bags" its perfect!! And like I said, its great for laptop bags and
diaper bags. I love that you can remove the Strap Diva and use it on
multiple bags, so you'll really get your moneys worth.
You can get 10% off if you buy two or more
StrapDivas and they offer FREE shipping within USA and Canada. And they offer
secure online shopping, guaranteed delivery, and 30-day hassle free
returns. disclosure: i was provided with a strap diva to review. i was not compensated
financially for this post.
Bella Sara recently sent me,
I mean my horse-crazy daughters two sets of Bella Sara's new
Sunflowers collectible cards and collectible Minis from the new
Signature Series 3 set.
What they say:
Featuring
20 new velvety figurine horses, the Miniatures set includes a secret
code in each pack to expand online play through Bella Sara Adventures.
The beautifully illustrated Horse Keepsake Cases are complete with four
collectible card packs, one secret code that unlocks Sunflowers adventures and Horseshoes at BellaSara.com, and one exclusive collectible promo card.
The new Sunflowers collectible cards series from Bella Sara invites
fans to join Emma
and friends in a captivating search for Herd
Sunflower. Using secret codes found in the set of 55 collectible cards,
featuring horses, characters and stories, girls will be able to unlock
the exciting Sunflowers adventures and experience the new features of
the mesmerizing online world, including the ability to customize their
own avatar on BellaSara.com.
BellaSara.com offers a private user experience, creating a fun and
carefree place for children to play online where parental controls
allow parents to decide their child's appropriate level of access.
What I say: My horse-crazy girls thought
these were super cool. They love teeny-tiny toys and just thought these
little horses were the neatest thing. (My 5-year-old even brought hers
to show and tell this week because it was "U" week and her horse was a
unicorn.) They thought the online game was fun too. My 5-year-old had
trouble with it, but she isn't reading yet. The 7-year-old was able to
navigate the site with only a few questions about where to enter codes
and such. She loved being able to create a home and caring for her own
foal.
Beyond my kids enjoying the mini-horses
(what little horse-crazy girl wouldn't?) may I say kudos to Bella Sara
for coming up with a online world that is safe for kids. Interactions
with others online is not possible at BellaSara.com, so your child will
have a completely private user experience. I LOVE that parental
controls allow you to control what level of interaction you feel is
appropriate for your individual child - you can even turn your child's
account off if you wish. With all the cyber-worries out there, I really
appreciate this as a parent.
Bella Sara products are available at Target, Toys R Us, Walmart and at BellaSara.com. At BellaSara.com, there are fabulous horse-themed Easter baskets, filled with stuff for under $15! So cute! disclosure:
i was provided with bella sara sunflowers collectible cards and
collectible minis to review. i was not compensated financially for this
post.
He loves to wear headbands. And necklaces. He wears pink snowboots. He rides a pink and purple bike. He cries when I won't paint his nails pink like his sisters. He recognizes Disney Princesses.
What is hilarious is that he's SUCH a boy. He growls to show affection, will find any mud puddle within 300 yards to jump in, he loves to wrestle and is obsessed with Cars.
Its just so funny to see his masculine and feminine sides collide :-)
On Sunday, we went to the pet store to begin researching different pet possibilities for the kids, now that we are down a goldfish.
We were thinking maybe a gerbil, seeing as they are small and live in something about the same size of a goldfish bowl, but then I saw the gerbils. Did you know how much gerbils look like mice?
Neither did I. So we're not getting one of those. We have mouse traps
set up in our house to get RID of mice, so WHY would we buy one AS A
PET? YUCK!
Humm... maybe a rabbit?
ANYWAY, then I saw the cutest puppy in the entire universe. It was a Cockapoo and was just about the most adorable thing I'd ever seen.
I fell in love. But I've always said that we weren't going to get a
dog until the kids were much older. But he was SO CUTE!!! SO SUPER
STINKIN' CUTE!!!
So I put out this statement on twitter: "totally fell in love with a puppy yesterday. please remind me why I do NOT want a dog. like NOW!!" And boy did I get some answers:
"the carpet always smells. the doors all have scratch marks. hair everywhere. enough?"
"It's taken me three days to find and pick up all the dog poop in
my back yard that was hidden under three months worth of snow."
"Cause it's like having another baby. Except babies wear diapers."
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