American Girl of the Year 2013: Saige Copeland – An Interview with Author, Jessie Haas
My daughter loves American Girl and we’re very excited for the debut of Saige, American Girl of the Year for 2013. American Girl has been dropping hints that the 2013 Girl of the Year is from New Mexico and loves horses and art–now we finally get to meet Saige Copeland and learn all about her! In conjunction with introducing Saige, American Girl is launching an Elevate the Arts School Grant Contest: Starting January 1, elementary art teachers … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts, Books (Fiction), Books (School Aged), Dolls, Reading
I See Me in a Personalized Pirate Adventure Book
We have several personalized books for my daughter but none for our sons so my older boy was delighted when My Very Own Pirate Tale, personalized with his name, arrived from I See Me. This charming book centers on a pirate captain’s search for a new first mate. Sea creatures suggest qualities the perfect candidate should possess–and the first letter of the sea creature’s name and the character trait help spell out your child’s name. Each … Read entire article »
Filed under: Birthday Gifts, Books (Pre-School), Books (School Aged), Featured, Kids Gifts
Oink If You Love Peppa Pig
I wrote before about how much my boys love Peppa Pig on NIck Jr. Peppa Pig is a lovable, cheeky little pig from the UK, and the charming cartoon follows her family life and daily activities. Peppa arrived in the US last year, quickly becoming a hit with US audiences. And now her toys have arrived at Toys R Us! If you’re not familiar with Peppa, I encourage you to watch an episode of her show.The … Read entire article »
Filed under: 0-5 (By Age Group), Books, DVD, Featured, Gift Ideas, Play, Pre-schoolers, Television, Toddlers, Uncategorized
Take a Look, It’s On Your iPad…Reading Rainbow!
As a child, I loved Reading Rainbow and hearing the show’s theme song still brings back happy childhood memories. I can be anything Take a look It’s in a book A Reading Rainbow A Reading Rainbow I loved the way classic Reading Rainbow episodes featured books with few bells & whistles, and I credit the show with inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Since I’m a fan, I was delighted to learn that Reading Rainbow has returned in the form of … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books, Educational, entertainment, Featured, Free, Kindergartners, Learning, Play, Pre-schoolers, Reading, School Aged Children, Toddlers, Toys (All Ages), Toys (Pre-School), Toys (School Age), Uncategorized
A Tale of Confidence: Ida Louise and The Lucky Sweater
Around the time she turned five, my daughter became more aware of the opinions of others around her. “What if they don’t like my project?” “What if they laugh at my jacket?” We look for confidence boosters so that my daughter will focus on being true to herself. Books with a strong girl protagonist help spark discussion in our household. Ida Louise and the Lucky Sweater, by Julie Augensen, is a charming story about finding confidence. Believing … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books (Pre-School), Books (School Aged), Featured, Kindergartners, School Aged Children
Make and Takes: A Perfect Holiday Gift for Crafty Moms and Kids
Crafts are high on the wishlist of most of the families we know. Crafts are an educational and fun bonding experience for children and parents. With Make and Takes for Kids: 50 Crafts Throughout the Year, you can give parents enough ideas for a year worth of crafts with their kids–for under $13. This book makes a thoughtful Christmas, Hanukkah, or Holiday gift for teachers, parents, and grandparents looking to enjoy some unplugged time with their kids. Projects … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books (Activities), Daddy Gifts, Featured, Grandparent Gifts, Mommy Gifts
From Left to Write Book Club Day: In Stitches by Anthony Youn
As I read plastic surgeon Anthony Youn’s memoir In Stitches, I empathized with Youn’s feelings of isolation and awkwardness as a teen. I admired his work ethic and respected all of the hours of studying and sleeplessness that Youn endured to become a surgeon. But one thing disturbed me: Youn’s own description of himself as an ugly duckling who needed plastic surgery in order to correct his own jaw. In Youn’s mind, the surgery was transforming. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Body After Baby, Books, Featured
M-Edge Leisure Jacket Review: Splashproof Kindle Case
I really love my Kindle but it’s not waterproof so I’ve been wary of taking it to the beach, pool, or bathtub – some of my favorite places to relax and read. Recently M-Edge sent me their Kindle Leisure Jacket: a padded case that completely encloses the Kindle while still allowing you to read and type through its clear vinyl screen. With this splashproof protection I’m much more comfortable taking out my Kindle … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books, Electronics, Featured, Gift Ideas, Hip Find, Summer, Travel
