As Seen On TV Toy Reviews!

Yes, I am the sucker who buys things my kids are begging me for. I do make them wait for birthdays to get these things (usually). Sometimes, however, I must order these out of sheer curiosity to see if they work! My reviews below may surprise you!!!

Stompeez

Landon begged for these for months. Finally I put it on his birthday list. His friend Owen said he would order them for him. Ridiculous I thought. Then when they arrived I loved them!!! We ordered the Monster ones.

They are hilarious and have lasted through the torture Landon gives them.
Thumbs up for Stompeez!

Glow Crazy Doodle Dome

Again Landon saw this and had to have it. Friends bought it for him and we were so surprised how well it worked!

He spends hours writing on the walls. Is it as elaborate and as exciting as the commercial? NO. But he does like it!

Thumbs up for Doodle Dome!


Dream Lites:

Coco was the culprit this time. Up at 4:30 am she begged for the unicorn Dream Lite she saw on TV. 

I ordered it for her on Amazon and waited to see what arrived! The unicorn was cute and the lights on it;s back change colors and make stars on the ceiling. It works perfectly. Landon of course had to have one too so now we have the penguin as well.

Two thumbs up for Dream Lites!

In conclusion:

1) Stuff you buy on TV apparently can work.
2) Don't feel guilty buying it if the kids are begging at 4:30am.
3) I need to stop watching TV, and so do my kids!!!

Reading Rainbow App For The Ipad! My Review!

Oh my goodness I have one electronic obsessed little man living with me. He even, when asked at preschool:

"What are you most thankful for?"

Said:

"The Ipad". 

At that point we didn't even have one!

I rest my case! 

Every mothers dream is to find something educational your child is obsessed with. Thank you Lord for Reading Rainbow! Yes it's back after all these years!

Not only is it easy to navigate and use, Landon was literally begging to play with it tomorrow. It's very interactive and creative in the way it let's you select a category, a book, and have a virtual backpack to keep it all in!

Here's how it works:

There are floating islands, each based on a different genre. "My Friends and Family," "Animal Kingdom," "Genius Academy" (science and math) and "Action Adventures & Magic Tales."

Click an island, and a you'll get a sliding list of of books on that topic, with "Just for You" recommendations at the top. Below this are short videos on the subject that have the "field trips" the series was known for, featuring kids out in the world and Burton himself. Each island has three or four videos, including a "Classic Reading Rainbow Video" from the original show, so you can compare and contrast haircuts from over the years!

You can can choose to read with or without narration (for readers and non readers!). You can either flip through the pages with a swipe or touch the arrow keys at the bottom. It's not overdone. It's simple and perfect!

Try it for yourself here!

Landon gives it two thumbs way UP!

Favorite Things Week! Reading Rainbow Is Back! With An App!

This goes into the "why didn't I think of that" category! My sister loved watching "Reading Rainbow" and I often watched it with her! Now Levar Burton is helping kids love reading in a whole new way with the incredibly interactive app!

Aimed at kids 3-9, this new free app has 150 books and 16 video field trips. I got to interview Levar about all of this and he was so excited about his new "baby'! He can't wait to introduce Reading Rainbow to a whole new audience.

Here's a little preview!



What do you think? Levar wants to know!! Get the app here and try it out!

Coco's Birthday Week! Bathtime!

Both Coco and I are in love with bath time. I feel like bath time is such a great time to bond with your kids. The house is quiet, the TV is off, it's just you and the kids in the bathroom. We often sing!


Coco's favorite bath time toys?

Tub Time Pirate Adventures!
Coco and Landon love to push the pirates down the slide and let them ride in the boat!


Yookido- Flow and spill spout!
This thing is amazing. The kids love how the water runs through the motor so they can play!

 Rub a dub Draw in the Tub!

Bath crayons so the kids feel like the are being naughty artists!

 Coco thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!! She is having the best time turning 2!!

Toys For Toddlers- Melissa and Dougs Stack and Sort Board!

Landon had this and adored it. He loved sorting the colors and stacking the blocks! I knew it would be the perfect thing to take out for Coco! It's so fun seeing these toys the second time around! Great that it can be enjoyed twice! Talk about recycling!

You can get it here in my Open Sky store!



What else do I like by Melissa and Doug? Go to my store and see!

Apparently I'm A Mom

My high school besties were in town for my birthday and just about died when they saw this drawer in my kitchen.  This is my make the morning easy drawer. Separated is all bottle parts,  sippy cups, formula and cereal. Also bibs and dishtowels. I thought this would be a great end to my top ten week.  I feel like this is a glimpse into the reality of motherhood and how we survive. Here's to all the Mommies, cheers to you and have a wonderful stress free weekend!

Top Ten Toddler Must Haves!

Miss Coco is officially a toddler, and of course Landon was one so that makes me an expert on this subject right? Here are a few things that really have made life easier!

1) Baby Proofing Locks and Latches- Keep them out of the cabinets that you don't want them in, but give them a few they can open and discover!

2) Leapfrog Learn and Groove Music Table- a staple in our home and so great when they are just learning to stand!

3) Playskool Step Start Walk and Ride- an inter-changable walker and ride on that Coco has loved!

4) Outdoor infant toddler swing- Babies love to swing!

5) Step 2- Push around Buggy- Coco loves being pushed around in her little pink car. She holds the steering wheel. Another way to walk them around the block or park.

6) Leapfrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Set- This is a perfect fridge toy to entertain them while you make dinner. Coco moves the animals around and hears the noises they make.

7) Stacking cups- this is serious fun for kids, putting little objects in the cups, stacking them, simple and fun.

8) Fisher Price Rock and Stack- the old standby still works. Trust me.

9) Playskool Busy Poppin Pals- Another old stand by we love!!!

10) Fisher Price Ocean Crib Aquarium- People wonder why my kids go right to sleep. This is why!

How about you? What are your favorite toddler must haves? Share!