The family and I spent yesterday driving from North Carolina to Florida.  The drive should have taken us about 9 and a half hours.  The traffic was so heavy, it took us 14 hours!  Crazy…  Anyway, the girls were really good in the car.  This is thanks to our DVD player.  The biggest hit of the drive, was this Blue’s Clues DVD.  The girls loved seeing some of their favorite episodes on DVD.  I loved that it was over three hours long!  Cha ching!  That meant three hours without me having to dig around the car looking for a new movie and then swapping the DVD.  I bought mine at Wal Mart for less than 12 dollars.  You can check the one near you, or buy it online.  I checked Amazon, and Wal Mart’s cheaper…

I passed the time in the front seat listening to podcasts from the Splendid Table.  I’m new to the whole podcast thing, so the hubby made me several CD’s of podcasts.  The Splendid Table is basically a magazine type show devoted to foodies.  People call in to the host with questions (what do I do with lemon balm, what foods should I have at my 50’s themed party, how can I recreate this chestnut soup I had in Paris) and host Lynn Rossetto Kasper does her best to answer them.  She also interviews people about food related topics and sometimes has food related news stories.  It really helped pass the time and I was so grateful to have something to listen to without having to search through the stations.  If you’re into food and cooking at all, check the site out.  You can find out when the Splendid Table broadcasts in your area, or download a podcast.

Gotta keep this short since I’m trying to spend time with the family…will post more tomorrow.  Hope everyone had a very happy holiday!

Since this is my last post until AFTER the hoopla of Christmas, I thought I’d do a post about organization. Lord knows I’m going to need SOMETHING to organize the chaos we call a playroom once we add more toys to the mix. Luckily, I have a Container Store nearby. Here’s what will be on my shopping list…hopefully some of these will help transform our playroom from pigsty to neat-as-a-pin.

First up, are these Game Savers boxes. I can’t believe I never knew about these before! During my days as a teacher, I would have LOVED these. Every year I would get out the scotch tape to try to eke another year out of my raggedy game boxes. My older daughter has a few games so far, and the boxes are showing some “love.” These polypropylene boxes will hold up for the long haul. They come in two sizes: shallow and deep.

Next up, something to corral all of our smaller toys or toys that have multiple pieces. These Calypso toy trolleys ought to do the trick. I have it on good authority that Santa will be bringing the girls some wooden blocks. This container is plenty big enough to hold them all, and since it’s on casters, I don’t have to worry about them pulling a muscle trying to move the container around the playroom.

To keep everything very matchy matchy, here are a couple other things from the Calypso collection that I plan to pick up. From left to right we have the Calypso round box, the Calypso large drawers, and–although it’s not from the Calypso collection, it still matches perfectly–the white folding mesh cubes. If these don’t help us get our act together, we’re certainly a lost cause.

Finally, just in case Santa shows up with some new bath toys (wink, wink), I’d love to have this Bath Tub Toy Bag. It comes with little suction cups for hanging it in the tub and the bottom is made of fine mesh allowing the toys to drain and dry.

All right…hope everyone has a fantastic next few days. I’ll see everyone on the 26th!

I just read a great article on the Family Fun site, titled 11 Great Ways to Start the Year. There were some really sweet ideas for how to celebrate the New Year with your family. Here were my favorites:

Journal the most memorable moments of the year. You can have each child take a turn writing their page in a journal, or hand out paper to be placed in a 3 ring binder or scrapbook. Kate’s Paperie has really gorgeous paper goods. These Japanese Handmade notebooks would make a lovely keepsake.

Another idea is to interview your children each year by asking them the same questions. Ideas include: I am lucky because, If I had three wishes, and I am a little afraid of… It will be interesting to watch how your children’s responses change over the years. The questions and answers could be written in a nice notebook like the one above, as well.

You could spend the day trying “new” things to help celebrate the New Year. Try new foods, go to a new store, read a new book, or try a new hairstyle.

For families with older children, try a game of charades. Generate a list of memorable moments from the past year and then take turns acting them out. This is sure to bring back some fond memories and generate a few laughs.

Here are some fun and festive ideas you can use to help ring in the new year with style. Plum Party has lots of great party goods for many events. Their New Year’s items don’t disappoint. This Happy New Year’s Kit is called tooters and tiaras and comes with 4 of each.

They also have a more complete set for 6. It’s $24.00 and comes with 3 cone hats, 3 tiaras, 6 noise makers, 6 tooters, 2 serpentines, and 2 carnival balls. Everything is done in classy silver and black and it all comes in a handy bag. If you’re looking for a more colorful set, they also have the same thing in brighter colors.

Obviously, the kids can’t stay up ’til midnight, so many families make their own countdown at 7:00 or 8:00. Here are a few more festive ways to allow your kids to celebrate the new year before heading off to bed. Plum party has these great crackers. The kids can pop them open as they clock strikes 7. Each one contains some type of small toy for kids ages 6 and up.

Finally, I found a couple of items on my old standby, Oriental Trading. How about these champagne bubbles or these kooky 2007 glasses? Each is less than $6 per dozen.

So, that’s it for now. I know we have readers from all over the country and a few of you from around the world. I’d love to hear about any special New Year’s plans you have for your family.

Today we head to Spoon Sisters, an entire site devoted to finding that perfect gift. Items range from classic to kitsch and from funny to practical.

If you really want to freak out a parent friend, show up at their front door with this My Pet Fish soap. At first glance, your friend will think you’re giving them the oh-so-disposable pet goldfish. Then they’ll realize it’s glycerin soap. Cute, clever, and just $6.50.

Another fun bath-inspired gift is Washy Squashy Magical Modeling Soap. Kids can mold it and once it has air dried, they can wash with it. $15.00 for a pack of 6 colors.

Here’s a really cute Bento Sushi Box playset for toddlers. You could do a super cute theme gift with the baby board book First Book of Sushi that I wrote about earlier in the week. It comes with a soft sculpture shrimp tempura, vegetables, wasabi, soy sauce, California roll, pieces of sushi, and chop sticks. The entire set zips closed so it’s easy to travel with. $35.00.

Happy shopping everyone!

So, I was complaining to some fellow preschool parents that I was having a really tough time coming up with ideas for my 3-year-old and 1-year-old’s stockings. I didn’t want their stockings to be full of candy and disposable toys that will be in the garbage in a week. Another mom told me about HearthSong. HearthSong’s philosophy is that childhood is a special time and children should be allowed to be children. Their products are carefully selected to blend with their philosophy.

It’s too late for this year’s stockings, but I signed up for their catalog so I’ll remember to order for next year. They have an entire section called Little Gifts. Many of these would be great as stocking stuffers. Think ahead for Valentine’s Day or Easter baskets, too.

Here are some thrifty finds that caught my eye. Being trendy doesn’t mean you have to break the bank!

This Christmas Memories book looks really wonderful. What a great way to record all of those happy times so you can reflect on them year after year.

Anyone who knows me knows I love the concept of teaching through games. These two games are great for early learners. Zitternix says it’s for ages 6 and up, but I know my 3 year old could play it with supervision. Kids roll a die and pull out a stick of that color. It’s kind of a twist on pick up sticks. Star Stack Up is not really a structured game. Kids simply build the structure and then knock it down with the included ball. You could make it more of a game by having your child stack stars according to color.

The site has many retro-inspired toys as well. Remember the little cars you had as a child that zoomed forward after you pulled them back? HearthSong has several such toys, but my favorite was this Pull-Back Snail. And how cute are these tops? When your child pushes the button on top, the objects inside whirl around and they make noises. The train choo choo’s and the ocean themed top plays a variety of ocean sounds. They’re currently on sale for only $17.99 each.

Thanks for reading! If you ever have any ideas for me for future posts, feel free to leave me ideas in the comments section.

How in the world did we ever find cool stuff without the internet?  Wishingfish.com is a great little site packed with fabulous gift ideas.  You can find something there for just about anyone on your list, but I’ll highlight a few gifts for the mommy-set.  Even cool moms sometimes have to deal with the occasional accident…BabySpareWear is a cool little item that has an entire change of clothes in one cute package.  It fits newborn to 6 months and comes in pink/brown or aqua/blue.  A great shower gift…or purchase one for yourself.

Know someone who got a new bike or scooter for Christmas?  Buy them one of these adorable bicycle bells.  They come in ladybug, frog, and blue star.  Make sure you tell whoever you give one to that they’re made in France.  Tres chic, no?

Last, but not least is the Doorganizer.  What is it about having children that makes us lose our minds?!  This handy item will help you eliminate those 2 or 3 trips back into the house for forgotten items (don’t you hate that?).  It holds keys, glasses, cellphones, and more.  At just $15.00, it’s a real bargain.

Here are some totally cool board books I found while cruising Amazon. These books would make a great shower gift or birthday gift. Or, buy them to read to your own child. The first one is Urban Babies Wear Black.

If you or someone you know lives in an urban area, this book is the perfect fit. It features such things as baby yoga, going for coffee, and visiting museums. One commenter on Amazon wrote that she uses this book as the centerpiece for a new baby gift basket, adding museum passes, coffee gift cards and a baby bottle. Too cute!

Any future fashionistas will appreciate Petit Connoisseur: Fashion.

The book features such items as a catwalk, trunk show, and choo shoe train. The author’s other book, Petit Connoisseur: Art is another great read. Buy both for a cute theme gift.

Introduce your baby to the World of Snacks with books by author Amy Wilson Sanger. Foodie parents will love the variety of cuisines highlighted in these books. Perhaps reading such books as First Book of Sushi will open the eyes of picky eaters.

Let’s Nosh highlights Jewish food and Hola Jalepeno is filled with Mexican delights. Other titles include Yum Yum Dim Sum, Mangia! Mangia!, and A Little Bit of Soul Food. Gift ideas abound…you could simply give a collection of these fabulous books, or make a gift basket featuring one cuisine and some food items to go along with it.

I was so excited to see such an array of hip, educational board books. Who says reading to your baby has to be a snooze? Enjoy!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE a bubble bath.  I really wanted to pass this fabulous ritual on to my daughters.  Unfortunately, they have very sensitive skin.  How happy was I when my cousin (thanks, Amy!) sent us California Baby Bubblebath for Christmas?  California Baby products are designed for sensitive skin and are good for the environment.  The bubble bath is great as a baby shower gift or as a birthday gift for a small child.  I have given a bath themed basket to several babies I know.  I included some bath toys, a bath book, and a bottle or two of the bubble bath.  The California Baby scents kind of remind me of Aveda.  Check them out at California Baby, or at drugstore.com…search california baby.

Here are a few of my favorites:

They have scents like Calming, Overtired and Cranky, and there’s a great sampler set (rubber ducky included) that has a little bottle of each of their scents.

I first started shopping at MindWare when I began teaching gifted students 5 years ago. Mindware’s tagline is “brainy toys for kids of all ages.” Everything they sell is meant to engage young minds while entertaining them as well. I used so many of their products in my classroom and never felt guilty for letting the students “play.” Sometimes the best learning comes through play. They have products for all ages, but here are some for younger kids.

Tangoes Jr.

Tangoes Jr. won the 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Tangrams have been around for ages, but this toy features a drawer for the pieces. AND the pieces are magnetic making it easy for kids to keep everything all in one place. Looks like a good car toy to me! Tangrams help children develop their problem solving skills and enhance visual discrimination. But your child will just think she’s having fun. The starter set is $24.95 and additional packs of puzzle cards are available for $7.95.

Balance Moon and Animal See Saw

How cute is this little toy? It’s for kids ages 3 and up. They roll the little die and pick a piece to place on the moon. As they play, they learn about spatial relationships. There’s also an animal see saw that teaches kids about symmetry and balance. Looks like a great first game for any child and at 24.95 for both, it’s a steal. Your child could even keep one of the games and use the other as a gift.

I can’t say enough great things about this company. Take a look and you’ll find so many great products to help them learn while having fun.

Cute store alert! Zebra Hall has some really great toys and gift items for kids of all ages. While some of the items are on the extravagant side (like this grocery set for $225)

other items are far more reasonable. Check out this wooden Chanukah set for $28. It’s super cute and comes with the menorah, removable wooden candles, a dreidel, gelt, and even a little wooden frying pan with latkes. Although it’s sold out for this year, you can order one on backorder so you’ll have it for next year by calling 1-800-834-9165.