100 Wacky Things from Patch Products

   

    

     My family and I have long enjoyed playing fun, hands-on games that provide us with the ability to make each other crack up while getting downright silly.  100 Wacky Things™ from Patch Products, really impressed us with all of the ridiculous situations that a simple draw of the cards made us act out. 

     All three of us played the game together one night, and although we had an absolute great time playing it, we felt that it would be even more fun if we had more players.  So, my boys and I brought the game down with us when we went to my parents’ house for dinner.  Although we didn’t end up keeping score, we had such a great time playing this game and acting out all the crazy things that the draw of the Wacky cards made us do.  Players will pick from two types of ‘Wacky’Cards─ ‘Always’ and ‘Whenever’. If you draw an ‘Always’ card, you will have to do whatever the card says immediately and continue to repeat the action whenever it is your turn. If you draw a ‘Whatever’ card, you will have to do whatever the card instructs you to do whenever another player does something. For example, when my son drew a card that told him to stick out his tongue and say, “Ahh”, my husband had a ‘whenever’card that said that whenever someone made a face, he had to rub his tummy and pat his head.  While playing the game with my parents, one minute, my son was petting my husband’s head like he was a dog (while donning an elephant’s nose), the next minute, I’m meowing like a cat and my father had to do a hula dance! Totally priceless!

     Although 100 Wacky Things™ is intended for children between the ages of 7 and up; we quickly found that kids of all ages will love watching adults walk around the living room like a gorilla while wearing a bright red feather boa!  Yes, a feathered boa─ there are also silly props  that you will use throughout the game which also include a microphone, an elephant nose and funny glasses with eyes that pop out on springs! This zany game brought a lot of laughter to our night, and we truly will look forward to further nights of pure simple goofiness!

      100 Wacky Things™ includes 96 wacky cards, 4 prop cards, 4 props, (funny glasses, feather boa, microphone, elephant nose) and instructions.  Retailing for $21.99, 100 Wacky Things™can be purchased online thru the Patch Products website at:  http://www.patchproducts.com

Modest Momma's Toy Spotlight for March

Once a month, A Modest Momma’s Musings will shine a bright spotlight on a new mix of toys for children in various age groups.  You’ll be sure to find something special for your little or big ones here.

6 months to 12 months

Big Bird Stack-A-Nest (Playskool)

     With four colorful textured rings, this adorable stacker is designed to enhance your baby’s gross and fine motor skills. Retails for: $9.99.  Look for the Big Bird Stack-A-Nest at nationwide retailers including Babies-r-Us and Target.  For further information, please visit: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/

CrocoBloco Activity Toy (Discovery/K’s Kids)

     CrocoBloco’s center consists of four detachable blocks that are adorned with numerous activities─ detach the head and tail pieces to make this colorful crocodile the perfect size for your baby to cuddle with.  Let baby pull on the flower and watch his tail wag. Babies and parents will delight with all the stimulating sensory activity.  Retails for $49.97 at: http://store.discovery.com/

12 months to 24 months

My Take Along 1.2.3 Noah’s Ark (Playmobil)

     Your little one can help load all the animals included with this set on this colorful ark.  The deck of the ark is removable and the hull has plenty of space of storage for the lion, lioness and pairs of giraffes, zebras, elephants and birds. Perfect for babies 18+ months and up.  Can be purchased online for $34.99 at: http://store.playmobilusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-US-Site/en_US/Product-Show?pid=6765&cgid=1%2e2%2e3

Catch-Me-Kitty (VTech)

     This electronic learning toy from VTech invites your little one to a game of chase through sounds and movement.  Catch-Me-Kitty moves and scoots across your floor, encouraging your baby to chase it.  As your little guy approaches the kitten, a sensor knows exactly when they are near and the cat reacts with sounds and motions. Retails for: $14.99 at:  http://www.vtechkids.com

Count ‘n Crunch Cookie Monster (Playskool)

   Count 'n Crunch Cookie Monster is a great way to encourage early counting skills and number awareness. Watch your little girl count away with Cookie Monster as she feeds him his favorite food─cookies.  Cookie Monster responds by counting and giggling. Retails for $29.99.  For further information, please visit: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/

2 years to 4 years

Disney Animators’ Collection Dolls (Disney)

    Designed by key Disney animators, these dolls look like the famous Disney Princesses as toddlers. Each doll comes with a small cloth companion such as baby Meeko or baby Rajah. The outfits are very shiny except for Pocahontas, whose clothing is more leather-like. These adorable dolls retail for $24.50 and are available online at:  http://www.disneystore.com

Razzle-Dazzle Ruby by Masha D’yans (Scholastic)

     Award-winning artist Masha D’yans debuts her first picture book featuring the delightful character of Ruby, a little girl who can make the ordinary extraordinary!  Come along on her adventures as she becomes a snow queen and transforms a typical winter day into a gleaming fairy tale.  Glorious watercolor illustrations that pop out from the pages enhance this sweet story.  Girls of all ages will delight in this whimsical tale. Retails for: $17.99 and is available at Barnes & Noble booksellers nationwide and online. For further information, please visit: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/razzle-dazzle-ruby

Chuggington Wooden Railway Engines (Learning Curve)

      Based on the popular Chuggington show characters, these engines feature real wood construction and easy-to-connect magnets.  Fully compatible with other wooden train track systems, these engines bring the colorful world of Chuggington to life. Retails from: $11.99 to $19.99 at: http://www.learningcurve.com

4 years to 6 years

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Bitty Market Playset (Hasbro)

     The ever-popular, sweet-smelling doll debuts a new play set, which comes complete with a three-inch fragrant doll and adorable accessories including a grocery cart, pretend food and grocery bags.  Retails for $34.99 and are available at most major toy retailers nationwide and online at: http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com

Connect 4 Launchers (Hasbro)

     Be the first player to get four rings in a row─ horizontally, vertically or diagonally in an exciting new relaunch of the classic game.  Players face a head-to-head race as they try to aim, launch and connect their way to victory with a new designed game unit configured to catch launched checkers. Available for purchase for $19.99 at: http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com and at major toy retailers nationwide.

                                                           6 years to 8 years

Lego Alien Conquest UFO Abduction (Lego)

     This newest addition to LEGO’s vast collection sets is the first earth-based space theme.  You little hero can go on a mission to prevent the UFO from abducting the farmer.  The UFO’s illuminated tractor beam, three mini figures and numerous LEGO bricks to build roadblocks can set imaginations afire.  Retails for: $29.99, and available at major nationwide retailers, including Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys-r-Us.  For further information, please visit: http://shop.lego.com/en-US/UFO-Abduction-7052

Crayola Jewelry Boutique (Crayola)

      Give your little girl the chance to become her very own jewelry designer!  The kit will spark her imagination and creativity to design uniquely personal bracelets, necklaces and earrings.  The jewelry spinner and workstation work in combination with Model Magic colors to create over 160 eye popping combinations. To add a dazzling finish to her designs, she can add bead glaze, gems and interchangeable pendant and bracelet charms to her creations. Retails for: $24.99 at: http://www.crayolastore.com

                                                  8 years to 10 years

Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars (By the editors of Klutz and Bonnie Burton)

     Filled with tips, your child will be able to learn to draw their favorite characters from the popular movie. Can be purchased online at: http://www.klutz.com for $16.97 or in Barnes & Noble and specialty stores and catalogs nationwide.

Simon Flash (Hasbro)

     This new high-tech twist on the popular Simon game will test your memory and logic skills to the max!  A portable game case makes it easy to take along on a road trip. Retails for: $29.99 at Target and Wal-Mart’s nationwide.  For further information, please visit: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/\

10 years and up

LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: Black Pearl (Lego)

    Ahoy, matey’s! Fans of the hugely popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies will marvel at LEGO’s version of Captain Jack Sparrow’s ship.  Retailing for $99.99, and available for purchase at: http://www.lego.com

Risk (Hasbro)

     The ultimate game of global domination is back in this latest update.  The classic game reintroduces the Napoleonic-era military theme to pique the interest of your aspiring world leader.  The object of the game is to occupy every territory on the board with the help from the roll of the dice. Available online at: http://hasbrotoyshop.com and major toy retailers nationwide for: $19.99.

Mustela Post-Partum Body Restructuring Gel

     A skin care product that is specifically formulated to address the main side effects of pregnancy (i.e. skin slackening and unappealing excess fatty deposits) on the figure during the postpartum period?  Doesn’t exist, you say? Think again!  The Mustela Post-Partum Body Restructuring Gel aims to gently restores your skin’s firmness, provides moisture and smooth’s your skin tone without the use of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

     Recently, I received a sample of the Mustela Post-Partum Restructuring Gel, and I immediately thought that my friend, Allyce, who just gave birth to her first child in February, would be interested in trying it out.  Applying the gel under her chest, thighs and stomach for a period of three weeks, Allyce’s skin started to feel more firm in comparison to how it felt when she first came home from the hospital.  The firming properties from the combination of plant extracts, as well as Elastoregulator®, Lupeol and Centella Asiatica help to redefine your body’s contours while restoring your skin’s elasticity.  The gel is light and non-greasy when applied (Allyce noticed that after applying in the morning and evening prior to getting dressed, it failed to leave any residue on her clothes) and best of all, it is alcohol and caffeine-free, which provides nursing moms like Allyce with added relief to be able to comfortably use a product on their breasts that is safe during breastfeeding.  One word of caution─ the Mustela Post-Partum Body Restructuring Gel should not be applied to scars related to caesarean delivery.

     Retailing for $39.00, the Mustela Post-Partum Body Restructuring Gel can be purchased online at such websites as Destination Maternity, Babies-r-Us, and BuyBuyBaby.  For further information about the Mustela Post-Partum Body Restructuring Gel, as well as their wide selection of maternity and newborn skin care products, please visit the Mustela website at: http://www.mustelausa.com/

The líllébaby™ Everywear Organic Five-Position Child Carrier

     Few parents, myself included, will pass up an opportunity to tackle a busy day with both hands free while still maintaining contact with their happy, cozy baby. Babies love and need to be held, and now that Spring has finally sprung upon us, there is no better time to bundle up your little one into a baby backpack carrier to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. 

     I recently received the líllébaby™ Everywear Organic Five-Position Child Carrier and I couldn’t wait to try it out.  The líllébaby™ Everywear Organic Five-Position Child Carrier is made from organic bamboo fabric and a thick, organic cotton fill, as well as extra-padded shoulder pads. The shoulder straps are narrow enough, which allowed me to wear a jacket over the carrier comfortably, and even when I tried it out without wearing a jacket, the carrier never moved out of place.  It fits easily into your diaper bag, and the built-in pockets are perfect for storing diapers, wipes, travel-sized sunscreen, etc...   It is extremely light-weight, and I felt that I had more support at my waist, unlike other carriers that I have used in the past, and comfortable padding on the shoulders.

     The sitting positions that you can choose to carry your baby allow you to find the perfect position for you and your little one,  are as follows:

1.      Front inward facing with small seat and removable head support (newborn to 4 months)

2.      Front inward facing with large seat (4 months to 25 pounds)

3.      Front outward facing (up to 25 pounds)

4.      True/single strap hip side (up to 42 pounds)

5.      Back (up to 42 pounds)

6.      Cradle carrying/sling (newborn to 4 month). ***The infant cradle is sold separately.***

.

     The líllébaby™ Everywear Organic Five-Position Child Carrier fits waists measuring between 24” to 48” and  includes the carrier, 100% Bamboo hood, safety harness, removable neck support, user manual and online video instructions.  As of this writing, the only color that the líllébaby™ Everywear Organic Five-Position Child Carrier comes in is dark brown.  The carrier has a two year manufacturer’s warranty and it is JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Certified.

     Retailing for $120.00, the líllébaby™ Everywear Organic Five-Position Child Carrier can be found in BuyBuyBaby and Babies-r-Us stores nationwide.  For further information or to find a retailer near you, please visit their website at:  http://www/lillebaby.com

mama mio O●Mega™ Wonder-Full Balm

     Although your face is probably the most important feature in determining your age, your hands come in a close second. It is almost impossible for anyone to go through their day without using their hands. From washing, driving, writing and gardening, hands are one of our most used body parts. As with anything that is used on a frequent basis, the delicate skin on our hands tends to give off very visible signs of aging and distress. Stop for a moment to take a good look at your hands. Do they look for feel dry? For me, the answer has always been yes, until I recently received a sample of the mama mio O●Mega™ Wonder-Full Balm.

     Featuring rich antioxidant and vitamin enriched ingredients including carrot-seed, avocado, almond and evening primrose oil, this nourishing balm is thick and moisturizing, yet never leaves you with a greasy feel.  After a week of using this product, this balm really truly lives up to it’s name, as I found that it not only helped to ease the rough and dry skin on my feet and heels, it can be used all over─ as a lip balm, a cuticle cream or easing the irritation from those dreaded stretch marks.  The mild floral scent of a blending of ten pregnancy-specific safe oils was instantly pleasing.

     As I am always on the lookout for eco-friendly, natural products, the mama mio O●Mega™ Wonder-Full Balm (as all of the mama mio products) is paraben, petroleum, sodium laureth sulphate and dye free.  Retailing for $26.00, the mama mio O●Mega™ Wonder-Full Balm can be purchased directly thru the mama mio website at: http://www.mamamio.com/us/omega-wonder-full-rescue-balm.html

      For further information about mama mio’s line of skincare products (especially those specifically targeting the skin care issues during pregnancy), please visit their website at: http://www.mamamio.com/us/

.

B. Toys Woofer

    

     Music is a natural part of life for our toddlers. They might be found singing to their stuffed animals, tapping their feet to the rhythm of nursery rhymes or enjoying the sound of their loved ones singing to them — even if we admit (like me) that we can't always carry a tune. This early introduction to music does more than entertain.  It helps to initiate early learning, serving as an important foundation to exposing our children to sensory experiences that offer lifelong benefits.  Taking this into consideration, B. Toys Woofer, is a playful and enjoyable introduction to the joys that the world of music can bring to your little one.

     The Woofer plays 20 familiar songs as well as 9 adorable and funny puppy parody favorites (and yes, moms and dads, there is a volume control button so your little rocker-to-be can play the Woofer quietly!!)  The songs utilize the three settings that your child can set with the red button on the bottom side of the Woofer─ acoustic, electric, and ‘howl’, and boy, did we howl with laughter at the funny little songs it plays!   The ‘howl’ mode plays both the same chords and songs as the acoustic and electric modes, except with the addition of doggie howls and barks in replace of guitar sounds (which turned out to be my son’s favorite play mode!).  The scale of the eight multi-colored buttons run up the side of the Woofer, are a fantastic tool for initiating early learning of the music scale.  The four blue strings really strum, so your child will be able to feel that they are really rockin’ the guitar!  The ‘Whammy Bone” in light blue on the left side lets your child create their own songs. 

     The strap has a velcro bit so you can easily open it, which is very important, as it helps to avoid your child from trying to put it around their neck.  As a longtime fan of B. Toys, I have always appreciated that not only do they create such imaginative toys, but they take into consideration all the safety issues when creating their products. The Woofer comes complete with instructions and a lyrics and songs booklet. Another great feature, which will come as a great relief and surprise to moms and dads, batteries (requires 3 AA) are included! The Woofer is well-built at a solid 2.07 pounds, and best of all, its BPA free.

     Retailing at $22.99, B. Toys Woofer can be purchased at Target stores nationwide http://www.target.com/p/B-Woofer-Hound-Dog-Guitar/-/A-13527758#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage  For further information, please visit B.Toys website at: http://justb-byou.com/

Maternity Jean Cut Tips

     Well, you might as well face it─ you will probably be wearing jeans throughout your entire pregnancy.  Not only should your jeans look amazing, they will play an important part in protecting you against becoming a victim of PPB─ pregnancy plumber’s behind!  But, before you begin your search for the best jeans, here are a few tips on what to look for:   

• Check to see that the denim fabric has a little bit of give in it. Rigid denim jeans are best to avoid, as they can dig into your tummy and make the jeans uncomfortably tight as your pregnancy progresses. A cotton mix is perfect.
• Inspect the top button – this may seem like a little thing to do, but the type of backing to a button can be surprisingly irritating when you get to the later stages of your pregnancy, especially if it starts to dig into your belly.
• If you are considering a fold-down fabric topped pair of maternity jeans, make sure it has belt loops!  The last thing that you is to be caught walking down the street hiking your jeans up like pair of loose pantyhose!

 Here’s the lowdown on the cuts:

Straight leg─  An all-round good type of jean; the cut sees your legs being cut straight down, not flaring or tapering in anywhere. If you are small in stature, this may be a good choice, as they tend to make your legs look longer than they actually are.

Boot Cut Maternity Jean─ As their name suggests, boot cut jeans were originally created the intention of making a man look good when worn with boots, but they have since become a favorite piece of women's clothing. Relatively relaxed in their fit, hugging the hips and thighs without being overly tight, they flare out slightly at the bottom, making them suitable for women with a large upper body, as they balance out the body shape perfectly. While comparisons can be made to bell bottoms, but the flare of a boot cut is not as big or dramatic.

Skinny Leg Maternity Jean─ an integral part of any expecant momma's wardrobe; skinny jeans are a great fit for women with a slim waist and legs.

Flared Maternity Jean─ the modern version of the popular 1970s bell bottom jeans, flares are a slightly more reigned in version. Rather than being skinny at the top then widening massively below the knee, flared jeans have a loose but straight feel all the way down the leg, only beginning to flare just above the ankle.

Assemble 'Fancy' Outfits with New "Fancy Nancy" Game from Briarpatch

     As an assistant librarian at an elementary school, I can say with all honesty that each week, our library’s collection of the Fancy Nancy books is always on limited supply.  Our younger girls (and even our older girls) just adore Fancy Nancy, the best-selling series of a young girl with a larger-than-life personality by author Jane O’Connor.  Fancy Nancy always dresses extravagantly─ no ensemble of Fancy Nancy’s isn’t complete without fairy wings, boas, tutus and fuzzy slippers to name a few. 

     Now, your little fashion maven-in-the-making can pair ensembles just like her favorite storybook character with Briarpatch’s Fancy Nancy Fabulous Fashionista Game.  Players assemble their ‘Fancy Nancy’ ensembles (held in an armoire and shoe rack) by trading and collecting all of those essential fashion accessories that make up an outfit.  The first player to have assembled three outfits is the winner.  The Fancy Nancy Fabulous Fashionista Game comes with four (4) armoires and shoe racks; fashion die; 24 matching dress and shoe tokens and rules for all of the different ways that you can play.  An added bonus─ cling reusable stickers that can be used to ‘fancy-up’ the armoires or to let your little girl add a spark of creativity to just about anything else that needs a special touch!

    We found that the Fancy Nancy Fabulous Fashionista Game is suitable for children ages 5 years and up, and is best played with between 2 to 4 players.  Retailing for $20.99, the Fancy Nancy Fabulous Fashionista Game can be purchased at Kohls stores nationwide, or online at www.briarpatch.com, www.amazon.com, and www.scholastic.com .  For further information, please visit the Briarpatch website at: http://www.briarpatch.com

Plum Organics Unveils New Fruit & Veggie Whole Grain Blends

  

      Although I’ve always tried to make my own baby food from scratch for my son, I can often be found in the baby food aisle at my local grocers on the lookout for new, delicious organic baby foods that I can take with us when we are on the go. Plum Organics has recently introduced its new Fruit & Veggie Whole Grain Blends.  All four varieties feature recipes using ancient grains like Amaranth, Millet and Quinoa, providing little budding palates with a whole grain boost of nutrition.  The new flavor blends include Zucchini, Banana & Amaranth; Apple Raisin & Quinoa; Sweet Potato, Mango & Millet and Plum, Berry & Barley. 

       Every Plum Organics baby food pouch contains 100 percent real fruits and vegetables; no added sugar, juice or color; absolutely no artificial ingredients, trans-fats or high fructose corn syrup, and best of all, for this mom of a child with a sensitive, picky belly, three of the new blends are gluten-free.  My son and I tried the samples of the Plum, Berry & Barley and Apple Raisin & Quinoa the last two days , and we were both  so pleased with the taste.  The addition of the grains added a hearty and nutty (without the nut!) flavor.

     The food pouches are BPA-free and they are extremely lightweight and can fit just about anywhere---perfect to keep in your diaper bag when you're running errands for a quick nutritious snack, or for long day trips. The resealable squeezable pouch is ideally designed for self-feeding, and it features a child-safe cap.  Each Plum Organics food pouch retails for $1.49 and can be found in Whole Foods Markets, Target and Babies-r-Us stores nationwide.

     For further information on the wide variety of organic baby food and toddler snacks from Plum Organics, please visit their website at: http://www.plumorganics.com

Wei Beauty Chinese Rose Foaming Cleanser

     For years, women have used water infused with rose petals to rinse their faces, leaving them with softened skin.  The gentle, yet tantalizing aroma of rose assists with opening your skin’s pores, leaving your skin complexion radiant and glowing.

     As I have long been a loyal user of rose-scented beauty products, I was thrilled to recently receive a sample of the Wei Beauty Chinese Rose Foaming Cleanser.  After using it once a day in the morning for two weeks, I am honestly amazed at the results.  This creamy, foaming cleanser thoroughly left my normally dry skin-tone cleansed and refreshed, with a soft, supple feel.  The Wei Beauty Chinese Rose Foaming Cleanser, containing an infusion of Chinese Rose, delicate White Tea and essential vitamin C from Mandarin Orange peels helps to brighten your skin.  It effectively dissolved makeup as well as oily residue at the end of the day. The cleanser is allergy and dermatologist tested. 

      Retailing for $32.00, the Wei Beauty Chinese Rose Foaming Cleanser can be purchased online on the Wei Beauty’s website at:  http://www.weibeauty.com/

New Product Helps to Make Tummy Time Less Tearful

     While I was pregnant with my son, every magazine I read stressed the importance of tummy time. for newborns. During our first visit to the pediatrician when we brought our son home from the hospital, he also emphasized the significant benefits that this would give to our boy.  However, our pediatrician  also mentioned  that many babies do not really enjoy this play time,  so we’d be best to try it in small doses─ like a couple of minutes after each diaper change─ to ease our son into it.  So, when my family received a sample of the Infantino Right Angle Tummy Triangle, we instantly set our sights on gradually getting our son accustomed to some (we hoped) fun time on his belly. 

     There was very little, if any, assembly required with the triangle, and my husband was instantly enamored with this, (after months of frustratingly putting together cribs, strollers, changing table, dressers, you name it) before we even got our son used to it! The surface lets you lay your baby on his/her stomach at a slight incline, allowing her/him to look into a mirror or play with the attached toys instead of typically having their face in a blanket on the floor.  The bar is adjustable, allowing you to raise it as your baby’s neck strength grows.  The bright colors easily engaged our son’s attention, and when he noticed the mirror and the crinkly bumble bee, well it quickly became one of his favorite things to reach out for.  Another pleasing feature of this product is that it includes a musical device timer.  You can set the music for 1, 5 and 10 minute time intervals to assist you in getting your little comfortable.  As each day passed and we gradually increased his tummy time on the device, the strength in his tiny arms improved, and it made tummy time no longer a time filled with tears for both mommy and her little boy!  One quick word of advice─ as soon as you notice your baby getting to the point of really pushing up on their arms, you will need to watch them carefully because they can easily roll off of the sides. 

     Retailing for $34.99, you can find the Infantino Right Angle Tummy Triangle at Babies-r-Us, Target and Wal-Mart’s nationwide and online.  For further information, please visit the Infantino website at: http://www.infantino.com/