5 Simple Jump Starts to Creativity

     Art provides little ones of all ages with a forum to express their feelings─ and a new way to develop their thinking skills.  These practical tips will enable you to nurture your child’s budding creativity, even when they’re still in toddler sizes!

1.        Stock up on age-appropriate materials─ Shop for nonhazardous glues, swatches of fabric (not too small, since they might end up in someone’s mouth!), construction paper, paints and crayons.  Just the right side for you budding Picasso’s hands, My First Crayola’s new line of crayons, markers and stampers are a perfect start for your little one’s budding creativity.  The crayons, markers and stampers are in the shape of adorable animal characters, and feature rounded holders that are easy for your little one to grip and create away!  Affordably priced at $4.99 for each set, you can check out these latest products from Crayola (http://www.) at Target, Michaels and Wal-Mart’s nationwide.

2.       Make it easy to access─ Store all your art goodies in bins and baskets that you and your little one can color-coordinate together.  Alex’s My Wall Easel™  (retailing for $65.95) not only provides convenient multi-colored storage cups to hold paint and supplies, it can easily turn any drab wall into a workspace area for your little one’s.  With no assembly required, the Alex My Wall Easel’s ™mounting system makes it very simple to install it on your wall in a matter of minutes.  Visit the Alex website to find a store near you http://www.alextoys.com/store_locator

3.       Give them space and good lighting─ Make sure your child’s arts and crafts area has adequate lighting for little eyes.

4.       Displays, display, display─ Kids will soon see that their work is important to you and to the family.  Don’t just relegate their creations to the fridge: consider keeping a special scrapbook devoted to each child’s designs, or use a spare wall for posting.  Purchase magnetic clipboards or large frames so that you can easily interchange creations.

5.       Remember the power of praise─ Children need encouragement, recognition and appreciation in all aspects of their life and art is no exception.  By praising their creative efforts, you’re encouraging them to express themselves and share their thoughts with others.

Peepsqueak!

     If you are on the lookout for a sweet story with delightful illustrations that will become a staple story in your house, consider Peepsqueak! (Harper Collins).  As soon as little Peepsqueak bursts out of his shell wearing a bright red shirt with his initials, P.S., he is determined to fly.  He refuses to let any of the other farm animals tell him what he can’t do.  Peepsqueak stays focused on his goal, despite falling several times.  He tries many ways to fly─ jumping off a big rock and standing on top of the other chicks heads (which made my students laugh).

      Peepsqueak!  captured the attention of my Pre-K students throughout the entire time that I read the story to them, and it’s first time author/illustrator Leslie Ann Clark’s simple message that served as both a classroom lesson to my students as well as a reminder to all of us (no matter how old we are) that no matter how small you may be (or feel), if you keep trying,  you will accomplish many things.  Although you may fall, if you continue to get right back up again, you will be that much closer to realizing your dreams.  Peepsqueak! Retails for $12.99 and is available at Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and online.  For more on the author/illustrator Leslie Ann Clark, please visit her website at: http://www.leslieskye.wordpress.com/

No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® from Little Kids

    

     Bubbles…..I can’t imagine what my childhood would have been like if I didn’t have them to play with during the summer!  And, I passed on my love of bubbles to my son, who would laugh hysterically as he would blow them at our dog (who would try to eat them) when he was a toddler.  What I didn’t enjoy, though, as an adult, was the mess that trailed right behind them─wands that would constantly falls into the solution, causing spills on the floor as we tried to get it out of the bottom of the bottle. 

     So, when I received a sample of the No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® from Little Kids (which includes a wand and 4 oz. of bubble liquid), I couldn’t wait to discover the difference between this product and all of the others that I have used over the years.   On a warm morning last week, I decided to try this product out with several Pre-K students at my school during their recess.  Quickly, I soon discovered why this product has received multiple awards from several parenting organizations and received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio’s Gold Sea.  The children knocked it over and left it on its side for a short period of time while we were trying it out during our recess time last week, and my assistant and I noticed that there was no spillage. While it is important to note that you should properly tighten the lid on and store them upright, I found that the design is incredibly durable, and the non-toxic formula does not stain.

     The No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® from Little Kids retails for $5.99 and is perfect for children from 18 months and up.  You can purchase the No-Spill® Bubble Tumbler® at Kmart, Target, BJ’s, and Toys-r-Us’ nationwide and online.  For further information, please visit the Little Kids website at: http://littlekidsinc.com/

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.***

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     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