Mom in the City

Now that we have two sons, my husband and I divide and conquer when it comes to bath time.  I wash the baby in the kitchen sink (in a baby tub, of course) while my husband gives our toddler son baths in the bathroom tub.  Our older son loves bath time, but he's been so attached to the new baby that he keeps wanting to run to the kitchen to see the little one's bath instead of taking his own.  This all changed last week when I received some Crayola products to review.  My toddler, Michael/reviewer once again, stays and plays happily in the bathroom tub.

Michael already loved the Crayola Bathtub Tints (now called Crayola Color Dotz) and hasn't taken a plain colored bath since he was introduced to them.  Now, Crayola has some accessories for the Dotz.

The one that my son loved the most was "ozzie the octopus spout cover".  It's this adorable little octopus that you place over the spout, you put one of the dots in his mouth and colored water comes out from his tentacles when you turn the spout on for bathtime.  Unfortunately, our tub's spout isn't standard sized so ozzie doesn't fit (to my son's dismay).  So, we now have an octopus on our (standard-sized) bathroom sink...not quite the same effect but it makes Michael happy. 

The next item that he tested was the "color dotz tub boat".  You put dotz into each of the boat wheels, pull the flag post, and put the boat in the bath water.  The boat then travels through the tub, coloring the water.  It works really well at coloring the water and is a fun boat to play with at the same time.  Michael really liked it. 

In addition to the two toys, Michael tested their "bath caddy".  It includes bath crayons, bathtub paints and a jar of the dotz.  Everything fits into a Crayola caddy that sticks to your bath wall with two suction cups.  All of the bath coloring items were fun for Michael to use.  Last, but definitely not least, Crayola included 30 packs of bath markers for attendees at our March playdate.  Crayola is the BEST!   Definitely look out for these products in your local toy stores.

4/20/07 Update:
Ozzie is being featured at Rite Aid from April through June and is now in line at Wal-Mart.

Posted by kdc521 at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

1. One mom will win a "Born Free" gift-pack including a twin pack of both the 5 oz and 9 oz bottles PLUS a Training Cup. http://www.newbornfree.com/

2. A hardcover copy of Wife in the Fast Lane and Notting Hell. Both are available at www.amazon.com.

To enter, simply send an email to contests@mominthecity.com with "Bottles" and/or "Books" in the Subject line to indicate the contest(s) that you are interested in entering.  Winners will be chosen on April 30th.

Mom in the City newsletter list members are eligible for the monthly giveaways.  (To be added to the newsletter list, email your name, zip code and referral source to kcoleman@mominthecity.com)

Posted by kdc521 at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

1. Kate's Paperie: They have some of the prettiest paper and paper accessories that I have seen.  Recently, I needed to purchase a business card holder and found a really cute, unstuffy one on their site for only $9.95. http://www.katespaperie.com/

2. Mommy Track'd site:  My favorite part of  "The Working Mother's Guide to Managed Chaos" is their Newsdesk feature.  In it, they scan various news sources to share stories of interest to working moms.  http://www.mommytrackd.com/

3. New Born Free bottles: I like the air vent on these bottles.  It helps reduce the air that babies swallow.  With my first pregnancy, I primarily used Avent bottles, which were good.  However, I find these bottles to be great for supplemental milk for my one month old son. (A lucky mom will win a gift set of these bottles in this month's giveaway!) http://www.newbornfree.com/Catalog.aspx?categoryid=8756

4. The Container Store: I am not a fan of clutter.  That is why I can get lost in this store for hours on end.  One of my favorite purchases is their Calypso Toy Trolley ($19.99).  It currently holds all of my sons little sports balls.  It has lasted for three years so far.  It fits in the corner and is on swivel casters, so he can drag it around when he wants. http://www.containerstore.com/browse/index.jhtml?CATID=77427
 

5. TAZO tea: A good friend (who knows how much I love tea) recently gave me a box of their assorted sampler tea.  I especially like their "Calm", chamomile flavored herbal tea.  In the middle of a crazy day, it made me feel well, calm. http://www.tazo.com

6. Hands On NY Day: I was introduced to New York Cares almost 10 years ago.  One of the first events that I volunteered at was a Hands on New York Day.  I remember that our group painted parts of a school with some of the school kids.  It was so much fun!  This year, the 13th Annual Hands On New York Day will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007.  For more information, visit http://www.nycares.org/volunteer/annual_events/honyd/index.php

7. Pottery Barn Dinnerware:  I especially love their Sausalito collection.  I like the clean, minimal lines.  I have had the blue and white sets since I have been married.  They are not only sturdy enough for everyday use but also pretty enough for company. http://www.potterybarn.com

Posted by kdc521 at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I visited the following sites and agree with this recommendation by MitC member, Gigi...

"I also wanted to tell you about this great website that I think could be a wonderful resource for all us parents out there. I've had the wonderful opportunity to regularly blog for Dr. Randy Cale, PhD, a licensed psychologist who has some really great advice. You might want to check out his website at www.terrificparenting.com and also his blog at www.terrificparenting.net. As I mentioned, the website is a great resource for advice, tips and inspiration in raising your family and the blog is a great place to voice concerns, questions, etc. His newsletters are fabulous and always filled with inspirational stories and advice."

Posted by kdc521 at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

1. All Star Gourmet Popcorn Comets: Popcorn Comets (http://www.allstargourmet.com/) are 4 oz bags of air-popped organic popcorn in four flavors - Sweet & Salty (cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, vanilla & sea salt); Spinach, Herb & Asiago; Hot & Spicy; and Sweet & Spicy.  The popcorn is low fat - 5 g per serving (no saturated fat) and high fiber - 3 g per serving. Truthfully, I'm not a huge popcorn eater...(My teeth are close together and I have to floss like crazy after eating popcorn), but my favorite flavor was the Hot & Spicy.  My son liked the Spinach, Herb & Asiago flavor well enough.  Visiting friends, who are really into healthy, organic snacks and foods, really liked the Comets.  Overall, this organic popcorn is a tasty, healthy snack for kids old enough to eat popcorn (and their parents!).  It is sold at Whole Foods and www.amazon.com.
 

2. Flat Earth Fruit Crisps and Veggie Crisps: These are Frito Lay's newest brand.  Each one ounce serving of the new “Impossibly Good” crisps contain a ½ serving of fruits or vegetables. Flat Earth fruit crisps and veggie crisps are available in six flavors: Farmland Cheddar; Garlic & Herb Field; Tangy Tomato Ranch; Wild Berry Patch; Apple Cinnamon Grove; and Peach Mango Paradise and retail for $2.99 (6 oz.). I sampled the Tangy Tomato Ranch and Apple Cinnamon Grove flavors.  I really liked the Ranch flavor.  I wasn't a big fan of the Apple Cinnamon chips, but my almost three year old son really liked them.  You can get a $1.00 off coupon for the crisps at http://www.impossiblygood.com.

Posted by kdc521 at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In case anyone is interested...

"(We are) trying to connect with parents that have kids between the ages of 2.5-3.5 years old that are interested in participating in our study on language and literacy in kids 2.5-3.5 years old. The study is harmless,short and very fun, and will help us better understand the way language develops in children. Interested parents can contact Lizzie at (212)998-5546 to set up an appointment."

Posted by kdc521 at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This workshop will be on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Scholastic headquarters in SoHo.  There will be great information, wine & cheese, personal shopping sessions with the experts, a 20% off discount at the store, and a FREE gift bag!  Seating is limited, so please RSVP by 4/2.

Posted by kdc521 at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING REQUESTS FOR THIS EVENT 

Universal Pictures is doing an advanced screening on March 14th for their upcoming film, "Knocked Up" (http://www.knockedupmovie.com/).  They are making it a special event for parents (especially new and expecting moms and dads)!

"Mom in the City" has been given 25 tickets for its membership.  Each ticket admits two people, so bring along your husband or a friend (the film is rated R, so adults-only please). The screening starts at 6:30 at the Clearview Theatre at 1st and 62nd) If you are interested, please email me at kcoleman@mominthecity.com with your address ASAP.

Posted by kdc521 at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)