Mom in the City

CornerStorkBabyGifts.com is giving away a "Welcome to the World" Pink or Blue (you choose!) Baby Wagon Ten-Piece Gift Set.
 

1. Hasbro Tonka Wheel Drivers Scoot 'n Scoop 3-in-1 Ride-On: Recommended for children 9 months to 3 years old, this is a great 3-in-1 dump truck.  Both of my little boys love it!  They enjoy playing with the shape-blocks and playing with the steering wheel which makes noises, has lights, and vibrates.
APPROX. RETAIL: $ 39.99

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To my surprise, this was the hardest section for which to choose items. I wonder why...

1. International Playthings Lift-Off Rocket: Recommended for ages 18 months+, this rocket, with a lift off sequence, rocket sounds and light up boosters, has been receiving raves from across the board.  It comes with 2 astronauts, a space dog, alien, dune buggy and moon crater.  
APPROX. RETAIL: $ 39.99

2. Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go Trike: Recommended for ages over 1 and a ½, this is a great, compact award-winning tricycle.  My son loved his as did his friends (they have both a boy and girl version).  It comes fully assembled for instant riding and folds up for easy storage.  It’s also reasonably priced, which is good, since most kids will outgrow it by the time they turn 3. 
APPROX. RETAIL: $49.99 (You can get them for $39.99 at Toys R Us.)

3. EEBOO Tot Towers: Fun for ages 18 months and up, these beautiful block towers are great at helping toddlers build language and motor skills.  (I especially like the award-winning “Read to Me” tower.)
APPROX. RETAIL: $24.95

4. Melissa & Doug’s Monster Bowling: Recommended for ages 2+, this set is super cute (and I don’t usually like silly looking toys!).  Kids love this colorful bowling set, which has a monster ball and 6 pins.  While they are having fun, the kids are also developing physical dexterity, which is great!
APPROX. RETAIL: $24.95

5. Imaginarium 5-way Giant Bead Maze Cube: Recommended for ages 18 months to 3 years, this cube is a better version of what kids normally play with while waiting in doctors’ offices.  All sorts of skills are learned and/or reinforced in a fun way. 
APPROX. RETAIL: $ 49.99

6. IQ Preschool Push Along Block Cart: Suggested for ages 2 years and up, this multiple award winning set include 36 hardwood blocks in 10 different shapes all within a wooden push-cart.  I like that it combines a pull toy, building blocks and puzzle solving all in one package.
APPROX. RETAIL: $49.95

7. Building sets by JAKKS Pacific: Specifically, I like their KnotWüd™ sets (recommended for ages 18 months to 7 years) which use a durable, soft (no hard edges!) and lightweight foam material created to look like traditional wood.  This line features foam puzzles, construction block sets and other playsets.  I also like JAKKS’ colorful new Gorilla Blocks™ which are large, lightweight (they even float in water!), interlocking blocks that allow kids to build almost anything that they can think of creating.  They are great introductory blocks for young toddlers.
KnotWüd™: Range from $2.99 to $19.99
Gorilla Blocks: Range from $14.99 to $49.99

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1. Fisher-Price Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System: Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years, this is one of the TOP pre-school holiday toys of the year (so shop early!).  Once the stationary bike is connected to your tv, your child must pedal and steer to keep playing the arcade games that they will be viewing on your TV screen.  Kids across the board have been enjoying all 3 modes of play - Explore/Encounter, Arcade Games and Race Mode.  It’s a little pricey (but at least your kid won’t be a video zombie!).
APPROX. RETAIL: $100.00

2. A World of LEGO® Mosaic:  Recommended for ages 4+, this set (with 598 pieces) will provide your kid with hours of artistic fun.  (I like practically all of the LEGO products!)  With this set, kids can build 2D and 3D models.  It also includes materials for kids to hang their “masterpieces”.   
APPROX. RETAIL: $ 19.99

3. Remo Kids Floor Tom: Recommended for ages 3+, I like the compact size (7.5" high / 10" diameter) of this drum and that it can be played with kids’ hands, mallets (it comes with 2) or sticks. 
APPROX. RETAIL: $44.00 

4. Arts and Crafts Supplies: My favorite picks of the season are my personal favorite, the Alex Toys Giant Art Jar (suitable for ages 3+) which comes stocked full of a variety of craft supplies.  I also like the PLAY-DOH Super Craft Caddy (also suitable for ages 3+) which will provide hours of squishy fun.
Art Jar APPROX. RETAIL: $24.99
PLAY-DOH APPROX. RETAIL: $19.99
 

5. Board Games and Puzzles: Both are great ways to spend time together as a family.  Favorite games include Hasbro's classics games CANDY LAND, CHUTES AND LADDERS, and HI HO! CHERRY-O (all recommended for ages 3+).   As for puzzles, I really love Cranium’s (such a smart company!) Puzzles Plus® Talk ’n Tracks™: Monkey Safari and Seal Splash (both recommended for ages 3+) where kids follow a monkey through the jungle, and hear tigers roar — or listen to dolphins squeak and swim with a seal across the sea. The puzzle pieces can be assembled in any way that your kid likes in order to create a jungle or ocean scene. The animals move across the grooved tracks of the puzzle and there are great sound effects.
Hasbro Games Approx. Retail: $8.99
Cranium Puzzles Approx. Retail: $12.99

Posted by kdc521 at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I’m so excited to share our first Holiday Toy Guide.  I compiled it based on the following:  things that my kids like; things that I see other kids like (at playdates, group events, etc.); new toys that I’ve had sent to me from a variety of toy companies (it’s been like Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa around my house…it has been interesting explaining to my oldest son that he can’t keep everything); other mommy recommendations and  research (by now, you all know that I’m an information junkie – if different editorial teams from 3+ parenting magazines considered a toy “tops”, I looked into it). 

You will find 7 Favorite Gifts for three groups: Infants (birth to 18 months); Toddlers (18 months to 3 years) and Pre-Schoolers (3 years to 5 years).  In addition, the number one gift item that I suggest across the board is one of my favorite things - BOOKS!  You can go with the classics, The New York Times Bestsellers or purchase books based on the kid's areas of interest -- there's a book for every kid!

Be sure to leave comments on our blog regarding your favorite items…you just may win it!

Posted by kdc521 at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am determined to not get caught up in the mad holiday frenzy.  I’ve already started putting together my shopping lists and making plans regarding what we’ll do for the various holidays.  I’m determined to enjoy this season and not stress myself out.  To help, I received several great tips from Consider it Done (www.consideritdone.com) a lifestyle management company that organizes and coordinates projects for busy people worldwide.

1) Start early - pull ideas from magazines and catalogs. (Our toy guide should help!)

2) Get organized - make a list by person and/or family.

3) Shop one stop - many stores offer wrapping and shipping so you have one less thing to think about.

4) Ask for help - delegate and outsource when and what you can with personal shoppers and gift wrapping services - such as Consider it Done.

5) Relax and don't go overboard - keep it fun and do a little at a time…after all it's the thought that counts!

I hope these tips help to make your holiday season a little saner!

Posted by kdc521 at 07:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was at a birthday party recently where I met a woman with a child a little younger than my 3 year old son.  As is normally the case, the topic turned to preschool.  I was impressed by her candor.  She said, "My husband and I went back and forth regarding whether or not we were going to play the preschool game.  We finally decided to play it.  Well, at least we know that we're playing the game."  I on the other hand mentioned that I had decided the opposite...I refuse to play the game.  (For those who are wondering what in the world I'm talking about, "the game" is paying insane amounts of money for pre-school so that your kid can possibly get in a good school in the future.)  I don't know, I just can't wrap my mind around paying more for pre-school at Columbia  (which a friend of a friend is doing) than I paid for college tuition there (granted that was 15 years ago tuition).  Maybe it's because I'm from the South and grew up with a totally different educational system.  (I'm not even going to start on how much I dislike the amount of standardized tests that NYC students have to take.  God forbid if your kid is a great student/ learner but not a great test taker...).  In any event, I love the city, but the educational system definitely still leaves much to be desired. 

(On a side note, the November issue of TimeOut New York Kids has an interesting, informative cover story on getting into NYC's nursery and kindergarten schools.)

Posted by kdc521 at 06:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

-Laurie Berkner at Carnegie Hall: Kid favorite Laurie Berkner (a NOGGIN staple) will be making her Carnegie Hall debut with this concert along with Susie Lampert (vocals and keyboard) and Adam Bernstein (vocals and bass).  My son Michael loves Laurie Berkner and is so excited that we're going to this concert (which, of course, makes me happy).  The concerts are on 11/4/2007 at 1pm and 4:30pm.  Ticket prices range from $25 to $35.  

-Target Free First Friday Nights at CMOM:  They offer FREE ADMISSION from 5-8pm on the first Friday of every month.

-Buckle My Shoe Nursery School in Tribecca is hosting a FREE parenting seminar on November 14th at PS 234 from 6 to 7:30 pm entitled Playing Your Way To Harvard, a how to course for making the most of playtime with your children.  The seminar will be led by Dr. George Forman, an expert in the field of Reggio which draws on the teachings of Piaget.  All attendees must RSVP by November 12th.  For FREE tickets, please email Lensko@bucklemyshoe.org.

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Yesterday, I attended the opening of Hasbro's LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs Boutique in Manhattan.  The store is primarily geared towards girls (even though my son loved his pet dog and panda).  I was surprised to learn that this pop-up store will only be around for eight days.  Basically, it allows the kids to experience in real life the things that their VIPs (Virtual Interactive Pets) do on the computer. 

There were computer stations, an ice cream (not real) game, picture-taking and more.  Kids who complete each station get stamps that they can "redeem" for free t-shirts, mouse pads, pens and stickers (while supplies last).  Of course, the new line of VIP pets (cat, dog, penguin or panda) are also available for purchase at $14.99.  These plush toys are so cute ... they have these big heads and eyes.  They also each have a unique code so that kids can "adopt" them in their online world.  Although intended for kids 6+, younger computer-savvy kids (like my 3 and a 1/2 year old) will also enjoy them.

The LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs boutique is located at 587 Fifth Avenue and will be open the following days and times:

Oct 19-20: 9am-9pm 
Oct 21: 9am-7pm
Oct 25-27: 9am-9pm
Oct 28: 9am-7pm

Posted by kdc521 at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Following are some books that I read last month that were good or great...

For Myself: 
-Heather Reider and Mary Goulet's It's All About You: Live the Life You Crave: This book (by two moms) gives practical advice to moms regarding how to be successful in every area of their life.  It's a good book overall.  However, in my opinion, it covers too many topics (money, sex, appearance, career, family, etc.).  I guess that it's good for those who like to dabble.  I prefer to go in-depth on one primary topic per book.

-Robin Roberts' From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By: I really liked this small book full of practical advice.  (I was pleased to see one of my favorite quotes as her #2 "rule".)  The seven rules are: 1. Position Yourself to Take the Shot; 2. Dream Big, but Focus Small; 3. If at First You Don't Succeed, Dive Back In; 4. Never Play the Race, Gender, or Any Other Card; 5. Venture Outside Your Comfort Zone; 6. Focus on the Solution, Not the Problem; and 7.Keep Faith, Family, and Friends Close to Your Heart.

-Lisa Kothari's Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...: What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties:  This book is written by the founder of a great children's party website, Peppers and Pollywogs.  It provides practical advice and tips regarding planning parties for kids.  Some of the tips helped me with certain questions that I have had regarding parties as my children grow older (i.e. how to deal with siblings of invited guests, etc.).  I highly recommend this book as a practical guide. 

For My Sons:
-The Police Cloud
-Ginger Bear
-The Giving Tree (a classic!)
-Baby Bear, Baby Bear What Do You See?
-The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z  
-Big and Little
and
Punk Farm On Tour 

Posted by kdc521 at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

1. Stacks & Stacks: When we were at the Long Island cottage in September, my husband commented on two things that were in the cottage that he "wished" we had at home...a mail and key holder by the front door and a hanging towel holder in the bathroom.  Instead of the hanging towel holder (his point was that people were coming out of the bathroom with dripping hands even when I put out hand towels), I just got a simple, cute paper towel holder for the bathroom.  That should take away any confusion.  I found both at this great site.

2. Huggies Extra Sensitive Wash: My oldest son has very sensitive skin, so we've always had to buy special products for his skin (read: more costly).  I was pleasantly surprised to discover this reasonably priced (around $5), fragrance-free body wash that does not irritate his skin.  (It's also safe for babies and kids with eczema.)

3. Single-item parting gifts at birthday parties: I love, love, love this idea because (being the clutter-phobe that I am) I'm not a big fan of a lot of little tchotchkes that are normally found in birthday party goody-bags. I went to two birthday parties this month where the moms gave single item gifts.  One, had an assortment of books that she let the kids choose from on the way out. It was really cute, because it had a picture of the birthday boy as part of the bookplate. (An easy way to make bookplate stickers at home is to use a photo of your child with a few typed words and print it out on labels.)  The other had an assortment of puzzles that she let the kids choose from.  Since my son loves both books and puzzles, he was happy too.  This is one idea that I'll be borrowing in the future. (Except for my son's next b-day party...he has his heart set on Chuck-E-Cheese, so attendees will be getting their goody bags of toys and candy aka tchotchkes - I apologize in advance.)

4. More variety in term life insurance policies:  I'm not a financial planner.  I just "play" one as a mom.  Seriously though, every mom should be knowledgeable about the basics of finances.  I really like that there are new options in term life insurance (the best type of insurance in my - and Suze Orman's - opinion).  Met Life has a new "Term Life & Disability Package" which combines the two types of insurance that families need the most.  Prudential Financial, Inc. also recently introduced a new term life insurance policy that includes a money back guarantee, PruLife Return of Premium (ROP) Term, which guarantees the return of all premiums paid if the insured person lives past the end of the term.
 
5. "My First Daily Planner" Wall Hanging by Leaps and Bounds Kids: I have been looking for a kid's wall calendar to give my son a visual of the days of the week, the months, etc.  I found this and so much more in this wall hanging.  It also has space for the day's weather, the season, the activities of the day and there's even a space for how the kid is feeling.

6. It was love at first sight when I saw Staub’s blue, round teapot, but at $120 (coupled with the fact that I already have a perfectly good teapot) it's going to have to wait until a special occassion ... perhaps Christmas.  If my husband is looking, he can find it at Sur la Table.

7. I want a BlackBerry, specifically I want the  BlackBerry 8830.  It includes email, text and instant messaging, a personal organizer, a web browser, GPS and it's cute.  I won't get one though because I truly think that it would hurt my relationship with my husband and kids.  (I can easily get obsessed with email.  At least with the computer, I have to turn it off at times.  As such, a BlackBerry would not be a good thing for an obsessive person like me.) It's still one of my favorite things though. 

Posted by kdc521 at 02:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In case you're interested:

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