I know I have been slacking at posting all of my favorite things I have found.. The first thing I thought of when I opened the package to my new sheets was I HAVE TO BLOG ABOUT THIS!!
These are hands down the best sheets and duvet cover I have ever found. They are SO soft. So great, that when I got my first set in, I put my order in for the other 3 beds in my house. Seriously. And they are so inexpensive it is crazy.
I bought mine off of Amazon. I am a born price shopper and I have rarely found an item cheaper than anywhere BUT amazon.
Here is a link to the sheets and they come in all kinds of colors. When I get all my bedrooms finished, I will post a picture of those too :)
I also bought duvet covers for all the rooms too... Here is a link to those. Both are the same ultimate softness. You will LOVE them.
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Showing posts with label Kid Tested - Mother Approved. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kid Tested - Mother Approved. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Friday, January 6, 2012
Work with your child...tear free!
Thanks to my babysitter for showing me this GREAT workbook. It is a company called Handwriting without tears and it has a ton of different workbooks and teaching tools to help you jump start your child's learning. All without tears!
I had been trying to get my son to write his name for weeks. Owen. Who knew that O was not one of the letters you teach your child to write first?!? He got upset EVERY TIME and I figured he was just taking after his father and being way too much of a perfectionist. :) He would cry and say it wasn't perfect every time we sat down to work on it.
My babysitter happened to tell me about this company and all their workbooks and teaching aids and how much she loved it. She made some copies and worked with Owen one day and he loved showing the pages off to me. I went and ordered the book that night. We have been working on it ever since we got the book and he LOVES doing it.
Basically it is a slowed down version of making lines and curves and showing your child how "easy" it is to write. It starts out with simple line work:
And then it works with actual letters:
I don't know who is more excited to get this workbook out, but I do know that it works and works very well. I am excited to continue buying products as Owen continues to grow up! :)
They have a ton of products, but here is the book that I chose to start with:
Get your child familiar with the alphabet, ready for reading, writing AND math!
I love these books by Jane Moncure. Each book is based on each letter of the alphabet. My son had a difficult time, (or he was very stubborn) when starting to talk. I found that these really helped him learn how to pronounce each letter. I am sure they will continue to help him as he gets older.
They were given to me by my Sister-in-law. My son really got into them when he was about 2 1/2 or so. They really helped teach him how to identify his alphabet. Now, it helps him recognize words to start reading and writing them. I did find them on amazon.com so I have pasted the link picture to them. This is a product that is probably about 10 or more years old, so I have added a more current version of the books as well. I have never seen the newer version, but I assume they are just as good.
Here is the link to the newer version:
She also does a book set for first steps to math. I WILL be buying this for sure!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sticky Pull-Apart Cinnamon Rolls
Thanks again to Pinterest for showing me this fabulous recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls!
Here is what you will need:
1 large package of Grands Homestyle buttermilk biscuits
3 Tbsp. butter melted
1/2 Cup pancake syrup
1/3 Cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
pecans or sliced almonds are optional toppings.
Preheat oven to 375. Spray a round fluted pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a bowl mix together syrup and melted butter set aside. In a separate bowl mix together brown sugar and cinnamon (and nuts if you want them). Pour half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the round pan and then pour half of the brown sugar mixture on top. No need to mix. Next, top the biscuits in an overlapping pattern on top of the syrup to form a ring. Again, pour the rest of the syrup mixture and the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top and put in the oven for 20 minutes. When done, let it cool a minute and then flip it over on a plate and serve. Enjoy!
This is what it looked like before I flipped it onto the plate:
Here is what you will need:
1 large package of Grands Homestyle buttermilk biscuits
3 Tbsp. butter melted
1/2 Cup pancake syrup
1/3 Cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
pecans or sliced almonds are optional toppings.
Preheat oven to 375. Spray a round fluted pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. In a bowl mix together syrup and melted butter set aside. In a separate bowl mix together brown sugar and cinnamon (and nuts if you want them). Pour half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the round pan and then pour half of the brown sugar mixture on top. No need to mix. Next, top the biscuits in an overlapping pattern on top of the syrup to form a ring. Again, pour the rest of the syrup mixture and the rest of the cinnamon mixture on top and put in the oven for 20 minutes. When done, let it cool a minute and then flip it over on a plate and serve. Enjoy!
This is what it looked like before I flipped it onto the plate:
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sleep problems?
This post is going to go off in about 18 different directions because my houses sleep issues are erratic.
First of all, when I was first pregnant 5 years ago, it all started. Pregant people have the worst sleep. It has just now gotten slightly better.
My 4 year old son didn't start sleeping through the night until he was well past a year old. I am sure now, it was because his room was WAY too hot and WAY too quiet. Kids room are supposed to be like 65 degrees or something crazy. I thought I knew more and put in a little self heater in his room when he was 6 months old and couldn't use a blanket. Shame on me. I was slow roasting the poor kid. Then he got older and I discovered the Sleep Mate sound machine. LIFE SAVER! Then an old friend told me to put a box fan on outside his room. LIFE SAVER! But then it was time to transition to the toddler bed. (Insert scary movie sounds.) Nope, it was perfect. He finally started sleeping fairly normal. So what did I do? Got pregnant again. Yeah, who needs sleep anyway? So I am getting up to pee in the middle of the night and waking up the house while I am at it. UGH. Then we hit a stage where my 3 year old starts to wake up at 6 (or earlier) every morning. Um, no thankyou. I am about to get up with a newborn a trazillion times a night. I NEED sleep. That is when I found my next LIFE SAVER! The ok to get up clock. It turns green when it is ok to get up. I explained this to my son. He was not to get out of bed until it turned green which was at 7:30am. It worked and it has continued to work for a year now. I have since changed the time to 7 and he sometimes still sleeps to 7:30. It stays lit for a half hour. It is a great product. As for my second son, I kept his room at the 65 degree range and he actually slept pretty good at first. Until he started getting cronic ear infections. UGH again. But, he got tubes put in his ears and he now is an excellent sleeper.
No more babies for me. I am enjoying the 8 hours of straight sleep I have not gotten in the last 5 years. :)
click on the picture to below to buy yours at amazon:
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
My little buggy
Here is another must have item for your little one. I started using mine when my son was about 10 months old. I wish I would have found it earlier. We take it everywhere. It is so nice to have and it actually keeps my son very entertained (much more than a stroller). I wish it made more noises and did more "stuff," though. Nonetheless, an awesome thing to have. (They also come in pink)
I also found this one that has a folding handle. Mine does not fold. This kind might come in handy if you don't have an SUV or Minivan.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Pregnant? Read on my friend...
I think I must have researched every available product for my baby while I was pregnant. I wanted functional and cute, yet affordable. So I have done all the work for you. Here are my must have items for your new baby. Get your baby shower lists ready!
1. Must have the new Fisher Price Rock n Play. I loved having this available for naps and all night sleeping right next to me in place of a bassinet. It is foldable and I was able to take it everywhere we went with our new baby.
2. The Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Cradle Swing was and is the best swing I have ever come across. It is a swing that swings side to side and back and forth. It has a great eye catching mobile that lights up and plays music, ocean sounds, bubble sounds...there are fish that spin. It is just an all around great swing with lots for the baby to look at.
3. The Fisher Price Miracles and Milestones Magical Mobile Gym
Ok, the babies don't play on tummy mats for very long because soon they are rolling all over the floor. But, this thing is hands down the best! The top is a mirror ball that lights up and plays music and there is a mobile that moves around in circles. There is also loops along the legs which you can put toys on (comes with some toys already on there) which your baby can play while on their tummy. My kids loved playing under/on this mat.
4. Dr. Brown's bottles. Ugh.. did I ever have the worst time with my first baby and colic. Until I traded my bottles in for Dr. Brown bottles. Their anti-gas technology (there are a few parts to these bottles, but worth it!) saved my sanity. Worth the money right off the start.
5. Unfortunately my bouncer is nowhere to be found. I sold it at a garage sale, so I can't be certain what brand it was. It was the best and I am sorry that I can't remember and share that find for you. I had one that sat perfectly - some are too high backed and I feel like the baby can lean over and fall right out - It was all red and had blue legs. It came with 2 rattles that played music if the baby hit or removed them. It was way more than a bouncer and we loved it. Sorry! If I ever find it again, I will add the link in here.
6. Thank God for http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/ for telling me about the sleep machine. Man did I ever have a problem with my oldest son sleeping habits. Until I bought this machine. It is a white noise machine. I bought one for my second son right when I found out I was pregnant. Love it!
7. The most functionable baby gate on the planet: The Summer Infant Secure Surround Play Safe Play Yard. I bought it along with some extensions to go around our pond when my oldest son was a toddler. Then I used it around my Christmas tree that winter. Then my youngest son came along and instead of a baby gate we used this, then instead of a play pen we used this. Now when ever we are outside and I need to keep him coralled, I use this. Definate must have for kids!
8.I loved having a take along swing. I wouldn't say it is a must have. I just liked having it around. We could take it to Grandma's house, take it out on the deck. It was nice to have. So, if you are in the market, I recommed this one: The Open Top Rainforest Take-Along Swing.
9.I love this product as much as my kids do. It is the Cloud B Twilight Constallation Night Light Turtle. It projects starts (and the new versions have a moon) onto your bedroom walls and ceiling. It can project blue, green or orange stars. They also have sea turtles and lady bugs...maybe more. We have 2 turtles and we love them.
10. Next is my Cloud B Sleep Sheep. I use this in my kids cribs. It is a cute stuffed animal that has velcro on the back to strap to the crib and has heartbeat, waves, dolphin and white noise sounds. Inexpensive and useful to comfort the new baby with the heartbeat sounds.
11. If your pregnant you need to go buy this book. It is called "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" It has illustrations of what your baby looks like and what your body is going through each week. I loved reading this book and looking forward to reading it each week.
12. Last but not least is another book but this is post baby to go along with your pregnancy book is "Your Babys First Year Week by Week." I loved this book because as a new mom it helps guide you by what your childs sleep habits should be, how much they should be eating each week... etc. I took notes above each week about my first son and compared them to when I had my second son. It was neat to compare when each got their first teeth, how they each were sleeping and eating and how big they each were. I still go back to look up different things like how high a fever gets before you should really panic and how much my son should be sleeping at night. I just love this book, and now especially since I have cute notes on the pages, I will never get rid of it.
1. Must have the new Fisher Price Rock n Play. I loved having this available for naps and all night sleeping right next to me in place of a bassinet. It is foldable and I was able to take it everywhere we went with our new baby.
2. The Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Cradle Swing was and is the best swing I have ever come across. It is a swing that swings side to side and back and forth. It has a great eye catching mobile that lights up and plays music, ocean sounds, bubble sounds...there are fish that spin. It is just an all around great swing with lots for the baby to look at.
3. The Fisher Price Miracles and Milestones Magical Mobile Gym
Ok, the babies don't play on tummy mats for very long because soon they are rolling all over the floor. But, this thing is hands down the best! The top is a mirror ball that lights up and plays music and there is a mobile that moves around in circles. There is also loops along the legs which you can put toys on (comes with some toys already on there) which your baby can play while on their tummy. My kids loved playing under/on this mat.
4. Dr. Brown's bottles. Ugh.. did I ever have the worst time with my first baby and colic. Until I traded my bottles in for Dr. Brown bottles. Their anti-gas technology (there are a few parts to these bottles, but worth it!) saved my sanity. Worth the money right off the start.
5. Unfortunately my bouncer is nowhere to be found. I sold it at a garage sale, so I can't be certain what brand it was. It was the best and I am sorry that I can't remember and share that find for you. I had one that sat perfectly - some are too high backed and I feel like the baby can lean over and fall right out - It was all red and had blue legs. It came with 2 rattles that played music if the baby hit or removed them. It was way more than a bouncer and we loved it. Sorry! If I ever find it again, I will add the link in here.
6. Thank God for http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/ for telling me about the sleep machine. Man did I ever have a problem with my oldest son sleeping habits. Until I bought this machine. It is a white noise machine. I bought one for my second son right when I found out I was pregnant. Love it!
7. The most functionable baby gate on the planet: The Summer Infant Secure Surround Play Safe Play Yard. I bought it along with some extensions to go around our pond when my oldest son was a toddler. Then I used it around my Christmas tree that winter. Then my youngest son came along and instead of a baby gate we used this, then instead of a play pen we used this. Now when ever we are outside and I need to keep him coralled, I use this. Definate must have for kids!
8.I loved having a take along swing. I wouldn't say it is a must have. I just liked having it around. We could take it to Grandma's house, take it out on the deck. It was nice to have. So, if you are in the market, I recommed this one: The Open Top Rainforest Take-Along Swing.
9.I love this product as much as my kids do. It is the Cloud B Twilight Constallation Night Light Turtle. It projects starts (and the new versions have a moon) onto your bedroom walls and ceiling. It can project blue, green or orange stars. They also have sea turtles and lady bugs...maybe more. We have 2 turtles and we love them.
10. Next is my Cloud B Sleep Sheep. I use this in my kids cribs. It is a cute stuffed animal that has velcro on the back to strap to the crib and has heartbeat, waves, dolphin and white noise sounds. Inexpensive and useful to comfort the new baby with the heartbeat sounds.
11. If your pregnant you need to go buy this book. It is called "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" It has illustrations of what your baby looks like and what your body is going through each week. I loved reading this book and looking forward to reading it each week.
12. Last but not least is another book but this is post baby to go along with your pregnancy book is "Your Babys First Year Week by Week." I loved this book because as a new mom it helps guide you by what your childs sleep habits should be, how much they should be eating each week... etc. I took notes above each week about my first son and compared them to when I had my second son. It was neat to compare when each got their first teeth, how they each were sleeping and eating and how big they each were. I still go back to look up different things like how high a fever gets before you should really panic and how much my son should be sleeping at night. I just love this book, and now especially since I have cute notes on the pages, I will never get rid of it.
My jumpy thingy
I don't know why I don't call it "the bouncer" or "the jump and slide." But anyone who knows me asks to get out the "jumpy thingy." Everyone knows exactly what it is you are talking about.
It is another one of my favorite purchases. It is the Little Tikes Jump 'n Slide Dry Bouncer or the "jumpy thingy!"
What a great purchase thanks to the grandparents for my son's second birthday. We use it whenever we have friends over and are asked to bring it everytime we go anywhere where there are kids. My one year old loves it and the twelve year olds still play in it. (Although, I don't recommend it) I am not quite sure on the age limit but it definately is fun for a one year old (by himself), crazy 4 year olds, and my older nieces still trying to hold on to their childhood. :)
Excellent product that we have used a ton. The set up takes a minute or two and take down is a few minutes longer. It is an all around excellent item to have if you have kids!
It is another one of my favorite purchases. It is the Little Tikes Jump 'n Slide Dry Bouncer or the "jumpy thingy!"
What a great purchase thanks to the grandparents for my son's second birthday. We use it whenever we have friends over and are asked to bring it everytime we go anywhere where there are kids. My one year old loves it and the twelve year olds still play in it. (Although, I don't recommend it) I am not quite sure on the age limit but it definately is fun for a one year old (by himself), crazy 4 year olds, and my older nieces still trying to hold on to their childhood. :)
Excellent product that we have used a ton. The set up takes a minute or two and take down is a few minutes longer. It is an all around excellent item to have if you have kids!
Fisher Price IXL
I have told a few people about this excellent toy (much more than a toy)! I think this might be one of the best products out there for a 3-? year old. My best friends daughter played with it on vacation and she is 7. So, I am not real sure how old kids would be and still be interested in it. It is a story reader, a game player, a music player, a drawing board, a photo viewer and a note pad. My son loves his. He is 4 and has been playing with it for a year. He listens to music while he plays the games and colors pictures. He also likes to make funny faces on the pictures I have uploaded for him.
The best part of this toy is that you buy the games and upload them onto your computer and plug in your IXL to the computer and transfer the games to your IXL. There is no loosing your game cartridges or breaking them or throwing them in the toilet or whatever your crazy kids do. Added bonus, I think you can share them. I don't see why not because you are uploading them into your computer and then transferring them. So as long as your computer doesn't crash (God forbid), they are always there on your computer.
Great gift idea. It comes in blue or pink.
The best part of this toy is that you buy the games and upload them onto your computer and plug in your IXL to the computer and transfer the games to your IXL. There is no loosing your game cartridges or breaking them or throwing them in the toilet or whatever your crazy kids do. Added bonus, I think you can share them. I don't see why not because you are uploading them into your computer and then transferring them. So as long as your computer doesn't crash (God forbid), they are always there on your computer.
Great gift idea. It comes in blue or pink.
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