Archives for June 2011

Favorite Finds for Babies and Toddlers

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I came across some things for babies and toddlers this week that I just love. Thought I’d share:
First are the KIDZ Placemats by Modern-Twist.  Modern-Twist is all about bringing art to the table and they have some fabulously modern things for adults but I stumbled upon their kids placemats and fell in love.  They have some amazing designs.  I purchased 2 of the Alphabet Animals mats for my 2 and 5 year old.  They have been enjoying identifying the animals and letters at every meal. My 7 year old loves the Kat in the City placemat.
 The cool thing about these mats is that they are made from silky food-grade, hand silk-screened silicone.  Each one has a clear base so the artwork really stands out. You can roll these mats up and they won’t crack or break.  Plus they are a non-porous,  germ-free surface for kids to play and eat at.  I am thinking they will be great to throw in a diaper bag or purse to take when we eat out to cover icky tables. 
My kids favorite part may be that you can color on these with washable or dry erase markers! Just clean them off with a damp cloth or rinse.  
These great placemats are free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates & other harsh chemical.  Check out their super cool adult palcemats, doilies and other stuff too!! 
I am also really digging the BABYBJÖRN cup.  They are calling it baby’s first cup.  For little ones with little hands this cup is easy to grip and the base stands firmly so that it is difficult to knock over.  Oh, and most importantly is it BPA free. This cup sells for close to $14 on Amazon.
How many times have you tried to weigh yourself while holding baby and then have to do the math to figure out baby’s weight? I think MOMO is really on to something with these nifty, portable baby and toddler scales.  These scales measure 9.25” W x 5.25” H x 0.75” D and will weigh up to 330 lbs (the device itself only weighs 22 oz.).  You can find these scales in different boy or girl designs at Amazon.

What are your favorite new finds? 
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Win $50 to spend at Amazon from Mommy Kudos

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Mommy Kudos hit a milestone a few weeks ago with 500 Google Friend Connect followers.  I would like to celebrate and do a giveaway.  So how about $50 to spend at Amazon?

Amazon.com $50 Gift Card (0109)


Enter to Win $50 to spend at Amazon.com on anything you would like. To enter follow the instructions below and be sure to leave me an email address to notify you if you should win.

Mandatory To Enter:
Follow Mommy Kudos via Google Friend Connect (upper right side of this page).

Additional Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each action):

Follow Mommy Kudos on twitter
Like Mommy Kudos on Facebook 
Grab my button on the right side of my page &  leave me a link to where you place it. 
Subscribe to Mommy Kuddos via RSS
Subscribe to Mommy Kudos by email
Tweet about this giveaway just include @mommykudos in your tweet (up to once daily).

Contest ends July 6th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to U.S only.

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Kudos and not by Amazon.

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Summertime Lunch & Snack Ideas

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So now that you have some ideas to put on your calendar for ways to have some fun with your kids this Summer what are you going to feed everyone?  Here are some ideas for fun snacks and lunches to include of your calendar.

Lunch Foods:

  • Make your own (a.k.a healthier) Lunchables (crackers, cheese, turkey slices, and fruit)
  • Mac N Cheese
  • Grilled Cheese
  • Bean and cheese burritos
  • Make your own bagel pizzas
  • PB&J
  • Build your own salad (lettuce, shredded cheese, veggie toppings, dressing)
  • Homemade chicken breast nuggets with sweet potato oven-baked fries
  • Chicken salad sandwiches
  • Baked Potatoes (with choice of toppings)
  • Waffle sandwiches (waffles, eggs, cheese and sausage)
  • Taco Salad

Snack foods:

  • ants on a log (celery sticks with peanut butter or cream cheese spread on them and raisins on top)
  • Fresh popped popcorn (lots of seasoning possibilities: ranch seasoning, cheese, Cajun seasoning, cinnamon sugar, carmel corn, etc…)
  • Smoothies (endless possibilities)
  • Oatmeal cookies
  • Fruit salad
  • Homemade soft pretzels
  • Sliced apples with peanut butter
  • Cheese slices and grapes
  • Carrots and ranch dip
  • Homemade yogurt Popsicles (use strawberry, or another flavor, organic yogurt in popsicle molds)
  • Nuts, raisins, and chocolate chips mix
  • Fruit kabobs with strawberry yogurt for dipping sauce
  • Homemade Granola Bars
  • Deviled egg chicks
  • Animal Cracker snack mix (animal crackers, nuts, candy coated chocolate Sundrops and pretzels)

Do you have any more ideas? I’d love to hear them! I’ll post recipes as I can.  I hope you are enjoying your Summer!

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Great Ideas for Summer Fun for You & Your Kids

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Need some ideas for fun things to do with your kids this Summer?  Grab a calendar and start planning in some simple and fun ways to spend time with your kids.  Ask your kids for their best ideas and include them as well.

Below are some of the fun things we are adding to our calendar this Summer.  First I blocked off time for doctors and dentist appointments because I know we need to get those done.  Then I made sure our vacation time was blocked off.  Next I went to work adding the fun things I had thought of and the things my kids had suggested.  Here are some of those things:

  • Water Day (water balloon fights, sprinkler and slip n slide play)
  • Go to the Library. Then have a contest to see who can read the most pages in a day (the younger ones can do picture books or have books read to them)
  • Visiting the local Farmer’s Market
  • What makes me special Day (highlighting each child and what are the things you love about them)
  • Write and perform a (short) skit
  • Decorate your room Day
  • Make Homemade ice cream
  • Write and illustrate your own book
  • Make a homemade version of your favorite candy bar
  • Baking/cooking class (making a favorite treat or simple meal)
  • A Visit to a local art museum
  • Picnic at a favorite park
  • Taking those who serve you often a “Thank you” treat (mailman, firemen, local police dept, etc… This idea thanks to MOPS)
  • Pajama Day
  • Kids in charge Day (this one takes a brave mom!)
  • Plant your own flowers or herbs Day
  • Have a book or clothing swap with your kids friends.  Make it into a party.

 There are many more ideas but you get the picture.  Next I put on the calendar things that I want to spend time working with my children on.  Some of these repeat in my calendar.  Even though these things take work I am trying my best to make these things fun too. Here are some of those ideas: 
  • Tying shoes
  • Name writing and handwriting practice
  • Grammar rules practice
  • Learning the 10 Commandments
  • Learning the Books of the Bible
  • Phone etiquette
  • Manners
  • Etiquette

What are your ideas for a fun Summertime with your kids? I’d love to hear!

Next, I’ll share with you some ideas for lunch and snack plans.  I hope you have a wonderful Summer with your kids that is full of wonderful memories!!  

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    Great Children’s Book for a Great Cause plus a Giveaway

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    As you can imagine we have a big variety of likes in my home when it comes to books.  My oldest daughters love mysteries, my son cannot get enough of super heroes, my middle daughter is all about princesses and ballet, and my youngest loves all things kitty cats.  I know that I can find books for each of my kids from Usborne in the variety of topics that my kids like.  I can usually tell when I come across an Usborne book.  They are quality books that have great, age appropriate, content and are full of great visuals and information. 

    We recently got to review the Usborne book “That’s Not My Kitten…”  My youngest is a little obsessed with kitty cats these days and is thrilled with this book.  It is super adorable.  The pictures are very sweet and every page has a different texture to feel which makes it even more exciting for a two year old to read.

    If you haven’t ever checked out Usborne books I really encourage you to do so.  You can find a large range of books for boys and girls from infants to teens.  They have books on dinosaurs, vehicles, bugs, ballerinas, mysteries, science, and many many more subjects.  Their books are also great to use for homeschooling.

    From now until the end of June you can purchase Usborne books AND give to a great cause at the same time.  Jessica is donating all of her commissions this month to Kids Cancer Crusade (KCC).  KCC believes that no family should go through childhood cancer alone and they aim to be there for the parents and siblings as well as the patient.  They help out with various care packages, family events and linking families with other helpful organizations throughout treatment and beyond.  Check out their website and get inspired to help out the children and the parents that they support.  Remember that you can help out by purchasing Usborne books through any of the links in this post.

    Jessica is kindly offering a Mommy Kudos reader a chance to Win the Usborne book “That’s Not My Kitten…” or a book of your choice from Usborne under $10. If you would like to enter to win follow the instructions below and be sure to leave me an email address to be able to contact you should you win.

    Mandatory To Enter:
    Visit Usborne and leave me a comment telling me which book you like best.

    Additional Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each action): 

    Follow Mommy Kudos via Google Friend Connect (upper right side of this page).
    Follow @simplegiftsjess on Twitter
    Follow Mommy Kudos on twitter
    Like Usborne Books and More with Jessica on Facebook
    Like Kids Cancer Crusade on Facebook
    Like Mommy Kudos on Facebook 
    Grab my button on the right side of my page & leave me a link to where you place it. 
    Subscribe to Mommy Kuddos via RSS
    Subscribe to Mommy Kudos by email
    Tweet about this giveaway and include @mommykudos in your tweet (up to once daily):
    Contest ends June 30th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to U.S only.

    Disclosure: I was sent the book “That’s  Not My Kitten…” for free to review.  My opinions, as always, are my own.

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