• Monthly Archive:: June 2012

    There aren’t too many shows my 8-year-old and 4-year-old can agree on, but ever since we switched our cable TV carrier to Verizon, the Sprout network is one channel that’s become a consistent favorite. I’m not sure if it’s for nostalgic reasons (we had Sprout when we rented a vacation house in Massachusetts last summer), or because it’s just plain fun (the hosts, setting and silly songs offer a campy feel that you don’t see much these days), but they love it. So when we got wind of the news that the network’s beloved co-host Chica would be getting her own show, and that actor Mario Lopez would be joining the cast of Sprout’s “The Sunny Side Up Show,” my girls were over the moon. [&hellip

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    School’s out for summer, and that’s means a lot more drive time together with the kiddies. If you’re looking for some new music to accompany your many treks to the library, grocery store and any other destination with little passengers in tow, be sure to include the latest release from The Cat’s Pajamas. This isn’t your everyday band of parent rockers. In fact, rumor has it that the members range in age from 20-60, with a grandma in the group and three more expected to become grandparents in September. Let’s just say these folks put the “active” in AARP! But enough about age…their newest CD, Backseat Driver, truly demonstrates their staying power. From “Funky Bears,” a modern twist on Goldilocks, to “Take Time Out,” a [&hellip

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    “Take me out to the ballgame,” cries your baby one balmy summer eve. With your husband clearly on board with the prospect of a night out at the stadium, he jumps online to buy tickets faster than you can say “peanuts and crackerjacks.” Not so fast: where exactly is this little person going to sit? Lugging a heavy car seat through those crowds isn’t realistic, nor is a stroller in the stadium. What’s a diehard baseball fan to do? Fortunately, the folks at Moby Wrap have just the ticket. Their line of MLB Edition Moby Wraps are exactly what we’ve been rooting for. These wearable, 100-percent cotton baby carriers are perfect for keeping your little one close, while enjoying the game. Whether you’re a Dodgers [&hellip

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    I’m not sure why I remember the odd things that I do from being a new mom, but one particular memory stands out: my daughter’s nursery being littered with formula-stained bottles that I had forgotten to put in the dishwasher. It didn’t happen every day, mind you, but every so often, I would finish an early morning feeding and return to my bedroom in a half-asleep stupor with the bottle left behind (it’s a wonder I remembered to turn out the light in the nursery!). Blame it on mommy brain, if you will, but seeing that used bottle really irked me. What time exactly had I been in her room, anyway? If you’re equally hard on yourself as a new mom who’s trying to keep [&hellip

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    Today was my daughter’s end-of-school class breakfast, during which these rising third graders were treated to a feast of bagels, muffins, OJ and fresh fruit. Because one of her classmates has a gluten allergy, parties like these aren’t exactly cause for celebration. Rather than sample the homemade or store-bought treats supplied by the collective parent ensemble, this student must dip into his stash of wheat-free mini cupcakes that the school nurse stores for him. His mom tells me he’s gotten used to this routine by now, but that it wasn’t always easy. In fact, it was only earlier this month on Field Day that he wasn’t sure whether he could indulge in one of the parent-provided ice pops (after careful consideration of the packaging label, [&hellip

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    Tis the season of strollers! Spring is in full swing and summer, right around the corner. While my 4-year-old and I were in town today, I couldn’t help but notice how the sidewalks were being taken over by strollers. Nearly every which way we looked, moms were running errands with their little ones in tow, happily bouncing along. Since I review kids’ products, I’m always paying close attention to the gear I encounter on a daily basis, and I have to admit: I’m suffering from a mild case of stroller envy. When my first daughter was born, the Bugaboo was the fashionable choice and by the time my little one arrived on the scene, the pram was back in style. Amazingly, today, there are no [&hellip

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    Has your kid come home from school yet with a Father’s Day gift? My preschooler’s “special surprise” is safely nestled inside a paper bag decorated with colorful artwork. My 8-year-old has yet to make something, but it’s on this week’s to-do list. Because the best gifts are of the homemade variety (or at least, they’re the most memorable ones), it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get crafty. But if you’re pressed for time and would rather not break out the rainy day box of supplies, consider doing double-duty on your trip to the mall this weekend. On Saturday, June 16th at 3 pm and 4 pm, participating Pottery Barn Kids stores will be partnering with Kiwi Crate to host a craft event. For [&hellip

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    I’ve always been envious of babies in cozy cover-ups–and it’s not just because I detest cold weather. When my daughters were younger, I got such a kick out of snuggling them into their zip-up car seat-ups as I schlepped them around town. Just the thought of seeing only their little heads peeking out gave me the giggles (or maybe I was just punchy from being so sleep-deprived). Whatever the reason, the very act of being all wrapped up with one, quick zip–rather than being stuffed inside blankets that easily came undone and dragged on the ground–was sheer genius…but one that wouldn’t still benefit from some improvement. That’s part of the reason we love the Pookie Poncho Light from 7 am Enfant. This multitasking product is [&hellip

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    When your husband is a bona fide punk rock fan, your kids get exposed to music (if you can call it that) that wouldn’t exactly make it on to Mom’s iPod in this universe. While he may be smart enough not to add the Sex Pistols or Dead Kennedys to his playlist just yet, you can be sure The Ramones, Billy Idol and The Cramps  all get equal time…and that’s alright by me. Diverse musical tastes make the world go round, and plus our kids will never be able to accuse us of subjecting them to the same songs over and over. In honor of Father’s Day, we salute fellow punk dads who are more at ease rockin’ out to Lou Reed than Laurie Berkner [&hellip

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    I don’t claim to be good at math. I may have inherited my dad’s good looks (!), but most definitely not his knack for doing complicated calculations in his head. My 8-year-old, on the other hand, seems to devour numbers and relishes challenging equations. So when we find a board game that truly tests her math prowess and keeps her engaged, we know we’ve got a keeper. Robbin’ Eggs keeps kids on their toes, even if they count on their fingers.  Just like a good math problem, the concept is straightforward. Players roll the dice and then turn over eggs to get the sum as close to the number on the dice. The catch? Some numbers are positive, others negative; if your kid can do [&hellip

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