• Monthly Archive:: September 2012

    The supermarket aisles have been overflowing with Halloween candy since August, and I refuse to fall victim to their relentless beckoning. Milky Ways and Nestle bars may tantalize me with their colorful packaging, but so far, I’m not budging. Maybe it’s because I’m desperately trying to make smarter choices when it comes to snacking. Even with Halloween right around the corner, I’m striving to find something sweet that’s not necessarily bad to eat. My search may indeed be over. The just-released UNREAL line of chocolate candy is just what I’ve been craving. Made with all-natural ingredients like cacao beans, organic palm oil and dairy from free-range cows, this brand is proof-positive that candy doesn’t have to pumped with artificial sweeteners to taste delicious. We put [&hellip

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    When my younger daughter moved from her high chair to a booster seat, it was a memorable moment. Not only could she now truly join us at the dinner table, but having her in our company literally put her at our same level–and judging from the look on her little face, it meant the world and more. If the transition from baby to big kid chair is looming in your child’s near future, consider your options carefully. While some seats claim to make the move a smooth one, not all offer the extra comfort and security your toddler still needs. We’ve got our eye (and our bum) on the latest booster seat to hit the market. Safety 1st’s Sit! Booster gives a much-needed lift to [&hellip

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    When my daughter was a baby, you could tell when I was planning to visit my parents simply by gazing into the back of my car. The amount of baby gear rivaled a Babies R Us boutique, if there ever was one. Sandwiched in between my diaper bag and umbrella stroller was the all-important fish-printed bouncer. Even though it was rather cumbersome and bulky, it was my American Express of baby stuff: I never left home without it. Not only did this seat act as a secure place for my just-sitting-up babe, but it often gave her the opportunity to doze off, courtesy of its soothing vibrations and bubble-making. Despite its immeasurable value during that first year, that seat and I had a love/hate relationship. [&hellip

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    Dissonance. It’s become one of my favorite words lately, especially when explaining to my 8-year-old why the sound of her voice by day’s end causes my brain “to do funny things. It’s kind of like when your father blasts Sleater-Kinney on his iPod and I cover my ears.” She gets what I’m saying, without taking too much offense. In the realm of kiddie music, the just-released “Because I Said So!” is the antithesis of dissonance. It’s filled with songs designed for my kids’ listening ears that I don’t mind hearing myself. And if you’re a parent with kids who don’t yet own their own iPods, you know that one’s of the highest compliments we can pay a musician. This trio of rockin’ dads must have [&hellip

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    I don’t know what my 4-year-old likes more: watching Disney’s “Doc McStuffins,” or emulating the main character. Right after watching an episode, she opens up her pretend pet vet kit, grabs an unsuspecting plush pal and sets up shop. (Luckily, our cat has yet to enlist as a patient.) I can’t say I’m surprised, as the animated TV show that stars the pint-sized physician has already made quite a name for itself with the preschool crowd. It gives kids their daily dosage of cute (how adorable is Lambie?), while delivering a parent-approved message of staying healthy. So when Toys R Us came out with its list of top toys for this year’s holiday shoppers, we knew Doc McStuffins Time for Your Check-up Doll would make [&hellip

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    As the first leaves over our pond slowly begin to show hints of red, I’ve been noticing more of the local wildlife anticipating the coming change in seasons. Squirrels that have scampered playfully these last few months are suddenly scampering to gather nuts (yes, already!), while the Canadian geese have returned to claim their share of the pond waters. It won’t be long before all the trees are dressed in a rich palette of reds, oranges and yellows and, dare I say, the first snowflakes decide to fall. Because my family delights in watching these changes in nature take place, we try to do our part in caring for our fellow “friends”–and that includes those of the feathered variety. If you think birdwatching/bird-feeding is…well, for [&hellip

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    Last week, I received a mailer for Christmas card photo ideas. With Halloween candy already arriving on store shelves, does this mean the holiday season can be that far off? If you don’t go by the name “Supermom” and haven’t given any thought yet to your family Christmas cards, consider a warm-and-fuzzy scene with the kids decked out in festive PJs that set the mood all on their own. Skylar Luna‘s new collection of eco-friendly sleepwear for babies through big kids has some delightful ensembles just begging to be photographed. The 100-percent organic cotton, two-piece sets provide ample coverage, while sporting a simple, understated style that’s easy on, easy off. With no snaps and buttons to contend with, that makes for smooth diaper changes for [&hellip

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    When I was in third grade, my best friend Jenny had a note from her mom in her lunchbox every day. Nothing that would win a Pulitzer Prize, but just a simple sentiment like “I love you” or “Have a great day.” Maybe this token made up for the fact that Jenny’s lunchbox reeked of hard-boiled egg, but I have to admit I sometimes envied those sweet gestures. Remembering this one day last year, I discreetly tucked a note into my daughter’s lunchbox–nothing mushy or meant to embarrass her, but it didn’t go over very well. “Why did you write to me?,” she asked me later that afternoon. “I don’t know,” I responded. “Besides, didn’t you tell me one of your friends gets a note [&hellip

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    Last night’s dinner was nothing short of a miracle. After nearly a year of repeatedly putting roast chicken on my 4-year-old’s dinner plate, she actually picked up a wing and bit into it…without freaking out. Granted she only took a bite, but at least she finally gave it a try without bursting in hysterics (her older sister can vouch for the sincerity of my word choice). For those of you who have picky eaters (and I’m guessing that’s most of us, at one time or another), it’s extremely easy to lose hope of your child ever consuming healthy nutrients that are not in liquid form. And if you refuse to be one of those parents who makes a separate meal for your fussy non-foodie, then [&hellip

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    What’s preschool without nursery rhymes? One of my 4-year-old favorites is “Itsy Bitsy Spider;” we’ve been singing this little ditty ever since she could put her fingers together to make them “climb up the waterspout”–and I’ve no doubt she’s in good company. So, naturally, when the latestĀ  incarnation of this classic song–in the form of a pop-up book–landed on my desk, I knew this afternoon’s story time pick was a no brainer. As a mom who’s already sang this song umpteen times, Itsy Bitsy SpiderĀ  is almost as exciting for me to page through as it was for my daughter. On each page, the vivid paper construction give new life to verses already committed to memory. Little details like the baseball cap-wearing spider and teapot-shaped [&hellip

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