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monkeying around: stevesongs orangutan van cd

 The Playful Walnut
Jan 312013
 

My 8-year-old’s school has reduced its recess from two periods to one–and believe me when I say how much this bums her–and me–out. After sitting in class through math, reading, science and all those other learning-intensive subjects, she is more than ready for a break. Too bad it’s so short; she tells me that sometimes it feels like they have just bundled up and headed outdoors…only to be told to “line up” again and head back into the classroom. I’m sure that’s why SteveSongs can relate to this childhood woe in “Recess Rocks,” the first track off his new CD, Orangutan Van. No stranger to the kids’ music scene (this marks his 8th CD of the guy who’s alter ego Mr. Steve is a mainstay on PBS Kids), Steve acknowledges these profound kiddie moments that let listeners feel comforted in that “yeah, he gets me” kind of way. The cheeky ” ‘A’ is for Silly” will have the most astute pleased as punch for their keen listening ears, while “Flat Stanley” plays homage to the everyday elementary hero. As my daughter’s school gears up for its annual literacy program, the “Soaring with Reading” track takes on even greater significance. A winning release, Orangutan Van proves that with age comes great wisdom, and so SteveSongs can rest assured that yes, he definitely “gets us.”

In a Nutshell: Tons of fun, this latest release from SteveSongs continues to delight with catchy tunes that resonate with young listeners.

Orangutan Van cover art 72dpi

 

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declaration of love: wallcandy arts whooo loves you

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Jan 292013
 

Around this ho-hum time of year, I admittedly get bitten by the redecorating bug. Be it new throw pillows for the couch, some fresh flowers on the kitchen table or a cheerful mat to wipe off those muddy boots…any small improvement helps slough off winter’s dullness and perk up our living space. And that includes the kids’ rooms. Of course, if you can’t afford to rack up any more post-holiday bills, it doesn’t mean you can’t invest in some room-enhancing extras. Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes WallCandy Arts Whoo Loves U, a charming decals sets of owls and hearts to make any kids’ bedroom go from boring to beautiful. Like the other WallCandy Arts collection, we love how easily these peel-and-stick decals instantly transform your surroundings. You can configure this smart design anyway you like, and if you have a change of heart (pun intended!), you can easily remove them for future decorating, be it February 14th or any day you want to make your kid smile.

In a Nutshell: Show some love this V-Day with a room decor kit that doubles as a crafting activity for the whole family.

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next-gen potty-training: pull-ups big kid app

 The Healthy Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Jan 282013
 

As a kid, my potty seat was as low tech as it gets: a wooden seat with a smiling bunny on the back and a pull-out plastic pot for easy clean-up. Exciting, eh? Innovation in the toilet-training area continues to make leaps and bounds that I can hardly keep up with, like the potty seat that works with your iPad. What could possibly be next? Well, if you’re pulling your hair out over your training-resistant toddler, consider yet another electronic gadget your partner in crime on the war against wet bums. Huggies has created the Pull-ups Big Kid App, a free, downloadable app that celebrates those moments when peeing and pooping are your child’s greatest achievement (don’t laugh; you know how god-awful frustrating it can be!). When plain, old reward stickers just aren’t getting the job done and you’d resort to practically anything to get your kid to use the toilet, then this tool may be a godsend for you. As your child uses the bathroom more frequently, he can collect stars that give him access to fun games featuring his favorite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Rapunzel. And when your little one really need some motivation, there’s a special feature that enables surprise phone calls from Disney friends to encourage them to keep trying. (Whoever knew a little mouse had such a big influence?)  This app even includes themed photo frames, so you can capture the moment and share the good news with Dad while he’s at the office. Hmmmm…maybe now you won’t mind as much when your toddler is begging to play with your iPhone…

In as Nutshell: Your smartphone just got a whole lot smarter. This potty-training app aims to help kids “take aim” and ditch those diapers once and for all.

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breaking ground (and bread): wooby & peep

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Jan 252013
 

Our next-door neighbor has been renovating his home for the past six months. Thanks to Superstorm Sandy and some other setbacks, it’s been taking a lot longer than expected. But because he is such a kindhearted guy (and always apologizing for the noise and commotion), we could never truly be angry with him. So when I opened the pages of Wooby & Peep new picture book, I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder–had someone been spying on us these last few months? Did the author see when a tree guy was removing some broken limbs from next door and accidentally knocked over our garden fence? Let’s just say that sometimes neighborly mishaps make for new friends…like they do in this charming tale where a quiet, keeps-to-himself Wooby is suddenly befriended by a boisterous Peep (his name does not do him justice) who practically bends over backwards to get in Wooby’s good graces. And yet, every attempt at kindness–from fixing a broken fountain, to replacing a lost tree  (ahem, ahem)–backfires. You might cringe from all this devastation if it weren’t for the hilarious comic-book panel illustrations and tongue-in-cheek asides from resident onlookers. And yet no matter how many times Peep fails, in the end, it’s the sincerity of a simple message–to have a friend, you have to be a friend–that resonates with us all. As for us, we’re looking forward to a housewarming party…any day now.

In a Nutshell:  A heartwarming picture book that shows how friendship can sometimes happen when you least expect it.

WoobyPeep

 

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baby’s blend: mixie bottle

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Traveling Walnuts
Jan 242013
 

When I want my hot tea, I want it fast. As in “5 minutes ago…but (insert big sigh) now will do.” But when you’re talking about your baby in need of her bottle, that’s 5 minutes you just don’t have. And if you happen to be in transit with a little one during feeding time? Well, you get the idea. Getting moms and dads out of tough situations like these is an ingenious new baby bottle that puts basic models to shame. The Mixie is a self-contained, formula-mixing bottle that is waiting at the ready for the hungry child. By taking the convenience of a snap-on formula container one step further, it holds the formula compartment at the base of the bottle. Unscrew it from the bottom, fill it with your powdered formula of choice and snap it back on, with a final twist to keep it in place. Add the proper amount of water and you’re ready to head out. And just when you start to hear those familiar hunger cries, just push the button on the Mixie’s bottom to release the formula, watch the top pop off (inside the bottle, no less) and shake until your desired consistency. That’s it. No fuss, no muss. No fumbling with lids that won’t unsnap properly. No mishaps with spilled powder. Had this bottle been around when my girls were small, I definitely would have been a more sane traveler. Even without my hot tea.

In a Nutshell: Truly the traveling parent’s best friend, the Mixie will get your baby fed faster than you can say “grande latte.” Brilliant.

mixie bottle 8oz tag

 

 

 

 

 

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hop to it: babygap limited edition peter rabbit collection

 The Accessorized Walnut
Jan 232013
 

In our neighborhood, the first sure sign of spring isn’t a robin, but rather a rabbit. My girls always keep a lookout for these gentle creatures as we head out on foot for our weekly jaunts. Hard to believe we’ll be seeing any bunnies anytime soon–not until this cold snap breaks–so until then, we’ll have to look forward to spring’s arrival in other forms. Like cute kids’ clothing, for instance. babyGap has just debuted its adorably sweet Peter Rabbit ensemble, and we’re already smitten. Inspired by the fabled Beatrix Potter storybook, this collection pays tribute to the 110th anniversary of that mischievous bunny with an entire wardrobe for your little angel (or devil). Be it a bodysuit featuring illustrations straight from the book or the whimsical bunny print on a summery sundress, each piece in the line (sized for newborn through 24 months) is as charming as the next, and sure to put a scamper in your step. We’ll take our much-needed dose of sunshine however we can get it these days. How many more days until spring, anyway?

In a Nutshell: Banish those winter blues and hop on down to babyGap, where a bevy of bunny-themed kiddie clothes await you.

PB_Girl Yellow and White Bunny dress 34.95-003

 

 

 

 

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bring it on, sun: baby skinz

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Healthy Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut
Jan 182013
 

Another bone-chilling day like this, and I may just have to hibernate. At this time of year here in the northeast, thoughts naturally turn to spring and warmer weather. Even if I can’t manage to escape the cold and head off to a seaside resort anytime soon (well, I can surely visit one in my mind…), I imagine there will plenty of peeps booking their sunny getaways right about now. For those of you heading out of town with the kiddies, I envy you…and urge you to cover up. As a mom who continues to fight skin cancer (three battle scars to prove it), I keep my girls protected from head to toe, especially when the summer sun strikes. While sunscreen is strongly recommended, it doesn’t hurt to opt for UV-protection swim wear, either. One brand that recently caught our eye is from UV Skinz. They make everything from hats and shorts, to long- and short-sleeve shirts all in 50+ UPF fabric. That translates to blocking out 98 % of the sun’s harmful rays, which means less time spent squirming for sunscreen application. Not only is the fabric breathable, but it stands up to chlorine wear and tear–good news for all you pool lovers. Because UV Skinz is available for the entire family, there’s no excuse why everyone can’t stay safe–and stylish.

In a Nutshell: Headed out of town for spring break? Be sure to pack the sunscreen and don’t forget this line of protective swimshirts so you can truly enjoy your day in the sun.

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pearly pats: flipper nfl toothbrush holders

 The Healthy Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Jan 172013
 

As the Super Bowl looms closer, our Facebook friends have been posting a lot more comments about their favorite team. (Personally, hockey trumps football in the Walnuts house, but I digress…) Whether you’ve been rooting for the 49ers or the Pats, the Falcons or the Ravens, we know how much football fans like to display their team pride: on your sweatshirts, your cars, you name it. And in honor of diehard fans, you can now add your toothbrush holder to that list. Just in time for the Super Bowl and National Children’s Dental Health Prevention month, Flipper NFL toothbrush holders are a fun way to store your brush, while proclaiming your unwavering devotion to your team. Not only do these holders add a touch of whimsy to your bathroom, but kids will like how easy they are to use. They open and close with a stroke of your toothbrush, rather than manually. Call it the magic touch, if you will. As for on the field, the rest is up to Tom Brady. Or Joe Flacco. Or…

In a Nutshell:  “Let’s brush some teeth!” A treat for your favorite football junkie, big or small.

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hello my name is_____: kidaroo crew sippy grab

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut
Jan 162013
 

I label practically all of my kids’ stuff. Water bottles, backpacks, lunchboxes…you name it. If I’m not busy folding endless loads of whites and darks, you can probably find me perched over some object, Sharpie in hand. Of course, none of the labels I’ve been using have been able to stand up to standard wear and tear or my dishwasher. I’ve tried everything from official-looking file folder labels, to the clever now-I-don’t-have to-do-anything-but stick-them pre-printed return address labels. But nothing will stay put. How incredibly psyched I was to stumble upon Kidaroo Crew’s Sippy Grab. Designed by a mom whose own experiences of keeping her kids’  gear labeled once and for all, these incredibly write-on, slip-on labels fit right over any standard sippy cup, baby bottle or water bottle. You can pick from any one of 10 different styles that mesh with your kid’s personality–soccer star? future princess?–and there’s plenty of room on the back to write your kid’s name. Sippy Grab is great for school, daycare, birthday parties or any place where there will be plenty of kids–and that means more drink mix-ups. For the little ones, these labels make it easier to grip their beverage of choice, and moms will love that they’re disherwasher-safe and BPA-free. We think it’s pure genius–and it makes us want to get our hands on a grown-up version for the office break room. Cheers!

In a Nutshell: A hip way to keep your kids’ bottles and cups labeled once and for all? We’ll drink to that.

GIRLDANCE (2)

 

 

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pee (or poop) and play: iPotty for iPad

 The Playful Walnut
Jan 112013
 

Just when we thought we’d seen it all in the world of baby products, we’re knocked off our rockers. Debuting at this week’s big Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the iPotty for the iPad has officially entered the potty-training sphere. At first glance, it may seem your average potty seat…but look closer and you’ll see a built-in case for your iPad at perfect viewing range for seated tots. So now when it’s time to go, your toddler can plunk down on his seat, tune into his favorite app and play away as you wait for the magic to happen. (And here we thought singing potties were all the rage!) Good luck getting him off the pot once his business is done…

 

 

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