Every year for Valentine’s Day, my dad bought me a heart-shaped box of chocolates. While my candy box only held 3 or 4 candy treats, I savored each one as though it was a precious gem…and couldn’t wait for the day I would graduate to the deluxe-sized box that my mom received. We were never too big on jewelry (too flashy) or flowers (they look pretty, but don’t last very long) in our house, so candy was king. As I got older, I noticed how many girls favored charm bracelets, diamond studs other jewelry, but that just wasn’t me. To this day, aside from my engagement ring and a special sapphire pendant, I haven’t accrued any, shall we say, safety deposit box-worthy possessions. Because I [&hellip
The Playful Walnut Archive
We’re starting to understand what it feels like to be a bear. With 10 inches of fresh snow on the ground and two more storms on the horizon (and that’s just this week), we’re inclined to pack it in and not come back out until spring. But of course, that would mean missing way too much: the Olympics, Valentine’s Day, the Oscars…the list goes on. Instead of hiding out, maybe we can act like a bear and play dress-up in a new collection too cute to keep to ourselves. Introducing Paddington Bear for babyGap, a limited-edition clothing line for baby boys and girls (up to 24 months) inspired by the storybook bear himself. From a sweet toggle rain parka, to a soft hoodie complete with [&hellip
Boy, the groundhog’s prediction was spot-on this year. It’s snowing for the eighth time this winter, but who’s keeping track anyway? Because our thoughts are easily turning to spring and beyond, we are looking for any means to transport us (mentally, at least) out of this snowbound spot and into a sunnier destination. How delightful that a new picture book with a familiar title landed on our desk. Octopus’s Garden is, in fact, based on the lyrics of the Beatles song we’ve come to know and love, and now has charming illustrations to go along with it. Readers need only turn the first page to be lured into this inviting world bubbling over with sea creatures of all shapes and sizes. As a young boy [&hellip
Since Christmas, my 5-year-old has been washing her hands to the tune of “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” After months of washing along to “Happy Birthday,” she was looking for a change of pace (aren’t we all?). All kidding aside, I’m impressed that she continues to follow the 20-second or longer hand-washing rule; the time-honored parenting trick of making a game out of something mundane works well for this child. Of course, not every kid is easily swayed by songs and rhymes; her 9-year-old sister prefers a quick wash–so fast, I wonder how she could possibly get clean? And don’t get me started on brushing her teeth…Joining the ranks of frustrated parents everywhere comes a new product that gives kids an incentive to get their hands [&hellip
Do you know where you’ll be this Sunday? Whether you’re lucky enough to have coveted a ticket, or are content to happily nosh nachos from the comfort of your couch, we’re betting all eyes will be on the screen to see which team will take home the Super Bowl XLVIII trophy. (If you’re like me, and don’t quite know your tight end from your end zone, you’ll do your best to smile, devour a chicken wing or two…and wait for the commercials.) But if you happen to have a budding football fan in your house, you don’t need to feign your intelligence about the game (wait a minute, who’s on first?). Arriving just in time for the Big Game is Let’s Play Football, a story [&hellip
My kindergartner came home from school recently with yet another tale of a classmate. The same kid who called her “stupidhead” last week wrote “big blue butt” during sentence-writing time…not exactly what their teacher had in mind, I’m sure. I saw my 9-year-old stifle a giggle when her sister shared the story. And so it begins (sigh…). As any parent knows, calling other kids names is a big no-no, but it’s hard for little ones to discern between which words are right vs. wrong, especially when the result of your actions is laughter throughout the classroom. One mom has set out to change all this and (hopefully) put an end to fresh talk or, at the very least, discourage it. Tapping into her own experience [&hellip
My 5-year-old has an alter ego; she considers herself to be a bunny at times. At first, I thought her double identity was a scapegoat for any mischief-making, but she’s also takes credit for the good stuff, too. No matter what Bunny does, she helps to put a smile on my imaginative little girl–and that makes me happy, too. For kids with a voracious appetite for the make-believe comes Pebble, a standout line of organic, handmade plush. The quality alone blows me away (no cheap, carnival-style stuffed prizes here). Think beautifully crafted knit and crocheted toys that are soft to the touch, and even gentle enough for a baby’s sensitive skin. Among the collection’s assortment are organic blankets and rattles made from brightly colored cotton, [&hellip
Ever wonder what it’s like to zip-line through a rainforest? Or hike down a canyon? Kids will be able to find out for themselves on Monday–or, at least live vicariously through PBS Kids’ Dinosaur Train Nature Trackers Adventure Camp. This one-hour television special will take viewers along for a journey with the entire Pteranadon posse as they travel various terrains, from canyons to mountains, learning about geography and paleontology along the way. The show is divided into four nature-themed segments–rafting, mountain climbing, zip-lining and canyon hiking–with plenty of adventure to get kids interested in the great outdoors. It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues, and proof-positive that there’s a great big world out there to explore. In a Nutshell: PBS Kids’ Dinosaur Train Nature [&hellip
Two weeks into January, and the winter weather has covered everything from an ice storm and subzero temps, to an unseasonal tempest that hints of an early spring. Today brings about a cold, damp rain…but I’m still debating whether I should put away my flip flops. If this roller coaster of a winter is any indication of the next few months, then we’ll glad hide out at home with a hot cup of something and a leisurely soak in the tub. If your version of reality hardly lends itself to undisturbed mommy time, then at least you can make bathtime for baby a little more fun –and less of a chore for you. One product we’re raving over is the brand-new Skip Hop Moby Waterfall [&hellip
Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean gift-giving is finished. The birthday party scene is in full swing, and both my girls are receiving more invites than I can keep track of. While I’ve always love kids’ birthdays, I’m admittedly finding it more challenging to buy for the older crowds. (I used to struggle with what to buy for high school age and up, but these days, even gifts for tweens leave me scratching my head.) Because we’re a big fan of gifts that get the kids away from screens and back into the land of the living, I’m often on the lookout for cool gifts that involve real human interaction, be it crafts or games. And because my 9-year-old appears to be on [&hellip