rock candy: laurie berkner

 The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Nov 182011
 

In our home, Laurie Berkner rocks. When my 7-year-old was in preschool, you could hear “Victor Vito” and “Five Days Old” blasting from the CD player on any given day. Four years and two kids later, and we’re still rockin’ out, albeit to newer releases like “Shake Your Body Down” and “Choc-o-lot in My Pock-o-lot.” Yes, Berkner is a proven mainstay in the fast-growing kids’ indie music space that’s peppered with tons of musical variety. Because there’s undeniably no shortage of singers devoted to entertaining the 4 and under crowd, The Talking Walnut likes to keep on watchful eye on who’s still hot–and who’s not. We’re glad to say that 13 years later, Berkner still holds her own with plenty of toe-tappin’ favorites that even we grown-ups can find ourselves humming. That’s why we were excited to learn that she’s getting ready to release a brand-new animated holiday video just in the (St.) Nick of time. “Candy Cane Jane” features the wintertime adventures of the title character and her buddy Gumdrop Joe as they set out (atop a horse with a candy cane mane, but of course) to mingle with gingerbread people, snowmen and other festive friends. One viewing alone got us into the holiday spirit right away. And if you find yourself stuck on a long line at Target with the kids in tow, hand over your iPhone. Let the merrymaking begin! “Candy Cane Jane” will be available for download on iTunes and Amazon, beginning November 21.

In a Nutshell: Berkner’s back and this time, she bringing glad tidings of joy via a new holiday musical video.

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gifts to go

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Furnished Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Sep 202011
 

When you’re looking to buy something for a girlfriend and her little one, you inevitably wind up making more than one trip to the mall. Now that school has begun and we moms are more time-pressed than usual, we can appreciate a shopping destination that has it all. Enter Layla Grace, an online boutique that recognizes your discriminating taste for gifts that make lasting impressions. Stocked with everything from baby bedding to bubble bath, you’ll find no shortage of ideas for new arrivals, new moms in need of pampering and new homes that beg to be outfitted in style. In our quest for quality merchandise, we were particularly pleased by the Matteo line of linens for the nursery and the dining room (those linen napkins will be the piece de resistance on your holiday table). We’ve no doubt you’ll find something worth savoring.

In a Nutshell: An easy order to fill: gift-giving that doesn’t sacrifice style for convenience. We’ll take two, please.

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wii for wee folk

 The Healthy Walnut, The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Aug 222011
 

My 3-year-old tries to be like her big sister in so many ways. She mimics what she says and how she says it, she sings the same songs (eat your heart out, Katy Perry) and she so desperately wants to join her in playing Wii. Sadly, yoga and go kart racing doesn’t exactly appeal to the average preschooler, so she has been forced to watch her sister and dad from the sidelines…until now, that is. We recently got our furry paws on a copy of Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover!, a video game for the Wii and Nintendo DS, and let’s just say she has found her idea of true blue heaven. Right off the bat, the ultra plush remove cover in the likeness of the lovable furry monster is especially designed to keep little digits focused on the game play, and not distracted by which button to push when. The message of developing eating healthy may be a tough pill for Cookie Monster-loving kids to swallow, but the game play itself is so much fun, kids may not even realize they’re absorbing this idea. My two daughters both had a blast moving their bodies as they helped monsters drop good-for-you food into their bowls as it was being hurled toward them. Factoids about how drinking milk is good for your teeth and bones are added in for flavor, making these teachable moments. Our best laugh-out-loud experience? When Elmo flew through the air towards us, that he practically landed in our family room. After all, belly laughter is good for digestion, too.

In a Nutshell: Little ones can join in on the fun of console video games at a speed and style that’s all their own.

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the next prince charming

 The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Jul 262011
 

My 7-year-old kissed a frog the other day, but alas the little critter did not turn into a prince. My daughter was learning about different types of amphibians during camp and suddenly decided she wanted to kiss this “very cute frog.” I can see what possessed her; I wound up “meeting” this very frog during Parents’ Day and I must admit, he was awfully cute. When one of her counselors recounted the frog/prince story to her, she frowned and said “Yuck!” This is no damsel in distress, I tell you.  For those who long for their own happy ending, check out the latest incarnation of SqwishLand, the collectible characters that take a giant leap from vending machines and into toy stores. The new DIY SqwishLand lets collectors tap into their creative side by letting kids design their very own Sqwishland creature. This kit comes with either a SwishLand frog or parrot, six acrylic paints and paintbrush. Once your child is satisfied with her work, she can register her Squishie on an online gallery for all to see. Once a month, the SqwishLand community will vote on their favorite DIY design, which could ultimately appear on store shelves. As for my daughter, well, she’d much rather play with her frog Squishie than Prince Charming any day.

In a Nutshell: There’s a new neighbor in SqwishLand. If you’ve got a crafty kid who’d love to design the next Squishie, visit DIY SqwishLand...and hop to it!

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the quest for perfection

 Wired Walnuts
May 052011
 

One of my daughters’ favorite Laurie Berkner’s songs is “I’m Not Perfect.” Does this mean they are chips off the old block? My older daughter tells me I am perfect…bless her little heart. I know, just wait until a few years and she’ll be telling me I can’t do anything right! If there’s one thing I know for sure after nearly 7 years of motherhood, it’s that imperfection has become an art form; there are days when it’s one comedy of errors after another and all I can do is sit back and laugh–and drink a good glass of wine, of course. In honor of all you fellow moms out there, Boon is holding a special contest just in time for Mother’s Day. Dubbed “No Mommy is Perfect,” it’s a chance to share your own personal mommy moment when you did your best, despite the odds. Five stories will be selected and posted on Boon’s blog, and next week  you’ll have a chance to vote for your favorite story on Boon’s Facebook page. The winning mom will receive $200 for a spa day in their area; after all, some TLC is just what every mom deserves. Happy Mother’s Day!

In a Nutshell: If a facial and a mani/pedi are on your mom’s day wish list, then spill your guts about the “glory” of motherhood and enter to win your chance for a rejuvenating spa day.

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guessing game

 The Pregnant Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Apr 202011
 

When I was pregnant with my firstborn, my co-worker ventured their guesses as to when I would go into labor.  Much to my chagrin, one guy was banking on May 5th and went so far as to yell out “Cinco De Mayo Baby!” whenever I’d waddle down the hall. (My actual due date was May 19th.) Turns out it was more like Memorial Day Babe, as she was born at the start of the long holiday weekend. Trying to figure out when a pregnant buddy or family member will give birth is a great way to build the momentum of the Big Day, and to further up the ante, there’s a new online game that gives even more of an incentive to come up with the winning day. Aptly named the Baby Guessing Game, simply visit the 4moms site to set up your own contest and then invite people to guess your baby’s arrival date, gender and birth weight. After your baby is born, you’ll be able to enter the correct info and the game will automatically calculate which person’s answers were right or who came closest. Winners and game hosts have a chance to earn Insider Points, which can be redeemed for discounts on 4moms baby products, like the mamaRoo Infant Seat (pictured here). To add to the anticipation, players can even converse with other guess makers and view their predictions. Very soon, the Baby Guessing Game will also include an Announcements feature, so proud parents can e-mail the good news, along with a photo of their new baby and one of the winner, if they so choose. Who’s claiming Cinco De Mayo now?

In a Nutshell: The office pool finally catches up to the modern day with a hi-tech baby guessing game that gets everyone in on the action. And if you win, you truly do earn your bragging rights!

 

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in search of the Easter Bunny

 The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Mar 292011
 

If you blink, you just might miss him. The illusive Easter Bunny is on the loose, but he needs to get back to bunny business in time for Easter. Want to help track him down? You can join the search by taking part in the Apple Park Cyber Eggstravaganza beginning on March 30. Every Wednesday until Easter, fans of Apple Park organic toys can answer weekly questions that will earn them prizes and eventually solve the mystery of the bunny’s whereabouts. Prizes range from gift cards for Apple Park toys and Whole Foods stores, to a secret grand prize that will be revealed on April 24. Simply “Like” Apple Park on Facebook or become a fan on Twitter. Either way, we’ll need all the help we can get to bring Bunny back home in time for Easter. Please do your part, so we can look forward to those baskets filled with chocolate eggs and jelly beans next month!

In a Nutshell: Don’t let chocolate bunnies become an endangered species. Abandon your own egg hunt if you must, fire up the GPS and help find the Easter Bunny–before it’s too late…

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brain food

 The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Mar 232011
 

In another lifetime, both my kids ate their veggies. Not on the same days, of course, nor the same vegetables. If one loved carrots, the other suddenly developed a strong aversion to them. And heaven forbid they both ate their greens cooked; now they demanded their broccoli “raw.” Since I don’t run a farm stand out of my kitchen, I have lovingly adopted our preschool’s motto, “You get what you get, and you don’t get upset,” for dinnertime. And when it comes to screen time, we’ve been noshing on VeggieTales.com, a new site that’s chock-full of interactive games, reading activities and amusing antics surrounding the wacky cast of characters that make up the Veggies Tales. While this gang may be known for content that hints of Christian overtones, this site isn’t heavy-duty on Biblical references (passages are tucked in here and there), but rather focuses on basic tenants of humankind: being good and caring for others. Kids will get a kick out of making their own e-cards, creating bookmarks and playing Veggie Football. Yup, you heard that right. Who knows? Maybe becoming a linebacker in the likeness of a cucumber may just inspire my 2-year-old to eat salad once again (sigh)…

In a Nutshell: Let your kid get her daily serving of fruits and veggies virtually. Packed with plenty of activities, this site delivers a fortifying feast of fun that nourishes young imaginations.

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a monster app for your little monster

 The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Mar 212011
 

If I had a dime for every time my 6-year-old asks my husband if she can play Angry Birds, I’d be able to pay for her first semester of college. OK, well maybe just her textbooks, but you get the idea. I shudder to think what will happen once she has her own Smartphone someday. Until hell freezes over, we’ll keep her gaming time limited to apps designed just for kids, like the new Moody Monster Manor that launches this Friday, March 25. Aimed at 3-6 year-olds, this is one app that’s bound to amuse even the most fidgety preschooler. Your child may find his likeness amongst one of the 20 monsters dwelling in this make-believe playhouse where they can join them on any number of adventures. Help Confused Carl throw a monster bash that’s to die for, or allay Worried Wanda’s fears by whipping through her homework with her. Kids can create and name their own monsters, too. Now they can finally see what it’s like to care for a little devil…ahem, we mean angel of their own.

In a Nutshell: Angry Birds overload? Here’s a fun kiddie app that may just satisfy your own finicky little gamer.

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a wee pot of gold

 The Organized Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Mar 172011
 

It’s St. Patty’s Day, so naturally you’ll be donning some green. But if you happen to be out and shopping today, how about saving some of that green? Kiddies may be wee folk, but we all know they require A LOT of gear. The next time you’re trying to decide between a Bugaboo or a BabyBjorn, make your comparison shopping a little less cumbersome–and a lot more convenient–with TheFind.com. This free shopping app for the iPhone, iTouch and Android helps you get the best price for a product by searching area stores, from Target to Toys R Us. You can get driving directions to places that carry the product with the best value or even buy an item on the spot via your phone. And with that level of hi-tech, you don’t need the luck of the Irish to get a great buy.

In a Nutshell: Searching for a new stroller? With TheFind.com, you may just find it…along with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

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