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pint-sized pride: ba ba bling baby boston strong t-shirts

 The Accessorized Walnut
Apr 232013
 

It’s just been a week since the Boston Marathon bombings, but it feels so much longer. We’re all still spiraling from the aftermath of Sandy Hook, Hurricane Sandy…and now this. My next-door neighbor was one of the marathon runners who bravely set out that day, looking forward to attaining a personal goal, and not realizing that reuniting with her loved ones, safe and unharmed, would be a far more meaningful gift. She showed us the medal she was given for participating, one that I’m sure she will treasure and that will forever serve as a reminder of that fateful day. If your family is looking for a way to show its support for the people of Boston, consider the latest fashion staple from kids’ clothing manufacturer Ba Ba Bling Baby. The company’s cotton T-shirt proudly proclaims, “I may be small, but I am BOSTON STRONG,” along with the Boston Strong yellow and blue ribbon. The tee will be sold for $20, and all proceeds will go to benefit The One Fund Boston, which was set up to aid those affected by the tragic events of April 15, 2013. Boston Strong tees are available in sizes 6-12 mos., 12-18 mos., 2T, 4T, 6 and 8.

In a Nutshell: Even if your baby isn’t from Boston, she can proudly call it her own with a patriotic tee that never goes out of style.

BostonStrongTee 1

 

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wash me: down at the dino wash deluxe

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Apr 222013
 

My car is in desperate need of a wash. After too many months of wet weather, muddy feet and the like, this mom taxi has taken quite a beating. Of course, the line at our local car wash has been five miles long lately. If only my imagination could transport to the pages of the latest picture book to cross my desk. Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe is the place to be, especially if you happen to live with anyone who knows his T-Tex from a triceratops. It’s also the center of a make-believe business where these prehistoric creatures come to have their regular scrub-down (where else can these guys fit when a bath tub is out of the question?). If I ever thought the job of keeping two kids clean was hard enough, this book makes me appreciate the fact that I don’t have to clean all those spikes and knobs on an Ankylosaurus; now that’s exhausting! Regardless of whether or not your kid has a love affair with these monstrous creatures, this story will certainly make them a little less scary. A T-Rex who’s afraid to get shampoo in his eyes? Who knew!…

In a Nutshell: How do you keep a dinosaur dirt-free? This silly story turns a car wash into a creative clean-up spot that’s dino-mite.

Down at the Dino Wash

 

 

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earth day extravaganza: tree fu tom on sprout

 The Playful Walnut
Apr 192013
 

Is it Earth Day already? This coming Monday marks the day we pay homage to our dear planet, one that seems to be under a great deal of stress these days. (I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember more extreme weather than what we’ve been experiencing this past year.) Since Mother Nature has been wrecking havoc on us lately, it’s definitely time for a superhero to help us out, and the Sprout television network has just the guy. Tree Fu Tom, to the rescue! With the help of a magic belt, this pint-sized boy turns himself into a flying hero with special powers who travels to a make-believe kingdom inside a tree in his backyard (how’s that for using your imagination?) Once there, he teaches viewers about the importance of staying active and the simple joy of playing outdoors. Sounds like a perfect reminder for springtime, now playing in a backyard near you. The animated Tree Fu Tom series airs on Monday, April 22nd at 11 am EST on the Sprout network.

In a Nutshell: Celebrate Earth Day with a brand-new animated TV series starring a young boy who’s small in stature, but big on action.

Tree Fu Tom Image

 

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look what the waves dragged in: seashell guide for kids

 Reading with Walnuts, The Smart Walnut
Apr 182013
 

When my husband was invited to choose some used books from a colleague’s retired collection, he brought home a treasure trove of reading materials. Among his findings was a well-worn copy of a guide to seashells, one that had yellowed with age and whose pages were slowly losing their binding. While it was the thought that counted, we wound up recycling the book after a cursory look-through–and long before having a chance to consult it on beach excursions with our young daughters. Having practically grown up on the beach myself, I was always collecting the jewels of low tide, but my knowledge of seashell classification never went beyond periwinkles and mussels. This summer, however, we’re going to do things right, thanks to the just-published Seashells: Treasures From the Northeast Coast. This paperback guide is the perfect primer for kids who have moved past the art of sea collecting, and want to know just what they’re putting in their sand pails. Equally balanced with soft watercolor illustrations and straightforward text, this engaging book reads like a teacher might speak: asking thought-provoking questions, while cleverly tucking in some lesser-known factoids (as with a tree’s rings, you can count the number of lines on a clam to learn its age) . We like that it’s as appropriate for preschoolers just beginning to learn about the coast, as it is for middle school-aged kids who can benefit from some detailed information. Perfectly sized to fit in your beach bag, this is the book to have on hand the next time you’re combing the shoreline.

In a Nutshell: From New England to New York, seashells are in abundance. Help your kids make sense of their summer treasures with this easy-to-read pocket guide to the shoreline.

SeashellsCov_hr

 

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lift every voice and sing: miss nina sha doo be doop

 Rocking with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut
Apr 162013
 

Still trying to come to the grips with yesterday’s tragedy in Boston, I had a hard time getting myself in writing mode this morning. But after dropping my daughter off at preschool and seeing all those happy, little faces, I found the motivation I was looking for. If reviewing kids’ products and working in the children’s industry isn’t a sign of hope and rejuvenation, I don’t know what is. It was precisely this morning that my 4-year-old and I discovered the just-released CD from Miss Nina. A follow-up to Singing & Dancing Together, Sha Doo Be Doop is a spirited release of toe-tapping tunes that can’t help give you a little bit of a lift. Miss Nina’s music teacher background is evident throughout this collection of catchy sing-a-longs, many of which kids can pick up after just a few listens. From “Angry Song,” which playfully grants permission to let it all out, to “Ridin’ In My Car,” which takes the boredom out of ho-hum errands, these tracks keep the beat without going overboard. Our favorite, by far, was “The Brown Bear Rap,” a hip-hop ode to our favorite Eric Carle story, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Miss Nina has a clever way of combining classic kid lit with nursery rhymes to create a unique sound. In fact, it’s just one of several book-inspired tunes that bring a liveliness to the printed page, like “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” and “Wild Things”–perfect teaching tools for the preschool classroom.  An upbeat tempo and memorable lyrics make Sha Doo Be Doop a way to enjoy the world as it should be seen: through the eyes of child…or at least, a child at heart.

In a Nutshell: The perfect panacea for tough times, this new kiddie CD delivers smiles all around.

missninacover72

 

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and away they go: cooper & kid how things fly

 The Playful Walnut
Apr 122013
 

My husband is a good dad, even if he doesn’t always think so. A time-pressed, hard-working father (like so many dads we know), he struggles with the fact that he can’t see his girls as much as he’d like to. And when he is home, he’s torn by dividing his time between left-over work, home improvement projects and time with his daughters (oh yeah, and don’t forget about me). He’s great at playing board games and reading with our 8-year-old, but when I see his eyes start to glaze over after the umpteenth round of Richard Scarry’s Busytown, I feel for him. Well, it may not be Father’s Day just yet, but I know my better half might appreciate something new and different he can do with our girls. We’ve got our eye on Cooper & Kid, makers of a dad-friendly all-in-one activity kit that lets your favorite guy roll up his sleeves and dive into a hands-on project (like he needs an excuse). The first kit in this brand-new series, “How Things Fly,” includes everything to get your brood’s (and his) imaginations soaring: a “flight manual” guide, catapult building kit, biplane building kit, parachute man, sky lantern, themed dinner menu with recipes (does that mean he’ll play chef, too? Be still my beating heart!) and, to cap off their great day together, a bedtime story. Even if your guy isn’t as handy as mine is, there’s bound to be something in this box that he can do with the kids that doesn’t involve a pair of dice, or heaven forbid, having to drink pretend tea. Cooper & Kid gets points bonus for getting everyone out of the house, and away from the iPad, TV or gadget of choice–including Dear Old Dad. Available as part of a quarterly, monthly, yearly subscription, or one-time offer, this is one mail-order gift they won’t forget. And neither will he.

In a Nutshell: Because time isn’t the only thing that can fly when you’re with your kids. Cooper & Kid makes for a great Father’s Day gift or any other special occasion to celebrate Dad.

Dad and flying box kid pointing

 

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nine lives…and then some: aden + anais hello kitty line

 Bathing Walnuts, Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
Apr 092013
 

My 4-year-old just got invited to another Hello Kitty party. This is one cat that gets around–and I’m not talking about my daughter! Last week, we told you about a Hello Kitty rain gear line that definitely put a much-needed spring in our step, especially after a long, cold winter. We knew that little girls would be all over that line…but now we’re finding that Hello Kitty has new mom appeal, too. One of our favorite lux baby brands, aden + anais, is introducing a limited-edition collection of Hello Kitty soft goods no baby girl should be without. The 100-percent cotton muslin line consists of a swaddle 3-pack, dream blanket, snap bib 3-pack and hooded towel/wash cloth set–all adorned with the famous cat motif. Whether you’re buying a new baby gift for a mom who grew up with HK as I did, or hoping to add a new person to her ever-growing fan base, this ensemble will not disappoint. Our favorite are the swaddle blankets, which can work overtime as an hip scarf with a jean jacket this spring. Shhhh…don’t worry, we’ll never tell on you.

In a Nutshell: If you’re looking to cultivate a kitty fan, this is one fashionable way to get started.

HK snap bibsHK Swaddles

 

 

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in the swim of things: ariel, jake and the neverland pirates swim collection

 The Accessorized Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Apr 052013
 

My daughter’s preschool sent home summer camp registration this week, and so I am reminded that bathing suit season is upon us yet again. (Lucky for me, I can work out my own swimwear neuroses by happily buying for two young girls.) If your kids are still young enough to enjoy their favorite characters on their clothing, then let their summer wardrobe include two Disney friends that can accompany them to the beach, lake or pool. The Ariel Swim Collection for Girls includes a wet-and-wonderful swimsuit, cover-up, flip flops, beach towel, sunglasses and swim bag. We especially love the endless waves of ruffles that adorn the swimsuit’s neckline. And for the boys comes the Jake and the Never Land Pirates Swim Collection, a swash-buckling array of hip swim trunks, rash guard, flip flops, sunglasses and beach towel. Stylish, deep pockets in the swim trunks are the perfect place for stashing pirate booty. Each item in these collections is sold separately and available at The Disney Store exclusively.

In a Nutshell: Kids can make a splash with Disney-themed swimwear that looks cool at the pool or anywhere there’s H2O.

Ariel swimJake swim

 

 

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rainy or not: western chief kids hello kitty rain gear

 The Accessorized Walnut
Apr 042013
 

Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for rain, the first time during the month known best for helping cultivate May flowers. If you have yet to put away those winter boots and unearth your kid’s rain coat, may we suggest an alternative to the standard yellow slicker? Western Chief Kids’ Hello Kitty line of rain gear is absolutely adorable, and especially fitting for fans of this beloved feline. From what we’ve been seeing, HK is everywhere these days, from baby blankets to ice pops; we’re not surprised she’s earned herself an entire ensemble of springtime outerwear, including rain coat, boots and an umbrella. This collection is especially sweet on details, from the ruffle on the rain coat’s rear, to the bow on the hood. Sizes run from 2T-6X on rain coats, and toddler 10-youth 4 on the boots. This is one kitty who doesn’t mind getting wet! Bring on the rain…

In a Nutshell: Hello Kitty fans, rejoice: a rain gear line devoted to every little girl’s favorite kitty has arrived. Just add water.

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with this ring i thee…: myringpop.com

 The Playful Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Apr 032013
 

When my husband and I tied the knot 16 years ago this coming September, we chose bubbles as our wedding favor….but they weren’t meant to be taken home. Instead of throwing rice or birdseed, we wanted to bring out the playful side of our relationship and commemorate our special day with family and friends sending us down the aisle into a sea of popping bubbles. What a vision it was! With wedding season right around the corner, you may find yourself at a nuptials celebration sometime this season, and if you do, we hope you’ll have a sweet time. Had MyRingPop.com been in existence when I was getting married, well, let’s just say those bubbles might have had some serious competition. The old dime-store candy (well, maybe it was a bit more than 10 cents back in my day!) can now be customized for any special occasion. Wrappers can be personalized with an original message to commemorate any special occasion. We think these would be a big hit as a take-home favor for your favorite kid’s birthday party and are available in quantities from 25 to 500 (for those well-attended events like baptisms and bar/bat mitzvahs.) And sure, weddings, too. The former bride in me definitely approves!

In a Nutshell: Go sweet on yourself and your guests with customizable candies that will steal the show.

MY_RP_Celebration

 

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