Small Talk Six: My Christmas Registries

This week’s topic on Small Talk Six is “6 stores at which you wish you could register for Christmas presents for yourself”! (What’s Small Talk Six? Click here to find out.) This sounds like fun! It could be tough to narrow it down to six…

1. Barnes and Noble: Everyone knows that I love books! If only there were enough time in the day to read all the books I want to read… I have a list to last a lifetime, and it keeps growing!

2. Costco: We spend a ton of money at Costco attempting to feed our four sons. I could find a lot of things to add to my registry here.

3. Hallmark: Their stores always have such great gift items. I’d buy puzzles, stationery, cards, wrapping paper, home decorations, and more.

4. Amazon: I have to admit that I’m a frequent Amazon shopper. They really do have good prices and a huge selection of items, both new and used.

5. Museum Gift Store: I just love all of the unusual specialty items you can usually find at museum gift stores. They’re usually a little pricey, though, so a gift certificate would enable me to splurge a bit.

6. Furniture store: I’d love to be able to refurnish the house! I need a new bed, dining room table, living room chairs… I’m sure I could come up with more!

So, now it’s your turn! Leave a comment on this post describing some of the “stores at which you wish you could register for Christmas presents for yourself.” And then click HERE to find links to other bloggers’ Small Talk Six lists for the week.

It’s Time to Order Your Holiday Cards from Minted.com!

I send out at least 75 Christmas cards every year. Most of our extended family lives out-of-state and we rarely see them, so I like to include a picture so people can see how much the kids have grown and changed over the year. (My teens are now resisting this, but I still manage to get a picture taken of my five-year-old twins!) When Minted.com asked me to take a look at their cards, I checked out their website and was awed by the variety and creativity of their designs! Their exclusive designs are created by independent designers around the world just for Minted.com. I had a hard time settling on a pattern because I loved so many of them! For example, check out these beautiful cards:











Many of the cards come in a choice of colors, and you get to choose whether to use their message or write your own along with your family members’ names.

In addition to the traditional flat cards, they also have really cool cards called Yearlines and Minibooks, which are like little photo books that you can customize. Here’s a sample below:



When I ordered my Minted.com cards, I was so impressed with how easy it was to upload my photos and design my cards. After I submitted my order, they emailed a proof for me to check to be sure it was exactly what I wanted. I now have my cards in hand, and they are absolutely gorgeous. They’re printed on super-high-quality cardstock. It’s definitely not that flimsy paper that many photo shops use. These cards would be perfect for a business owner who really wants to impress her clientele!

Please visit www.minted.com/holiday-photo-cards to order your holiday photos today. They also carry Hanukkah cards, invitations, birth announcements, stationery, thank you cards, moving announcements, and much more. Start at their home page at www.minted.com to see their complete selection of items.





DISCLOSURE: I received 25 complimentary personalized flat cards to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Do Your Holiday Shopping -- and Do Some Good -- Through Oxfam America

I always have a really hard time buying gifts for the adults in my life. Let’s face it: We really don’t need any more stuff! How many more bottles of after shave or perfume can we use? This year, I’d like to feel really good about the gifts that I’m giving. If you’re feeling this way, too, you’ll be happy to know that Oxfam America has the solution.

Oxfam America is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. They are part of Oxfam International, a confederation of 13 Oxfams working in more than 100 countries. Together with individuals and local groups in these countries, they save lives, help people overcome poverty, and fight for social justice. What sets Oxfam apart is that they create partnerships. Rather than provide short-term aid, they work with local communities to create lasting solutions to poverty by helping people address the root causes themselves. They rely on the knowledge and insight of those affected.

They also rely on people like us to support their work. Here’s how you can help AND take care of the recipients on your gift list:

1. Browse their online catalog and find a gift for your friend or loved one. With over 60 items to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift.

2. You’ll receive a free card with the image of your specific gift. You can personalize the card online and have it sent directly to your friend or loved one. Or you can have the card delivered to you to write your own message. All Oxfam America donations are tax deductible, and you will get a receipt.

3. Your donation will go to the people who need it, and where it will have the greatest impact: to improve the lives of people living in poverty.


For instance, for just $20, you can provide farmers with a much-needed system to irrigate their land. With your support for two months, you’ll help farmers grow a bumper crop!

For just $18, you can get mosquito nets for a family, protecting them against malaria and other deadly insect-borne diseases.

Twenty-five dollars purchases a fuel-efficient cooking stove, which lessens the need for firewood, reduces deforestation, and cuts down the time spent by women gathering scarce firewood. For many women, this reduces the need to venture into areas where they are at risk of violence.

Some of the other valuable gifts are pictured on this page. Please go to OxfamAmericaUnwrapped.com to learn about Oxfam America’s amazing work and select some gifts that will have a lot more meaning than another tie or a pair of earrings. In fact, your generosity has the potential to truly change lives for the better.





DISCLOSURE: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Oxfam America Unwrapped and received a credit for a gift on the Oxfam site.

Beautiful Custom Embroidered Bags from Simply-Bags!

I was recently introduced to the beautiful products at Simply-Bags. They specialize in high-quality custom embroidered and personalized tote bags. They have a huge variety of styles and types of bags, such as:





Lunch bags
Beach bags
Wine bags
Photo bags
Laptop bags
Duffle bags
College bags
Diaper bags
Duffle bags
And much more!

They were kind enough to send me an adorable personalized zebra lunch tote. You can see a picture of one below! Mine has “Susan” engraved on it in pink lettering. I love it! The very first weekend after I got it, I took it with me to the beach to keep our drinks cold. With its water-repellent outside and insulated interior, it was perfect for a day at the beach! And its bright design meant that I could easily find it amongst all the other stuff I had dragged along with me.

I really love the products they carry at Simply-Bags and found them to be very reasonably priced. I hope you’ll visit them when you’re buying your holiday gifts!





DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary personalize zebra lunch bag to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

NECCO Wafers Are Now All-Natural!

Do you remember eating NECCO Wafers as a kid? I do! NECCO (the New England Confectionery Company) was founded in 1847! It is the oldest multi-line candy company in the United States. At their new Corporate World Headquarters in Revere, MA, they manufacture timeless candy classics such as NECCO® Wafers, Sweethearts® Conversation Hearts, Mary Jane®, Clark®, Mighty Malts®, Haviland® Thin Mints, Candy House® Candy Buttons, and Squirrel Nut Zippers®.

Now, NECCO Wafers have gone all-natural! This makes NECCO the largest mass-produced candy line in the U.S. to shed artificial flavoring and colors. The company assures customers that prices will stay the same and they’ll notice little difference in taste. The natural colors do give the candy a more muted, pastel appearance. Only one thing is missing: green wafers! The original green wafers were too hard to duplicate in the all-natural process. But the other seven original colors/flavors remain: orange; lemon (yellow); clove (pink); cinnamon (white); wintergreen (purple); licorice (gray); and chocolate (which now comes in variations of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and mocha).

NECCO was kind enough to send me a generous supply of NECCO Wafers in assorted flavors and chocolate. They taste just the same as I remember when I was a kid! I shared them with my kids and this year’s trick-or-treaters.

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic walk down Memory Lane, head on over to www.necco.com to read more about NECCO Wafers and their new all-natural formula. You can purchase them at www.neccostore.com. If you’re on Twitter, you’ll want to follow @NECCO_Wafers. I noticed that they like to post giveaways for their Twitter followers!





DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary box of NECCO Wafers to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Kellogg’s Is Adding Fiber to Some of Their Kids’ Cereals!

Did you know that 90% of children don’t get enough fiber in their diets? If your kids are as picky as some of mine, that’s not surprising. One of my sons would survive solely on sweet foods if I let him! So, even though I continue to push healthier foods, I also let him satisfy his sweet tooth once in a while. When it’s time to shop for cereal, he gravitates toward the kids’ cereals. Therefore, it’s good to know that Kellogg’s is trying to make some of their cereals healthier for kids.

Kellogg’s Apple Jacks and Froot Loops, two of their most popular children’s cereals, now have three grams of fiber per serving. These cereals include ingredients such as whole-grain corn flour, whole-grain oat flour, oat fiber and soluble corn fiber. Over the next year, Kellogg’s will be extending the added fiber benefits to their other cereal lines.

However, for moms, the big question is: Will my kids eat it? So, we did a little taste test at our house. I was sent a box of the original Froot Loops and a box of Froot Loops with added fiber. Then my kids tried cereal from each box without knowing which one they were eating from. I made it as comparable as possible by having them compare a red original Froot Loop to a red added-fiber Froot Loop, a yellow original Froot Loop to a yellow added-fiber Froot Loop, and so on. My kids could not tell the difference! Honestly, they liked both cereals the same. When my husband and I tasted them, we thought the added-fiber cereal tasted a little less sweet, but as adults we found that to be a good thing! So, for our household, we’ll be purchasing the added-fiber versions next time we’re ready to get children’s cereal.

You can find out more about nutrition, fiber and Kellogg’s new cereals at www.kelloggsnutrition.com or www.kelloggs.com/fiber. The new added-fiber cereals are already at your grocery store, so I hope you’ll look for them when you’re buying children’s cereal. (And check out the coupons page on the Kellogg’s website, too!) Thanks to Kellogg’s and Mom Central for introducing our family to this new healthier option for children’s cereal.





DISCLOSURE: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Kellogg’s and received boxes of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Celebrate the Return of Bluelight Specials at Kmart with a Chance to Win a $500 Shopping Spree!

Bluelight Specials are back, and to celebrate in style, Kmart will be giving shoppers on Twitter a chance to win a $50 gift card every day! In addition to the chance to win daily, everyone following @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 Kmart shopping spree!

The sweepstakes runs from November 12th until December 23rd, 2009. All you have to do is follow @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter from your personal Twitter account and issue a Tweet every day using the hashtag: #KmartBLS. Each day is a new opportunity to win, so the more often you tweet, the better your chances to win a daily prize!

For more info on sweepstakes details, check out: http://tr.im/kmartBLS, and for Official Rules: http://tr.im/kmartBLSrules.

This is all in celebration of the return of Bluelight Specials at Kmart! There are over 40 great Bluelight Specials throughout the weekend in-store, and other great offers online at Kmart.com, too, only on Saturdays and Sundays. A little preview for the upcoming weekend’s (11/15–11/16) specials:

• Essential Home Complete Bed Set: $29.99 (reg. $49.99)
• All Trim-A-Home Lights: 50% off (reg. $8.99-$29.99)
• 9-Piece Luggage Set: $49.99 (reg. $99.99)
• Juniors Leggings: 50% off

We have a Kmart close to our house, so I am always there. I would definitely make good use of that $500 shopping spree! I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the return of Kmart’s Bluelight specials!

Thanksgiving Fun from Woman’s Day!

A few days ago, I posted an article with some beautiful and easy Thanksgiving crafts that you can do with your children. In that same vein, I wanted to let you know that Woman’s Day has some great family-oriented information for Thanksgiving, too! For example:


Start out here for a cornucopia of Thanksgiving ideas at:
http://www.womansday.com/package/thanksgiving-dinner-2009


From that page, navigate over to Thanksgiving crafts and printables at:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Crafts/14-Fun-Thanksgiving-Crafts.html


Read these tips to help your kids understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving at:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Family-Lifestyle/Parenting/Parenting-Tip-Turkey-Talk.html


Get tips for slashing your grocery bill in half at:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Money/Saving-Money/Slash-Your-Grocery-Bill-in-Half.html


Access 13,261 (yes, you read that number right) turkey recipes at:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Food/Recipes/13-261-Turkey-Recipes.html

This is just a small snapshot of the wonderful Thanksgiving tips and information you’ll find on the Woman’s Day website at http://www.womansday.com/package/thanksgiving-dinner-2009.

An Award-Winning Day for “Susan Heim on Parenting”!

When I checked my email today, I was thrilled to find that this blog had received two terrific honors!


Over at PregnancyCorner.com, it was nominated for a mom2be blog award! On December 2, 2009, their editors will announce the top 3 nominees for each category. Then votes will be taken from the public until December 16, 2009 at 12pm central. Whichever blog has the most votes in each category will be the winner!

And over at Medicine.Technology.Web, Susan Heim on Parenting was included in their list of “Top 50 Mommybloggers to Help You with Your New Baby.” What a great list! You can see the other mommy bloggers on the list by clicking HERE.

But the real award belongs to all of you who read this blog. Your support and comments really keep me going and benefit all parents. Thank you!

November’s Sweet Indulgence

NOTE FROM SUSAN: This month’s guest column from Melinda Wentzel aka “Planet Mom” really struck a chord with me. Reading something other than a school permission slip or soccer game schedule is such a luxury when you’re a parent! I actually fantasize about spending an entire day in bed with a good book and no other demands on my time. Heavenly! (P.S. Those are Melinda’s Lego-loving lassies in the picture at left!)

November’s Sweet Indulgence
By Melinda L. Wentzel

I’m not particularly fond of November—that dreary block of time wedged between the fullness of fall and the magic of winter. As calendars go, it is the Dead Zone for me. Except for evergreens, the landscape will soon grow barren, and its naked forests and fields will be nearly devoid of life. The arrival of spring seems all but impossible in the doom and gloom of November.

Not surprisingly, as the skies gray, the chill of winter looms large and wayward leaves of oak and maple gather en masse outside my doorstep, I find myself drawn to the warmth of a good book. Simply put, if it’s a solidly written work of nonfiction and a topic worthy of my time, I’m smitten from word one till the bitter end. Think: USA Today’s columnist, Craig Wilson (It’s the Little Things) and Betsy Lerner (The Forest for the Trees). A novel, however—especially one that is palpable, plausible and profoundly irresistible—is a different animal altogether, tending to woo me for a host of reasons. Think: Katherine Center (The Bright Side of Disaster).

Maybe I’m charmed to death by a particular narrative’s cast of characters, intrigued by its wealth of unpredictability or awed by the author’s sheer brilliance as it relates to the telling of tales. Perhaps the language itself sings to me or, more often than not, its message hits me squarely where I live.

Or maybe, just maybe, my passion for all-things-bookish stems plainly from this: for a few delicious and utterly decadent moments, solitude is mine. The harried pace and unrelenting hustle and bustle of my child-filled world fades to black as I sink deeper and deeper into the pages of a literary gem. There, in the glorious window of stillness just before the house begins to stir, and in the quiet of night when day is done, I refuel and recondition, sipping the honeyed words of giants like Anna Quindlen, Mitch Albom and Anne Lamott. Indulgence like that is sinfully satisfying—yet in a good-for-me sort of way. After devouring as little as a passage or a page (never mind something as grand as an entire chapter), I often feel a tinge of guilt—as if I’ve stolen a nap or a head-clearing walk amidst the falling leaves and crisp air, thick with the scent of autumn—a walk completely devoid of meandering tricycles, tangled dog leashes and less-than-attentive-to-traffic children.

Better still, books transport me beyond the realm of bickering matches and breakfast cereal dishes. Upon my return, I’m refreshed, restored and genuinely grateful for having been granted a slice of time to collect my thoughts, to reflect on someone else’s or to simply dissolve into the woodwork of life. I’d like to think I emerge as a better parent, or at least as one who is less likely to go ballistic upon discovering yet another unflushed toilet or yogurt surprise.

Admittedly, I savor the chunks of time spent in lounges and waiting rooms, even those littered with chintzy toys, wailing children and a hodgepodge of germ-ridden magazines. But only if I’ve remembered my own scrumptious reading material. Likewise, I’m happy to be huddled (half frozen) on a playground bench or stuffed behind my steering wheel at a soggy soccer field if armed with one of many delectable titles I have yet to complete (twenty-three and counting). Confession: I fantasize about being holed up in a forgotten corner of a bookstore, swallowed by a cozy chair and forced to read 200 pages of literary goodness in one sitting. Not surprisingly, I’ve lingered more than once in the aforementioned venues, yielding to the power of a page-turner. That being said, the notion of consuming something Wally Lamb-ish, curled up like a cat on my couch, is unthinkable. Okay, intoxicating.

In sum, books are my refuge from the torrents of parenthood, an intimate retreat from my inundated-with-Legos sort of existence and a source of pure salvation not unlike becoming one with my iPod, bathing in the sweet silence of prayer and journeying to the far shores of slumber—where the din cannot follow, the day’s tensions are erased and the unruly beasts within are stilled.

Then again, chocolate is equally redeeming.

Thankfully for me, both tonics are always close at hand—during my less-than-favorite month of November or anytime.

Planet Mom: It’s where I live (where both books and Halloween candy beckon). Visit me there at www.notesfromplanetmom.com and now at www.notesfromplanetmom.blogspot.com, too.

Copyright 2008 Melinda L. Wentzel

Celebrate Christmas with Elf Magic! (Giveaway)

Last year, we started a new holiday tradition at our house. After Thanksgiving, my twins wrote a note to Santa, asking him to send some elves to visit during the holiday season. Lo and behold, they woke one morning to find two elves sitting on the couch! The elves came with a special poem and magic “snowflakes.” The poem told them that sprinkling the snowflakes on the elves would bring them to life each night so they could go on adventures while the kids were sleeping. Before they went to bed, the boys would leave crackers and water out for the elves. (They had heard that elves love crackers because they sound like snow crunching underfoot and water because it reminds them of melted snowflakes!) That would ensure that the elves would return for their treat each morning. When they woke up, the boys would race out of bed to see if their elves had returned! Elves love to play games, so they would hide in a different spot each day, and the boys had so much fun trying to figure out where they were. They found them sitting in the refrigerator (after all, elves do like the cold!), sticking out of the Christmas tree, and even in bed with them! During the day, the elves hung out with the boys (when they were home from school), playing, watching TV, and getting lots of hugs. At bedtime, the ritual would start all over again. The boys knew they had to get lots of playtime in with the elves because the elves would go back to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve and not return until the following year. Needless to say, as we get closer and closer to Thanksgiving this year, my boys are eagerly awaiting the return of the elves!

Don’t tell the kids, but this wonderful tradition was introduced to our household by Elf Magic. I was so impressed with the beautiful quality of their elves and the tradition that goes with it. And, of course, they encourage families to develop their own variations on the Elf Magic tradition! You can also get accessories for your elves, like sleeping bags, pajamas and slippers, clothes, and even a reindeer friend! Please watch this adorable video to learn more about Elf Magic. (Email subscribers may need to click onto my blog to see the video.)



Visit www.Elf-Magic.com to pick up some adorable elves for your family. This is a wonderful tradition that you and your children will look forward to every year! Thanks to Elf Magic, we’ll have more elf friends visiting our household this year. I can’t wait to see the look on my boys’ faces when they see the new elves! It will definitely be a memorable moment!

GIVEAWAY

Four readers of this blog now have the opportunity to win an Elf Magic elf of their very own! I have two boy and two girl elves to give away. These are the two newest elves to join the Elf Magic family just this year, so you’ll be one of the first to receive them! (They’re pictured below.) How can you be one of the lucky winners?



REQUIRED ENTRY: You must be a subscriber to Susan Heim on Parenting, either via RSS or email. Then, head on over to Facebook and become a fan of Elf Magic. If you’re not on Facebook, please sign up for their newsletter at www.Elf-Magic.com. Leave me a comment with:

1) Your subscription method (RSS or email)
2) Your Facebook name or email address that will receive the newsletter
3) Your preference of a boy or girl elf

You can earn optional, additional entries by:

- Following me and Elf Magic (@ParentingAuthor and @ElfMagic) on Twitter and tweeting this giveaway. You can do this daily. Leave a separate comment each time you tweet with the direct URL to the tweet.

- Sharing Elf Magic’s video on Facebook or tweeting the link to the video, which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GaKRffPp7w. Leave a comment with your Facebook name and/or the URL to your tweet.

- Blogging about this giveaway with a link to this page and www.Elf-Magic.com. Leave a direct URL to the post.

- Following Susan Heim on Parenting on Networked Blogs. Click on “Follow This Blog” on the left sidebar.

- Following Susan Heim on Parenting through Google Friend Connect. Click on the “Follow” button on the left sidebar.

- Putting a button for Susan Heim on Parenting on your blog (the code is in the upper right-hand column of this site) or a text link on your blog roll. Post a comment with your blog’s URL.

- Listing Susan Heim on Parenting as one of your Favorites on Technorati. (See “Add this Blog to My Technorati Favorites” banner on the left sidebar.) Leave a comment with your Technorati user name.

Four winners will be randomly selected from the qualified comments received by Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at midnight ET. Please leave an email address on one of your comments if it’s not available on your Blogger profile. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be drawn. U.S. residents only.





DISCLOSURE: I received two new Elf Magic elves as a thank-you for helping to spread the word about this wonderful tradition!

Tips to Help Develop Natural Sleep Patterns in Babies

As someone who writes about parenting a lot, one of the most frequent questions I get is how to get babies to sleep better. This is always a tough question because every baby is different and responds to different techniques. Sometimes, a little experimentation is necessary. Similac Advance EarlyShield infant formula recently sent me these tips for encouraging natural sleep patterns in babies. It was written by Barbara Dehn, RN, MS, NP, also known as “Nurse Barb.” She is an award-winning author and nationally recognized health expert who regularly speaks on a wide range of women’s topics. Following are her terrific tips:

• One of the first things I always tell new moms is to lose the guilt! It’s inevitable for new parents to feel nervous, unsure and often guilty when caring for their infant – especially when it comes to sleep. I’m constantly reassuring both moms and dads to go with their gut feeling on all fronts and follow their infant’s lead. If your newborn tends to fall asleep in his swing or rocker – go with it! Not allowing yourself to feel guilty during the first few months will only help your baby acclimate to a schedule. Typically, confidence and a bit of relaxation will follow.

• Moms can maintain their baby’s natural sleep patterns and overall health with a proper feeding schedule. By establishing both day and night feeding routines that follow your infant’s natural hunger cues, you are helping your baby receive the nourishment that will support growth and development. When my patients ask about feeding with formula, I recommend Similac, which offers a wide range of specialized formulas and products all designed to support baby’s natural growth and development process by providing excellent nutrition no matter what time of day or night.

• Try to remain cool, calm and collected during the first few months of your baby’s life. Infants’ are on sensory overdrive and are attuned to both anxiety and fear. Mood, touch and sound are all stimulators and can interrupt your newborn’s sleep cycle. Keeping a calm atmosphere can help your baby find his natural sleep cycle.

• I often tell new moms to turn off the TV! Feeding time is often a good opportunity for mom to kick up her feet and unwind. Use this time to connect with your baby and avoid your regular relaxation routine like flipping on the TV. The light and noise can distract your newborn and interrupt his eating.

• Bath time does not always need to take place before bedtime. Some infants are extremely agitated from a bath, regardless of the calming scents, soft sounds and soothing touch you use. If you notice your baby is relaxed and calm without a bath before bedtime, go with it! Changing the bath time routine can make the overall experience more enjoyable for both mom and baby. This can also help your newborn develop daytime and nighttime routines.





DISCLOSURE: I received an assortment of gift items from Similac as a thank-you for sharing these valuable tips with you.

Great New Music for Kids

I’m always amazed at the variety of music now available for kids. When my oldest boys were young, we were pretty much limited to endless rounds of “Wheels on the Bus” and Barney songs. Today, there are so many more options for kids that even adults will enjoy! Here are four terrific selections that I’ve been sent to review recently:

Title: Music Box
Artist: Mary Kaye


Mary Kaye has a folk style that I really like. Charlotte Bohn of Baltimore’s Child says of Music Box, “Folksy and rootsy, Mary Kaye delivers songs that range from topics about a bug in the house (“Bug”) to what it’s like to be in a family (“Family”) to the beauty of a red cardinal in the snow (“Red Cardinal”). … With a voice unmistakably reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Mary Kaye weaves stories around everyday happenings that children will relate to and enjoy completely.” I couldn’t agree more! Click HERE to hear samples of the songs from this terrific CD and purchase it.

Title: Rockin’, Rollin’ and Ridin’
Artist: Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck


This fun CD features six new songs, plus two special, remixed audio tracks and a bonus video! Roscoe Orman, known as “Gordon” on Sesame Street for 35 years, also makes a guest appearance on the song “Hey-O”! Rebecca’s aim with this CD is to appeal to those kids who are too old for pre-school music but not yet into adult pop music. With fun songs like “Rock Like This,” “Motorcycle Boy,” and “Robot Dancer,” boys and girls alike will be dancing to the beat! Go to http://bigtruckmusic.com/ to learn more about Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck and their music!

Title: Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Sing-a-Song
Artist: Featuring Beyonce


I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Wubbzy. He’s always so upbeat, just like I wish all the people in my life were! Listening to Wubbzy’s songs just makes me smile. So, I love the new Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Sing-a-Song CD. It’s filled with 28 Wubbzy songs. “Perfect Day,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” “You’re a Star” … all will make you and your kids bouncy! The only thing I missed was my favorite Wubbzy song, “Be Happy!” (Yes, I have a favorite Wubbzy song. Don’t laugh!) Otherwise, this is a great collection of Wubbzy tunes. And the title song even features singer Beyonce! You can order this CD on Amazon.

Title: Chanukah Fever
Artist: Mama Doni


When I was first sent this CD, I wrote the publicist to say, “Uh, I think you sent this to the wrong person. I’m not Jewish!” But she assured me that you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the songs on this CD. She was right! These songs are HILARIOUS! With titles like “The Legend of Sour Cream vs. Applesauce,” “Latke Man” and “The Funky Gold Menorah,” you know you’re going to be entertained. Mama Doni is one cool Jewish chick! I strongly recommend that you go listen to her music at www.mamadoni.com. It will definitely give you “Chanukah Fever”!





DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each of these CDs to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Nominate a Worthy Children’s Program for a Power A Bright Future Grant from Clorox

Mom Central asked me to help spread the word about Clorox Clean-Up’s new initiative to help kids’ sports, music lessons, clubs, and youth groups stay afloat in these tough economic times. Many of them are struggling to find funds, volunteers, and space to hold activities. Clorox Clean-Up, the only all-purpose cleaner powered by Clorox Bleach, can help. This winter, the Clorox Clean-Up team will award five grants of $10,000 each to applicable kids programs in the hopes of enriching kids’ lives across the country.

As a parent, you can easily nominate programs for a chance to win a Power A Bright Future grant by submitting a photo and a short essay about the project for consideration until November 29, 2009 at www.facebook.com/cloroxcleanup. A panel of influential children’s advocates will select finalists based on the impact of the program on kids, the quality of the entry sent in, and the most promise for the grant to help the program grow. Then, the public will have the chance to vote on Facebook between December 7th and January 17th, 2010, with everyone receiving a Clorox Clean-Up coupon as a thank-you for voting.

We hope that you will nominate a worthy program for a Power A Bright Future grant, as well as spread the word about this great opportunity to support your child’s favorite program and vote for the most compelling finalist. If you’re on Twitter, please feel free to tweet about the Power A Bright Future grant program using the hashtag #cloroxcleanup and to fan the page on Facebook.

National Adoption Month: Adoption from Foster Care

November is National Adoption Month, and AdoptUsKids (http://www.adoptuskids.org) is stepping up its efforts to increase awareness of the need for recruiting and retaining foster and adoptive parents. Through Global Influence, they have asked bloggers like me to help spread the word about the importance and benefits of adoption from foster care.

The mission of AdoptUsKids is to recruit and connect foster and adoptive families with waiting children throughout the United States. Funded by the Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families, their national photolisting website contains photos and information about children in foster care.

Sadly, there are about 129,000 children waiting for adoptive families in the United States foster care system. Since July 2004, AdoptUsKids has been partnering with the Children’s Bureau and the Ad Council to develop national adoption public service advertising campaigns with the goal of raising awareness of the significant number of children in this country waiting to be adopted.

This year, AdoptUsKids is especially reaching out to the African American community. Thirty-one percent of the children in foster care waiting to be adopted are African American. African American children are overrepresented in the foster care population relative to their percentage in the U.S. general population. Because of this, African American children often wait longer to be adopted.

Of course, adoption from foster care is a momentous decision, but matching the right child with the right family could have an enormous impact on that child’s life. If you’d like more information about foster care or adoption, your first step is to visit http://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care-advocacy/. You can also search for children in your area who are available for adoption by visiting http://www.adoptuskids.org/Child/ChildSearch.aspx.

Also, if you’re on Twitter, there will be a Twitter event at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 10th to discuss the benefits of adoption, and provide information on adoption from foster care. Use the hashtag #adoptuskids to participate. Please follow @perfectparent (http://twitter.com/perfectparent) and become a fan of AdoptUsKids on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AdoptUsKids.

This campaign is brought to you by Global Influence, the former Momfluence network.

Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

NOTE FROM SUSAN: Today’s post was written by a guest columnist, so I can't take credit for these terrific ideas for Thanksgiving crafts for children. But I thought they were so cute that I wanted to share them with you. They're great for trying at home in preparation for Thanksgiving, as a class project, or on Thanksgiving day to occupy all the kids!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, you’ll have your hands full with guests and preparations. The last thing you need are little ones running around under your feet. Get yourself prepped, your home trimmed, and the table set with grace by giving your kids projects of their own.

Giving kids a project to do, such as arts and crafts, gives them a sense of purpose and keeps them busy while you plan your feast. Plus using any of their crafts as part of the holiday décor will give them an extra sense of pride and ownership.

Get started early. Give kids a project a week or so before Thanksgiving, keeping them focused, busy, and happy. Try the ideas here or come up with your own…

Buttoned Napkin Holders


These cute and creative napkin holders are cheap to make but will take time and focus from your little ones. Kids from ages 5 and up can have hours of fun making napkin holders that will play a big eye-popping role on your Thanksgiving dinner table.

To make: Take a 4- by 5.5-inch piece of felt and glue 12 Popsicle sticks on one side only. After you’re finished, you’ll end up with an uncovered margin.

Once the glue does dry, form a ring by gluing the overlapped/uncovered piece to itself. Then, take an assortment of buttons (available for pennies at any fabric store) and have kids glue the buttons onto the Popsicle sticks.

If you’ve got younger children working on this project, then get all the materials prepped and ready to go. Cut out the felt rectangles and, if needed, guide them through one ring to get them comfortable with the project.

Paper Cup Turkeys


These adorable turkeys are easy to make and great for ages 6 and up.

To make: You’ll need a paper cup, construction paper to make the feathers, sets of wiggly eyes, pompoms for the head, and a bit of felt for the beak and feet.

Begin with cutting out feathers, and have kids draw or paint on both sides. Encourage them to be creative, using patterns, dots, stripes, etc. For extra effect, try using real or synthetic feathers, mixing them in with the paper ones. Then have them glue the bottom of the feathers to an upside down cup, holding it in place till the glue dries. Use the rest of the materials to finish assembling the turkey -- adding the feet, head and facial features.

Cup Turkeys can be used as either table décor or as place cards for your dinner table. Turn it into a game for guests with folded place cards hidden under every cup. Requiring guests to lift up the paper cups to figure out where they’re sitting will be an extra little game your kids will delight in.

Leafy Door Hanger


Extremely easy to make for kids 5 and up, leafy door hangers are great fall ornaments for your home. Hang them off the front door as an instant invite and as an alternative to wreaths. Kids will relish seeing their artwork in front of the house for everyone to see.

To make: Have kids cut out paper leaves and paint them with finger paints. Inspire them to get creative by mixing colors and straying from traditional leaf shades. For older children, have them draw and paint on the leaves, creating intricate designs and doodles.

Glue the completed leaves on a cord/string (a jewelry cord works well). Then tie 3-5 strings of leaves onto a sturdy stick that kids can find in their yard. A cord or yarn tied to each end of the stick can serve as a hanger.

In addition to giving you some free time, holiday arts and crafts help nurture children and develop a sense of belonging. And since fall brings colder weather and less daylight hours, kids need something to keep them occupied since this means less playtime outdoors.

With so much indoor time, try leaving an air purifier switched on, so that when they are indoors, they have as much clean air (if not more) than if they were outdoors. And with all your holiday cooking, having an extra room air cleaner in your home or kitchen to filter the food odors, especially if you expect to be frying. This ensures your family is not only having a happy holiday, but a healthy one, too. A great air purifier to try is the BlueAir Air Cleaner, which is not only discreet but quiet and effective.

“Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Kids,” is brought to you by http://www.air-purifier-home.com.