Teeny Manolo

It’s that time again! When the flowers are blooming, the weather turns warmer, and you can finally kick those kids out of the house!

Here are some fabulous things to keep them occupied through the long summer months…

Megaland I am liking quite a few things about this toy. First, children from 36 months to 8 years can play in it! Now perhaps an 8 year old is too cool to play with it, even if it lasts until 6 years, that’s still a bargain! Also, it can be configured in many ways, so if your kids get bored easily, it can be changed.

Naturally Playful Woodland Climber. Are you a bit weary of your child trying to climb up your counters, cupboards, or onto your sofa? Then this toy just might do the trick. Step 2 makes some great, long lasting toys.

Naturally Playful Sand and Water Activity Center I can speak from personal experience when I say that my son loved this toy. It’s better than a regular sandbox in two ways. 1. They don’t get sand in their pants. 2. They can do what every kid loves to do, mix sand and water, and did I mention not getting sand in every crevice?  Also comes with a lid that stays on tight, keeping out bugs and rain.

Blast Pad Missile Launch System Some rocket launchers are difficult to use, somewhat dangerous, and easily broken. This one beats them all. Not a whole lot of effort to launch, but they go up satisfyingly high!

Ultimate Beach Ball Sprinkler Perfect for those days when you are feeling slightly lazy. Just fill up the ball and let the kids do all the work! Wait, but isn’t that almost every day?  Or is it just me?

Splash Balls Sprinkler Sprays tons of water every which way! More unpredictable (and therefore, better) than the sprinklers that just sort of rotate around in a circle.

Naturally Playful Picnic Table with Umbrella Got one or more kids? Do they have any friends? Then an outdoor picnic table is a great solution to the dilemma of letting dirty kids in the house to have a snack. I also have personal experience with this table, and not only is it “pretty,” it is sturdy and well made. It seems a bit expensive, but it is well worth the money.

Neat & Tidy Cottage Looking for a playhouse, but need to pick yourself up off the floor from sticker shock? This cottage is a bargain for the price compared to other playhouses with similar features. It also has that all-important kitchen.

Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon We also own this wagon, and it rocks. Are we noticing a trend, here? Hey, when possible I like to speak from experience. With seatbacks, seatbelts, real rubber wheels and cup holders, this wagon is one sweet ride!

Push Around Buggy If your child is not yet able to propel themselves around in the Cozy Coupe, then this is your solution. Yes, you have to do all the work, but isn’t it worth it? Also comes in pink!

Seriously, this company should forget about advertising on blogs and just start stuffing their brochures in Oscar and Grammy goodie bags. Thanks to the ever-informative Dr. Boli for this.

I am convinced that fostering an early love of the outdoors, plants, animal life, and gardening is essential for a child. Engaging in growing live things, digging in the dirt, and experiencing all of the life outside of the house can only be beneficial in helping them understand how to care for the earth, and by extension, other people as well. As the current stewards of the planet, we are only as good as what we teach our children.

Here is some great stuff to get you started, if you haven’t already.

Butterfly Garden- This kit has all you need to grow caterpillars into beeyootiful butterflies before their very eyes!

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children- From a detailed resource list to craft ideas to how to grow a “moon garden,” this book gives parents and children a great start on working together in the garden.

Kid’s Tote with Gardening Tools- This adorable tote with three gardening tools is sure to get them excited!

Kid’s Gardening Tools- This pint-sized tool set will make them feel all grown up!

Seymour Mfg Co #WB-JR Junior Wheelbarrow- Because what kid doesn’t want to dump stuff from a wheelbarrow?

Gardening Wizardry for Kids- Focusing mostly on indoor projects, this book helps kids to understand gardening fundamentals. Contains crafts and experiments, too!

Alex Toys Garden Apron- An apron is a must for all kids mucking around in the dirt, and this one is from a favorite manufacturer of mine.

A Kid’s Herb Book- Want to grow an edible herb garden with your child? This book is the perfect guide.

Sunday Afternoons Kid’s Play Hat UPF 45- Functionality wins out over looks with this hat. It has that essential neck flap as well as those all-important vents. But at least it comes in lots of colors!

Some of the most enjoyable times spent with my son have been the two of us baking in the kitchen. We chat, I try to teach math concepts, he tries to crack eggs without pieces of shell falling into the batter, it’s all good. I have been thinking that it is perhaps time for my budding little chef to fly a bit more solo, and that means a good kids cookbook.

Simple recipes, easy prep, and most of all, recipes that taste good are prerequisites for a cookbook that will be utilized for a long time. As always, I’m here to do the heavy lifting and here are some of the best cookbooks that I could find.

Kids Cooking: A Very Slightly Messy Manual. For younger cooks, easy to follow recipes and great illustrations help out the beginner. And measuring spoons, too!

Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up. 17 easy recipes for your preschooler. Each recipes is printed twice, once in writing and once in pictures. An instant classic.

Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up. Vegetarian recipes make this book stand out. Recipes that are nutritious and easy to make will have your child wanting to make all of them!

Pink Princess Cookbook. If your little girl is enamored of all things princess-y, then this book filled with yummy tea-time snacks should do just the trick!

BatterUp Kids: Sensational Snacks!. This cookbook is great for kids just getting into the whole cooking thing.

Everything Kids’ Cookbook: From Mac ‘ N Cheese to Double Chocolate Chip Cookies-All You Need to Have Some Finger Lickin’ Fun. A little light on the pictures so better suited for children 9-12, this book has everything from lasagne to smoothies. Also has games and craft ideas.

New Junior Cookbook (Better Homes & Gardens). When I was a youngster, I had my own Better Homes and Gardens Cookie Book, and it was awesome. This one has lots of recipes, you’re covered from breakfast to to dinner. Also has a Cooking Basics chapter which explains about everything from cutting up vegetables to how to read nutrition labels. Also has diabetic exchanges.

Kids Cook!: Fabulous Food for the Whole Family. Detailed instructions, “real” food, also gives nutritional info for the over 150 recipes featured. No color illustrations, but the cook can color while the food is cooking!

When they were handing out the oily skin genes, I must have somehow cut towards the front of the line. My skin has always had, uh, what I like to term as a “dewy glow.”  Ok, ok, maybe my skin is just a bit overenthusiastic in the moisture department.  They tell me that in the long run, that means I will have less wrinkles, so yay for that. But in the meantime, I prefer not to walk around looking like I’ve just come from a workout.

And that means these:

Yes, blotting papers.  Well, in this case, blotting linens, actually.   The problem with a lot of blotting papers is that they can leave an annoying powdery sheen behind.  These contain no powder, and are actually made out of biodegradable fabric derived from leaves, if you can imagine that.  Also, they are twice as large as normal blotting papers, meaning you can probably use just one and be fine.  Unless you actually have been working out, and then maybe you might need two.

They come in a slim, purse-stuffable sized box.  They also come in your choice of Lavender, Peppermint, California Orange or Fresh scents.

Because I don’t care if you don’t wear makeup, there are days when looking like a walking oil slick is just not cool.  Actually, name me a day when it is cool, I dare you.

And yes, you could just go ahead and use a disposable toilet seat cover from the public restroom, but these are just so much more dignified, don’t you think?

There is a lot of great literature for older girls, ranging from Junie B. Jones to Pippi Longstocking to Ramona the Pest.  For younger girls under the age of 8, it’s a bit harder to find good books with strong female protagonists.  With all the Disney Princess and Strawberry Shortcake and whatnot, there’s quite a bit of fluff to wade through.

And that’s where I come in to help.  All of these books feature female protagonists who don’t need rescuing, thank you very much.

 Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

Well do they?

 Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is convinced that her name is perfect, until she goes to school.

 JoJo’s Flying Side Kick

JoJo must advance in her tae-kwon-do class.  Does she have what it takes?

 The Adventures of Isabel

This poem by Ogden Nash tells the story of Isabel, who isn’t afraid of anything.

 Eloise

I don’t need to tell you about Eloise, do I? For starters, she lives in a hotel.

 The Outside Dog

Marisol really wants a dog, even though her Abuelito is against the idea.

 Swamp Angel

A modern American tall tale about Angelica Longrider, who grew up to be the greatest woodswoman of Tennessee.

 The Magic Tree House (Series Books 1-4)

The first four of the popular series, Annie and her brother find a magical tree house.

 A Ride on the Red Mare’s Back

Her brother has been captured, and she must find him. 

 Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

What happens when Lilly’s purse is confiscated by her favorite teacher?

 Mirette on the High Wire

Set in Paris, Mirette does not know that her teacher is famous.

 Tar Beach

Cassie Louise Lightfoot takes a magical ride over the city.

Another great way to “go green” is to give your child toys that are made out of non-toxic materials.  With all the toy recalls, it is becoming tougher than ever to try and figure out which toys are safe for your child.   I’m here to give you some toys you can feel good about, because wondering if a toy could possibly harm your child should never be an issue that a parent has to deal with.

Plan Toys Forklift & Doll

All Plan Toys are safe and environmentally friendly.  Their wood toys are made out of recycled rubber trees and their paint colors meet all international standards.  (Read: Euro standards which are more stringent than US standards.  Now why is that, anyway?)

Plan Dancing Alligator Pull Toy

Makes a very fun clickety-clack sound, and kids are fascinated with the way the alligator moves.

Melissa and Doug Cutting Food Box

Kids love playing with pretend food.  Even better? Being able to “cut” the pretend food! All Melissa and Doug toys are made with non-toxic paint and wood.

Melissa and Doug See and Spell

Great for beginning spellers, this toy helps them to learn their letters in both tactile and visual ways.

HABA Flapsi Clutch Toy

German-made HABA toys are coated with non-toxic laquer.  This toy makes a clicking sound that will entertain your baby, and is safe for them to gum.

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Stamp Kit

Your kids can make hundreds of different designs using the washable, non-toxic ink pads. 

A Day at the Zoo by ImagiPlay

Made from renewable, sustainable materials, this cute zoo set meets all international safety standards. 

Melissa and Doug Band in a Box

Is it loud?  Does it make a huge racket?  Of course it does! That’s why kids adore musical instruments.  This set has a set of cymbals, which is sure to please any young musician.  Just make sure you have some ear plugs handy.

Plan Toys Activity Bus

This bus opens up to become a classroom with chairs, figures, a blackboard, and books!

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Folding Princess Castle

Now I am all for unisex toys, but I have to say this looks freaking awesome.

Many of us would like to “go green” but aren’t really sure where to start.  Well, there are lots of places to start, and that might be part of the problem.  Too many choices lead to a general throwing up of the hands and a proclamation of defeat.  Here are some products to help you get on a greener path. 

 Seventh Generation Diapers and Wipes  If cloth diapering is not for you, products from Seventh Generation are free of chlorine and all sorts of other chemicals and are comparably priced to regular diapers when bought in bulk.   So, you can do good for the environment and good for your baby at the same time.

 Compact Flourescent Light Bulbs I know a lot of you already have these, and most of the complaints I hear from people are that they can’t find the type of bulb they need.  Well, I’ve got them for you.  Dimmable, floodlight, chandelier light, reading light, anywhere light, I’ve got your back.

  Energy Monitor  Talk about a useful item!  You can go around your house and test everything that has a plug to find out exactly how much energy it uses.  I was intrigued by the high customer rating on this device, and the combination of their delight and disgust at finding out how much energy the items actually used.  I think this could easily make back the purchase price in energy savings.

 Wood Blocks  Worried about all those nasty things that can be present in plastic toys?  Go with classic wood toys and never worry again!

  Reusable Shopping Bags  Those ubiquitous plastic grocery bags are simply a bad deal for the environment, and reusable bags can be fashionable and hip, too! This 6-pack from Baggu has great colors and even better, they are machine washable.

Reusable Lunch Bags  I think most people are already using these, but if you are in the market for a new one, you might want to consider something like this one from Built NY. The reviews say that it does a good job at maintaining temperatures and is also machine washable.

  How about something as simple as a refillable pen?  Instead of throwing them away, just refill it and keep using!  This Quad-Function Space Pen allows you to write at any angle with two colors of ink, a pencil, and a stylus in one! 

  If you are a big water drinker, stop buying those plastic bottles!  Instead, buy a water filter for your tap if you don’t like the taste of regular tap, and take your water with you in a reusable bottle.  This one by Camelbak is spillproof and comes with a flip cap and a straw for ease of use.  It may seem like a lot of money at first, but I promise you will be saving in the long run.

  And last but not least, buy a book!  Wake Up and Smell the Planet: The Non-Pompous, Non-Preachy Grist Guide to Greening Your Day is exactly what it says it is.  It even manages to be funny!

Anyone else have any favorite products or tips?

Let’s face it, listening to renditions of toddlers singing off-key and loud, uber-cheerful vocalists exhorting us to all hold hands can make you simply want to scream.  So in the interest of some self-preservation, I’m presenting music that won’t automatically force you to have them put their headphones on rather than endure the torture.  Here is my list of some of the best CD’s for kids.

 Jack Johnson and Friends Singalongs and Lullabies   Lovely and melodic, I don’t see too much resistance from mom and dad when the kids ask to play this. Aaaand, Jack Johnson is tres cute. 

 Raffi The The Singable Songs Collection Before I was a parent, I scoffed at the idea of Raffi. Then I became one and to know him is to love him. 

  They Might Be Giants Here Come the ABC’s and No!  Both of these albums allow parent and child to rock out!  No, it isn’t Metallica, but you can maintain most of your street cred.  

 Sesame Street Platinum: All Time Favorites  “C is for Cookie,” “Rubber Duckie,” and “I Love Trash” among others.  Don’t even try and pretend you don’t know all the words.

 Boris Karloff and Mario Rossi  Peter and the Wolf   There are many versions of Prokofiev’s classic, but this is the the definitive one. 

 Steve Rashid “i will hold your tiny hand” Songs with influences from the blues,  doo-wop, and jazz, these lullabies will be a hit with the whole family.

 Justin Roberts Meltdown  Intelligent lyrics set to great music, what more could you ask for?  Not many artists tackle having to wear glasses, but Justin does.  And we’re glad. 

 Daddy a Go Go Cool Songs For Cool Kids Another edgy, rock-inspired CD that has so much enthusiasm, it will make you think they recorded it out of their garage. 

 Gunnar Madsen Old Mr. Mackle Hackle It’s the lyrics that make this one stand out.  Smart and funny, at least one of these songs is sure to make even parents laugh out loud. 

 Putamayo’s World Playground World Music CD has great song selections from twelve different countries.  A nice introductory sampling for your child.

 Beethoven’s Wig Singalong Symphonies  This is a fabulous CD that sets some of the best known classical songs to some craaazy lyrics.  There are other volumes that came along after this one, but best to start off with the first. Older kids.

Let’s face it, only a very select group of people can walk into a store and buy whatever they like without glancing at the price tag.  I’m not in that group.

I quit my job shortly after having the Munchkin, and we’ve been living in Frugal City ever since.  Yes, my husband makes a good salary, otherwise my quitting would never have even been feasible.  But, some months we have cut corners and then cut those corners to make sure we get through and keep our “safety net” intact.  Birthdays come up, car insurance is due, property taxes, there is always some payment lurking in our mailbox, it seems.

We gave up the daily newspaper (as hard as that was) and stuck to online news, we don’t have cable television, we have only one cell phone, we tried not to eat out very often, we are regular patrons of our local library, and I think new clothes didn’t find their way into my closet for a couple of years.  These are just a few of the things we did to stay solvent, and I would do them all over again if I had to.

Everyone who buys groceries knows that food is up.  Gasoline is up.  Heating costs are up.  And housing values are down.  Help!

So I thought I might ask our superfantastic readers what they do for their families when they are on a budget.  Do you sew/knit your own clothes? Make homemade birthday cards instead of buying them? Give up vacations or forgo the new car?

Do tell us!  Just be sure and keep it legal, ok?