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Creating Beautiful Books With Your Child’s Artwork & Plum Print (promo code included)

28 Apr

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When it comes to creativity, my girls have no limit.  I love that their creative minds are always hard at work whether they are using a pen and blank piece of paper, building “castles” with recycled materials, or painting whatever comes to mind on a blank canvas.  I enjoy watching them.  It’s beautiful but the artwork piles up in almost every corner, on the windowsills , and on the tables in our apartment.  Last year, I started going through it all and took a lot of photos of various projects telling myself I would create a book.  A year later, those photos are still on the memory disk.  Balancing busy schedules, makes finding the time to put them into a book challenging.

Sorting through all of the artwork!

Sorting through all of the artwork!

Last week, my daughter and I attended an event hosted by Plum Print. Plum Print offers an amazing service, creating beautiful books using your child’s wonderful creations.  Founders Carolyn and Meg, didn’t know what to do with the artwork that was taking over their apartments.  With small spaces in mind and trying to figure out how to preserve such precious creations, Plum Print was formed.  They take the pieces of artwork and format the book for you.  Example books here.

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At the event, amazing art students (@rloricarto & @sujiparks on Instagram) created sketches and watercolors of my girls. It was a lovely treat and I can’t wait to hang them in my girls room.

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My daughter was also busy working hard on creating more colorful pieces of artwork to add to her first Plum Print book. 

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How Plum Print works:

  • Order a Plum Print Package, delivered to your door for a $39.99 deposit
  • Send Plum Print your favorite pieces of art. You can include paintings, 3D sculptures,  journal entries, or anything else your child created and you would like to include.
  • Choose the size of the book you would like. Books start at $85 (pricing). You can customize it by adding your child’s picture and/ or captions to be displayed under the piece of art. Soon canvases and note cards will be available. 
  • Once the Plum Print team receives your artwork, they will create your book. Once it is finished, they will send a proof for you to approve. If you like it your book will be shipped. If you don’t, you can let Plum know what pieces you would like changed.
  • During the process you can decide if you would like to send your original artwork back to you or if you would like them to dispose of it.
  • Enjoy your beautiful book for a lifetime.

As the school year comes to an end, what a perfect way to say goodbye to the artwork.  Plum Print would make the perfect gift for your little graduate.  Surprise them or let them help you choose their favorite accomplishments.  To get started, I’m excited to share a discount code to use on your purchase.  Enter “tastefully” at checkout for 10% off!  Click the link to start your Plum Print book.

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Plum Print also offers a School Partnerships to help raise funds for your school.  Learn more here.

Disclaimer: I received a book for attending the event.

Valentine’s Day Is Almost Here…

4 Feb

Valentine’s Day is a little over a week away, are you ready? My girls have been ready since we took down the Christmas tree, adding hearts around the apartment, hanging Valentine signs, and making Valentine’s for their friends.  I however, always wait to the last minute to get the girls and their teachers a little something. Every year our Valentine favorites include flowers, something sweet, a good read, and/or a little piece of jewelry.  This year, I’ve come across these sweet ideas for friends, family and/or your little Valenitne(s).

Teleflora’s Sweet Embrace Bouquet: Flowers are one of our favorite gifts for any occasion.  They brighten a room and put a smile on a face.  The Sweet Embrace is a 3-in-1 gift that includes a pink and red bouquet of roses, carnations and chrysanthemums in hand-blown red glass vase wrapped with an adjustable bracelet made of golden wire and shimmering red hearts.  Once the flowers come to an end you can reuse the vase for many more occasions.  The bracelet can be used as a great accessory. The perfect gift for friends, family or a teacher.

Image from Teleflora

Image from Teleflora

From the Heart, Homemade Raspberry Jam:  Ever since the girls made homemade jam for jam cookies, it’s the only jam they want to eat.  We use the Driscoll’s recipe and it is delicious.  They decided they want to make more and give it as a gift to their teachers, friends and family.  Add a special touch to the jar(s) by letting them write a special saying and decorating their jar.  To make a cute saying on the top of your jar, trace the inside of the lid to create a template you can glue or tape on when you jam is complete. Make your own gift tags with this printable.  Use red paint to create thumb print hearts.  Tie your tag to the jar. photo 2-6 photo 1-6 An Awesome Book Of Love by Dallas Clayton: We stumbled across this book at Barnes & Noble and loved it.  It’s an adorable book about the many faces of love.  Recommended for kids ages 4-8.  A great read to snuggle up on the couch to or a great gift for a teacher, to add to their classroom library.

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Image from Barnes and Noble

Vintage Stamp Jewels Rose Gold Heart Bracelet on Etsy:  I love this delicate bracelet.  I came across it on Etsy when I was trying to find Valentine’s ideas.  You can choose any chain length.  My girls have a hard time separating.  This would make a wonderful gift so they could have a reminder of how much I love them and that I will always be there.

Imge from Ety

Imge from Esty

What are some of your favorite gifts you’ve received or given your kids for Valentine’s Day?   Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

5 Gifts That Give Back

9 Dec

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of the Holidays because we focus on what’s going on the “list” or where Snowflake will be the next morning.  I try to teach my girls, especially during the Holiday season, that there are many children and families that aren’t as fortunate to have good health, a home, toys and food.  Every year we take part in coat drives and toy drives during the Holiday Season.  You can give gifts to family and friends that also give back to those in need.  Here are a few of my favorite Gifts that Give Back:

World Vision has more than 250 items, ranging in price from $10 to $39,000. They are available online and in the World Vision catalog to help improve quality of life for women, children, and families in the U.S. and around the world.  One of my favorite picks for this Holiday Season is the Balinese Multi-Strand Necklace, handmade by an artisan in Bali who helps children get the education she never received herself.  It’s a beautiful piece that is perfect for your mom, your sister, or a friend.  It’s the perfect necklace to wear with jeans and a t-shirt or a maxi-dress during the summer days.

 

Image from World Vision

Image from World Vision

MD Anderson Children’s Art Project has a wide selection of gifts with the artwork created by children in the pediatric center at MD Anderson in Texas.  Through the sale of merchandise featuring designs created by young cancer patients, the program funds important programs that touch more than 26,000 pediatric patients and families, current or past to help them return to normalcy.   Every year, new artwork is selected, voted on, and turned into new products for the shop.  We have found many gifts for birthdays and Holidays (click links for more information).  This year I love the Presents Ornament Frame with our favorite Holiday photo to give to grandparents.

Image from MD Anderson

Image from MD Anderson

Headbands of Hope: A beautiful stocking stuffer for the Holiday Season. For every headband purchased, one is given to a girl with cancer and $1 is donated to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.   I love the option to Create Your Own and the Chiffon Bows.

Image from Headbands of Hope

Image from Headbands of Hope

Stella & Dot has so many wonderful pieces of jewelry.  When I was at the Stella and Dot showroom for the Momtrends Holiday Event, I learned the beautiful Stella & Dot Enlighten Bracelet benefits Every Mother Counts.  Every Mother Counts is a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. A great gift for a mom or a daughter.

Image from Stella & Dot

Image from Stella & Dot

FEED’s mission is to create good products that help FEED the world.  I love this FEED + Links of London Bracelet.  The impact of giving this gift is 500 days of clean drinking water for one child.

Image from FEED

Image from FEED

 

Have a wonderful Holiday season!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a sample from World Vision however this did not change my opinions. All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics are from the sites linked.

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A Heartfelt Valentine’s Day (@Teleflora #Giveaway)!

4 Feb

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Valentine’s is a little over a week away!  My daughter has been hard at work handwriting and decorating cards for her friends close to her heart.  I was sitting with her while she was decorating and she asked “do you get presents on Valentine’s Day too?”  I told Valentine’s is about showing someone you love them.  You can give flowers, chocolates, jewelry or just say I love you and show an act of love.

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Image from Teleflora

Flowers are personally my favorite.  Flowers can brighten up a room and also put a smile on a face, especially when you aren’t expecting them.  Make your Valentine smile and enter to win A Heartfelt Bouquet (pictured above) from Teleflora, a $69.95 value.  Enter HERE! Giveaway begins now and ends Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 11:59 pm!

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Congratulations, please e-mail your information to tastefullychildish@gmail.com! Thank you to everyone who entered, followed, and tweeted about the giveaway!  Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Image from Teleflora

Image from Teleflora

This Valentine’s Day, Teleflora has teamed up with the NBA for a “Send & Score Campaign“.  When you purchase one of Teleflora’s participating bouquets, you will be entered in a sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip for four to an NBA playoff game and a year of Teleflora flowers! learn more here.

About TelefloraAt Teleflora, we’re proud to have been connecting customers with the nation’s best florists for more than 78 years. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Teleflora has over 16,000 member florists throughout the U.S. and Canada, with an additional 20,000 affiliated florists outside North America. This extensive network, coupled with our commitment to exceptional customer service, means that when you send flowers from Teleflora, you can be confident that you’re sending the best.  

Teleflora flowers are fresh and gorgeous.  They have gifts for every occasion, not just Valentine’s Day.    Make sure to visit their site for and follow on twitter, facebook, pinterest and Instagram.

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  Information in italics is from Teleflora.com.  All opinions expressed are my own.  A Heartfelt Bouquet was given for the purpose of this giveaway!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

17 Dec

stocking stuffers

The World of Eric Carle Chunky Colored Pencils and Starter Stencil Set:  Perfect for little ones who love art.  Draw shapes from the beloved book The Hungry Caterpillar!

Snowman Nail Polish:  For the girly girls!  Adorable! Available at Rite Aid

Holiday Peeps:  Definitely try the Chocolate Mouse Reindeer, the chocolate dipped peppermint peeps, and the Gingerbread men! YUM.

Mr Frost Melting Snowman by Two’s Company:  Contains all the materials to make a snowman. Once he’s built, watch him melt!

Super Duper Reindeer Pooper:  Add a little humor to your stocking.  My girls saw this at a store last year and couldn’t stop laughing.  I went to go back and buy it but it was sold out.  Can’t wait to give it to them this year.

Brush Pets:  Make dental care fun.  Brush Pets, from the makers of Pillow Pets, are the perfect stuffer to encourage good dental habits, especially after all the candy canes and desserts from the Holidays

Cake That Individual Serve Cake From Old World Gourmet: Easy for kids to mix together and make for a delicious treat after school. Just add milk (let your child measure it out) and microwave for about 90 seconds.  We love the Cinnamon Caramel!

 

Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I received samples of Cake That, The World of Eric Carle, and Brush Pets but they did not alter my opinions!

 

Gift Guides for Mom and Dad

10 Dec

Gift for Mom

Justin Boots Black Deer Tan Santa Fe Roper Boots:  I received a pair of brow Justin Roper boots in the early fall.  I’ve been searching for a pair of boots for a while and can never decide on any pair because I worry about comfort .  The Justin Roper boot is very comfortable.  I love my brown so much, I would love another pair in black.

SoulSweat Drawstring Pant:  Love these pants for working out, to wear over my tights when heading to a SC class, or for relaxing at home.  If I have to pick-up my girls from school or a play date, I won’t feel so bad stepping out in these Soul Cycle drawstring pants.

Free People Crazy For Love Dress, $168:  We have a lot of upcoming weddings, showers, and events that this dress would be perfect for. Machine washable.  A Free People exclusive.

Nashelle Gold Stack Pure Bracelet, $248:  I have a few pieces of jewelry but I don’t have many bracelets or anything in gold.  I love this stacked bracelet because it is simple and can be dressed up or down.

Nerium Day and Night Cream, $120: No one likes to age, so products that help our skin look younger and fresh is important.  I recently tried the night cream I received at the Fashion Forward conference and fell in love with it.  I’m anxious to try the day and night cream together.

Stitched TriBeca Gift Certificate or class:  Every time I see Monica’s,Marinos Bambimos, handmade creations I am so amazed.  When I saw her gorgeous DIY Disney Frozen costume, I was inspired learn to sew.  Stitched in TriBeCa offers regularly scheduled sewing classes, pop-up DIY workshops and unique, functional hand crafted items dreamed up and created by local makers.  They also carry a curated selection of fun must-have crafting supplies and tools.  Click for a full schedule of classes for adults and kids.  Classes cost $100 ($90 for the class, $10 for materials)

Laughing Man Coffee Gift Certificate:  One of my favorite coffee shops in TriBeca.  After sleepless nights of kids in the bed, coffee is a much needed pick me up to make it through the day. The Flat White is their signature drink and my favorite.

The One Year Smartphone Backup Battery, $69.99:  Hammacher Schlemmer’s one year smartphone would have been perfect when the power went out during Hurricane Sandy.   We had to go to our car to recharge our phones, not ideal because we didn’t want to use up the gas since it was hard to get at the time.  The Backup battery holds it’s charge for one year, even if not used!  It fully charges an iPad Mini, iPhone, or Android in under three hours and can charge an iPhone three times before requiring a recharge itself. Smaller than a pack of gum, the device also incorporates an LED flashlight and emergency beacon.  In addition to being great for emergency situations, my phone is always running low on battery!  Great for days you are out of the house and can’t recharge or when traveling.

Gifts for Dad

Bionic RelaxGrip™ Black Palm Golf Glove, $16.99:  A great gift for Dad’s who love to golf.  A patented pad system evens out the surface of your hand for a lighter, more relaxed grip.  

Minuto SV Black Mobile Performance Headphones: The perfect gift for music lovers.  I received a pair and love them.  The are very comfortable.  When I go for runs you don’t need to unplug your earphones to answer.  The earphones come with a carrying case for when you aren’t using them.  My husband needs new earphones.  These are at the top of my list for him. MUNITIO SV™ earphones offer smooth, clear sound with striking vocal reproduction. Designed for comfort and mobility, they’re made with sturdy, lightweight ABS and anodized aircraft-grade aluminum with tangle free ribbon cables. MUNITIO SV feature 3 button [M]ic Control™ with full functionality on Apple® devices and audio playback on all industry leading MP3 and smartphones.

Soul Cycle Gift Card:  Soul Cycle is my outlet from crazy days with the kids and a great way to relieve stress.  My husband doesn’t understand why I love it!  This Holiday he will receive a card to join me at a class.  Not only will it be fun to do together, it’s a great workout to get back into shape after all of the Holiday festivities!

Gift Card to John Allan’s:  Dad’s deserve a relaxing day out.  The full service at John Allan’s includes; Scalp Massaging Shampoo, Conditioning Treatment, Hot Towel, Haircut, Manicure, Shoeshine, Beverages.

Frye James Wallet, $118: Tumbled full grain leather is hand burnished, precision stitched, and hand crafted. Finished with an embossing of Frye’s Double F logo.

House of Marley Get Up Stand Up bluetooth speaker, $299.99:  Walnut birchwood frame is made from earth-friendly materials. Get Up Stand Up Bluetooth takes audio systems to the next level by adding the convenience of wireless audio streaming. A USB power port allows you to charge hundreds of devices and a pair of auxiliary inputs make connecting any non-Bluetooth device simple and easy.

The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert: Take a Whiff of That, :  This book is  a fun little gift for wine enthusiasts.  The scratch and sniff book will educate you on what you need to know when tasting wine from the fruits in white wines to the types of barrels used.

Hood River Distillers Broker’s London Dry Gin:  The 50 mL bottles are the perfect size for Daddy’s stocking and just the perfect portion for a late night cocktail after a stressful day at work!

American Beauty Dogfish Limited Edition Beer:  Created by and for Grateful Dead fans like my husband! American Beauty, an Imperial Pale Ale inspired by the Grateful Dead, captures the spirits of the band’s 30 years of touring and recording. Dogfish Head and the Dead both built their followings by connecting directly with beer lovers and music lovers, so we asked those loyal fans to help drive the recipe.  The main ingredient being granola, reminescent of parking lot meals. Image from pinterest!

Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All images are from the linked website unless noted.  I received a few samples of products for including them in my gift guide, however that did not alter my opinions.

Win It Wednesday: A #Holiday #Giveaway!

4 Dec

I’m behind on my Holiday shopping.  If you are like me and haven’t begun, this giveaway will help you get started:

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What you will win:

Safety First BoostAPak (link to my review): The BoostAPak isn’t your average booster seat.  The booster seat/ backpack designed by Safety First and Trunki makes traveling fun and easy with enough room to pack favorite toys and art supplies or clothes for an overnight stay.

Easy-Bake Oven Signed by Gail Simmons: At the Easy-Bake Oven 50th Anniversary Celebration, Gail Simmons shared recipes and signed Easy-Bake Ovens.  Here is your chance to win one!

Pillow Pet Magical Unicorn:  A pillow and stuffed animal in one.  Great for long car rides so you child can rest his/her head or snuggle up with.  The unicorn is a favorite for us.

Brush Pet Magical Unicorn and cover: New from the makers of Pillow Pets, Brush Pets  talk and teach kids the right way to brush for the recommended 2 minutes.  They let you know when brushing is over.  A fun way to encourage good dental habits early.

Click the link to ENTER the giveaway!  All entries must be received by December 10, 2013 at 11:59pm! Good Luck and Happy Holidays! 

Disclaimer:  I received items for the purpose of this giveaway.  All images came from the companies website.

Holiday Gift Guide for Girls

26 Nov

My girls have worked on their wish list for some time now.  See their picks for this Holiday season below:

Madeline's Holiday Guide

Easy-Bake Oven, $54.99:  Recommended for ages 8+, however I think this gift might really be for me :). Read my story about Easy-Bake Oven here.

Ice Skates, $34.99 +shipping:  Since the Ice Rink at Brookfield Place started going up, my daughter has expressed great interest in learning and wants her own pair of skates.  I found Lake Placid adjustable skates on amazon.  Ideal, so she can use them next year as well!

Zeenie Dollz, $49.99: Each Zeenie Doll has a cause and passion for the environment. They are made with non-toxic and recyclable plastics.  A percentage of every sale will be donated to organizations working to preserve the environment and protect all animals and the places they call home. My daughter received Kazumi and loved learning about her cause; fighting to protect the polar regions and defend against global warning, so asked for more dollz to protect our earth.  Other dolls include:

  • Evee, Protector of the Skies and Defender against Pollution
  • Lina, Protector of the Rainforest and Defender against Deforestation
  • Sini, Protector of Farmland and Defender of Mistreated and Abused Animals
  • Yana, Protector of the Oceans and Defender of Marine Conservation
  • Zennia, also known as Mother Earth, is the protector of our planet

Flutterbye Flying Fairy, $34.99, temporary price cut at Target $27.99: Flower fairy brings love and beauty to all who fly her. Magically guide her through the air with the movement of your hand.  She launches easily from her charging base, and she twirls and dances for 5 minutes with a 25 minute charge.

Goldie Blox and the Parade Float, $19.99: GoldiBlox was created to help engage and continue to spark girls interest in science.  In this much-anticipated sequel, Goldie’s friends Ruby and Katinka compete in a princess pageant with the hopes of riding in the town parade. When Katinka loses the crown, Ruby and Goldie build something great together, teaching their friends that creativity and friendship are more important than any pageantIncludes a book series plus construction set introducing Ruby, Goldie’s best friend and princess-turned-engineer. Builds spatial skills, engineering principles, and confidence in problem-solving.  Comes equipped with 9 design ideas, a DIY project, and unlimited building possibilities. Compatible with all other GoldieBlox toys.

Personalized Glow Pet, $29.99 + 8.99 to personalize:  My daughter had a hard time adjusting to daylight savings.  It was hard for her to go to bed because she is scared of the dark.  She has a Dream Lite that she loves and gives just enough light and she counts the stars to help fall asleep.  We were shopping one afternoon and she saw a Glow Pet.  It’s softer to cuddle up with because it doesn’t have the hard plastic on top.  I saw that you are able to personalize them so they won’t get mixed up at sleepovers.

Zazoo Alarm Clock, $89.99 available at Babesta TriBeca:  My daughter has been asking for this alarm clock for quite some time.  It has many cool features: alarm clock, rotating digital photo frame, music & audio book capabilities, and naptime photo alarm setting.

UGG Australia, $120 :  As the weather gets colder and she sees her friends wear their UGGS, she decided she needed to add them to her list.  She said she wants a pair that sparkle and shine.  I love the purple Bailey Bow Lizard for her.

Pelas Holiday Guide

FuzzyNation Stella Pug, $85.99:  The picture says it all.  There is nothing my little one loves more than accessories that sparkle and dogs.  I can’t remember when my daughter discovered this dog at Koh’s Kids in TriBeCa but every time we walk past, she has to stop to see Stella displayed in the window.  I finally stopped to find out who designed it and found out it was FuzzyNation, bringing the pets we love to fashion.

Disney Talking Sofia the First and Friends, $39.95 at Barnes & Noble:  We watch Sofia the First at home often.  We have dress-up clothes , play sets and books so it’s no surprise she chose this for the Holidays.  The talking Sofia doll has over 30 phrases to share with her friends: Clover the Rabbit, Mia the Bluebird and Robin the Robin.  When her animal friends come close to her, her amulet will light up and they will talk to each other.  So cool!

Disney’s Frozen Pajama’s, $24.95: We went to a preview with the MOMS but had to leave because my oldest wasn’t feeling well and got scared in the beginning.  My youngest loved what she saw and definitely wants to go see it again when it comes out November 27.  Since seeing a little of the movie, she has asked for Frozen Pajama’s.  She will love the skirt that goes with the set from the Disney Store.

LEGO Duplo Neverland Hideout, $24.99 on YoYo.com: We love to spend afternoons building on the floor.  Although, all items on the list look extremely girls, Pela is obsessed with Disneys Jake and the Never Land Pirates.  She has asked for this set with Izzy and Cubby so she can build their hideout!

Kid O A to Z Magnatab, $21.39 on Amazon:  Wanting to learn to write like her older sister, the Magnatab will help her learn to write letters and hold a writing instrument.

Our Generation 18 ” Holiday Doll with Wrap, $22.00 at Target:  Along with accessorizing, my daughter LOVES her dolls.  When I’m folding laundry or  doing dishes I sneak up to find her laying in bed talking to her dolls or pushing her doll around while carrying her purse (playing mom).  The Our Generation Dolls are $80 less than American Girl dolls.  My oldest received one and of course Pela asked for one too.  I love the Holiday edition doll!

Our Generation Doll & Me Fashion Set, $29.99 at Target: Both my girls love dressing like their doll.  I had no idea Target sold Doll and Me clothes until recently.  My oldest received the pink skirt and grey sweater set.  The quality is nice, it’s is adorable, and it’s a great price.  Another matching set will definitely under our tree for Pela.

Crewcuts  by J. Crew Girls Glitter Bow Ballet Flats, $69.00:  My fashonista loves dress shoes.  She refuses to wear anything else.  She fell in love with the Gold Glitter Ballet Flats at Crewcuts.

Happy Wrapping this  Holiday Season!

Disclaimer:  I received samples of some of the products featured.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All links direct you to a site you can purchase the product from.  All photos and information in italics came from the linked sites.

“Let’s Get Cooking” Pretend Play Gift Guide from YoYo.com

23 Nov

As the days get colder and we get cramped inside, it’s easy to turn on the TV or electronics to keep little ones entertained (at least it is for me).  It’s extremely important to keep our kids imaginations going and encourage them to use their imagination.  One of our favorite activities is the girls pretend they are chefs at a fancy restaurant and they take my order and make me food in their kitchen.  Their kitchen (featured in the gift guide) could use more pretend food and accessories to keep their imagination going.  Here are some of my favorites from YoYo.com:

yoyo.com gift guide

KIDKRAFT MODERN CORNER KITCHEN W/STOOLS – ESPRESSO, $225: Your child will love waking up to this YoYo.com exclusive KidKraft Espresso Kitchen. Whether baking some cookies or preparing a holiday meal,this kitchen will let your child’s imagination run free.  The two stools and extended countertop make it perfect for a tea party! If you live in a small place, it’s sleek modern look will still look great in a living room or dining area. If you plan on putting this kitchen together the night before, put the kids to bed early because it takes a while to assemble.
KIDKRAFT PASTEL SMOOTHIE SET, $24.57: We love smoothies! Kids can pretend to make smoothies in their kitchen for siblings or friends.  The knob on the blender turns. There are 6 fruit halves that are attached by Velcro and can be pulled apart easily.

HABA BIOFINO PANCAKES, $28.49: Kids can pretend to make pancakes for breakfast.  Included in the set is an aluminum skillet, chocolate sauce and a strawberry garnish to make “breakfast” extra special.

KIDKRAFT ESPRESSO TOASTER SET, $25.99: The interactive set includes a pop-up toaster, a stick of butter that can easily be pulled into smaller pieces and then put back together, 2 slices of pretend bread, a butter plate, and a butter knife.

KIDKRAFT ESPRESSO BAKING SET, $25.99: Get your little chef baking, cookies, cakes, and other pretend creations. Includes a rolling-pin that rolls back and forth, a cooking pan, a measuring spoon, and 2 chocolate chip cookies.

MELISSA & DOUG TRIPLE-LAYER PARTY CAKE, $19.99: Mix up this layer cake in the baking set for a surprise party for a friend or parent.  Each slice has a self-stick tab so the wooden pieces stick together.  A wooden knife is also included to slice the cake into pieces.

SCHYLLING CUPCAKE TIN TEA SET, $19.99: Adorable cupcake tea set.  Have a tea party after baking the layer cake in your kitchen.  Set consists of four teacups and saucers, four serving plates, tea-pot and serving tray.

Find fun toys and more this Holiday without stepping into a store at YoYo.com. All gifts are delivered to your door with free 2-day delivery (or faster) on orders over $49. Other sites include: BeautyBar.com, Casa.com, AfterSchool.com, BookWorm.com, Look.com, Wag.com, soap.com, and Vine.com

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Happy Shopping (& Cooking)!

Disclaimer:  I received a sample kitchen to review.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Some information about the products came from YoYo.com  Images for gift guide are from YoYo.com.

Take A Trip Around the World This Holiday With Green Kid Crafts

19 Nov

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Most afternoons turn into a play date with friends but some days it’s nice to come home and take it easy.  When we aren’t having a play date with friends my oldest likes to sit at the table and do some kind of art project.  Usually, she just pulls out her crayons and colors because I am in the process of getting dinner together and don’t want to pull out a million art supplies.  Green Kid Crafts, an eco-friendly company that designs creative activities to do with kids through art boxes that spark creativity, build confidence, and cultivate respect and love for the environment.  Discovery boxes are filled with supplies and instructions for hands-on learning, making afternoon crafts easier. We recently received a sample of the Around the World II discovery Kit.  The kit included materials to make:

GreenCraftKids

A Chinese Hand Kite that really flies

GKC Chinese kite

Guatemalan Worry Dolls and a Worry Box

worrydolls

Aboriginal Rock Art from Australia

GKC RockArt

I LOVED this box because it teaches about other parts of the world.  The instruction cards for each project also explain the history behind the culture and the traditions.  My daughter,5, had a lot of fun making the projects but needed help on the activities.   She loved learning about the different cultures. Her best friend was in Australia at the time and was excited to tell her about the rock art when she returned.  Her cousin was adopted from Guatemala.  She wants to ask him if he ever received a worry doll.  After the Chinese hand kite was complete, her and her sister ran around the apartment trying to fly it for luck.  A passport is also included in the box.  After visiting each county, my daughter was so excited to stamp her passport.  This Holiday I will be purchasing the Around the World I which includes projects from Japan, India, and Africa!

Around

Around the World I, Image from Green Kid Crafts

Check out all the Discovery Boxes available at Green Kid Crafts! Stocking Stuffers, Holiday boxes and Party Favors are also available!

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Disclaimer:  I received a sample discovery box to review.  This did not alter my opinions.  All opinions expressed are my own.  Information in italics is from Green Kid Crafts.