Archive for the ‘Toddler Fun’ Category

« Older Entries

Marrying In

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Last week in class, I asked a mom where she lives. She said in Gloucester, to which two other moms in the class said, “Foster, Gloucester! No school!” They had a laugh and they noticed my confused look. “You’re not from Rhode Island, are you?” one mom asked me. I told her I was a Jersey girl so she went on to explain what the saying meant (for non-natives: That particular area of RI gets the most snow in the state so when it snows school is almost always closed).

This is not the first time I’ve been a little clueless to Rhody culture. If you’re like me and you married into the beautiful Ocean State there is a lot to be left in the dark about. I don’t know the old layout of Roger Williams Park Zoo. I don’t know where all the old Newport Creameries used to be. I can’t believe there are so many places to buy hot dogs or “hot weiners”. I don’t know why folks don’t like to drive “long” distances. I don’t know so and so or their cousin, but maybe after ten years here we’ll be connected somehow, I’m sure.

I told my husband I want our girls to love New Jersey as much as I do . However, I realize we live three hours away and Rhode Island is there home so I want them to love it as much I love the wonderful Garden State (please hold all mall, Sopranos and highway exit jokes). So here I thought I’d share some of things I do with my girls which have made me fall in love with Rhode Island.

  • We go to Roger Williams Park Zoo weekly; it’s such a gem. Our two year old never gets tired of it and we never tire of watching her joy as she sees all the animals. We’re excited to make it to the pumpkin spooktacular for the first time this year!
  • We go to the beach as often as possible, warm or cold, big or small. I always marvel at the places we find a little bit of ocean. One of our favorites, like I mentioned before, is Gooseberry in Newport.
  • We read them Good Night, Rhode Island; our toddler loves to see places she’s been in a storybook. She feels very cool about it.
  • If there’s an art or cultural festival, we’re there! This lovely state has some great festivities throughout the year.

There’s tons to see in Rhode Island with little ones. I know we’ve seen a lot but we’ve still got a long way to go. If you’ve married into the state or are a native, what do you love about Rhode Island?

Tags: ,
Posted in ri new moms, Toddler Fun, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Family Art Project

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

pearhead2I love everything about the Handprint Wall Art set by Pearhead. I love that the colors are fresh and funky. You can choose blue or pink set, both of which are loaded with vibrant colors, or a white set that come with primary colors for the paint. I love that you get 4 canvases to decorate with, making this a project that lasts past the newborn stage.

In my house we made all 4 as a family when Miss Z. joined us. For me, it was a project that got us all involved, and let me son participate in decorating his sisters room.

I especially love that this is an easy project to do for busy families!! Each set comes with four 10×10 canvases. To get started you just pour the provided paint in the included pan, press your child’s hand (or foot) into the pan, press the prints onto the canvas. Then, just let it air dry overnight and viola! You could give Oprah’s Nate a run for his decorating money with this project!!

Stacey

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Family, Great Idea, Toddler Fun | No Comments »

The Learning Tower

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

How many times has your little one wanted to help you in the kitchen? You of course say yes and they pull over a chair or that plastic Disney Princess stool in the corner and go to town on the dishes…meanwhile you are mixing the birthday cake haphazardly while holding your arm behind his/her back afraid that your child is going to end up on the floor.

Let’s face it…there really aren’t too many “safe” objects that your child can stand on to be a part of the action, but you of course know the only way they can learn is to be a part of the action (isn’t it funny how after children come into your life you refer to baking a cake or making rice krispie treats as “action”).

That is where the learning tower comes in! The learning tower is a beautiful, solid wood step stool with a 15” x 18” adjustable height deck. Surrounding the deck are four sturdy sides which provide support for your child when he/she is climbing on or standing in the Learning Tower. The inner deck is adjustable ensuring accurate center of gravity and proper height depending on the child’s age. The learning tower is 38” tall and fits flush against the average kitchen counter so your little one can “observe, participate and create.”

But it’s not just for helping out around the kitchen, the Learning Tower can be turned into a puppet theater, a fort or even an art easel thanks to simple accessory kits that are available. So your functional side thinks it is a great idea, but your fashionable side is a little skeptical about having this in your kitchen, not to worry, there are 9 different finishes available to match just about any motif. Want to get an up close and personal look at this ingenious invention? Come on down to Bellani, you can see it up close and personal and even try it out and see why it has won numerous awards, from there we can custom order one for you in any color you choose.learningtower
-Maryann

Tags:
Posted in Safety, Toddler Fun | No Comments »

« Older Entries