Monday, October 25, 2010

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

The main purpose of a baby shower, apart from all the fun, is to give the mommy-to-be gifts. The general idea is that these gifts are gifts the mom will need once the baby is born.

Whether you are looking for baby boy shower ideas or baby girl shower ideas, the gifts still need to be practical. Of course there will be some difference in the color of the gifts you buy etc.

With the popularity of baby gift registries today, looking for that perfect gift that the baby will need and the couple will truly appreciate has become easy. But for those will-be parents who did not sign up for a gift registry, or if you want to choose a baby gift on your own, this list of baby shower gift ideas may truly be helpful.

1. Disposable Diapers

Diapers may not be the fanciest gift to give for a baby shower. But this would definitely be the most thoughtful and most appreciated.

Diapers are expensive and babies will use them up very quickly. The new parents will appreciate them. Even those parents who opt to use cloth diapers may also find disposable diapers useful when traveling.

A tip when buying diapers, pick the larger size ones instead of newborn diapers. After all, babies nowadays grow very fast and the newborn-size diapers may not be useful for very long. And while you are at it, why not thrown in some baby wipes as well.

2. Bottles and Pacifiers

Babies may sometimes be picky about bottles and pacifiers. Some babies prefer to use only a particular brand or shape for these items.

If the parents-to-be have specified in the baby registry a brand or shape of bottles, nipples, and pacifiers, these items may be a safe choice for a baby shower gift. Otherwise, just steer clear from these baby items.

3. Baby Clothes

Choose larger sized baby clothes instead of the newborn sizes. Babies grow quickly.

If you know the gender of the baby it will help you with the choice of color. If you do not, it is best to go with colors suitable for both boys or girls.

4. Toys for Baby

Give the gift of fun baby toys. You may buy toys for older babies that the baby can use when it grows a bit older. For the sake of safety, stick to the toys suitable for kids aged 3 and under.

5. Knowledge for Baby

Boost baby's brainpower with educational baby items. Choose a classic baby book, educational videos, music CDs.

For educational videos, Brainy Baby and Baby Einstein DVDs are highly recommended.

As for books, a selection of your own favorite books from childhood would be a great gift idea. Choose books with bright and bold pictures, and those new interactive toys that feature counting or touching.

6. Bath Time Goodies

Baby's bath time is a high (or low!) point of the day. A nice selection of baby bathroom essentials would be very thoughtful. Stick to products developed specially for babies.

Well, these are only a few of the possibilities for baby shower gift idea. Remember, even though a lot of stuff are "cute" practical will always be very important to the mommy-to-be!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Looking At The LeapFrog Tag Reader Pink

You may be wondering why I am looking at the LeapFrog Tag Reader Pink. Well, the reason is that getting kids reading, as soon as possible is very important. It has to be fun so that they develop a love of reading.

We can never underestimate the power of reading. Our kids cannot excel in school if they cannot read properly. For you in the US it may sound strange, but here in South Africa we see many kids reaching grade 12 without having the necessary reading skills to make it.

So, for me as a South African, getting kids to read is a very important thing. So that is why I think the LeapFrog Tag Reader Pink is such a good idea. It is fun and there are many stories that the kids can "read."

The LeapFrog Tag Reader uses amazing touch technology. The tag reader makes learning to read an exciting experience as words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud. There is no better way to get kids reading.

You will be amazed at what the LeapFrog Tag Reader offers. The tag reading and activity books have over 20 books and games available, including favorite TV and movie characters and classic stories. This is sure to keep your kid reading for a very long time.

So, I think having a look at the LeapFrog Tag Reader Pink is a very good idea.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Disney Princess Party

I am very sure that if you have a little with a birthday coming up you will not go wrong with a Disney Princess Party. All little girls love princesses and they so not outgrow them as fast as they do fairies.

What is even more amazing is that you will not have to go shopping for Disney Princess Party Supplies! You will find it all on line. Everything you need can be bought online.

Imagine all the fun you can have with all the decorations, and the preparation of the party food, you can have if you are not all stressed out about getting Disney Princess Party supplies.

You will be able to get it all online. Invitation cards, plates, napkins, table covers, you name it and you will find it all online.

So, this year it is actually very easy to make a little one's dreams come true. You can even get a kit to help you with decorating the cake! Your biggest worry is who you are going to invite.

Consider a Disney Princess Party this year for your little princess and you cannot go wrong.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Bread Machine Magic

If you have a breadmaker such as the Cuisinart Cbk 100 Programmable Breadmaker, you will be looking for good breadmaker recipes. This is where and excellent book such as Bread Machine Magic, Revised Edition: 138 Exciting Recipes Created Especially for Use in All Types of Bread Machines, comes in.

Once you have mastered your breadmaker you will want to make more and exciting breads than only the recipes in the recipe book. I do advice you to stick to those first until you really know how to use your machine. After that it is time to experiment.

With Bread Machine Magic, Revised Edition: 138 Exciting Recipes Created Especially for Use in All Types of Bread Machines you get recipe that are suitable for 1, 1.5, and 2 lb. loaf sizes for each recipe! This means that it does not matter which size loaves your machine makes, you will be able to use all the recipes in this book.

Let us have a look at what a user says. This is what Boggart has to say about this book:

"The recipes are good, but even more importantly is the information accompanying the recipes. This book provides information that allows flexible use of a bread machine. Both my machine and I were glad to have it."

So, I think if you have a breadmaker having a look at Bread Machine Magic may not be a bad idea.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Complete Book of Decorative Knots

Knots are used all the time. Some we use for practical purposes and some for their decorative qualities. Even in macramé, such as macramé beaded jewelry, we make use of knots. So, getting to know them can really be fun.

The book “The Complete Book of Decorative Knots” is a fantastic collection of more than eighty different knots. Knots have a useful and practical purpose, but they can also be very decorative. This book shows you step-by-step, together with photographs, how to accomplish each and every one of the 80-plus knots. They vary in difficulty, from the very basic knots to the more tricky, but stunning looking, knots.

The book is divided into different chapters with each chapter focusing on a different type of knot and their uses, from button and globe knots, lanyard knots, Turk’s Heads, Mats and Hitching to Plaits and Braids. In addition, the book also explains the various tools that can be used to help you master the many knots. You learn about fids and prickers, splicing needles, netting needles and pliers and how to use them. The terms associated with knotting are also explained in great detail.

Overall, if you enjoy tying knots, whether for practical use or to finish off some textiles, I find this book very appealing. It comes with useful historical information about each knot and how it was and can still be used. Knot tying is also a great way of passing time while sitting in an airplane or on a long road trip.

Go to Amazon now and have a look at  The Complete Book of Decorative Knots

Monday, October 11, 2010

How to Make an Apple Turkey

All kids love doing fun and easy beginners crafts. With the holidays coming, turkeys will become popular crafts again. You can make this fun Apple Turkey or you can have a look at making Pine Cone Turkey Crafts that is part of our Crafts Using Pine Cones

It is also true that children love to help in the kitchen, but parents often think they’re in the way. They also love to do crafts. Here’s one way for your child to help make a treat for Thanksgiving and be crafty at the same time. Teach them how to make an apple turkey.

Apple turkeys are a fun craft which can be eaten. Each child will need the following items to create one turkey. You may also want to have enough of the items to create one turkey for each person who will be attending the Thanksgiving meal.

  • One large red delicious apple for each turkey to be made
  • Ten toothpicks for each turkey
  • Gum drops, small colored marshmallows or raisins to create feathers
  • One large marshmallow for the head
  • Two chocolate chips per turkey for the eyes
  • One piece of candy corn for the beak
  • One small piece of red shoelace licorice for the wattle

Before your children begin making their apple turkeys, be sure the apples are washed and allowed to dry completely. Start by giving the children the items they’ll need to create their turkeys or have quantities of each item in a bowl the children can use. They can construct their turkey on a paper plate or directly on the table.

Place each apple on its side, pointing the smaller end to the child’s right. Hold the apple down and have the child place five toothpicks into the smaller end in the shape of a fan to create the feathers. To complete the feathers, ask your child to carefully push a couple of gum drops, marshmallows or raisins onto the toothpicks to look like feathers.

Carefully push another toothpick into the fat end of the apple. This will be where your child will push a large marshmallow onto the toothpick for the head. With safety scissors they can cut two small slits into the marshmallow for the eyes, one for the beak and a very small snip for the wattle.

Ask the child to push the candy into the places the marshmallow was snipped. The chocolate chips should be placed pointed end first into the area prepared for them. Push a piece of candy corn with the pointy end facing out into the marshmallow for the beak. Finally, using a small piece of red licorice, push it into the hole at the bottom for the wattle.

Turn the turkey over so the child can push four more toothpicks into the apple. These will be placed in such a way the turkey will be able to stand on its own. Rather than merely using these apple turkeys as a snack, why not create a name card and place it against the feathers so everyone will know where they’re to sit?

Your child will love making these edible crafts. Once they learn how to make an apple turkey they may decide that having them at Thanksgiving isn’t often enough. And why shouldn’t they want to make them all year long? They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Leapfrog Tag Reader Pink

Literacy is one of the most important things in life. The key to a bright future, for our kids, is learning to read well at an early age. It has been proven by studies that children who learn to read well at an early age are more successful students throughout their lives.

How can you, as a parent, help your children learn to read at an early age? One way is to start reading to your children as early as possible. Another way is to give them learning tools that aid their development and understanding of language. One of these vital tools is the Leapfrog Tag Reader System Pink

LeapFrog has really established a collection of learning toys and tools that help children at any age learn to speak, read and learn. The LeapFrog Tag Reading System Pink engages all of the child’s senses to capture their attention and get them interested in the words. Leapfrog Tag Reading System Pink is a type of pen device that children touch on the pages of a book. When the Tag reader touches the pages, it recites the words on the page, helping children learn the sound of the word while correlating that word to its written form.

Leapfrog Tag Reading System Pink works with special Tag reader-enabled book. The Tag reader has a tiny camera on the tip that looks at the images of the words and recites them back to the child. The best part? The amazing technology behind the Leapfrog Tag Reading System Pink allows it to adjust to a child’s level, allowing the child to easily understand what is being read back to them. You won’t have to worry about frustrating your child with Leapfrog Tag Reading System Pink!

The Leapfrog Tag Reading System Pink is interactive for you as a parent as well. You can connect the Leapfrog Tag Reading System Pink to your computer and track your child’s progress through the books and reward their growth by developing a learning path made specifically for them!

Why not use this year to make a difference in your child's literacy? Why not give your kid the LeapFrog Tag Reading System Pink as a Christmas gift? Using the LeapFrog Tag Reader System Pink will help them to read really well in a short period of time.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Creamy Pumpkin Cake Slices Recipe

Fall is upon us and pumpkin recipes are becoming important again. This is a really tasty recipe and with a mixer such as the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer 63220 it will be very easy to make. So, grab your Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer 63220 and start baking!

Creamy Pumpkin Cake Slices Recipe

What You Need:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 C sugar
  • 2/3 C pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 3/4 C flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 TBSP butter
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/3 cup nuts
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make It:

  1. Break the eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat on high speed 4 minutes.
  2. Continue beating the eggs while gradually adding the sugar.
  3. Add the pumpkin and stir with a rubber spatula to combine.
  4. Pour in the lemon juice and mix until well incorporated.
  5. Sift the flour into a separate bowl.
  6. Sift the baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in with the flour.
  7. Add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine together well.
  8. Bring the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  9. Line a 15 in X 10 in pan with wax paper.
  10. Spread the batter into the pan evenly.
  11. Bake 12 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  12. Sprinkle the powered sugar completely over a kitchen towel.
  13. Turn the cake out onto the towel and roll up together.
  14. Place the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together and beat until light and fluffy.
  15. Unroll the cake and spread the mixture evenly on the cake.
  16. Sprinkle with the nuts.
  17. Roll the cake again and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until completely chilled.
  18. Remove and cut into 1 1/2 in slices before serving.

14 Servings

As you can see, you cannot very well make this recipe without a mixer and the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer 63220 is a very good choice.

Monday, October 4, 2010

A look At Home Exercise Equipment - Your Needs

You may be wondering why I say we have to have a look at home exercise equipment. Well, the reason is that our lives have become so busy that we simply cannot fit in a jog or going to the gym anymore.

When you look at home exercise equipment you have to consider your needs and the space available.

1. If you are only looking for something to keep you fit and healthy, and not getting super fit like an athlete, you will not need the same kind of equipment that a serious marathon runner, for instance will need. You can look at something such as the Stamina Spacemate Folding Stepper that does not take up a lot of space an will give you the workout you are looking for.

2. On the other hand, if you what to fit in some toning as well, looking at an elliptical trainer or even a 2-in-one trainer that will keep you fit while firming your muscles as well. Here it is a good idea to look at something such as the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer.

3. Now, if you are really serious about getting fit you will need a treadmill such as the Sole S77 Treadmill. With the Sole S77 Treadmill you get a gym quality treadmill without the price tag. This will come in very handy even if you normally train outside. Very often bad weather makes it difficult to go outside and them it is possible to keep up with your training with the Sole S77 Treadmill.

So, consider your needs and choose the correct home exercise equipment.

Friday, October 1, 2010

LeapFrog Tag Reader, Worth It Or Not?

I find that many people are thinking about Christmas gifts already. You may be wondering if a LeapFrog Tag Reader is worth it. Will it really help your child with his or her reading? Well, yes it will.

With a LeapFrog Tag Reader you kid will have lots of fun without even realizing he or she is learning to read? With the Leapfrog Tag Reader the words talk, the pictures sing and the stories come alive in front of your kid's easily.

These days the kids are simply not reading enough. I heard someone using the word "stupidifying" our kids in front of the TV these days. They do not read and expand their minds anymore. Do not think the TV is stimulating them, you are simply fooling yourself.

By connecting the LeapFrog Tag Reader to the online Leapfrog learning path you can see what your child is learning and find ways to expand your kid's learning journey. The games will stimulate your kid and the whole experience will be pleasurable.

The LeapFrog Tag Reading System Pink is designed for children four to eight. The tag reading system works with a broad library of more than 20 books and games. You are sure your kid will find lots to read that is interesting!

Another benefit of the LeapFrog Tag Reading System is that it is a very good way to keep kids occupied during long trips. We all know how difficult it can be to keep the little ones entertained on long road trips! Well, with a LeapFrogTag Reading System you have this problem solved.