The Spy Who Loves Me – Part 3

In my last two blogs, I have been discussing the issue of parents spying on their children and how Facebook is a popular way to do this. But spying can still be done the old-fashioned way. Back in the day I remember that my parents’ version of spying including listening in on my phone calls (although this only works if your children actually use a landline phone) and going through my bedroom. Yes, I am a fan of going through my children’s bedrooms. In fact, one day I spent two hours not just looking through my son’s bedroom—but combing it. … Continue reading

I Spy Little Book Book Review

The I Spy Little Book by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick is a great first “seek and find” book for your toddler. You will be quite surprised at what your little one knows that you may think he does not. Identifying words to pictures is a fun way to spend time with your little one and so valuable to their development. This seek and find board book is the perfect size to stick in your purse when you are going out the door with your toddler. The I Spy Little Book has approximately 26 pages, which include pictures and words. … Continue reading

Amazon’s Bestselling Books — December 2007

Looking at the books that are topping the charts on Amazon’s website today, I’m seeing some of the books we saw last month and some new additions as well. Let’s see what America is buying as of right this minute – the list is updated hourly. 1. “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia” by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book, about a journey of self-discovery and the sampling of cuisines, religions, and love, was #4 on November’s list. 2. “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is written by Khaled Hosseini, author of “The Kite Runner.” Placed at … Continue reading

The “I Spy” Books

We have a lot of books and games at our house. And we have a lot of “I Spy” books. These books are more like games than stories. They’ve gotten our family through many a doctor’s appointment, road trip, and sick day. The I Spy books are large, on each two spread there is a large photograph. The photographs show things like a collection of toys, or a sand castle covered with toys, or a ton of stuffed animals on a shelf. At the bottom of the page is a simple rhyme about what things you should look for on … Continue reading

Heidi – Johanna Spyri

“Heidi” is one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, but I’d wager that more people are familiar with it through the movies than they are from reading the actual book. While the movies are great and I enjoy watching them, I think you haven’t really experienced “Heidi” until you’ve read the book. Heidi is an orphan who has been raised by her aunt Dete. When Dete is offered a job that won’t allow her to have Heidi along, she decides it’s time for someone else to take over the task of looking after the child. Heidi’s grandfather … Continue reading

Swallow the Turkey and Head to the Mall

This year, Black Friday ads indicate that it won’t be so much about getting up early to head to the stores for the Black Friday deals as rushing out the door as you are still chewing the last bit of turkey. Consider this year “dine and dash,” as many are calling it. Black Friday deals are starting as early as 8 pm on Thanksgiving. I’m not a big Black Friday shopper. I prefer to get most, if not all, of my shopping done before Thanksgiving. This way I can enjoy more time spent with the family, baking cookies, playing games, … Continue reading

Freebies From Lipton, McDonald’s, Bath & Body Works, and More!

Ready for some more freebies? This week, I’ve found some from brand name companies as well as some from companies that are new to me. I’ve got a mixed bag of freebies with everything from treats and drinks to skin care and pain relief products. Lipton has a free sample of their new Lipton Tea & Honey. To get this freebie, you must click “like” on their Facebook page. Next, fill out the form that appears. McDonald’s is giving away a free small cup of coffee every day from today, September 23, 2012, through September 29, 2012. This is their … Continue reading

Summer Reading Series: Secret Agent Splat!

“Cats rule and dogs drool!” If Splat the Cat were old enough to drive himself to the mall, there’s no question he’d feature that phrase on a personalized tee. Only, you won’t find the dog-loathing kitty doing much shopping in Secret Agent Splat! Rather, the newest book in the Splat the Cat series finds our furry feline friend channeling his inner Sherlock Holmes to solve a mystery involving missing duck decoys. Just when you thought you knew everything about Splat, his supportive family, and his unlikely friends, author Rob Scotton unveils yet another deep, dark secret. This time we learn … Continue reading

Freebies For You – Week of May 29, 2012

Freebies are fabulous! It is always nice to get something for absolutely free. Suddenly, a product that you might not have looked twice at becomes a bit more interesting for you to try out. It isn’t easy to find a good freebie, especially since they tend to only exist for a limited amount of time. Here are a bunch of freebies that are currently available. Go get them, before they disappear! Krispy Kreme is giving away a FREE Krispy Kreme doughnut on June 1, 2012. This is their way of celebrating National Doughnut Day. There is no purchase necessary. All … Continue reading

Let the Summer Travel Chaos Begin

Ready… set… travel. Friday kicks off the start of the summer travel season. Where are you planning to spend Memorial Day weekend? According to AAA, nearly 35 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the long holiday weekend, a slight increase over last year. Interestingly, even with the exorbitant price of gas, AAA is predicting that more than 30 million people plan to drive to their vacation destination. That means roughly nine out of ten holiday travelers will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend. If you are planning to travel with kids, … Continue reading