Tips From Kids For Parents

Here are a couple tips from kids to parents that I think are really cute...

"Don't put food in my mouth when I am still chewing." Lauren, age 6

"When I'm playing a sport, let me do what my coach taught me in all our practices. Don't keep telling me what you think I should do." Kala'i, age 12.

Thanks Real Simple, for these cute insights. Have your kids given you any insights on parenting? Please share...

Cute, Cute, Cute Cupcakes

While checking out HostessBlog yesterday, I noticed some of the cutest cupcake ideas and (shocker!!) they were created by Martha Stewart's people. Here are just a couple of the cupcake ideas.

For more ideas, check out Cutest Cupcakes at marthastewart.com.

The Cold Seat

Thanks to Love Shak Baby, I have finally found what I have needed all summer...the Cold Seat.

I always feel so bad putting my son in his hot car seat in the back of the car that doesn't get the air conditioning nearly as well as the front of the car. Now, with the Cold Seat, I will hopefully feel better about the situation and know that my son isn't going to be such a hot passenger.

To find out how the Cold Seat works, click here.

Toy Recall Tips

Lately, it seems like too many toys are being recalled. In all the chaos and confusion, babycenter.com has put together some tips to help provide a clear direction for parents to take.

1. Check the product number.

2. Take away recalled toys immediately.

3. Throw out any broken or worn-out magnetic toys.

4. Buy toys that are locally made.

5. Look around for other lead hazards.

6. Get your child tested for lead exposure.
7. Keep abreast of future recalls.

All in One Wild Charge Pad

So you have an iPod, a cell phone, and a blackberry and you have all the cords to charge them. Yes, it is a pain having so many cords for all your little gadgets. That is why Wild Charge has created a wireless charge pad that allows you to charge mutiple devices at the same time...using the same pad!

This charge pad is a great gift for the gadget lover in your life...or perhaps you have too many gadgets to keep track of. Either way, the Wild Charge pad can make your life easier. But if you want one, you need to add yourself to a waiting list by visiting WildCharge.com now!

Plastic Easter Eggs for More than Just Easter

Bring the fun of Easter to the other 364 days of the year! Place lunch box snacks inside the colorful shells and let kids get as excited to eat lunchtime snacks as they are to find Easter surprises!

The good news is...you can save plastic bags you might usually place these snacks into and keep reusing the plastic eggs. Hey, it's fun for the kids and helpful to the environment!

Relaxation in a Bottle

Okay, so I am only six and a half months pregnant, which means it has been six and a half months since I have had a drink...and let me tell you, today was one of the first times I really, REALLY wanted one.

As I was flipping through Real Simple magazine, you know, looking for useful things to post on this blog, I found the most useful page yet...Smirnoff makes a Grand Cosmopolitan. This looked so perfect to me because, hello, all you have to do is keep the bottle in the fridge and pour when necessary.

Yes, I know that Stirrings makes a lovely mix and making them from scratch is great, too. But let's keep it real...this is a good as the jumbo size bottle of pre-made margaritas you can buy at Costco!

So for all of you out there that aren't pregnant, have a Grand Cosmopolitan, or some alcoholic drink, for me. (I am sure I will hear a bell ring inside my head everytime you have one!)

And, of course, as all alcohol manufacturers would say, I encourage you to drink responsibly!

Deodorize Your Shoes With Dryer Sheets

Help avoid the stanky stink shoes can manage to muster...place half a Bounce dryer sheet in each shoe. This will help make stepping into (and out of) your shoes much more pleasant.
You can buy Bounce dryer sheets at drugstore.com.

Parenting Tip #1: Plan on Getting Nothing Done

While reading Real Simple Family magazine today, I saw a piece of parenting advice that made me stand up and shout, "Holla!"

Plan on getting nothing done. It's the best advice my sister-in-law ever gave me after I had my baby, because I had so many plans for my maternity leave.

-Anna Fontenot

I found the less I planned for, the happier I was to just spend my time with my baby and not worry so much about stuff that needs to get done.

What's the best parenting advice you have received?

Nursing Made Cuter

As a mother-to-be for the second time around, I can remember the days of just sitting around in my pajamas - all day - because that was most comfortable to wear for nursing every 2-3 hours. And don't get me started on how annoying it was to nurse outside of the house with an awful nursing bra...yuck!

That is why I am so thrilled I found Aimee's Nursing Gowns. At nursinggowns.com, you can find a comfy nightgown that you can get away with wearing during the day. The empire waist design can be very forgiving for the post-baby tummy. And, oh yeah, you don't have to wear a bra, but it supposedly gives you enough support. Support without a bra...that's why I am going to try one of these bad boys.

Crouching Father, Hidden Toddler

I saw this book in a Pregnancy magazine and thought it would be such a cute gift for a father-to-be, or even a father who has a little one moving into the lovely toddler years.

You can pick up Crouching Father, Hidden Toddler for the daddy in your life at Barnes and Noble ($9.95).