June 30, 2008
· Filed under Everyday Stuff, For Mom
A mom agenda, and I mean a planner, not a secret plan. I reviewed one special “Mom” planner already, and this one has a lot of the same features, but also a lot of differences! MomAgenda is just that, and agenda for moms. Featuring the same multiple sections for multiple people as the Whomi I talked about already this planner is made for people who are scheduling more then just themselves, actually a mom and up to 4 others. I think that may be where the similarities end. Whomi is an inexpensive, toss it in your bag planner, but momAgenda is a NICE professional level planner. MomAgenda features LOTS of extras, including spaces for notes about books, 
movies and music, as well as a list of their favorite website (sadly we are not on it) vacation planner pages, and even party planning pages! MomAgenda is professionally bound in a soft cover binding. It looks like a real printed book, not a binder day planner. The planner itself is bound in, but a special “momEssentials” pamphlet is snugly tucked in the back. The Essentials has space for address, birthdays, and other things you don’t want to copy to a new planner year after year.
One interesting feature, and I think you’ll either love it or hate it, is that this planner doesn’t go from January to December, but rather from August to July. It is based on a school year, not a calendar year. I can see some definite upsides to this, if you have kids in school, the winter break can be busy enough without having to buy and set-up a new planner. But if you have younger kids, or some who homeschool,
this may be a weird feature.
This planner is VERY nice, and may be better suited for professionals then the WhoMi. The size is a little more standard, and even the “desktop” would fit easily in most reasonably sized purses, and they do have smaller sizes too. If you are really busy you can buy a Day a Page version instead of the standard weekly.
I think to best way to sum it up is that, momAgenda is GREAT, very beautiful and you’d be proud to use one. $42 can buy you a GREAT planner, very nice, very sturdy, very beautiful, and you get bright, vibrant color choices (you can even get it personalized!)
June 30, 2008
· Filed under Books, Educational, Everyday Stuff
to teach your kids about money. Especially if like a lot of people you aren’t so good with it yourself. One company is helping to change that. Money Savvy Generation is helping to teach kids about money, and not just about saving it. They teach about various aspects of money from making money to spending, donating, 
saving and investing. The most amazing product they offer is no doubt their special banks. each bank was four separate sections to teach kids about how to use their money. We got the pig and it is cute, sturdy, and plain in genius! It looks like a normal piggy bank, until you notice the special four-way feature. Which is relatively obvious, to me anyway. Everyone who saw the pig liked it, and went on and on about how smart it is!
They also have books about “The Millionaire Kids Club” who love to talk about money. In the two books I read they held a garage sale to get some spending money, then each kid spent it differently to illustrate spending wisely. In the second book they do chores and work to raise for money for charity!
The thing I love most isn’t necessarily the products, which are great, but the fact that they truly want to help you and your kids. You can buy just the piggy bank ($16) or get a household set which includes a 44 page parent handbook, a poster, coloring book, and more to really create a full household lesson. The household is $39.50, and really just seems like a great way to set up a system that will last a lifetime. I especially recommend it for parents who may need some help too. If your child is already pretty money savvy then just the piggy bank may be enough.
They also have products for teens, so no matter the age of your child you can help them learn how to handle money wisely.
Whether you are good with money or if, like me, you need some help, check them out. Money Savvy Generation helping you (and your kids) to be savvy with your money!
June 25, 2008
· Filed under Books
The animals that is, nobody is where they belong, but this book settles it all out, There’s a Cow in the 
Cabbage Patch! Available from Barefoot Books. It starts with a cow in the cabbage patch instead of the dairy and leads right through lots of farm animals in mixed up places. How do you get them in the right place? You’ll have to read it and see!
This book by Clare Beaton is a great read anytime of the day, and is even restful enough for naptime or bedtime. I can’t decide which is better, the story itself or her amazing graphics! Clare Beaton is not new to Baby Joys, we’ve talked about her before because we LOVE her that much. every bookshelf should have AT LEAST one of her books on them, but all of them would be better. Clare Beaton uses a variety of felts, fabrics, trims, buttons and beads to create her fascinating illustrations!
Only $6.99 for this amazing story good for infants to early readers, from their website, select stores that sell their products, or individual sellers. Go pick one up, I’m sure you’ll like it!
June 25, 2008
· Filed under Books
They grow and change daily. One day they only eat bread but the next the will eat anything but! As a parent of a 15 month old I understand these strange toddler phenomenons, and how impossible it can be for a parent to follow along or understand. I found a book that seems to be helping me along. So far it answers my 
questions about what is normal, and when I should worry. Your Toddler Month by Month, by Dr Tanya Byron.
She discusses the growth of your toddler including their social, emotional AND physical growth. She understands how much as a parent you compare. You meet a child the same age as yours (or younger!) who does things yours can’t, and you wonder is your child behind? She answers when things usually happen so you can see that your little guy or gal is actually right on track. She also helps you to deal with common toddler problems like naptime and tantrums.
So many books out there help with pregnancy or infants, but it’s hard to find one that helps with toddlers. Some writers and publishers seem to think kids go straight from baby to preschool!
This book is an essential reference for anyone with a kid under 4. I’m glad I picked it up when Blu turned one. It has already answered so many questions! Available at the DK website, or at local bookstores!
June 23, 2008
· Filed under Clothes, Everyday Stuff
This time of year sun safety is on everyone’s mind. We slather up with sunscreens for picnics and time at the beach. Unfortunately just sunscreen isn’t enough. There are other important things to do, especially with kids! many people put sunglasses on their kids, but a lot of sunglasses on the market are more damaging then protective. Many of them are cute, but feature no real sun protection and allow the kids eyes to take in more damaging light.
Besides sunscreen kids should wear sunglasses with real protective qualities, and hats. And I’ll give you bonus points if the hat contains UV protection. One company that provides good options is Baby Banz. Besides super cute sunglasses that provide full protection and have a comfortable band that keeps glasses on little ones they offer UV protective hats AND swim wear. Baby Banz was originally designed in Australia to handle their tough climate, and the swimsuits provide a proven UPF 50+!
Sure Baby Banz aren’t cute in the same way as a little kids bikini with polka dots or strawberries, BUT they are cute, AND safe. To me safe is more important. The swimsuits come is a small variety of styles in both boy and girl colors. The glasses come in a normal shape and a cool retro shape!
The glasses are pretty awesome, only the front is plastic, and instead of arms to be broken off it has a flexible band that goes all the way around. The frame is shatter resistant AND for the glasses wearing cuties the lenses can be replaced with prescription lenses!
I love all the Baby Banz products because quality, safety and cuteness all combine, AND the prices are reasonable too!
movies and music, as well as a list of their favorite website (sadly we are not on it) vacation planner pages, and even party planning pages! MomAgenda is professionally bound in a soft cover binding. It looks like a real printed book, not a binder day planner. The planner itself is bound in, but a special “momEssentials” pamphlet is snugly tucked in the back. The Essentials has space for address, birthdays, and other things you don’t want to copy to a new planner year after year.
this may be a weird feature.
