Vitamins for kids!

SUPERKIDS is a great product I have come across from a reputable company. I like that it is liquid instead of a gummy or chewable because that makes it seems more like "medicine" and not a candy - even though it tastes good! What makes it better than other multivitamins is wonderfully explained in this quote from their website:
"The SuperKids formula is similar to Beeyoutiful's other "Super" products but without the iron.* And there's no synthetic dyes or sugar to hype up your kids. Derived from real foods, every bottle of SuperKids multivitamins for kids is chock-full of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, bioflavanoids, lycopene, and other carotenes that wage war against the free radicals assaulting your child's body every time they eat processed food or breathe polluted air.

These goodies will absorb and be better used by your child's body because SuperKids contains aloe vera, the superfood known for smoothing out digestion. It works magic in the colon for happier and more regular trips to the bathroom. Aloe also makes the intestines "slippery" so nasty stomach bugs can't take hold as easily.

Your child's bones will have an easier time enduring bike wrecks and falls thanks to the manganese, zinc, selenium, and other colloidal minerals. Plus, the Vitamin D in SuperKids enhances absorption of calcium -- especially important during the "fast bone growth years" ages 4 to 12.

Sweetened with xylitol, a natural substance actually good for your child's teeth, SuperKids comes in two great flavors: orange and multi-berry. Both taste so good, your kids will look forward to their teaspoonful of vitamin "dessert" after breakfast and supper.**"
Have you come across a nutritional supplement or product for kids that you absolutely love? Tell me about it? Ever have a bad experience with one or were disappointed? Let me know that too.

thank you for a better creamer!

For years, I guiltily indulged in the "naughty" coffee creamers filled with plasticky ingredients all sorts of frightening sweeteners just because it made my morning coffee that much yummier. Now I am pleased to see many different brands coming out with more natural alternatives with simpler ingredients like milk, sugar, and natural flavoring. It tastes just the same as the more chemical counter-parts. No wait, maybe it tastes even better because it isn't quite as frightening. Thank you creamer manufacturers! Me and my coffe are grateful!

Great Toy for Girls

WOODKINS! Woodkins are these great wooden toys with cutouts of people and rooms and scenery and they come with scraps of fabric (and you can add more of your own) with which the child decorates the people and the furniture. A friend gave my 3 y/o daughter a set and she played with it for hours! That's like a year in 3 y/o time!! The photo shows my 6 y/o son and my toddler enjoying it as well. You can find them at places where "hands-on" toys are sold. One of my favorite sites is : http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/small_world_toys/woodkins.cfm

What's great about these toys is that they are durable, safe, and evoke creativity. They would make a good choice for a "take along" toy as well when you need something for a car ride or doctor's office waiting room survival item (or heaven forbid, the DMV). WOODKINS! Do your children have woodkins? What do you think about them?

must have BOOKS!

The book is called UNPLUGGED PLAY by Bobbi Conner
It is all over the internet on blogs and reviews. This is the BEST book (other than the Bible, of course) for families to own. Who doesn't wish for ideas to lure their kids away from video games and television? With the simple but fun ideas in this book you won't have to bribe them or be the meany who just says "no". They will want to turn it off and follow you to play. There are over 700 ideas of playtime and games for people of all ages and group size. Indoor, outdoor, everything! Almost all the ideas are able to be accomplished with items you already have around your home. I just can't say enough good things about this book! Look for it anywhere books or parenting things are sold.
Do you have any good, simple, unplugged play - type ideas?

health and beauty: sunless tanners

LOVE the IDEA, not so impressed with the results... I recently purchased a tube of L'Oreal sunless tanning cream/lotion. I was hoping to get a little pigment to my freakishly pale self and therefore have a little more confidence in wearing shorts this year. I usually wear long pants or capris and skirts in the summer but I wanted to be daring this year. I followed the directions exactly. First off I was disappointed in the mass amounts of glitter in the lotion. It did not advertise that there would be glitter in it. I had no desire to be "glittery" so that was a negative. It did dry quickly which was a plus, but the next day to my dismay I realized how patchy it was. I had orange splotches all over me. I chalked it up to user error and decided to try again and even myself out. That time it worked half-decently, but I did realize that it was an obviously unnatural tan because normall you are less dark on the undersides of your arms, etc and I was uniformly orange. It did blend well on my face. Then in washed/faded off in a few days. When I reapplied it was even worse than the first time. I tried to even it out again but it still made weird orange speckled designs on various parts of my limbs. I cannot believe I paid for that. LOL Lesson learned. The "safe" tan is a novel idea - but its execution is lacking IMO.

blog-MUSTS

We all have come across a blog or two that we just adore and frequent often. What are yours? One of mine is hillbilly housewife at www.hillbillyhousewife.com . There are tons of recipes and meal plans and tips and tricks for living within your means. That is always at the top of my list so I appreciate the information I find there. She even has a $45 and $70 emergency weekly menu/shopping list complete with daily instructions. I have tried many ideas and recipes from her site over the years and am never disappointed. Please share with us some of your favorite blog links for moms and families!

Practical Accessories

I came across these encouragement bracelets in a magazine and thought they were such a good idea I had to share them with you. They have encouraging reminders written on them such as, "We are a smiling family". What a great way to remind yourself and loved ones to have a better attitude! They would make a great little gift for someone or just for your own pick-me-up throughout the day. I found them at www.aboverubies.org in the book and music store under the category (bracelets). What encourging items have you come across? Do you know of any other accessories that are just as practical as they are charming?

KID-friendly websites

I just HAVE to share the new internet site we have added to our computer for our family. It is called ZOODLES. The basic version of this program either for your computer or your mobile device is free - but we quickly decided to pay for a year subscription upgrade after we saw how convenient and fun it was. There is now a ZOODLES icon on our desktop. The kids click on it when they are granted computer time. It takes them to a ZOODLES page we've created with folders for each of them. They click on their picture and it takes them to a "play area" full of educational games and books and videos all geared for their age group. With the parental control feature we were able to block all ads and tailor the content to their needs : like increase math and science for one child and literature skills for another. We also have the ability to go in and set a time limit that will automatically boot the kid off after the time is up. That is so handy for me as I often forget to set the oven timer when they are turn-taking. We are really enjoying it! I have the free version on my android phone that keeps them busy in the car or in waiting rooms. I love that it is all educational content and not just "entertainment". Good job, ZOODLES! go to www.zoodles.com

Spring is in the Air!

One of my favorite parts about spring is the smell of lilacs. It lets me know summer is right around the corner. Alas, there are no lilacs in my yard. I am excited to discover, however, that I can keep the lasting smell of lilacs in my home anytime I want now with Scentsy's new lilacs and violets fragrance for their plug-in warmers. My whole house smells divine! If you have never heard of Scentsy, you might want to check it out. It is a "home-party" business like many others - but I find it more affordable to indulge on their products than a lot of their competition. I never mind attending yet another scentsy party because its so fun to smell all the good fragrances and see what's new. What are your favorite home scents?

health - vitamins for Moms

This supplement is sold by www.beeyoutiful.com . It contains a lot of the essential vitamins and minerals that busy moms can use but what makes it stand out from the rest is that it contains a "superfood" called Spirulina. Spirulina is an algae that has the most absorbable form of iron I have ever heard of. If ever I had been skeptical - that was totally transformed when I took a pregnancy blood draw while taking Spirulina and the doctor told me that if it weren't for being pregnant he would tell me to go give blood immediately because he had never seen a pregnant lady or anyone for that matter with as healthy levels of iron and other nutrients before. I hadn't told him what I was using before that - he was going off the lab results alone. I was sold on this product from then on. Sometimes I buy the straight Spirulina that beeyoutiful sells and sometimes I get the SuperMom. They also make one for kids called Superkids and one for men called SuperDads. My husband swears the SuperDad gives him more endurance and helps him wake up in the morning. :-)

DVD's - encouraging entertainment

I recently was able to purchase this DVD for my homeschool group's DVD library. I was expecting it to be pretty good but it exceeding my expectations. I found it very uplifting and encouraging. Mrs. Duggar appeared more "real" to me and the whole theme of the DVD was a blessing. It cost $15.00 from www.visionforum.com . What DVD's do you recommend that are an encouragement to you?

Bible story book for the family

This is a great Bible story book for the whole family. It is in comicbook format which is entertaining and well-illustrated. I find my 10 and 8 yr old boys going to it to look up the comic-version of our stories we've read for school or Bible-time. That is great to see. What's even better is they make coloring book versions for even younger kids. Your whole family can use it to learn the best stories ever written! Older kids read along and littler ones color the corresponding pictures! Great discussion is sure to follow! The book and the coloring books are found at www.nogreaterjoy.org
We are glad to have found this great addition to our family's library!

medicine cabinet must have - PROBIOTICS

A lot of folks I know have been passing around various tummy problems lately. That reminded me of this great product and I just had to share. I recommend this to any family of any size : probiotics! Don't know what they are? They are similar to yogurt in that they are cultured bacteria that are good for your gut. You can take them in food, liquid, or capsule form. They help build your guts good "flora" and aid in your digestive and immune systems. They are highly recommended after a round of any antibiotics because they replace what was killed off during the "anti" biotics regimen and ward off the yeast overgrowth and other complications. They also help shorten the duration of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that mostly tummy "bugs" cause. There is all kinds but my favorite is Tummy Tune Up from www.beeyoutiful.com . I like it because everyone in my family can use it (I just open the capsule and use the powder inside for the littlest ones) and it is stable at room temperature (some kinds have to be refrigerated). Do any of you just LOVE probiotics? Any good testimonials of their effectiveness for folks who have never heard of them?

Kid's toys: Magnetix

Isn't it fabulous to find a toy that occupies your child for a long period of time? When those toys are also good for creativity and do NOT plug in or require batteries it is just layers of icing on an already incredible cake! A friend of mine recently brought some of these magnetic building toys to my kids to keep them busy while I was recovering from the flu. I was delighted that all five of my kids from age 1 to age 10 were kept creatively busy with them for at least an hour. They have returned to them at least once a day for over week since. I must admit I am impressed. These "Magnetix" as they are called, come in all sorts of sets and shapes and sizes widely varying in cost. What building toy has your child liked?

music - DVD for kids

I highly recommend this music DVD for kids of all ages. It doubles as a VBS curriculum aide as well! My little and big kids love singing and dancing to this one. The music is wholesome and it is great to see them dance around the house while we play it. I admit I usually end up joining in as well! I got mine right from the band's website www.gofishguys.com but it can be found on other discount sites as well, like www.cbd.com. What good kids music do you love to play in your home?

In the kitchen: natural lunchmeat

Hormel has a line of lunchmeats with NO MSG, NO NITRATES or NITRITES, and no artificials that make us moms leary. Way to go Hormel! Thanks for caring about what we care about and not charging us an arm and a leg for it! What do you think of Hormel's line of natural lunch meats? Do you have any other favorite healthy alternatives?

school/office: pencil sharpeners

Over the past 6 or so years running a home-based business and homeschooling the kids we have tried dozens of little personal pencil sharpeners as well as battery operated ones and some of the plug-in variety. I am sure we have spent around $200 or so with all these experiments. Frankly, they all sucked! Either the kids couldn't operate them properly, they just didn't sharpen nicely, or in one case, they constantly dismounted from the file cabinet and made a giant mess on the floor. I kept remembering the "old-fashioned" hand crank ones that were mounted to the wall in elementary school rooms from my past. I finally decided to do an internet search for one and couldn't believe that they were actually AFFORDABLE. Much more so than the plug-in ones too...and no batteries to replace! We got one and my husband mounted it right over the garbage can. (That way when the kids take turns opening it to empty the extra can spill right into the can.) It works like a dream! The kids are taking turns sharpening a whole week's worth of pencils at a time! No more, "My pencil is not sharp!" excuse when asked to complete homework! Amazing what a relief it is to find a good product that works and only requires elbow grease! What kind of pencil sharpener do you use? Have you had similar issues finding a good one? This one pictured is less than $20.00! I ordered it from OfficeMax.com

Toys for kids: Activity Tables

Tables like these can be found everywhere in stores and online and can be invaluable when it comes to occupying young children. A friend of mine was recently raving about how much she is enjoying her sand and water table that her children got as a gift this Christmas. Instead of using it as an outdoor sand table, she filled the bottom with dried beans and they play with it in the dining room. She has four young boys and they ALL are enjoying using it. They take their action figures and cars and trucks and make it a big construction scene or jungle or whatever their little minds come up with. What a great idea! What activity table do you like? Do you use yours in a unique way?

Kitchen tools - Chef's knife

I recently got this new Chicago Cutlery chef's knife. I was pleasantly surprised by how sharp it was straight from the packaging. I usually have a hard time finding sharp knives within my budget. This one was very affordable -coming in around $25. I have another knife from Pampered Chef that I also like because it has a semi-locking case. I take that with us camping or to parties where I need to bring a knife with for chopping. The case just makes it so convenient to do so. This Chicago Cutlery Chef's knife is all one piece of stainless steel so I don't worry about particles or water getting trapped in between the various parts and destroying the knife. It fits nicely in my hand and is not too heavy and not too light. It was one of those times where you go "out on a limb" and buy something and actually DON'T regret it. What's your favorite chef's knife and what did it cost?

Health and Beauty - salves

Our family has tried many different health and beauty products over the years. One that we return to time and time again and actually pack in our diaper bag to take when we leave the house is Miracle Salve from www.beeyoutiful.com . It is made from natural herbs and bee products and works like a charm to reduce swelling of bumps and bruises and insect bites and instantly relieves pain. I've used it on those goose-egg welts kids get when they bonk their head on something and watch the swelling go down in front of my eyes. Once my mother was there to see it happen and was so shocked at how well it worked she went home and bought a stock of it for her own medicine cabinet. I bring it with me all summer for mosquito and yellow jacket stings/bites. It works better than anything else we've tried and the kids run for it when they need it because it works so well. We love this product and the wholesome ingredients it contains!

books on... Gardening

One of the best books I have come across so far on the subject of gardening is : The Farmer's Wife Guide to Growing a Great Garden and Eating From it, Too! by Barbara Doyen. She also has one that is delegated primarily to fruits and berries. This book is written in a very simple and clear format that makes the novice gardener feel empowered and assured. It is also divided down by vegetable so is an easy go-to book for trouble-shooting or quick reference. I could never part with my copy and have given it as a gift because I know others will find it useful! Any other suggestions on good gardening books? What makes it a winner in your mind?

toy box/ottoman

We purchased this collapsable toy box/ottomon for our girls' room at Big Lots. It was under 15 dollars. We found it in the college dorm section in late summer early fall when all those type of things are out. It has been a huge space-saving solution for us and I will be looking for another this year. It has a division inside in the toy box part which makes sorting toys a little easier. The cushiony seat top gives the girls extra seating in their small room. It was a way more functional and affordable option for us than anything else I've seen online since.

Kitchen: Double-Oven

I get asked a lot if I like owning my Maytag Gemini double-oven. I always say that I do. It's true. I enjoy the ability to cook so many things at once and at different temperatures. The only downsides I could mention are that the bottom oven is so low to the floor that I always have to squat to put things in or out and I imagine that would be very challenging for an elderly person or someone with an injury or chronic pain. Also, the bottom door tends to open very rapidly and often slams on the feet of anyone standing in front of it. I have to watch my littlest ones that they don't pull on the oven door at all while they are in the kitchen as it will open right up on them and it is a little more of a "lure" since the handle is more at their line of sight. If I could improve this product at all it would be to make that bottom door a little more slow opening. Overall I really enjoy my oven and would buy it again if given the chance though. :-)

Food : kid snacks

Pepperidge Farms *Goldfish* crackers seem to have been a kid-favorite for as long as I can remember. I have to give the company a little pat-on-the-back as a Mom because I noticed on the package that they are now using all natural dyes. That is important to me as a Mom. I don't know the costs of the switch but I am glad they did it. Our purchases in the store are almost like "votes". That's our voice in Consumerland. I am pleased that this company has heard that we desire to feed our children a little better. :-)

kid stuff: learning calendar

My 5 year old boy received this Melissa & Doug learning calendar for Christmas. I really appreciate its simple design and kid-friendliness. They did a good job. It is all magnetic so it is reusable - that's a major PLUS as far as I'm concerned. Also, the magnets for holidays and activities aren't overly whimsical so it doesn't distract the child and can be used for boys or girls. I am very glad he got this as I know we will pass it down to the girls and get a lot of use out of it!

Kitchen Stuff: Cool Salad Bowl

With a gift card my husband got me for Christmas I purchased this new salad bowl. It is called the: Lock & Lock Salad to Go Serving Bowl with Divider and Lid
It holds ice in the bottom and has a little covered dip container in the middle of the removable divider as well as a tight locking lid with a carrying handle. I LOVE multi-purpose things like this and it is also affordable - under $24.00 in most places that carry it. You gotta love items that make bringing fresh food to gatherings even easier! To top it off the box says it is microwave and dishwasher safe!

Food: yogurt for kids

Go-Gurt brand yogurt has recently begun a line called "Simply". They market it as a better option because of having no high fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes. This is now the only brand of those kid yogurt tubes that we buy.

music for kids

This is one of the best music CDs for kids I have come across. It is called : An Angel in my Arms by Serene and Pearl It is by Above Rubies productions at www.aboverubies.org
Not only do the lyrics and melody help sing my little ones to sleep, but even my husband says he loves to have it playing at night. It is very calming and peaceful. Don't know what I ever did without it!

Infant Footwear

Ah! My first product review. :-) I recently purchased this pair of infant skidproof shoes from Burlington Coat Factory. They are called SkidDERS. I found the sizing on them to be easier to understand than the more popular "Robeez" brand and they were definately more affordable. The bottoms are like little rubber cleats and therefore very slip-proof. The only downside we have noticed so far is that although the tight elastic top prevents my daughter from kicking them off, they are a wee bit tighter than I would optimally like. Not really a complaint though as she doesn't seem to mind at all. I can honestly say she keeps them on longer than any other socks and/or shoes she owns.

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Getting started:

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