Dinner Parties To Play Dates: A Mom's Perspective

A Glance of Josephine Baker

2010-02-22T16:50:00.001-08:00

I never in my life thought I would meet two of Josephine Bakers children. Her story is such an amazing one and well to be sitting at her son's restaurant on Valentine’s Day was a treat. Little did I know this when we booked dinner that that this would be the case? My co-worker’s aunt recommended the place and I owe her a big thank you!

We walked into Chez Josephine a few minutes late due to traffic but the place was beautiful! I immediately felt at ease and home with the piano was playing in the back, beautiful paintings of Josephine on the wall, and a great atmosphere all around. During our dinner two New York patrons, of over 10 years, struck up a conversation. It was they who told us the story of the owners, which to my delight as a fan of Josephine Baker and her story captured my ear.

As for the food, the first course was amazing, second slightly salty for my taste and dessert divine. As we left we received a big hug from Jean-Paul as well as kiss.

I look forward to visiting every time I am in New York. Thank you for the amazing Valentine’s Day dinner Chez Josephine!

You can experience Chez Josephine yourself. Simply click visit their website to make a reservation.

http://chezjosephine.com

A Great Gift for the Grandparents

2010-02-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to sit down with two very nice women at Toy Fair to talk about their product Talkatoo. Their product is a cute sound recorder that hangs a necklace that can be given as a gift to grandparents, moms or other family members. While looking at their product immediately thought of the voice recorded cards but cute and longer lasting! I can easily see this product line in Hallmark, Gift Shops or attached to a card to be sent to Grandparents during holidays and grandparents day. If you get the chance check them out at http://www.talkatoo.com.

Keep your eyes out for Nukotoys!

2010-02-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

This brand has not even hit the market yet but I have been seeing their prototypes evolve since June 2009 when I met their president Douglas Penman at the Licensing show in Vegas. The product concept they had then was really cool from this mom’s perspective, but I happened to catch up to him at Toy Fair in New York. Just how far their prototype has come is amazing. All I can say is I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Teachers you had watch out because this is going to be one of those playground band toys not because it is bad because it is so much fun and you won’t get the kids back into class.

More to come…

Minature Animals to Tame Your Zookeeper

2010-02-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

Some boys are into fire trucks others Disney characters, while there are others who have a love for animals. This is the case in our house. Between the robotic plush Elephant whose trunk wraps around your hand when you touch it to the variety of miniatures that seem to travel down the hall of our upper level, our life sometimes feels like a zoo.

We discovered miniature animals doing a store check for my employer when our son was with me one day. Since then his collection has grown to feature tapirs, flamingos, elephants, raccoons, snow tigers and so much more (of course in Mom/Dad and child forms). So as a mom at big toy show well I had to walk through a couple of manufacturers who produce these miniature animals to compare. In the end the best quality, sculpting and variety still comes from Schleich. Their product is amazing! The definition as well as the paint on the animals is real nice touch with quality shining through. The others looked cheep and the definition flat. It looks like our collection of their product will continue to grow.

These miniatures are perfect for young kids who are acting out their imaginations, reflecting on a bad day at preschool and well bath time in our house as “they need their bath too, mama” from our one day Zookeeper.

We have a bunch of their animals that I have purchased at Target or specialty stores and I would recommend them to any mom who is has an animal lover in their house too!

A must read article by Complicated Mama

2010-02-18T22:03:00.000-08:00

A really great article by Complicated Mama, that you should read! She clearly states how some manufacturers treated bloggers at Toy Fair 2010 this year.

Read her blog at www.complicatedmama.com.

Gigapals are plushy fun!

2010-02-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

I met the creator of Gigipals, who is a very nice gentleman with a great heart. As a parent of a soon to be 3 year old, I am always on the looking for a great product that meets my son’s desire for imagination play mixed with technology. Gigipals are a soft round plush to snuggle with and act out stories, plus comes with an “adoption code” where young children can go online and interact with education activities. I love the extension online with educational activities as it stretches my dollar further and well let’s face it; we live in a digital world so online learning is an added benefit.

Porter actually received a Gigipal from Andrew the inventor and it was the first thing he tore out of my suitcase this morning when I got home, shown here in the post. Some of the games did move a bit fast for him, but it could have been the “try it now” demo we were playing.

If you are looking for a gift for a niece or nephew take a moment and check out this product, www.gigapals.com.

Toy Fair 2010

2010-02-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

The last week has been busy! From New York to Seattle, Toy Fair to speaking on “Mommy Bloggers” and Social Media marketing, I am just beginning to get my feet back on the ground.

Before I get started on sharing some of the great and not so great things from the show, I want to wish my sister well as she welcomed her first child, a boy into the world on February 18th. You are going to have so much fun!

This year’s Toy Fair was very different than past years, where there was cheap stuff displayed. The tone by companies presenting their products seemed to be the following trends; green, philanthropy, local and interactive. Great things from a parent perspective but there were some big misses, plus a few very rude company representatives that will also be noted for your reference as you evaluate products for your own children (FYI… I believe that company representatives are a reflection of their product lines and those who are well let’s face it rude should not be supported by my pocket book or store.)

Shall we get started…

Great Resource: Internet Safety for Kids

2010-01-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

It is a very open and virtual world we live in today which brings a lot of good and bad. As a parent we are always looking for great resources to assist us along the way. I would like to share one that I recently found created by a teacher. If you have kids take a moment and read the “Internet Safety for Elementary School Students Handbook.” It will be well worth your time especially if you have kids who want a social network account!

Click on the link above or paste the following in your internet browser
http://www.scribd.com/doc/25005959/Internet-Safety-for-Elementary-School-Students-Handbook

Life with Cozi.com

2010-01-03T16:01:00.001-08:00

We have just started using Cozi.com to organize the families calendars digitally as well as syncing everyone's shopping lists when out and about reducing multiple trips and ensuring things are picked up.

We will let you know how it goes over the next few weeks and months.

Dell, Chad & Porter

If you have Girls try FaceChipz!

2010-01-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

It is a social network where kids/tweens can talk to their friends in a safer and secure way.

Kids cannot connect with just any one. In order to talk to their friends, they first have to register the chipz to their account then to physically give the chipz with the secret connecting code to their friend. Their friend then enters the code to their account and they can now talk. What is great is the code can only be exchanged once so if the Chipz is lost a stranger cannot enter it.

The dollar registration fee for the site is for ESRB and Socially Safe Certifications as well as ensuring they are Coppa compliant. If you have more than one child it still just one dollar for all the accounts.

They also have great parental controls for you to control your childrens accounts.

From a mom’s perspective plus I use to work in Social Media this concept is great and a must when keeping kids safe online!

Check it out and tell me what you think.

www.facechipz.com

Loving Cozi ???

2010-01-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

Daily life is busy in the Monson household and yes I am addicted to my iPhone. But life happens and sometimes you just have to find the right tools for you. Chad and I are always looking for ways to make our lives easier therefore we are currently trying Cozi. Stay tuned we will tell you if it helps or not!

2009-06-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

To be straight forward, the moon gardening pilot program is just not working. The plants are straight up thirsty and turning at the leaves therefore going forward half the garden has been moved to every other night watering and the other on moon gardening. As of today’s date, I would not recommend this approach to anyone.

One a more positive note, I have fallen in love with white strawberries. How delicious is the simplest way to put it. I have never tasted anything so small and favorable in my life. If you get the chance put two plants in your urban garden.

Online Photo Tools We Love

2009-03-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have been a consumer of Shutterfly for quite a few years. It is one service; out of the many online that I truly find the tool easy to use as well as serving what needs to be done. We leverage it to send out albums to family across the world that we don’t get to see often. Our annual photo album during the holiday season comes from there. We went green years ago a decided to not to send out paper holiday cards, saving the earth, $$ and time, besides a picture says a thousand words! Yet, I digress… other photo services we have tried have worked but in the end I find myself or our recipients frustrated with their technology.

Other great photo services that you might want check out is Picnik. They have taken the complexity of editing of photos out and inserted consumer ease. Their suite of functions makes this mom very happy as she does not have much time to spend tweaking pictures for press. Take two minutes and check it out for yourself. I am sure you will like it as much as I do!

One of my favorite wines

2009-03-05T22:19:00.000-08:00

A new favorite for dinner parties with a perfect pairing. St. Clement Cabernet Sauvignon is just divine. It rests nicely on the palate and was a pleasure. My Burberry check print hat is off to you St. Clement Vineyards. I also love the fact that there are great dinner ideas to pair with their wines.

For more information on St. Clement check out their website then join their wine club. I know you will be delighted with their wines as much as I am.

Jewelry that connects

2009-03-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

This would be a perfect present for our niece. The security behind it mixed with the adventure into Pixie Hollow will completely delight her. We are not big Disney fans yet this product is amazing.

Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow Clickables Charms unlocks the fairy world of Pixie Hollow while giving kids the ability to chat with their friends. I know as a mom this concerns me, but get this. The only way they can chat with their friends is if they have given their friend a charm. Their friend then has to scan it with the clickable system before they can talk to each other. The only way kids can connect with each other is by direct hand off of the charm. My concerns are settled! As for the charms themselves, well they are a little plastic looking but still very cute.

Book!Book!Book!

2009-03-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

In today’s economy, I am always looking for a smart choice. One that has a very high value at a cost that is comfortable. One of our favorites is the library. Every other weekend, we walk up to our local coffee shop, Fiore in Queen Anne then proceed down the street to the public library.

You see Porter; even at this young age has a fond admiration for books. At the age of 18 months, Porter was presented with his library card. Since then our trips have produce a wide variety of readings. One of our latest selections is one that has appeared twice before in our household, “Book!Book!Book!” by Deborah Brass.

The story is about a group of farm animals who must entertain themselves when the children go back to school. They find themselves in town looking for something to do. Success is found at the local library when the farm animals proceed to ask for something to do. When all the other larger animals are at their wits end one small hen has the answer. Very cutely written and fun for little ones as they sit in your lap to hear the story.

Here are a few other favorites that have found their way into evening readings lately.
Animalia by Graeme Base's
I See a Kookaburra!: Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World by Steve Jenkins
There’s a Wocket in My Pocket by Dr. Seuss
The Elusive Moose by Joan Gannij and Clare Beaton
Kittens First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton
Let's Go, Froggy! by Jonathan London

Get up and dance!

2009-02-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

Here is one band that knows how to cheer up a toddler! Porter can be in one of the worst moods or just throwing a terrible two fuss when on comes The Ting Tings. Song number five to be precise seems to do the trick as he starts to jump. Of course at some point I will be bouncing around the kitchen and dining room with him giggling asking for more. This very happy mom recommends the following to get you toddler giggling and laughing with The Ting Tings "Shut Up and Let Me Go".

A Spring Bouquet

2009-02-16T20:18:00.001-08:00

Like many mom’s they will cherish the gifts received last week. I too will cherish mine and look forward to watching it bloom.

You see, I received the most interesting, sweet, and expanding bouquet. I am looking forward to watching it grow over the next few months and seeing what inspires Porter as he adds to it. I hope you enjoy seeing these blooming flowers too.

Spring wishes,
Dell & Porter

To have your own blooms simply pull out your coffee filters, egg cartons, finger paints, brushes, and pipe cleaners. Decorate the coffee filters and/or egg cartoon with your favorite colors, once dry insert the pipe cleaner into the middle, twist to hold and add your favorite vase.

Moon Gardening

2009-02-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

As I battle the slugs in the spring from sampling my new young plants which I am sure are tasty treats. I am also drawn to the nursery, where I find myself purchasing purple edible peas, new varietals, and variations of heritage favorites. My garden grows from two tomato plants to nine and as the young fruit and vegetables begin to develop. I step back and find pleasure in these sunny days. These summer days are soon replaced with harvest and I have more tomatoes than one can eat alone. How could such a small space in the city produce so much? I clearly state to Chad… “next year we will do less”.

Well it is next year and I am already being drawn. Last Sunday, Porter and I separated newly purchased seed packets. It is a cycle I am afraid I will likely not break. Maybe this is due to my childhood, the satisfaction of seeing something start, grow, produce and replenish, or maybe I am just not right in the head. Whatever it might be … Spring is coming and my feet are beginning to crave the energy of the earth.

This year, I have decided that moon gardening is the direction we will take. I have wanted to try this for awhile. Moon gardening is guided by the moons cycle, when to plant, transplant, fertilize and water. It is based on life cycles and in the end the plants are to be more productive, happier and balanced. In turn producing a stronger and healthier crop, I look forward to sharing this journey with you over the next few months.

"Gardening by the phases of the moon is a technique that can speed the germination of your seeds by working with the forces of nature. Plants respond to the same gravitational pull of tides that affect the oceans, which alternately stimulates root and leaf growth. Seeds sprout more quickly, plants grow vigorously and at an optimum rate, harvests are larger and they don't go to seed as fast. This method has been practiced by many for hundreds of years, and is a perfect compliment to organic gardening because it is more effective in non-chemically treated soil.
Lunar planting is influenced by two factors: The lunar phase controls the amount of moisture in the soil. This moisture is at its peak at the time of the new and the full moon. The sun and moon are lined up with earth. Just as the moon pulls the tides in the oceans, it also pulls upon the subtle bodies of water, causing moisture to rise in the earth, which encourages germination and growth. Tests have proven that seeds will absorb the most water at the time of the full moon.
The astrological signs of the zodiac correspond with the elements of water, earth, fire, or air. Each plant has a preference for what elemental sign it is planted in. The best time for starting seeds of most annual plants is during the fertile water signs, but root crops like earth signs, and flowers especially like the air sign of Libra. The moon sign changes every few days."

Porters eStore

2009-01-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight as Porter and I were looking at great birthday presents and toys, we thought we would create an eStore. Porter now has his own online store through Amazon! You can get there by clicking the link in this post or on the right side that says Porters eStore.

Our goal is to share great ideas that kids love. I think we are going to create a favorites category of toys, games, books and other things he loves to play with. Call it a toddlers review to help out other little ones.

Let’s us know what you think and your favorites also. We would love to be able to share with others.

Porters eStore:
http://astore.amazon.com/mybl006-20

Environment - I'm not doing enough

2009-01-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

Recently, I have been thinking about everything I do in a day to help reduce my own carbon footprint. What I am doing at work, home, in travel and so forth. I ask myself could I be doing more. Of course the answer is yes, it is yes for all of us. But in reality that can be overwhelming.

Where to start…one thing at a time, here are couple to get started.

1) If I don’t take my carrier bags into the market…get paper!
a. They can be cut open and used as coloring/painting paper for my toddler.
b. Why do I need plastic bags to clean up the yard from the dog? Paper works just fine.
c. Use them in my garden to help block the weeds each season.

2) Contact the airport/hotel and encourage consumer recycling bins.
a. I am always frustrated when the hotel does not have a recycling can. It only has a waste paper basket. I need to let them know!
b. Airports are the worst. I recently traveled from Seattle to Florida with a couple of connecting flights. Do you realize how many travelers business or families go through the airports? Many airports don’t have recycling bins. If they do those bins are just for soda/pop cans. My coffee cup can be recycled! I also watch travels casually throw recycle items in the trash because we are in a hurry. Even those who recycle at home casually toss these items. What is it about traveling that makes you forget the value of recycling that you have at home?
A thank you to Delta airlines for adding in flight recycling program. I hope you expand it out further and other airlines come on board!

3) Don’t pull out those blue and purple plants.
a. Last summer, I learned that blue and purple attract bees. I learned this after wondering where all my butterflies and hummingbirds went and why there were so many bees in my garden. Maybe I noticed it more due to Porter being outside and me not wanting him to get stung. Anyway, after learning this I was determined to reduce the number of blue and purple plants and add more red, pink and white. Then we got a pass to the Pacific Science Center, as well as seeing it magazines, online research on gardening, and packaging from Annie’s around all the products affected by bees and the declining population of Bees. Don’t worry little guys, those plants are staying we will accent with the other colors and add to the collection.

I would love to have your takes, ideas and solutions on how I can be greener. Please post your comments and share yours.

Always having the must have purse without the budget pinch

2009-01-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

I love hats! I hardly ever leave the house without one. Just as important is my purse that flows with said hat and coat. Yet today’s styles come in and out quicker than the seasons and with the economy the way it is well…

Besides Seattle just does not have the fashion districts/retail shops as New York, Los Angles, Chicago, or others and I would have to give up Cathy who cleans our house. I have not cleaned a toilet in 2 years and I don’t plan on going back!

So here is my solution, Bag Borrow and Steal. I love them! You can sign up for many levels, which at times can be confusing. Yet changing out your purse is one click away and one stop on your postal person’s route. Try them out, you will not regret it! They also have Jewelry, sunglasses and other items that I have not tried.

The only question remains … now how do I do the same for children’s toys…

A Little Boy ... Moving to a Big Boy Room

2009-01-14T22:21:00.001-08:00

The next stage… going to the big boy bed, putting the baby behind us, yes Porter has moved to a “Big Boy Bed.” I am not sure how I feel about this. I was never focused on children but my career. My husband has wanted 2 yet Porter could be our only. He has moved from “baby” to little boy. He is quite the phrase spinner with “Careful Mama Careful” as I stand with both feet on the ground in the main area or "Daddoooo ABC’s with India Arie please".

Yet as he has moved to a twin bed it confirms he is a little boy and no longer a baby. We have decorated his room with his taste. Yes at this age he has a preference and has gravitated towards the jungle. But as a parent we need to think ahead and how he will change. We have found the most amazing furniture set at Costco home store. It is very unique and not main stream. We have visited a variety of places but all are the same. The one we chose has Caribbean feel that will work as a jungle hideaway, ocean shore, paradise escape or mix to a more modern feel.

If you have not had the chance to visit their home store you should. If you cannot get there shop online. We have always been impressed with the quality of furniture and the guarantee. Yes the guarantee with this age you need the comfort of what you are spending will hold up. The cost is beyond reasonable and the quality is A++ according to my 3rd grade teacher. Kudos to you Costco Home for providing unique but cost reasonable. I wish you success in expanding your home store division.

Baby Love Disco

2009-01-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

We have been to a couple of events. This is great for little ones who love music and parents who love to help their communities. In Seattle funds earned help families in need therefore a must for any parent who wants to further their communities.

We love the fact that Porter can have fun as well as enjoy the music. Besides what is more fun for a family than dancing, music and knowing that the ticket revenue went to funding families in need.

Check out Baby Loves Disco. You will not regret it!

Kids Mega Marketing Event

2009-01-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

How do you create a world that is both safe for mom and fun for kids and more importantly, how do you differentiate your world and create an experience. I am excited to share insight at the Kids Mega Marketing Event in Naples, Florida this January.

"The Kids Mega Marketing Event is where kids marketing expertise meets the bigger picture. Hear from BIG PICTURE MARKETING gurus who are driving change in branding, design, marketing, innovation and trends. Each BIG PICTURE MARKETING guru is teamed up with a KIDS MARKETING EXPERT who will translate their marketing best practices in to "action" for the specialty, highly regulated kid space."

More than just play putty!

2008-12-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that play putty could be so much fun while balancing the soul!

I came across Dokedo through a friend and it is just not for your child. I find my coworkers opening the containers and working with it during informal discussions.

What is Dokedo?
Play putty that is scented for mood, stress and concentration. It has all the fun components of stretch and bounce but they have taken putty to the next level with texture and sound. Their website could use some work but don’t let that stop you.

Dokedo:
http://dokedoputty.com/products/catalog.cfm?start=17

Image sourced from Dokedoputty.com

Girls Night Out

2008-12-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

If you missed it you will have to catch the next one! Magnolia held the first Girls Night Out! What more could one ask for? Shopping, Conversation, and Champagne! The event was such fun as we celebrated a dear friend’s birthday and visited the local neighboring shops.

I always love going into to Vixen and who could leave without an amazing red dress for a holiday party! You should have seen the crowd a Bleu Papillon trying on jewelry that … well we will just leave it at a you should pass. All the retailers who participated seem to be busy even as the night wore on.

Thank you to the organizers. It was a night that will be cherished!

No Mess Catchers

2008-12-12T21:21:00.000-08:00

We have tried a variety of bibs. All with the goal to keep Porter somewhat clean. After many attempts and variations we have fallen in love with the Kiddopotamus brand. We have tried the Baby Bjorn brand but the clasp just does not hold.

The Kiddopotamus bib was actually recommend to us by Shannon one of Porter's friends moms. She also heard about it from a friend. What can you say? Word of mouth definitely works in this case. This bib is amazing! Fist goal … catch all food with attempts to mouth but as Porter grew, well it became a place for him to store his fork during a dinner break.

Love them and worth every penny plus some! We can easily throw them in the dishwasher or quickly was them by hand. They stay on Porter and are very reasonable in cost. We purchased ours on Amazon.com but have purchased them as baby gifts at Baby Style and other shops in our neighborhood.

Holiday Gift Tag Ideas

2008-12-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Every year we pull off the ribbons and bows from the packages saving them for next year. It not only saves you money, but is environmentally friendly. You can also recycle gift tags.

My favorite gift tags are pictures from the year. The photos from this year have found their place on packages under our tree. We print them on recycled paper to about the size of a business card or slightly smaller. It is a fun way to review the year as you open packages on Christmas morning.

Great Gifts for Grandparents

2008-12-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my son finger painted onto canvases. These canvas have now dried and are wrapped ready to be received by eagerly waiting grandparents this holiday season.

They were a fun project to do with him and the cost was very reasonable.

What is needed:
- $2 for an 8 x 11 white canvas
- $3 for finger paints

We loved this project so much that we are now having him do one each year. The art work will be displayed in his room as a timeline that is just his.

Here it goes

2008-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

What better way to start a blog than by sharing. I have been thinking about the concept of blogging and how it impact daily lives for awhile now. So why have I not jumped in? One could easily say life and how busy our present lives and soon to be present lives get.

No matter what you put in place to find “two more minutes” you will always be in search of “two more minutes” once you have successfully found the first. Recently I have found “two more minutes” and after a bit of thought, here we are.