Reviews by carilyn

carilyn says "What a way to Scoot" about Razor Scooter

carilyn — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:25:25 GMT

This is an awesome ride! Gave it to my son this morning for his birthday and he loves it! Don't forget to have them wear a helmet when you take it out for a ride. The one with three wheels is great and litewieght too. And has a fuller base than the two-wheel scooter. Perfect for 3 and 4 year olds who are just learning to ride. And easy to take to the park or ride around the block. LOVE IT! They are sold at Target and online. Easy to assemble. About $30....

carilyn says "Hilarious Songs for Tots and Parents Alike" about Barney Saltzberg Crazy Hair Day

carilyn — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 07:10:24 GMT

Read a review of this CD and checked it out on itunes. Sure enough, Barney has three other CDs and they are all terrific. Check out "Be with me." This one caught my attention as the lyrics note: You're yapping while you're driving on your cell phone, there's a movie on the DVD. I'm buckled up here in the back seat wishing you were talking to me." As the review that I read said, poignant, clever and funny. The other songs on his previous CDs are equally catchy and funny. I'm sure your kids will love it too. Nothing like listening to bad music that is torture. Featured artists on this CD include Jackson Brown, Vonda Shepard and Jessica Harper, and a story by Dustin Hoffman. If you purchase the CD, proceeds go to Concern Foundation for Cancer Research.

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carilyn says "No Better Way to Drink Water" about Sigg Sippy Cups

carilyn — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:36:51 GMT

I purchased a SIGG sippy cup from Whole Foods but they are available online (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/06/sippy_cups_from_1.php) and come in a variety of patterns that kids love. My 4 year old loves his bottle and knows how to open the top too. It does not leak or spill. No mess and easy to clean the bottle. No more plastic water bottles or leaky sippy cups. Cannot say enough good things about them and you will feel good about using it as you won't be polluting the environment with plastic, plastic, plastic! They are not inexpensive but for the amount of money you will save on sippy cups and buying juice bottles, etc. you will more than make up for the cost. Just don't lose it. Put your child's name on the bottom with a permanent marker.

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carilyn says "Not a Diaper Bag, an actual Purse!" about Target Fabric Purse

carilyn — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:32:02 GMT

I am on the verge of not needing a diaper bag any more and a friend had one of these slingy, hobo style purses. I don't know how to describe it other than it came in three floral patterns and was only $9.99, yes it's true. I wanted to buy more but they were sold out. Any how, it is adorable and I get compliments on it all of the time. I use it as a regular summer bag and can throw my entire kitchen in it -- snacks, pull-ups, a change of clothes for my son, as well as a SIGG cup and then all of my stuff. I would highly recommend getting whatever bags Target has in store and don't spend your money on a high-priced bag, that will soon go out of style, get dirty and you can't wash it well enough. I'm telling you, save your money for college for your kids and get your bags for every season and each trend at Target. The bag that I am referring to is no longer on the website but a photo is attached so you might be able to find one in a Target store....

carilyn says "How about something useful that kids actually like" about All brands Creative Birthday Party Favors

carilyn — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:41:13 GMT

I am planning a birthday party for my soon to be four year old and was tired of getting the run of the mill party favor bags that are not all that cute and getting those cheesy gifts that you put inside and end up losing or throwing out. We are having a bouncy house in our yard so I thought why not give the kids large bouncing balls! I got a ton of bright colors from Toys R Us and each ball was only $1.50 so no bags to get and no names to write on the balls. I could get clever and write their names with a metallic or paint pen but would prefer to let them chose and they will look cute on display in the yard and this way, they can actually use them while at the party and not just get a gift as they depart.

We recently attended a party at the beach and the hostess gave out swim goggles to each child as they arrived and this was a big hit! Again, no fuss and hassle free. No need for bags or schlocky gift bags filled with useless toys. I highly recommend this and tie it in with the theme of...

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carilyn says "Paint the town" about Gerber Variety Onesies

carilyn — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:33:53 GMT

Ok, so you are probably wondering what is this review about? I recently attended a baby shower for a mom-to-be of twins. The hostess had a great activity, which was that she laid out a basket of white onesies and paint brushes as well as fabric paints and asked each of the guests to create a one-of-a-kind onesie for the mom. Well, those of us who enjoy painting got creative and had a ball! The babies will be well outfitted with many personalized onesies and what a great memory for the mom! We had a ball sitting outside, eating and chatting away while painting. This is a great activity for a shower and certainly better than most boring baby shower games that people are forced to play. I highly recommend it. Get over to your local craft store for the paints and brushes, set out a cup of water and get a few packs of onesies and you can't go wrong. So cute and very Martha Stewart baby-like for a party activity....

carilyn says "So Squeezy and Delicious" about Organic Valley Go-gurts Squeeze Yogurt

carilyn — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:21:52 GMT

My son must have seen someone eating these at school and at first, I only thought that they came at the supermarket and were not organic but much to my surprise, I can now find them at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's and I believe that there are several manufacturers who make them with organic milk. They are very sweet, which the kids like and although you have to open them for the kids, they like eating them. A good, quick snack. I would not recommend eating them in a car, because they can spill/spray yogurt but a good lunchbox snack or outdoor eating. They come in boxes with strawberry/blueberry or one flavor....

carilyn says "Advice about Playing the Game from the Best" about Michael's Golden Rules

carilyn — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:12:08 GMT

Saw this book while shopping in Pottery Barn Kids and when I noticed that it had a foreward written by Michael Jordan, I picked it up. I believe it is written by his mother, Deloris Jordan. It teaches the "golden rules" of baseball and it is just written in a lovely way. The illustrations are adorable and I think young boys will find it most enjoyable. Especially those who are just starting out playing T-ball and Little League. A great gift. Also available on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0689870167/ref=s9_asin_image_1/102-9496377-3301766?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1BDQ3JBB9NS68F9KTZBM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=288448401&pf_rd_i=507846

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carilyn says "It will Literally Fly off the Shelves" about Pottery Barn Kids - Nationwide locations, Nationwide

carilyn — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:06:44 GMT

I am over-the-moon about this new line that was literally introduced at Pottery Barn Kids yesterday. Right as I am in the midst of planning a full-on Batman extravaganza for my son's birthday, they come out with Batman and Superman stuff. Most of it won't be available until late August but I scored a Batman backpack today. There is also a stuffed Batman chair and soon to come, sheets, wall art, lamp, puzzle and more. It is not online yet so you can't view it, but I say if you have any Superhero fans in your midst, get yourself into a Pottery Barn Kids store and fast, as this stuff will surely fly right off the shelves. I cannot wait to surprise my son with this backpack on Monday morning. I know he will want to fly around the house with it along with his cape, teeshirt, walkie talkies, belt and costume, all Batman of course! Pottery Barn Kids -- not what I expected from them but they did it in style. Way to go!...

carilyn says "This Little Piggy Moved In" about Pigsty

carilyn — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:02:29 GMT

Love Mark Teague's books. The illustrations are wonderful as well. Although the humor might be lost on a 4 yr old, it is a great story and will keep your child captivated. Highly recommend it. And this is not one of those books that is short on words, so it is a good bedtime read. I am just not fond of the stories that are over in a minute. Neither is my son.

Check it out on Amazon. And I found a paperback version at Barnes & Noble.

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carilyn says "Cute as can be in Down" about Patagonia Jackets

carilyn — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:44:03 GMT

Once I discovered Patagonia clothes, especially outerwear (fleece pullovers, down jackets, shells, etc.) for my son, when he was about 1 or 2, I had to have them. Nothing compared, not LL Bean or Land's End. They have cute stuff but Patagonia is just adorable and the colors, well can you say quilted orange down jacket! He was the talk of the playground. I kid you not that everyone asked me what I was going to do with that jacket when he outgrew it. And they did not make it again the following year. Sometimes it is hard to find cute clothes for boys as all of the cute stuff is made for girls but this is not the case with Patagonia. Way to go Patagonia and thanks for making such stylish, comfy, warm and practical clothes for little boys. Just small versions of what they make for big guys. Now if only The North Face would introduce a children's line. Well, a toddler line. www.patagonia.com...

carilyn says "Bounce Like Tigger" about Galt Toys Trampoline

carilyn — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:31:38 GMT

This is the coolest toy! A friend has it for her kids and when we go to their house, my son loves it. Great fun for kids from about age 3-4. I imagine they will lost interest after about 4 1/2 or so. Not sure. You can use it in a small space and it has a handle to hold on to. I believe it holds up to 150 lbs but I do not think it is recommended for adult use. Comes in a cute red and blue color and just hours of entertainment. Kids have to take turns though as only one at a time can be on the trampouline. Nice idea for a rainy day when they are literally bouncing off the walls!

Trampoline by Galt Toys (Target) http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8112478-8241443?_encoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0007VZVGK

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carilyn says "For the Best Haircut in Town -- for your Little One" about The Hair Chair - Bellevue, WA

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:54:27 GMT

We love this place! In fact, when our stylist, Rachel, almost left to go to another salon, their sister property across town, we would have followed her there. She is the BEST! And, my son adores her. So much so that he invited her to his birthday party. She is great with kids and with cutting hair. Love the service and the wayshe cuts hair. Highly recommend it and would not go anyplace else. This is where we got his first hair cut and plan to keep coming back. It can be a traumatic experience for some and they make it as painless as possible in a cute setting. It is located in The Kid's Club at University Village in Seattle....

carilyn says "Built Better than Tonka" about Bruder MAN Side loading Garbage Truck Green

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:48:31 GMT

My son adores trucks as most 4 year olds do and these are the best. Made of bright plastic but durable and no sharp edges, Bruder trucks come in every truck imaginable. And they are realistic looking. My son can play with them for hours and never seems to tire of them. We have been getting them for him since he was two years old and although pricey, they seem to be worth the investment. They do tend to cost twice the price of a Tonka truck but more durable. They can be found at specialty small toy stores but not at places like Target or Toys R Us. Everything from tow trucks to bulldozers. You name it. Hours of fun to be had.

My son's personal favorite seems to be this garbage truck:

http://thetoyhunt.com/br2763.html

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carilyn says "Coziest PJs Around" about Rugged Bear clothing

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:41:42 GMT

A good friend sent these PJs to my son for a gift and they are absolutely adorable. He begs to wear the TRUCK PJS and unfortunately outgrew them so I went online to see what else they make. Rugged Bear is the name of the company and they have a website with lots of other cute stuff too. Nice quality and the softest cotton. Way better than any Gap or Old Navy PJs and much cuter. Love them and so does our son. Go to Rugged Bear.com to see what they have under sleepwear and their other selections too....

carilyn says "Look out Tiger Woods" about Texan Classics Junior Golf Club Set

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:34:29 GMT

When my husband recently took up golf, and our son wanted to join him at the driving range, next to our house, we thought a perfect gift would be golf clubs, and I had no idea that they actually made them in teeny sizes for 4 year olds. The first time we went to the driving range, he just used a small putter. Boy will he be in for a surprise, when we surprise him with these (http://www.amazon.com/Texan-Classics-Junior-Golf-Stand/dp/B000GUNB3M/ref=pd_bbs_3/102-9496377-3301766?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1184563784&sr=8-3) and I have seen others at Toys R Us that are equally cute. Nice heavy weight, so not a toy that is for sure. Don't go swinging these around as your little one will need some adult supervision. But what a great gift for your budding Tiger Woods and they even come with either blue or pink bags. For $49.99, a great gift for the interested golfer....

carilyn says "Say Cheese!" about Kodak Easy Share Gallery

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:26:39 GMT

I have been using this site, formerly ofoto.com, since I got a digital camera, which was 4 years ago, and I still like it. I have tried snapfish and others but I am loyal to this one. I store all of my images on it and share my albums with friends and family through it. I also order all of my prints and a fair amount of products such as personalized albums, mugs, etc. through the site. The quality is good, good customer service and I do think that it is the best way to send images of your child to friends and family who are far away. Much faster of course than sending one-by-one via email and of course, it is easier for others to then order their own prints. Great site and rarely have had problems with it. When I have, they have immediately helped and/or offered a credit if something was not to my satisfaction. www.ofoto.com...

carilyn says "Helping us Get Closer to the Potty" about Hanes Underwear

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:20:41 GMT

Potty training has been no easy feat for us and we are still in the midst of it, but thank goodness for these undies with characters on them. Batman, Power Rangers, Thomas the Train, I could go on and on. If they were just plain white, my son would not even put them on. Almost daily, I come home with a new pack and that seems to entice him more and he doesn't want to go back to Pull-ups but rather wants to wear his new undies with the cool people or images on them. I've heard that Hanna Anderson and others make much softer and nicer quality undies but for now, I am relying on these three-packs with familiar faces on them to get us closer to fewer accidents and more trips to the potty....

carilyn says "Adorable Entertainment for Children" about Maya and Miguel PBS Television Show

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:15:55 GMT

This show, Maya and Miguel, appears to be PBS' answer to Go Diego and Dora. It is quite nice and my son, almost 4, started watching it about a week ago, and now we TiVo it reguarly. He really likes it and has started asking to watch it at night before bed. He was pretty into Diego but this seems to capture his attention even more.

http://pbskids.org/mayaandmiguel/flash.html

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carilyn says "The Best Site to Order Everything you Need to Plan a Perfect Par" about Birthday Express

carilyn — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:10:29 GMT

This is the ultimate party planning website. If you are into planning your child's birthday parties and don't have access to a great store in your town, then you will most likely find what you need at Birthday Party express. I was recently planning a Batman theme party and having trouble finding things such as a pinata, plates, etc. as everything out in the stores was Spiderman-related and as soon as I got on their site, they had it all. Even things that I would never have thought of including the Batman costume, batarang, you name it! It is one stop shopping and so easy. And the most adorable Batman t-shirt that of course, I must get for the birthday boy to wear to the party. www.birthdayexpress.com....