When it’s time to wrap things up at the end of a long day, it seems most children just aren’t ready to go to sleep.  Getting them to go to bed can be a real problem for most parents.

I think I found something that will make it much easier to coax them in to their rooms, and keep the scary monsters under the bed away at the same time.  The Twilight Turtle is the first plush constellation nightlight ever created and a gentle way to help ease kids off to dreamland.

A magical array of stars is projected on to your child’s walls and ceiling in three-color options. Eight real constellations are included in this awesome show including the Big Dipper.  Little ones will be fascinated and even older kids will enjoy it.

The Twilight Turtle Star Guide is included for those of you who need a refresher course as well as an adoption certificate (don’t forget to name him) a delightful Twilight Turtle book is also included for a quick read, and automatic shut-off safety feature is standard.

What a wonderful way to say goodnight to your kids. And a neat way to learn about the constellations too!

When I was pregnant with my son, my parents re-gifted me a very expensive rocking chair to nurse my baby in.  This was the same one that my father bought my mother when I was born, so it was very sentimental to me.

Although it was in good shape, it was not very comfy. My son and I spent many a night in that chair, bonding, and it wasn’t long before we’d moved on to the sofa.

I wish I’d had the Durtailer 909 Sleigh Back Maple Glider.  This chair has everything you need to keep you comfortable during feeding time or anytime you and your baby need a little break.

This model comes with 3-inch thick cushions and a matching ottoman. With its optimal lumbar support and smooth gliding motion, you may even drift off yourself.  The Durtailier swivels an even 360 degrees so you can turn all the way around in it without disturbing a sleeping child, and makes it easier to get in and out of. That is unless you are reclining in it (which it also does!)

This chair will last long after the nursery becomes a guest room, but the memories you’ll have will last forever.

I listened with amusement to my sister’s horror story of how she schlepped around SIX stores last weekend while sick with the flu, looking for a bathing suit for my 12 year old niece. I didn’t know they had six stores that sold bathing suits!

They finally found a suit that was agreeable for the very picky and somewhat modest girl at store number six.  She liked the suit, but refused to go in the water the next day for some reason, but that’s a whole other story!

The point is everyone needs to feel comfortable in swimwear, especially pre-teen girls. That’s why I recommend the Patagonia Girls Boardie Shorts. This is what my niece ended up choosing and she happily reports they look “Fierce”

These are a great look for all ages and shapes.  The   micro fiber /poly material dries quickly and the hip longer length offers terrific sun protection.  The colorful print allows you to purchase more than one top to wear with them, so you get a variety of different looks.

You can wear suit bottoms under these as well while in the water.  (They also make a great cover-up)

Everyone is happy and I’m just glad I have a boy.

As a mother, I am always looking for something cool for my son to wear that’s hip, not too costly and preferably made with natural fibers.  I’m sorry to say that’s not always the case when accepting hand me downs from the neighbor next door.

That’s why when I saw these trendy sandals from Monkey Toes, I just had to share. The Buzzy Bee MJ’s-9 are truly charming.   These comfy, hand-painted (in the U.S.A.) sandals are perfect for a little one’s feet .The easy open design of these make them a breeze to slip on and off, which is great for kids who cannot quite tie their shoes yet.  Designed to look like smiley bumblebees, they are the perfect “what shoes should I wear?” shoe.

Sporting a nice rubber sole, they are terrific to wear almost anywhere.  Just throw them in the washer when they get dirty. They also come in other cute insect designs as well as assorted animals.  Monkey Toes are like little friends for your feet and are gender neutral which makes them perfect if you’re the one passing them down. Appropriate for ages 6 months to 5 years.

Don’t be surprised if your kids won’t give them up!

The first time I drank a cup of tea was at my grandmothers’ house.  I remember being fascinated with the dainty china cups it was offered in and feeling very grownup as we chatted, munched on homemade cookies and had a “party beside the table”.

You can recreate that simple time with the Schylling Associates Summer Bug Tea Set.  This cute retro set comes with everything you need to host a grand event.

It comes with a tea- pot, cups, saucers, cake plates and a handy serving tray.  While I am a big fan of wooden toys, I couldn’t resist this charming set made out of tin. It’s brightly painted with an assortment of butterflies and dragonflies, perfect for your little ones picnic in the grass. Be sure to take it to Grandma’s house and impress her with a cup.

While this is not a new idea in the marketplace, it is one that may be overlooked in favor of the latest fad. Don’t pass this one up.  This is a darling gift to give a little girl or even a boy.  Every kid should have a tea set, and this one is the sweetest one I’ve seen in a while.

Did you ever attend a baby shower and admire the person who thoughtfully created a “money tree” as their gift?  It’s a pretty neat idea and is just so much more creative than putting a check in a card.

That’s how I feel about The Baby Bunch. A bouquet of baby essentials designed to look like a lovely spray of flowers.  This terrific gift includes infant socks, a hat, a tiny tee, 2 onesies and a bib.  Everything a new mother can never get enough of and will surely appreciate.

One more thing to add to this glorious idea is the addition of real wood and fabric “roses” nestled in the bouquet for mom.  What a nice keepsake for the recipient to have as a reminder of the thoughtful friend who gave it to her.  Why not include a vase to display them in?  The memory of this nifty gift will last long after baby has outgrown the clothes.

Shipped in a beautiful floral box ready for giving, you’ll be the hit of the shower!

Also worth noting, the Baby Bunch is available in an organic cotton version that’s a little bit more expensive, but really terrific. And you know how I love organics!

I came across these leggings and longed for a baby again.  For starters, they’re organic, (one of my favorite words.) And they’re adorable, not to mention green (the color)

Made by  KEE-KA, these 95/5%  certified organic cotton/lycra leggings  are what every mom needs for her infant. This wardrobe essential is made with low impact dyes which have been proven to be less irritating and better for a newborns skin.

These are like a woman’s little black dress.  Because they are cotton, they work no matter what climate you live in and baby can almost wear them year round.  Pair them with a cute hoodie during cooler weather or a sweet t-shirt in the spring.  The contrast stitching adds fun. Your darling little girl can even wear these under a dress for added coverage and style.

The possibilities are endless. Wrap up a pair or two for a new mom and introduce her to something that is good for baby and easy for her.

Suitable for ages 6-12 months, they are machine washable and dryable.  Inexpensive, these are a steal! I would suggest picking up more than one, because you probably won’t want to be without.  Now if only they made my size

To use or not to use?  That answer is a tricky one.

When I was a child, it wasn’t even a question.  Every well-equipped parent bought a playpen (as they were called in those days) and that was where you went with a cup full of cereal while mommy talked on the phone.  And it was not a bad thing, and we survived.

Many parents choose not to utilize the playpen anymore for various reasons. I used one when my son was an infant. Some of my friends used one longer.  If you do plan to use a play yard  for a short or a long time, The Combi Play Yard Jazz Deluxe looks like a winner.

My favorite thing about this playpen is that it is on wheels! (They lock into place for safety.) How great to be able to take your napping baby in to the kitchen with you if need be, or even outside without disturbing him. An idea that is long overdue in playpen design.

Soft padding and portable mattress are standard, but this deluxe model also includes a diaper changer, (not an actual person) removable bassinet, soft music and a vibration unit. It folds for easy storage too. Ahhhhh, our mothers’ dream!

My friend recently got a puppy.  Good luck housebreaking him, I crowed.  She proudly announced to me that he had learned to do his thing outside in one day.  In other words, he got it!

Sigh.

If only training our kids were that easy.  Because I have a boy I don’t really know which gender is easier to train.  I would imagine neither one.  I just know it’s the dreaded task we have to look forward to once they reach the toddler stage.

The Safety First Smart Rewards Potty looks like a good solution. This interactive potty has a sensor which greets your child when they sit down, followed by a cheery song. It also congratulates them when they do their business.

The handle makes a real flushing noise too!  Stickers are attached to the side panel as an extra bonus. And the seat is removable as they grow to fit on to an adult toilet for extra security.

Let’s face it, this is no easy task, but with The Smart Rewards Chair, You’ve pretty much got everything you need to get them started on their way to becoming a big kid.  And won’t they be proud.

How cool is this?

I never heard of Smencils until I saw them in my local art supply store one day.  I love to find clever and unique items and as you can probably tell from my posts, preferably ones that are eco-friendly.  These Smencils Gourmet Scented Colored Pencils fit the bill.

Smencils are made by winding recycled newspapers around graphite, and then dipping them into yummy gourmet fragrances such as green apple, strawberry, bubble gum and more!  They’re labeled by smell so children can choose which flavor they want to use.

The fragrances are authentic and guaranteed to last for two years. (Best to store them in the freshness tube that’s included – Ha! – OK, best to TRY to have your child remember to not lose the freshness tube or feed it to the dog so you can store the Smencils in it. )

Imagine your pre-schoolers’delight in writing his ABCs with a juicy watermelon pencil.  This is great for pre-teens as well, especially girls.  They’re always looking for the newest thing and what better way to make a friend then to let them borrow a delicious smelling Smencil?  (Incidentally, these are made from No.2 graphite so they are acceptable for school).

Wow, I just thought about what a great teacher’s gift this would make!