Review: Wiggle Giggle Learn
October 10, 2008
I have the best of both worlds. I get to stay home with my son 5 days a week and I am able to maintain my skill and expertise as a NICU nurse 2 days a week. My son is growing and changing so much and I’m constantly searching for ways to foster his curiosity. He is taking in everything and I find myself struggling since my background is not in education.
Recently, I came across a unique education program, geared towards children ages 0-5, called Wiggle Giggle Learn. The program includes simple activity plans that can be done in just 15 minutes a day. The suggested activities are age-specific and include things like nursery rhymes and finger plays, field trip suggestions, and vocabulary word cards. The program was founded by twin sisters Stacey and Tracey in response to a lack of resources for parents who wanted to prepare their children for school. Their mission statement mirrors the goals I have for educating my son: ”to advance the intellectual and social abilities of children by empowering parents with the knowledge and tools necessary for teaching their children to learn to flourish from birth.”
I appreciate play groups and music classes to complement what he is learning at home but I want to be his primary educator at this point. My son loves for me to read and sing to him but beyond that I really had no idea how else to educate him before receiving this program. He is starting to speak (mostly words that only mommy and daddy recognize) and I have definitely noticed an improvement in his development since we started doing some of the activities in the program. My son and I like to sing songs like the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and The Wheels On the Bus. Now that we have this program I’ve been using the finger plays with my son and he is actually doing the motions when I sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider. It has been so much fun doing the activities with him.
I highly recommend visiting the site so you can preview the program for yourself. The site itself contains a wealth of information including recommendations on educational books and toys, how to create family rules, and a checklist for choosing a childcare center. You have several options available if you’re interested in purchasing the Wiggle Giggle Learn program including a la carte and all-inclusive packages.
Green Me: 30 Days to Natural
October 10, 2008
They say it takes 30 days to form a habit. That’s the premise behind most weight loss programs and the key to success if you’re trying to adopt a change in lifestyle. I do everything I can to live the “green life.” We recycle, buy local and organic, and preserve energy. We also use Clorox GreenWorks all-natural household cleaners. I have many roles and responsibilities…wife, mother, nurse, writer… My time is precious and I need simple, effective solutions.
Going green is easier than I thought it would be. That’s the message behind GreenWorks 30 Days to Natural site. Do you want practical tips on recycling or using eco-friendly cleaners? Sign up to receive their daily tips and in 30 days you’ll have made 30 small, simple steps towards a greener home. You may have noticed that cute little badge on my sidebar. I’m living the green life and loving it. Why not join me and many others who have committed to making their homes a more natural place to live. So the question is…how do I get started?
1. Plant a daisy
2. Sign up to receive the 30 days of tips
3. Follow the video diaries of 3 moms on their 30 days to natural
Stay tuned for a short video on how I’m living the green life!
Magical Memories
October 10, 2008
Today my little boy will visit the Disneyland Resort for the very first time. Thanks to Maria Bailey and MomSelect, we’re going to Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party. Tonight at Disney’s California Adventure Park, we’re going to enjoy treat stations, lively music, interactive games, and special activities. My parents first took me to Disneyland at the tender age of 2 and I can tell you that every time I go it’s magical. I’ve never been to Disney’s California Adventure Park so it will be a first for all 3 of us. My little boy will be dressed as Bob the Builder and my very good friend and guest blogger Kristin will be joining us. I’m excited because we get to meet Amanda from Mommy Mandy, Channah from Get A Grip, Mom!, and Candace from “Deal”ectible Mommies. I’ll be sure to post pics and give you the 411 on all the happenings! For now…enjoy this video snippet from previous events.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVsaxCX8Buw&hl=en&fs=1]
Innovative Solutions: The Veggie-Peel (Plus a Giveaway!)
October 10, 2008
*Update*
This giveaway is now closed. Thank you so much for stopping by. The winner is Noreen (it’s not often that random.org picks the first comment!). Congratulations!
It’s another day in the Bailey household and the redundant question of the day is “What’s for dinner?” My husband is the savvy one and I often skirt cooking duty in exchange for clean-up! My husband is probably the messiest cook I’ve ever known but I can’t complain because his meals are soooo yummy. I think I’d probably be inclined to spend more time in the kitchen if I had products that made cooking and clean-up easier like The Veggie-Peel.
I have to thank Nicole over at Apron Strings Aflutter for introducing me to this fabulously ingenious product. Gone are the days of clogged kitchen sink drains and flying cucumber peels. The Veggie-Peel is a simple, savvy, safe solution for meal prep. It features a double-sided blade, which makes it user-friendly for anyone, regardless of which hand they prefer to use. The fruit and vegetable peelings empty into an acrylic chamber which has a removable cap. Clean-up is literally the time it takes to open the chamber and empty the peelings into the trash. The Veggie-Peel is simple to clean and dishwasher safe.
Check out my short video review!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ4sRzoh_PM&hl=en&fs=1]
Annette Sanchez, founder and CEO of the Veggie-Peel, has received national recognition for her invention. The Veggie-Peel was selected as one of the final eight products selected from over 6,000 product inventions presented on Oprah. Most recently, her and her product were featured on The Today Show.
The Veggie-Peel is available for purchase on her website for $19.99. Check out her site for a video demo and a truly inspiring recipe for carrot cake (among others)!
Win It! How would you like to get your hands on a Veggie-Peel? Annette has graciously offered to give one of you a Veggie-Peel. Head on over to her site and take a look around. Come back and tell me why you need a Veggie-Peel. Comments will close on October 17, 2008 at 10 pm PST and I will announce the winner here the following day. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. That means you can gain up to a total of three entries!
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.
