Anya's Room

Book Giveaway: The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

2011-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today, Anya's Room is pleased to present the trailer for THE CROWN ON YOUR HEAD by Nancy Tillman and the chance to win a copy of the book. Take a look at the trailer:

What do you think of the trailer? Answer in the comments section and fill out the Rafflecopter widget for a chance to win.

We know our children are special, and now the incomparable Nancy Tillman expresses this universal feeling in the most touching of ways: Every child is born with a crown. The crown is everything that gives us unique value. Our crown will always be with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

Fisher-Price Dora the Explorer Fiesta Favorites Kitchen

2011-09-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Review of Fisher-Price Dora the Explorer Fiesta Favorites Kitchen

Product Image from Amazon.
Fiesta Favorites Kitchen provided
by the Amazon Vine program in
exchange for an honest review.

Summary of Experience: Anya is a big fan of the little cutie, Dora, so anything Dora would be a win in her book, but we've had a play kitchen in the past and I wasn't as impressed and most of the moms that recommended that particular kitchen. The DORA FIESTA FAVORITES kitchen looks like a win though in my book. It was easy to put together and is very bright and interactive, which keeps my little 4-year old's attention and there was also play food and recipe cards that went along with the design for even more finishing touches. The attention to detail, easy construction and low price make this a good choice for your little Dora fan.

Construction: I will be the first to admit that I'm not a handy person. My husband usually steps in and takes over any projects I start that involves a screwdriver. This one does involve a screwdriver. One Philips - first one I chose, so nothing fancy. It was literally maybe twenty screws and the instructions were very straight forward. I only had one particular hitch, which was with the bottom are (the magenta piece that is the base) in which it wouldn't fit properly. I just had to fit my hands into the base and "click" it though, which was awkward and I don't have huge hands, at least I hope not. But once I figured it out, it went in perfectly. And it does say to get your hand in there and push - I just didn't quite get it.

But, that was a tiny hitch and overall construction took me maybe 20 minutes.

Kid response: Instant love. Santa came early in this household.

Images of the final product, it looks exactly the same as the product shot.

Final image shot. Everything came out
exactly as advertised.

The recipes are what give this kitchen an added bonus. Press the button and the voice corresponds to the recipes. You can flip it over and do more recipes. It would have been nice to come with more recipes, but I'm sure you can add to it later.

Dora is visiting the kitchen! Keeping with the Dora colors the kitchen is pinks and oranges and bright and fiesta. Very inviting.

Pieces and parts were included that your little one will enjoy playing with. Salsa, eggs, hamburgers and much more.

Anya's Back

2011-09-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Because of work craziness and a lack of time, Anyasroom.com has slowed down for the last six or so months. But, I plan to get it started back again, so stay tuned! This should be fun, I have a few things that I really need to talk about...

Allison Investigates: Does Chocolate Milk Come from Brown Cows?

2010-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Allison Investigates: Does Chocolate Milk Come From Brown Cows
Written and Illustrated by Colette Omans Nicoletta

Review copy provided by author.

A very cute and informative children's novel that introduces us to Allison a very inquisitive child that sets out to prove her father wrong when he tells her "Chocolate milk comes from brown cows." Allison knows her father is a very smart man, but she just doesn't think his statement is correct. A trip to the farm and an in-depth instruction on how milk gets from the cow to the you teaches Allison exactly where chocolate milk comes from. The book is all about the milk making process, the different types of cows and fun facts about cows and milk. It was cute, the illustrations were interesting and well done and I think I might keep my eyes open for more Allison books.

http://www.colettenicoletta.com

Strawberry Shortcake Remote Control Car

2010-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Strawberry Shortcake RC Vehicle

Anya loves her latest toy. She got this as a reward for phenomenally good behavior at the dentist. I was really scared about the dentist appointment because of an incident with a splinter the week before. It was bad - and our first trip to the dentist resulted in a freaked out child and very stressed out mom. New dentist and a bribe of "You get to pick out any toy you want!" The dentist was wonderful, Anya was perfect and our trip to Wal-Mart ended with a new remote controlled Strawberry Shortcake toy which even the hubs likes to play with. It's cute, it's fun and it was very inexpensive. It's listed as $22.98 on amazon, but I picked up for under $18 at Wal-Mart.

We like it because:

Durable
Easy to use
Fun
Well constructed
Affordable

I found nothing to complain about regarding this toy.

The Elf on the Shelf

2010-12-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

A giggled recommendation from a co-worker directed my attention to The Learning Express and a hurried purchase of The Elf on the Shelf.

Uniquely packaged, in a keepsake box, the package includes a cute little elf and a book that tells the story of The Elf on the Shelf. You see the Elf is delivered to boys and girls and it sits high on a shelf or window or any where else that is quite comfortable and acts as Santa's eyes and ears. Checking on boys and girls to make sure they are being good. Then at night the little elf flies back to the North Pole and reports the child's actions, making sure your child is on the good list if they are deserving.

My little girl had come home with five yellow unhappy faces in a row and has been acting pretty snippy as of late, I figured the Elf on the Shelf was right up my alley. There were tons available at The Learning Express and they were priced cheaper than Amazon. By the way, the description of the elf is on the side of the box, you can pick blond hair, dark skinned, etc. I obviously wasn't paying attention when I picked up our elf, but that is ok, brings a little diversity in the household ;)

I opened the package before I got home and actually wrapped the book into a package because we are always getting books in the mail and it is regular habit of ours to squeal "Present!" when we get a package and hurry and open it. Usually the packages are for mommy but every now and again Anya gets one. Well I labeled the book for her and put the return address as Santa's. You should have seen her eyes when I handed her the package. She ripped it open and we sat down and read the book immediately. I had also snuck in and placed the Elf on the Shelf on top of the Bookshelf before she saw me...so after we read the book, I whispered, "Do you think the elf is here?" We looked all over until she spotted the elf and it was just magical how she lit up --- a little skittish at first, she didn't know what to think, but soon she was whispering to the elf what she wanted for Christmas. Now every morning she looks for Anne (the elf) and makes sure she came back.

Also, a quick little, "Anne is watching," helps to curb bad behavior. Best $30 investment ever. Also, every year the Elf on the Shelf comes back... a lifetime of memories.

Problems are with the elf. Hard time sitting the little guy up sometimes and she has fallen off the shelf a few times - and try explaining that to a child! We might have to invest in a bigger elf next year.

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex by Lisa McClatchy

2010-08-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex by Lisa McClatchy

Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

This is Anya's latest book crush. And frankly, I love this book also. Funny when you get excited to read a book to your daughter, because you want to hear it!

The story is about a little girl, who is having her sixth birthday and she desperately wants Tyrannosaurus Rex at her party. She writes him a letter and lets him know exactly what will be happening at her party and how much fun they will have together.

It is a wonderful story, easy to read, cute and entertaining. Anya is always giggling at each beautiful illustration.

A must have for your little one's library!

Took Some Time Off & Remembering Katrina

2010-08-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

With the start of school, I've had to focus on just one blog at a time. Or really 2...so this one kind of took a back seat to school starting and a huge even that I was running on blogwithbite.com - and then of course Mockingjay

So I had planned on doing this for Wordless Wednesday, but life of course gets away from me, so might as well do this for the anniversary.

Katrina 5 Years. It seems like so long ago, but not really. Its kind of like a different life. But, after the 2 years of shock wore off, I now think I'm kind of selfish for even being in shock because I didn't lose anything but stuff. My entire family got out, no one was on a roof - a cousin was in a tree, but he is perfectly fine now. I didn't lose any of my animals - they all came with me, as annoying as that car ride was. It was just stuff. A lot of stuff.

The tree partly fell on the shed.
No big deal.

So, on that note. This is my Katrina story. I lived in Lakeview, which was close to another levee break. The 9th ward levee break is the more publicized, one because a lot of the area was very poor and the people couldn't get out as easily as the Lakeview residents, so there was more loss of life and two, the break was on a larger waterway with barges and boats, so the damage was much more extensive because of the water flow.

I had just started a business about 9 months before. A design business with a friend of mine. I had sunk all of my 401K money into purchasing equipment and advertising. We had just landed our first big client. I had been married for almost 2 years, but we had lived in the house on Louisville for about 4 years, if I'm not mistaken. It was small, and it was old, but it was home. We were unprepared for the storm. We usually threw hurricane parties, in fact we were still recovering from Hurricane Cindy which had knocked a tree down in the back and blew my brother's fraternity brother off the front porch.

I had three pairs of clothes, because after I had packed a huge suitcase, a nagging voice in my head said the DH would be peeved if he had to haul this large suitcase all the way to Chattanooga... so I left it and packed a small duffel. I did grab my pink Candies though.

Long story short, we went to Chattanooga. Spent a few days there and when it was obvious we weren't going to go back to NOLA anytime soon, we went to Texarkana, TX and then to Austin, where we stayed for 2 months. We did keep driving back and forth. The first time was right after the water receded. We had to go the back way, because there was still water in some places, but we just had to see it for ourselves. This is what we found:

There was still a lot of mud on the ground. This was
the back entrance.

That is the ceiling. The water was in the attic.

My kitchen.

Those are ceiling tiles, printers and the computer. I took the
server though.

We had to pry the door open with a crow bar. When the water
drained it had pushed all the detritus towards the exits. We
never managed to get into the bedroom.

So, the moral of this story. It's just stuff. Don't put lives in jeopardy for stuff. You get over it, you buy more stuff. Get out. We weren't going to leave. I thank God all the time that we didn't stay.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday at the Aquarium of the Americas...

The Adventures of the Thundering Whales by Stephen Vadakin

2010-08-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

Adventures of the Thundering Whales: The Dreaded Weaved Catcher
by Author Marine Life Sculptor Stephen Vadakin
Review copy provided by author.

If you have a child that is interested in sea life, especially whales and dolphins, this is the book for them. Highly informative and entertaining, this book is a nice addition to a young readers library.

The story covers the adventures of three dolphins {Thunder, Flukie and Sapphire} and the tragedy of Thunder being caught in a fishing net.

The book is a little rough around the edges and doesn't have the polish of a big publishing house, but it was an enjoyable read and Anya really enjoyed the pictures.

Recommended for ages 7+ with an interest in marine life.

Today we are participating in:

Thrifty Thursday - Back to School

2010-08-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Just want to pass on some things that I did to save money for Anya's trip back to school.

1. The big one was financing. Anya goes to Catholic School, which offers financing to pay for the tuition. The problem with any financing is interest. No matter how small amount of a finance charge, or interest rate, it is still extra money that you have to pay on top of the tuition costs. By saving ahead of time, or borrowing from a 0% interest source you eradicate those finance and interest charges. It saved us over $400 in interest and finance charges. Now...when transitioning from a day care to school I was used to paying month to month. So now that we have the tuition paid in advanced by skimping and saving - and still used to paying that monthly day care charge, to save up for the next hit of tuition we just put the money that we would pay for day care into an account to await the next time tuition will be due.

2. Uniforms. Even public school has to wear uniforms and the things with kids is that they actually grow out of their uniforms before the wear them out. I got in touch with a friend that her daughter went to the same school as Anya and asked her if she had any left over uniforms that would fit Anya. Luck would have it she did. One hand-me-down uniform saves me nearly $60.

3. School supplies. WAL-MART! Everything is .50 - $1.00 you can't beat their prices for school supplies, even at the dollar store.

How did you save on Back to School expenses???

Ooh time for hopping...

2010-08-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite YA/Tween Books

2010-08-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

These are the Best of the Best - the books that made me fall in love with reading and the ones I am picking up slowly to stock Anya's library.

1. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

A classic, the series follows the Wallace children and their intense adventure to find their parents. This book, along with it's counterparts, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet and Many Water instilled my love for the fantasy and science fiction genres.

2. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

This was an English assignment for one of my classes 7th grade I think. I might have the grade mixed up. The book haunts me, to this day, after I read it. There is nothing like learning history through a persons eyes and depictions. The irony is that Crane never set foot upon a battlefield, but his rich imagination spun a tale that still rings true.

3. William Goldings Lord of the Flies

Nothing like reading about the baser nature of human beings and what they can do to one another under pressure. This book teaches a few lessons. It horrifies, enlightens and speaks to you. It's one of my favorites, but I don't know if I can go back and read it now that I am a parent.

4. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

This was the first series I ever read and I was completely charmed by Anne's life. A later found my way into Nancy Drew and other sets, but Anne was my first role model and book friend. I recently picked picked up a large illustrated version of Anne of Green Gables and read it to Anya. I think she might appreciate it more as she gets older, but she laughed aloud numerous times at Anne's antics.

5. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

I bawled for hours after reading Where the Red Fern Grows and would torture myself over and over again by rereading this particular tale. This is the first story that touched me enough that I was an emotional wreck after reading and the story still brings a tear to my eye when I revisit it's pages.

6. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

The Newberry Medal-winning story of a young girl that has to fend for herself on an island for years and years managed to become one of my all time favorites as a child. A summer reading book, I reread this one over and over that summer, identifying with Karana and her struggles. To this day, I'm a huge fan of the triumph of women and what they can accomplish without a man stepping in and rescuing them. Yet, when they have finally discovered themselves, and conquered their surroundings, then does the man come in and they can begin discovering each other, instead of him solving her problems.

7. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

A much more charming mystery than those Nancy Drew books that I had worn out earlier that summer, I was completely engaged in the tale of this brother and sister team that ran away to all places, NYs Metropolitan Museum of Art. Entertaining and a bit educational - your young reader might learn something if they pay attention.

8. Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis

I'm always happy when books gain a little more popularity because they've become a feature film. I did enjoy the films, but the books are so much more. The books of Narnia led me on a path that had me reading The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings series at a very young age.

9. The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell

Scott O'Dell is a genius, and the only author to grace this list twice. He had a gift. He wrote about children that overcame great obstacles and triumphed over the land. As a child it is wonderful to read about kids your own age and the things you just might be able to accomplish it you put your mind to it... like battle a monstrous sea creature for a rare pearl.

10. Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elisabeth George Speare

I seemed to have liked this Newberry winners as a child. Good taste, I guess. Another adversity story. This one about the struggle within oneself to stay true to who you are, or modify your behavior to fit into the genpop. I'm always surprised at just what people will do to fit into a crowd. It's refreshing to read about the ones that do not...

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

2010-08-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

Rocket whom just wanted to lay under a tree and nap after a very long morning of dogginess, unexpectedly lands in a class led by a little yellow bird. At first Rocket doesn't want anything to do with class - until the little yellow bird lures him with a very tantalizing read about a dog and his bone.

After that Rocket is an apt student who is intent on learning to read. He spells out everything he finds.

Very C-U-T-E illustrations and well written, your child will not only be entertained but it also throws in a bit of knowledge. With a ton of spelled out E-A-S-Y words for the beginner reader. It didn't wow Anya as some of her other books, but she did enjoy the read and we had fun spelling out the words.

My No-Go BlogHer Post

2010-08-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I will not be attending BlogHer this year. But I am participating in the No-Go BlogHer Contest at www.tobethode.com

My Official Questions:

When did you start blogging?
Why did you start blogging?
What is one thing you are going to do this week that is WAY cooler than going to BlogHer?
Share a post that you think says a lot about you or is your favorite. (share the link in YOUR post so we all can see)

Swim! Swim!

Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur! Retold by Margaret Read MacDonald

2010-08-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur! Retold by Margaret Read MacDonald, Illustrated by Alik Arzoumanian

Tunjur is a word derived from the Arabic word for cook pot, tunjura. It is the imagined sound of a cooking pot as it rolls. The story, Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!: A Palestinian Folktale is a folk tale, retold that was originally recited by the 55 year-old Fatme Abdel Qader of a little village in Galilee.

Beautifully illustrated, it is the tale of a woman who wants a child desperately, so she prays for a child: "I would love a child, even if it is nothing more than a cooking pot!"

Her prayer is literally granted and the woman finds her self the mother of a cooking pot and of course, the cooking pot like most children has to be taught morals before it can venture in the wide world. This one though, is literally taught a lesson...because of it's "bad" actions.

The moral of this story is not to take things that aren't yours. But, like most folktales or parables it is done in a round about way, but unlike most this one was rather amusing...while kind of bizarre having to imagine a cooking pot as a child. Anya enjoyed it and likes to try to say Tunjur. Its funny to hear what she comes up with.

Top Ten Tuesday - Anya's Favorite Dr. Suess Books

2010-08-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

Of course we love Dr. Suess in this family, but Anya has a few favorites of her own. These are her fave books by the illustrious Dr. Suess.

1.		One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish "From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere."
2.		How the Grinch Stole Christmas! "In Who-ville they say That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day!"
3.		Horton Hears A Who! On the fifteenth of May, in the Jungle of Nool, In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool, He was splashing... enjoying the jungle's great joys... When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.
4.		Green Eggs And Ham "I would not like them here or there. I would not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them Sam I Am."
5.		The Cat in the Hat "The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house All that cold, cold, wet day."
6.		Dr. Suess's A B C "Big R little r. Rosy Robin Ross. Rosy's going riding on her red rhinoceros."
7.		Oh, the Places You'll Go! "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
8.		THE LORAX "I am the Lorax! I speak for the trees, Which you seem to be chopping as fast as you please; But I also speak for the brown Barbaloots, Who frolicked and played in their Barbaloot suits, Happily eating Truffula fruits. Now, since you've chopped the trees to the ground There's not enough Truffula fruit to go 'round! And my poor Barbaloots are all feeling the crummies Because they have gas, and no food, in their tummies."
9.		I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! "The more that you read, The more things you will know. The more that you learn, The more places you’ll go."
10.		There's a Wocket in My Pocket! "Sometimes I feel quite certain there's a Jertain in the curtain..."

I Stink by Kate Mcmullan

2010-07-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

I Stink! by Kate & Jim McMullan

Funny and a bit on the stinky side. I recommend this book for young readers because it really gets them involved. If your little one is anything like mine - well they are a bit obsessed with stinky things and they find disgustingly gross topics very interesting. So, I Stink! is basically right up a young child's alley.

Anya's favorite part is when they go into what the garbage truck eats...and it is alphabetical with alliteration, which puts a little bit of "learning" into a silly little book. The illustrations are also adorable, in a dirty kind of way.

The McMullans also have a few other books that are just as enjoyable, and while they look like they are just for boys, my little princess likes to get dirty also!

Today we are participating in:

Wordful / Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Anya will be attending Catholic School this year. I'm putting her in early because she needs to be constantly engaged and genuinely likes to learn. I'm hoping for a little genius, but you know that is the biased mom in me. Most likely it is a trait that I and my mother passed to her - which is that we can't be idle. We have to constantly be doing something, whether reading, writing, drawing, cooking...etc. With Catholic School comes uniforms...my hubby and I almost broke into tears when we were trying these on. From the cuteness, the fact she is going to school and also, well the price ;)

We are participating in:

http://www.takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/

Costume Review, My Little Cinderella

2010-07-27T04:23:00.000-07:00

The CostumeSuperCenter.com sent me a wonderfully cute Cinderella Costume for my little Anya. My daughter like most little girls is obsessed with being a princess... and above all being a Disney princess. So, even though I was pushing for the precious little Minnie Mouse costume, she wanted the Cinderella Costume.

I was very impressed with the costume, from the little pearls to the sparkly glitter all over it. It was similar in style to many of the costumes that are sold in the "Party" superstores that set up shop every Halloween and Mardi Gras, but the price was impressed me the most. The have a also have a HUGE selection of cheap costumes, especially Disney costumes.

Check out the VLOG we made about the Cinderella Costume.

The Cinderella Costume was provided by CostumeSupercenter.com in exchange for an honest review!

Fridays Are For Following...

2010-07-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Liam the Leprechaun

2010-07-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

LIAM THE LEPRECHAUN by Charles A Wilkinson
Review copy provided by author.

LIAM THE LEPRECHAUN is about the little people of Ireland and the tiniest Leprechaun of all, Poor Liam. Liam is invislible, or at least he feels that way. He is so tiny that no one every notices him in his village of Shillelagh. He tries many things to get noticed, but they only make his life a little more complicated - like growing his beard super long to stand out - but he only trips on it all the time! Finally Liam decides to visit the wisest of all leprechauns, O’Hoolihan. O’Hoolihan gives Liam so wise advice and Liam tries to take it to heart.

The story of Liam was cute and had a few lessons thrown in for your child to think about. The writing was simple for younger readers, but the Irish names might prove a little hard for them to get. Anya liked me reading this aloud to her, but it was a long story so I broke it up a few times because with the lack of pictures she would quickly loose interest. There were a few sketches in the book though, and she thought they were very cute and of course she was introduced to the myth of the Leprechaun, so we had to go over that.

Overall LIAM THE LEPRECHAUN was entertaining and cute and I would recommend it to people interested in Irish legends and myths, or anyone who just wants a touching addition to their young readers library.

Tuesday Already?

2010-07-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in...

Welcome my new friends! Just say stop in and say hello.

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. ~C.S. Lewis

Swim! Swim! by Lerch

2010-07-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Swim! Swim! by Lerch

One of the MOST entertaining books for children I have read! Swim! Swim! had me and Anya laughing uproariously and then quoting it throughout the day. Quoting it! A children's book!

Swim! Swim! is the story of Lerch and his desperate attempts to make a friend. He tries to befriend the pebbles, then the bubbles - and then well the cat. Graphically, the illustrations aren't going to go... WOW this is the best illustrations I've ever seen - but they are just perfect. Highly impressed and I think I will buy 10 copies and give it to all my friends with kids. Did I mention that it has almost a comic book setup which just speaks to my inner nerd? Love it.

Winning Reviews... Heather Gardner Photography

2010-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've won two contest in the last couple of weeks that I would like to share with everyone.
The first being my pretty little necklace from Fire & Ice Photography. She has two wonderful Etsy shops, one of which is Heather Gardner Photography and Jewelry { http://www.etsy.com/shop/heatherzahngardner }

The neatest thing ever is that she creates her jewelry and takes pictures from the inspiration of Young Adult authors. Authors such as the great Maggie Stiefvater, Cassandra Clare, and of course Stephanie Meyer's Twilight inspired jewelry. I actually won a a gift certificate and I was able to choose a piece from her collection. I'm a closet fan of steampunk and Cassandra Clare's series...so I chose the Clock Tower Pendant Necklace:

I love it and have gotten tons and tons of compliments on it. The only other piece that has garnered more compliments...is my Mignon Faget Fleur de Lis Iris - which is a work of art, like most of Mignon Faget's work.

Today we are participating in:

Winning Reviews...Elf Makeup

2010-07-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

I won some e.l.f. makeup from my BBB (best bloggy buddy) Julie at My 5 Monkeys. I think I really like this stuff. What do you think?

Pardon me, I'm at work and it is like 7 in the morning ;)

I'm really impressed. I loved how easily everything went on and it feels very light. Also, after going to the site and checking out what I won, I can't believe how affordable it is! Whoa!

What I am using this morning is the Mineral Eye Shadow, which retails at $3! The only thing I could say negative about it was the initial packaging, it was kind of hard to get open and I spilled a bit when it was opened. But, this is usually true about all mineral makeup. But, other than that, it looks great, went on easy and covered my eye lids perfectly and evenly.

I also used the wonderful - and I MEAN WONDERFUL eye liner. Also only $3! This stuff went on so easy, non of the back and forth like you are sketching out a charcoal on your face. The color I have is ASH.

Then the lip gloss. SUPER GLOSSY LIP SHINE SPF 15 in Watermelon. I really like the color and the lip gloss has stayed on and looked fresh for a couple of hours. I'm really impressed. Have I mentioned that??? Oh and wait, the lip gloss is $1! I feel like I found the Pot of Gold.

Another neat incentive is that they offer Free Shipping for orders over $35 and with their low prices, you'll spend $35 and completely update your makeup line. Which is so refreshing considering the last time I bought make up from Lancome, I spent $35 on two eye liners. Fun.

Today we are participating in:

Wordless / Wordful Wednesday

2010-07-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

The Oil Spill...

A friend told me when they went fishing in our beloved Lake Pontchartrain that when they pulled up the lines there was an oily sheen on the lines. There have been reports of tar balls in the Rigolets which is the area that basically "guards" our lake from the bayous and inlets of the Gulf. In the little picture to the left, #1 is Bayou Rigolets near Slidell. {Picture from http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov}

NASA images of the Oil Spill - but these are older, the spill has actually gotten closer.

And my images... this is the view from my office. I'm wondering if one morning I will look out and get a first hand view of the oil spill. I really hope not. But, all it would take would be one Tropical Storm or Hurricane to push the water into our waterways.

Today we are participating in:

http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/

DelMonte Fruit Chillers

2010-07-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for fun and healthy alternatives this summer I purchased the Del Monte Fruit Chillers Tubes, Grape Berry Blizzard on a whim. I couldn't have been more pleased. They are delicious! I just have to spread the word. Fruity and tasty you just pop them in your freezer over night and for the next days snack you have a frozen Popsicle that is not just frozen sugar. Anya absolutely loves these things and cried when I said she could only have one. Of course the hubs had to have two.

I'm not that impressed with the price, popsicles are usually very cheap, but these ran about $2 and some change for a pack of 8, which will go quick in this household. But for a healthy alternative, I guess you can't be that picky. If they are as healthy as they claim. In the comparison to your plain say fruit flavored popsicle, they are very similar, in fact there might be a bit more sugar in these than some of your leading popsicles. DelMonte claims though that the fruit chillers are made with real fruit and contain Vitamin C (100% daily value), which the other brands do not claim.

The big winning factor for these is that they are absolutely delicious.

The flavor we tried was Grape Berry Blizzard (featured).

I've included the nutritional information below.

Pepi Sings a New Song by Laura Ljungkvist

2010-07-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Pepi Sings a New Song by Laura Ljungkvist

One of the cutest books that we have come across in a long time, Anya is enraptured with this new addition to our library. Pepi Sings a New Song is about Pepi the precocious parrot that sings to her owner Peter whenever he looks through his telescope. Even though Peter hasn't said anything, Pepi thinks that he has become tired of her usual song, so she goes in search of new words to learn to add a little variety to her song.

Pepi visits a bakery, a music store, an artist and much more to learn new words to add to his song. The illustrations are creative, modern and engrossing, full of bold colors and easy to distinguish characters and objects. The typography is well done, words accentuated and easy to follow along with. This is a great learning tool for children to expand their vocabulary or learn to read new words.

A great addition to your child's library or a fun and intellectual gift for a young reader.

Petit, The Monster

2010-07-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Petit, the Monster by Isol (Illustrator), Elisa Amado (Translator)

This is a very cute little book that actually is from Argentina, translated into English. The original title is Petit, El Monstruo/ Petit, The Monster (Spanish Edition)

Petit is confused. He is confused because he is both good and bad. How can he be good when he likes to pull little girl's hair? But he is a good little boy. Maybe he is both good and bad?

Very cute and the illustrations are wonderful. Anya enjoyed the story and laughed at the illustrations. The entire book is also very well put together, bound in a nice hardback with wonderful depictions. It would certainly be a great addition to your child's library, or a savvy gift for a young reader.

Welcome Wordful Wednesday & New Babies

2010-07-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like welcoming a new baby into the family! My cousin just had his first child, I can't wait to see him. The hospital they had him in is about a 45 minute drive and we are weighing the options, should we go to the hospital for a short visit or wait until mom and baby are home and bring them over a casserole (I was thinking Lasagna) so we have an option to see the baby in a more relaxed environment instead of the craziness that is a hospital. I'm voting - wait for them to get home.

I remember how it was in the hospital, there was little time to relax, always someone popping in and poking your or asking if you want this or that. Very tiring, I don't think I slept at all. And I also forced my husband to stay with me the entire time - better to suffer with company right?

Well anyway...here is the new addition to our great big family. This is my aunt's 7th (2 from her step children & now five from her children) grandchild if I'm not mistaken, and my grandmother's 7th great grandchild. Welcome little A. 7lbs 10 oz and early! Wow!

Today we are participating in:

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Anya's First Award....

2010-07-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

I received this wonderful award from Ramblings and More { http://ramblingsnmore.com } and I am very excited! Very sweet of her. If I could, I would pass it right back because that lit up my day.

Rules:
To claim this award all you have to do is make a post thanking the person who gave it to you and pass it along to 12 other blogs that bring Sunshine to your life.

To say thanks for being a spot of sunshine in my life, I pass this award on to the following blogs (in no particular order):

Today we are participating in:

Friday Fun - Mercer Mayer Spotlight

2010-07-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

On of my fav books as a child was Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer. I had a few of the Little Critter books and they were the best. I remembered them to this day and even some of the lines...so you know it stuck with me. I was walking through the aisle of B&N and my eyes went straight to the spin rack of Critter books and I had to grab one for Anya. I purchased Little Critter: This Is My Town Anya was instantly in love with Little Critter and his world just as I was as a child.

Mayer's illustrations are beautiful and engrossing. Each tiny detail charming and intense. There is so much more to each page than any children's book that I have come across. The facial expressions on Little Critter and his many counterparts is priceless. There are always other little critters that make apperances on all the pages, from spiders, to mice, to crickets. Always interacting but never acknowledged in the writing, so it gives you something to have your child look for on each page. On each page, I ask Anya "Where's the mouse?" and she has a wonderful time finding where the mouse is hiding. (Image from http://www.littlecritter.com)

You should go to the web site...they have fun animations, pictures and even readings with the author (I've included a youtube vid below).

For only $3.99 a book you can't pass up these wonderful books. A great addition to your young child's library. I plan on collecting all of them!

Today we are participating in:

Winner of the Toddler Dress!

2010-07-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Winner of the Monogrammed Toddler Dress! Yeah!

Drumroll....

Entry #22

Patti!

You'll get an email.

If anyone would like a dress like this, the seamstress is local and she is really inexpensive. Just email me: anyasroom at gmail.com

Wordful/Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T03:03:00.000-07:00

When you have a family as large as ours, you might as well combine birthday's right? Over the weekend we had a birthday extravaganza for Cousin Thomas, Uncle Vernon, Brother Wes, and of course, Anya. All of the birthdays were within 10 days of each other. So happy Birthday! And that doesn't even count the birthday's on the "other" side of the family. Happy Birthday Uncle George!

Here is an email that went out to the family. This is from Cousin Daniel, who couldn't make it, cause he is too busy in Houston with his rocket ships.

"It's obvious that there is a strong desire for "Birthday Consolidation" in our family heritage. In the past, dual-birthdaying has been common and even tri-birthdaying has been known to happen. I propose (if we're really serious about this) that we stop beating around the bush and go straight for the full-year birthday blowout. We can call it the Macdyermuller Riverafest. Of course, it would need to be a full day of activities to accommodate the massive birthday-load. We would also need to be creative regarding individual birthday cakes since cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner wouldn't sit well (at least not with the adults). Therefore, new recipes for things such as birthday pancakes, birthday poboys and birthday crabcakes are in order. Granny can work on a new birthday meatloaf-cake (made with spam) and Neil can work on the birthday pecancakes for after dinner. Ideally, we should celebrate on December 25 (since everyone will be around and we could throw in a cake for Jesus as well), but I think that might be a little hectic. If anyone has any better ideas of when we could do it, let me know. I'll get a price on renting out the Superdome."

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Bounce Mania 7x7 Inflatable Bounce House

2010-06-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

Bounce Mania 7x7 Inflatable Bounce House

We wanted to give Anya an outdoor play toy for her birthday and chose this bounce house, first because of fun factor and second because of price. The purchase was from Toys R Us and we picked it up for $129.00, the other houses were going for $179.00 to $299.00 - and don't get me started on how much the water inflatables were going for.

Anya is enjoying her house, and the one great thing about this bounce house is how quickly it inflates. Zip - it's up and ready to go. It's smaller than the larger bounce houses so it is easier to store. Because of the size I wouldn't feel comfortable with more than three toddlers in there, but we usually don't have that many kids over anyway. Two visitors max.

One thing that did aggravate me is that the tube connected to the inflation machine (I have no idea what that technical term is) comes loose on you if you don't have it cinched and tied and secured exactly right. Luckily it takes a lot longer to deflate than it does to inflate. All in all a good buy and we are happy with our purchase. We might be looking into a bigger one later though.

Today we are participating in:

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Snikiddy Wholesome Snacks & Contest

2010-06-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Snikkidy Baked Fries - a healthy alternative to chips that Anya really enjoyed.

Anya had the opportunity to taste test the Snikiddy Baked Fries, provided for review by Snikiddy LLC, and from what I could tell...she really enjoyed these healthy baked fries. If the resounding, "More please," and "Mmm, those are yum," wasn't enough the wailing afterward because we were out of fries might be a testament to their yum factor. What made it even better though, was the fact that these fries are a great, healthier alternative to chips - and she had no idea they were healthy.

Snikiddy® is a brand of great tasting snacks made from simple, wholesome and real ingredients. They are a healthy snacking alternative for toddlers, kids, and adults. Snikiddy Snacks put a smile on everyone’s faces.

I did try these myself, and while I'm not a huge fan of chips (I'm a sweets not salt snacker) they were rather yummy. Try them yourself - and with the lower fat, and ingredients that you can actually pronounce you can drop the food guilt.

Snikiddy is also offering up a Snikiddy snack for readers of Anya's Room! Just comment to win.

Details:
Prize is a one of Snikkidy's snack products
Winner chosen by Random.org
Contest ends July 3rd, 2010
Must be a follower of Anya's Room through GFC
Comment for each entry

Extra Entries:
Tweet {leave link}
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Strawberry Shortcake - Anya's New Love

2010-06-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Anya has fallen in love with everything Strawberry Shortcake, the little dolls with the little brushes and dresses and also the movies.

The animation is excellent for a child's DVD, and the stories are very entertaining and cute. Anya is enraptured and actually goes through a range of emotions as she watches them, which I think is funny. If you are looking for a charming, girly addition to your DVD collection, I recommend the Strawberry Shortcake movies.

When Berryland is left with out a Berryfest Princess, the community joins together to elect the next princess. In a democratic election, Strawberry Shortcake and Orange Blossom run for the position. Along the journey, Strawberry and Orange discover that even though they are very different they can still remain friends during the election and no one has to play favorites. A cute little tale of friendship, hard work and how to treat others when you are under stress.

After a storm sweeps over Berryland the girls venture out to find that a rock is blocking the stream into Berryland - and without water how will they grow their Berries? A sad realization comes to the community of Berryland when they realize they might have to move their city to another location to save the berries.

What am I participating in today???

Gearing Up & Thrifty Thursday

2010-06-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Today is my Friday. I work 4/10s so Thursdays are my last day at work. Tomorrow is shopping day for Anya's birthday, which is this Saturday. And I am at a complete loss. For one the DH has not given me a birthday budget. So, I have things in mind, but they might exceed budget. Secondly, what I did have in mind, the MIL scooped it up already. I've told myself time and time again, don't voice your ideas aloud...but then she looks at me all sad and says "I don't know what to get Anya, can we go shopping." And with those magic words (shopping) I'm hooked.

When asked Anya keeps saying, "I want a Dora Cake and books." Easy enough I guess. The girl already has a room bursting with toys and enough clothes. Maybe something crafty like a paint set. Or an outdoors play set. I keep on seeing the reviews of the Little Tikes toys and I'm thinking Anya might like a playhouse (get that budget in line though) LOL.

This looks precious...and it is only $160. Reasonable. But enough of my rambling. It is Thursday...so time to be Thrifty.

My Thrifty Thursday idea is a snack that feeds the entire family. It's fun and Anya & the DH get a kick out of it.

Cheapy Pigs in a Blanket

1. Refrigerated Biscuits - the kind that comes in the tube. I use the cheap Pillsbury Biscuits, buttermilk that come like 4 biscuits tubes for $2
2. Hot dogs
3. Kraft Singles (optional)
4. Mustard (optional)
5. Ketchup (optional)

Preheat oven to temperature designated on biscuit tin. Cut up 2 Hot Dogs into small pieces. If you have 8 biscuits in the tin, cut up the hot dog into 8 pieces. Place your biscuits on a cookie sheet, squish them down a bit. If you would like your pigs to have some cheese in them, cut up very small pieces of cheese and place them on top of the squished biscuit. Place a piece of hot dog on top of the cheese. Pinch the dough together around the cheese and the hotdog piece. Make sure you can not see the hotdog or the cheese.

Place in oven and bake until lightly brown. Dip hot dog bites into ketchup and mustard for flavor.

Today Anya's Room is participating in:

Hi There...

2010-06-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

we are making new friends today.

Today we are participating in...

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I'm also participating in:

This is not the linky for that one...click on the banner to sign up for that blog hop.

Wordless / Wordful Wednesday

2010-06-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my way to work this morning, and I just had to share. Can I mention that he was driving pretty badly also...

Top Ten Tuesday - 10 Things I Can't Live Without

2010-06-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

On my Top Ten Tuesday...these are the items that when having a toddler, I just have to keep around at all times.

1. The extra set of clothes: Your choice, you can keep a extra set for both you and your child. But I always have an extra set for both of us that I keep in the car. Even an extra pair of shoes. You never know what is going to happen. There is nothing like getting stuck, with a sticky, dirty, or full of some kind of bodily function child.

Not to go into TMI but my child has a tendency of getting car sick when you brake a lot. So, in traffic it happens a lot, usually before bringing her to school. One day when my husband was taking her to school, he brought her into the school to clean her up. Well, they were both sent home immediately. He knew it was car sick, but the teacher couldn't take his word for that, what if it was a stomach virus??? They couldn't spread it to the class. So, quick clean up in the car and it would have been all good. Which brings me to #2.

2. Wet Wipes: I am always cleaning up things. I'm sure this is nothing new for season Mom's. But wet wipes also work as a make-up remover. Bathroom emergencies (when there is no toilet paper). Win shield cleaners (when your frappachino has fallen and splashed all over the dashboard and wind shield) and also a stand-in for Kleenex.

3. 100 Calorie Snack Packs: Whether the food emergency is your child's tummy, your husband's tummy or your own tummy. The 100 Calorie Snack Packs are easy cheesy to keep in your purse for those desperate "I WANT A COOKIE!" moments. And you don't feel so guilty, cause they are supposed to be healthy. Or at least not high in calories.

4, 5 & 6. The iPhone: This constitutes multiple entries, because it does multiple jobs.

First of which, I always keep the number to day care, pediatrician and poison control close as a JUST IN CASE. Having them in your phone is a must.

Second, the camera. It might just be used for fun stuff, like, impromptu cutesy moments that you just need to register. It could be used for more sinister stuff...like, ohmigod what is she wearing, I have to submit this to Peopleofwalmart.com (never done this before, but just saying), or it can be used for purposeful stuff like taking a picture of a piece of furniture that I've been dying to get and forwarding it to my husband for subtle hints. Or if you did get in a fender bender to document it. And even better, what happened to me yesterday. When you see someone has left their little dog in the car, in 105 degree weather, and refuse to come out and let the pup out...even though you have gotten the grocery store to make an announcement. Take a picture of the car with the dog, the license plate and report them..and use that smart phone to call 911.

Third, impromptu entertainment. Sometimes you just have to give your child something to entertain them. Yeah, the iPhone. I have The Princess and The Frog on there and I also have Toddler Teaser apps (see review - love them). This is like instant quiet time, that gives me at least 30 minutes. Some apps might get deleted in the long run...but back those babies up.

7. Boudreaux's Butt Paste a must have for my home. I got into the habit of slopping this on Anya to battle diaper rash...but now it has so many other uses. The occasional rash that pops up, heals it almost instantly. Both baby and adult. Burns, slap this on and it has a natural healing and antibacterial property that helps heal burns. I even used this on my toe when I thought I might be getting athlete's foot (itchy) and it staved off the itch. I've even heard that it helps with acne. I don't have a problem with acne though so I can't testify to this.

8. Frozen Chicken Nuggets. I keep these in my fridge/freezer at all times. They are the handy back up plan to the "I DON'T LIKE THAT!" argument. I usually stand my ground on dinner, finish it or no ____ (fill in the blank), but sometimes you just don't feel like arguing. This is my back-up plan. Also handy for quick lunches or nights when cooking dinner is just not feasible.

9. Steamables. My healthy alternative. Anya really does enjoy Broccoli, but I found keeping fresh broccoli around all the time - sometimes ended up with bad broccoli. I buy like 10 of these steamables, keep them in the freezer and always have them on hand - to mix with the Frozen Chicken Nuggets meal.

10. Magic Bullet Express 17-Piece High-Speed Blender Mixing System I know this sounds crazy, but this little appliance is a must have for me. I use it everyday, for both me and Anya. I want my daughter to be healthy, so we do fun Smoothies which we call "bottles". She is not a big fruit eater, so this is how we get her full of fruit. I mix fruit with yogurt, or frozen low fat yogurt, sometimes we add oatmeal for a quick breakfast. A sprinkle of Cinnamon, or a dash of vanilla will satisfy that sweet tooth. I love this little appliance and have been using it since Anya was a week old and used to make her baby food.

Hope you enjoyed my list, I know it was a little all over the place...

The grey Grey Cloud by Manjula Naraynan

2010-06-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

The grey Grey Cloud by Manjula Naraynan
Review copy provided by author.

Manjula Naraynan's color trilogy is a charming set of books in which she associates colors with emotions. Being in marketing I thought this book was great and a wonderful way to subtly teach your child emotions.

The grey Grey Cloud is the third book is Naraynan's trilogy.

Synopsis:
Up in the sky lives the grey Grey Cloud. The grey Grey Cloud was a little baby and was scared of everything. He was crying one day and a Silver Fairy happened upon him and offered to help stop his crying. The Silver Fairy teaches the grey Grey Cloud that there is a reason the wind blows and the thunder booms...she teaches him that there is always a Silver Lining in every cloud.

This book was interesting. From the illustrations, to the type-setting, to the story-line it was a very charmingly, original children's book. There is tons of things going on within the pages, tid-bits and extras that float across the page for your child's viewing pleasure. The story is cute and kept my child riveted, prompting emotional responses from her. She was empathetic with the little cloud, but affirmed that she wasn't afraid of thunder...because she wasn't a baby. ;)

She also loved the pictures and liked following the fun text across the pages. All in all, it was a hit with my three year old.

As a graphic designer, the layout and images wasn't as top notch as I thought they should be. There were resolution issues and the illustrations could have been better, but of course regular consumers probably wouldn't notice this, much less a child. This is just me being picky. I will be looking to read/buy Manjula Naraynan other books in this series: The green Green Pear & The Red Red Car.

Making Friends This Friday!

2010-06-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm on a mission! To make Mommy Bloggy Friends! Here is what I'm participating in today! Right now I'm joining the Social Party, hosted by Smart & Trendy Moms. I've also joined with with DillyDally & Flitter's Friend Friday. AND the Trendy Treehouse's Follow Me Fridays.

Then...from those blog hops I found even more. Friend Friday at Thanks, Mail Carrier! Then off to Friendly Friday Follow at Toddler Awesomeness....

...And there is more. Phew. I Hopped on over to My New Life as Mom.

Thrifty Thursday

2010-06-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Saving Money on Birthday Gifts without Looking Cheap.

To save money on the many many birthday gifts that I purchase this summer and spring, I usually do fun filled baskets.

Step 1: Find the "Basket"

For Summer I use a Beach Bucket. You can find these at the Dollar Store for - well $1.00

This is your "gift bag" and saves you the $2 - $3 for the wrapping

Step 2: The Main Toy

For girls and boys you can put something fun, like a sprinkler toy, or a Underwater Barbie or something. Anything for about $5 will go along with the theme. I like to shop the sale items at Wal-Mart.

Step 3: The Accoutrements

Wal-Mart has great $1 buys, from bubbles, to sidewalk chalk, to water balloons. Fill up the space in the bucket with those extra somethings and the kids go crazy with them. If you want to go the extra mile, Wal-Mart always has clothing sales. Put a $3 - $5 Bathing Suit in there instead of the extra gifts.

Step 4: The Card

Wal-Mart also has $1 - .50ç cards. This is for a child, they won't even read the card anyway. But you can find some cute ones in the "cheap" area.

Your Totals:

Bucket $1

Doll $5

Bathing Suit $5

Extras $2

Card 50ç

Total: $13.50

When you would normally spend $15 - $20 on a toy, $3 on wrapping & Card...the price can go on and on. And this one looks like you took the time and put some thought into the gift, instead of grabbing just anything form a shelf and slapping wrapping paper on it.

Pardon us...

2010-06-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

While we make new friends.

Today we are participating in...

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Wordless / Wordful Wednesday

2010-06-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Goofing around at MeeMee's house with cousin!

Follow Me Back!

2010-06-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

It's a great way to start off your week & get more BF's !!

Click on the images to go sign up yourself!

Top Ten Tuesday - Best Free Things To Do

2010-06-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

This is the top ten FREE things Anya and I like to do together.

Go to the Library.
Go to the Local Playground.
Cool down with a walk through the Mall. Anya loves to play in the area near the fountain at both local area malls.
Take the Ferry across the Mississippi River (Can't Beat a Free Boat Ride).
Feed the ducks at the park.
Play in the Garden. Anya loves to dig.
Food sampling at Whole Foods. Call me cheap but Anya loves to sample everything from fruit to cheesecake at our local Whole Foods grocery store. I do usually buy something, but it's not like it is required. Sam's is also a great sampling place, but the membership is not cheap.
Just a stroll down the street. We love going to the French Market on Decatur, or Magazine Street which has a lot of lovely Main Street type shops. Every town has these little areas and they are a fun "get away" destination to take a nice leisurely and entertaining walk.
Festivals & Events. New Orleans has a ton of events and fests, our favorites are the Pet Events where we can bring our Broby Dog. The SPCA will hosts the events in the parks to promote adoption, check out your local SPCAs website and see if the have an event near you. Local favorites include:

Pet Fest in Lafreniere Park
Krewe of Arfus Parade and Pet Gras - Zephry Field
Boo Carre - Halloween Fest in the French Quarter

And to keep the pet theme. Visit your local Animal Shelters or Pet Stores. Anya loves looking at birds, playing with kitties and petting puppies. It might be heart breaking to leave them, but the pets enjoy the attention.

Toddlers & Pools

2010-06-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

My father has a pool and we spend a lot of time in it over the summer to battle the 100+ heat of New Orleans. It is a great family fun event, but the stress level of toddlers around the water can send my blood pressure soaring. Especially with no-it-all 3 year old who wants to do everything herself.

My mother suggested swimmies...but I'm not sure about using them. I know we all used them when we were kids, but are they safe, what is the deal with them. It always says 4+. The SPEEDO brand featured to the left I have not seen in regular retail stores such as Wal-Mart (I'm sure I could find them at Academy) and they are stating 2-12 on their product descrp. on amazon.com. I might have to give them a try.

What I do use and really love, is the Aqua Leisure Aqua Leisure Swim School Deluxe Tot Trainer Inflatable Rubber Tube Swim Aid with Pants. Anya floats around and swims in the pool and doesn't need any assistance from us. The tube is made out of like rubber, so I don't stress about it popping on us. What is the big pain with this one is Potty-Time. It really is awkward trying to get off quickly and then very frustrating to get back on once it is wet. For long lazy hours in the pool this can be sort of a drag. But I wouldn't trade this device for anything. I will try swimmies though as a back-up.

Thrifty Thursday

2010-06-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Thrifty Thursday - Pack a Brown Bag for your outdoor and event activities.

This little family, to save money, purchased an Audubon Membership pass. This gets us into the Aquarium and Zoo for a full year. Saves money on the tickets, which are $14 (each) at the zoo and $18 at the aquarium.

This means most available weekends we are attending zoo or aquarium events. We even went this morning to the Aquarium to beat the heat.

The problem though with going to these places is that you spend hours there...and the refreshments and food are outrageous. At the little Aqua Cafe at the aquarium the tenders, fries and a drink meal is $10, so for 3 people that is $30. This adds up.

What do I do to beat these high prices? It might not be ethical - is that the right word? - but I bring a sandwich for all of us, I pack water bottles, snacks, etc. I have a very big purse.

My sibs also do this for the movies because of the inflated concessions. I'm a scaredy cat, so I haven't worked my way up to this - and we have a big love of fresh pop corn.

What is your opinion on this, follow rules with no outside food...or really, we've spent enough on the ticket prices, I don't feel like breaking the bank for an Icee and hotdog?

Wordful / Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

We found something to do with those Bunny Ears that have been hanging around since Easter...

New Brighton Archeological Society

2010-06-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

The New Brighton Archeological Society
Book One: The Castle of Galomar by Mark Andrew Smith, Matthew Weldon

This is one of the best graphic novels that I have read to date. Written for a much younger audience than I am used to, this book kept me and Anya entertained, which is why I'm posting this review on Anya's Room.

Anya took one look at the superb illustrations of the front cover and insisted that I read this to her. There are some more mature topics that a 3 year old just wasn't ready to grasp, but she didn't mind she loved looking at the pictures and it entertained me to read it aloud to her. Much more intellectually stimulating than One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fist, Blue Fish.

I do this a lot with Anya, I will grab Wuthering Heights, Pride and Predjudice...and just read aloud to her. She might not grasp the words, but she likes hearing me read. The New Brighton Archeological Society was like the best of both worlds because it had the most intense imagery, and a charming and entertaining plot.

The New Brighton Archeological Society is an adventure graphic novel. Dealing with the disappearance of their parents on a secretive archeological expedition, four children must come face to face with the hidden aspects of their parents lives. In the process of discovery they are thrust into a mystical world and a battle over a library that has raged for centuries.

You'll be entertained, enthralled and amazed by this graphic novel. My mouth just waters over the illustrations and then paired with the great plot...it was a slam dunk. I'm recommending this for young readers 8+. Boys and Girls. Moms and Dads will also be entertained and like I did, read it to your younger child.

Party Planning

2010-06-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

This month might be a little rough for me, at the end of the month it will be 3 year old party time. We have gone back and forth between locales and ideas. Finally narrowing it to "out of house" and Dora the Explorer themed.

Last year we did it at the house and rented big jumps, a huge slide for the older kids to stay cool and a princess castle bouncer for the younger kids. It was just too hot. I'm figuring for later on in Anya's life we will revisit the big bouncy slide, but for 3 year olds and their parents we are going with a bounce house. Rather pricier than I would like, but air conditioned, no clean up and no worrying is the cake set up, do we have plates, what are we doing now? is well worth the money spent.

Now we just have to narrow down the cake.

We went to Party City intent on getting Strawberry Shortcake invites and having that theme party, but would you know, the only brand sold out completely was Strawberry. Murphey's Law right? So, Anya decided she would rather Dora, so now we have that theme.

The invites are really cute, so I'm happy with the theme.

Any suggestions from anyone? I've never done an "out of house" party, should I be hounding the people making sure things are set up properly? Should I go with the pizza for $10 bucks a piece or buy finger sandwiches and snacks? Should I get the cute Dora cake from Cold Stone Creamery, or get a non-melting cake? Ah, pulling out my hair.

Twitter Hop...yippee

2010-06-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Twitter Hop Thursday, hosted by Simply Stacie, The King’s Court IV, Little Yaya’s, Review Retreat and Moms Wear Your Tees!

Join me in the Thursday Twitter Hop.

Add your Twitter URL to the McLinky (once will do the trick). Then follow the FIRST Six slots (they will follow you back).
From there, it's up to you, follow as many as you like--just leave comments with links so they can return the follow.

Feel free to add this MckLinky to your blog.

Have fun and I follow back!

BTW My twitter is @parajunkee (for this mom blog, and my big girl book blog)

Wordful / Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

We really like ice cream. There should also be a hose for parents when exciting the zoo...you know to hose off the child, the wagon, etc. I'll put that in the suggestion box on our next visit.

Memorial Day at the Audubon Zoo.

Win a Hand-Made Dress!

2010-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Anya had a photo shoot this weekend in the pretty dresses created by Jessica. I love these dresses and Anya gets so many compliments when she wears them. She was such a hit in her Saints dress for last season - so much so they think her dress might be the reason we won the Superbowl. Boys and their silly superstitions. I'm giving away one of these dresses today on my blog. Jessica creates these dresses as small as 3-6 months and as big as 6/7s. They are gorgeous, with beautiful patterns and intricate trimmings and embroidery.

Win a dress like the first one pictured (blue & brown pattern with initials) today!

The photography was done by a friend of mine, Kelly. Her company is Distinctive Photography
If you are in the New Orleans area and are looking for a photographer, she has the skills. Check out her website/portfolio. Click here.

If you are interested in purchasing a dress for your child, please email Jessica.

Contest Deets:

Contest restrictions due to shipping. Shipping paid only for US residents. If you are international and would like to enter, I will have to ask for you to pay extra costs of shipping (so deduct cost of US shipping and international winners will pay the remaining balance)
Winner will be posted on this blog, if winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen
Sizes limited to 3 - 6 month to 6/7 girls
Dress offered is the brown and blue dress featured, with initials JWM, winners will get to have their specified initials on the dress
Winners will be chosen using Random.org
If dress becomes unavailable another one of equal value will be substituted and winner shall be informed
Contest Ends June 30th, 2010

Extra Entries

+10 Blog Post
+2 Fan Anya's Room on Facebook
+2 Tweet this Contest (leave link)
+2 Add a the Anya's Room grab button
+1 Sidebar Post
+5 Go to http://distinctivephotography.shutterfly.com/ and tell me what is your favorite picture.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Shrek Forever After

2010-05-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

It was a family affair at the movies yesterday. In attendance, Hubby D, myself, Anya, Brother D, the SIL and the cousins C & C. Had a wonderful time and all kids enjoyed it, which was great since it was a wide kid age range 5, 3, 2. A must see with the family, but we didn't hit the 3D. After 2 times doing it in 3D we are done, tired of the extra money and Anya ends up yanking those glasses off halfway through the movie anyway.

Shrek finds himself in the hubby quandary. His single days are haunting him, especially after the monotony of triplets starts taking it's toll. In a stressed out parent moment, Shrek says some mean things to Fiona and storms off...to find himself face to face with the magical trickster, Rumpelstiltskin. He makes a deal which goes terribly wrong, and now Shrek has to make everything right or Far Far and Away will never be the same.

Uproariously funny, and entertaining for the kids and the adults, I was much pleased with this Shrek. Much better than Shrek 2 & 3. This was definitely a good way to go out.

Thrifty Thursday... Garanimals

2010-05-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

So, I'll admit it. I'm not the biggest fan of Wal-mart. Biggest draw back is the lack of customer service. The employees will literally run you out of the aisles, the men will check you out lasciviously (sporting their Wal-Mart blue) and you'll wait in line for 30 minutes just to have the clerk close it or run off, because "It's my break."

What are we? Suckers for punishment, because if you are like me, I keep going back. No, they are the cheapest, by far. You can't beat the prices. Literally. It is a wonderful way to save money. If you knock 10¢ - 30¢ off each purchase, it leads to considerable savings. Sometimes it is a $1 or more savings. If you are usually shopping for 20 items or more (more like 50+ on a usual grocery run) that is a savings of $2 - $10 a grocery run. Which doesn't sound like that great of a deal right? Especially to deal with the hassle that is Wal-Mart. Parking, employees, people smoking in the entry way....

Look at the big picture. You shop for groceries every week. You buy 20 - 30 items each time. Saving you an average of $4 a week. That is $16 a month, $200 a year. This is just for groceries.

When I first had Anya I was a snobby mommy. My child would only wear the best clothing. I wouldn't put her in Wal-Mart clothes. No way. Department stores here I come. After spending $30 on an outfit that she wore for 10 minutes and then spit up on, which stained it permanently - well I had a Come To Jesus moment.

Hello Garanimals. At $3 a pop, and $2 each when you can catch the sales, you can't beat these clothes. They are really not anything that someone is going to go "Oh isn't she/he adorable in" but for roughing it in the park, nursery school, playing around the house, these clothes are perfect. Save those Department Store clothing for Cousin Sally's Baby Shower.

How I save even more money:

There is one thing about kids. They are going to grow. When Winter clothes go on sale to the $2/$1 range in Spring. I load up on a size bigger. Vice Versa when summer clothes go on sale in the Fall.

My other favorite store to shop for clothing is THE CHILDREN'S PLACE. I love their clothes and think they are so cute. But compare prices and cost savings win out a lot of the time. A lot of people say that Wal-Mart clothes wear out quickly. But when my toddler is growing 2 - 6 inches in six months, I'm going to be going through a lot of clothes anyway. But, we still have Garanimal pants from last summer that Anya grew out of - she didn't wear them out, and she wore them a lot. So they are definitely standing the test of time (Washing Machine).

Wordful Wednesday

2010-05-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

Swim Lessons

Toddler Teaser iPhone - iTouch Apps

2010-05-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

My 3 year old knows how to use my iPhone better than my mother. She can unlock it, scroll to the app she wants and start the app. This really is a testament to Apple, their ingenuity and user friendly interface. So what to do with child genius now that she wants "Daddy's iPod" every five minutes?? What we did was download a few Apps just for Anya, which became the reason Anya knew her shapes before she could walk.

These are the Toddler Teasers.
http://www.toddlerteasers.com/

Blurb from web site:

Toddler Teasers came about when two parents realized their 2 year old could use their iPhone better than most adults. Toddler Teasers currently offers 9 quizzing games for the iPhone and iPod Touch and two bundles of 4 quizzing games. Each game is simple yet visually stimulating and entices the pre-schooler to continue playing by offering rewards as they progress.

Currently on our phones and iPod we have the Shapes, Numbers and Colors apps. At 99¢ they were very affordable and I didn't feel like I was getting rolled over for an app. Plus, if Anya quickly grew tired of them I wasn't going to cry over it. She still hasn't grown tired of these apps, even though she knows, her shape, numbers and colors that are covered in these apps. I'm thinking about downloading the rest of them - but then I might not get her off of my phone. :) Maybe on "Daddy's iPod"

Each app starts with a prompt... "Touch the Number Two" if the wrong number is touched it simply says, "Try Again." When the correct number, shape or color is pressed, there is applause - Anya just loves applause.

After getting the numbers right a few times in a row it takes you to the Sticker Page. This is the reward system and you get to place your sticker on a fun little background. The cute thing about this is they get to scroll through a bunch of stickers and when it is placed on the page it makes a funny sound.

These are wonderful apps for your phone and iPod and at less than a dollar you might as well try out at least one of them. They keep your child "educational" entertained in the car, basket at the supermarket, Church (lower the volume really low). You name it they are great.

Shampoodle

2010-05-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Shampoodle by Joan Holub and Tim Bowers
Step into Reading Book
Purchased at our local Used Book Store

This Anya favorite is a must have for your preschooler, especially if they are canine friendly. Shampoodle is richly illustrated and cleverly written to keep your child giggling and wanting to know what happens next. While the words are easy to read, they are also well thought out so it doesn't sound like "See Spot Run."

It's Doggie Picture Day at the park. Those pups need to be clean for their pictures, so they go to Shampoodle for a bath.

Book Favorites

2010-05-21T05:12:00.000-07:00

Having a child is proving to be a trip down memory lane. Especially in the book store. Books do not go out of fashion, good books will always be good books, no matter what the date. This also proves true with picture books. Anya recently grabbed an old favorite of mine, I guess you could call this my first series. She wanted it so bad and it was such an inexpensive book I had to get it for her, and I will probably go back and get a few more in the series for her.

Little Miss Helpful means well, but with help like hers--you'd better be careful!

These are wonderful books that will not break the bank. Amazon has them listed at $3.99 each, and I got the large book at B&N for $4.99. Here are a few others in the series:

Thirty Thursdays - Beauty Bargains

2010-05-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

On my local news last night they did a Beauty Bargains feature and it was a wonderful little clip that I thought I would share.

Beauty products can be so expensive. From your shampoo, to your lipstick, $50 bucks here and there can be spent so easily on just 2 or 3 items. And face it ladies, we need a lot of products to keep ourselves looking beautiful. Here are some bargain beauty products that work!

Aquaphor - Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, 3 oz (85 g)

Recommended by dermatologist for cuts, scrapes, dry skin, chapped lips, and just about anything!

Amazon has it listed at $7.64, retails at your local drug store at around $6.00

L'Oreal Studio InvisiGel - L'Oreal Studio Line Above It All, Volumizing Invisi-Gel 6.8 fl oz (200 ml)

Recommended by movie-set hairstylists. This hair gel is great for both men and women and keeps your style in place.

Listed on Amazon.com for $4.58

CoverGirl Outlast LipStain - CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain - Plump Out

Recommended for continuous wear lip color. Glob some gloss over it and you are good to go all day long, and very affordable.

Listed on amazon for $7.89

St. Ives Apricot Scrub - St. Ives Apricot Scrub Invigorating 10 oz. Jar # 10472

I use this product all the time. It is a wonderful exfoliant and so inexpensive!

Listed on Amazon for $5.29

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Bertolli Lucca Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 68 oz/Imported from Italy

What? Olive Oil is not just for cooking, there are many great uses for this olive oil. Use it in your bath to sooth dry skin. Use it in your hair to alleviate dryness. It can also be used as a make-up remover!

Any Extra Virgin Olive Oil will do.

Maybeline Great Lash Mascara - Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Blackest Black - .43 fl oz

No matter how many times I buy other mascara I always go back to the pink and green tube (maybe because I was Delta Zeta??)

One of the cheaper mascaras I also find it works the best for me. Amazon has this mascara listed as $1.00

Lipton Green Tea Bags - Lipton Green Tea 100% Natural - 40 Tea Bags 3.2OZ (90g)

Doesn't just make a tasty beverage, these can be used to de-puff those tired eyes. You need to make sure they are the ones with caffeine in them - decaf doesn't work.

Rinse tea bags with water, then place in fridge to chill. After they are nice and cold place them over your eyes for 15 - 20 minutes while resting against a pillow.

ABC 26 Article that inspired this post.

Wordless Wednesday - Dragon Exhibit Audubon Zo

2010-05-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Tinkerbell Bed

2010-05-19T04:36:00.000-07:00

Anya loves her Disney Fairies room and to enhance it we decided to ditch the crib and get one of these little toddler beds. At first we had it in mind to go with a single bed and maybe put the mattress on the floor, so it wouldn't be so high and she could get in and out easier.

This was quickly squashed when we were in Toys R Us and saw the cute little beds. Low to the ground, and you could use the crib mattress, these were perfect transition beds and they were cheap enough ($75.00) that I wouldn't be hemming and hawing about the costs when she grew out of it in a year or two.

Yes, it is plastic, but it is very sturdy and after almost a year the canopy is still holding up - the only thing that is worn is the sticker on the headboard. Anya decided to peel that off one night.

I know a lot of people have gone with convertible cribs that go from crib, to single, to double, but once again we thought we might not want to get that - especially looking at the set up for kids rooms they have in our local furniture store. Canopy beds, princess carriages, bunk beds, you name it they have it. I think one of the bunk beds even had a spiral slide attached to it. Wow. So after seeing those, we weren't going to get a convertible - assuming that our little girl would want a canopy princess bed later on in life and we would have this bed that was supposed to last her until she got married and it only made it to 5 years old.

This is something you should really thinking about when you are purchasing these "lifetime" cribs/beds. Is your little boy going to want one of those fun car shaped beds? Or is your little princess going to want a carriage bed? It is most likely going to happen...and you know you are going to get excited to redo their room into a fairy forest or a zoo animal fiesta. I know I did. I figure I have maybe one more year, until we go to a big bed and a room redesign, even though I'm itching to try something new after my last trip to Pottery Barn Kids. Have you seen this set-up? Not that she would have to share a space, but isn't it cute?

Madras Shared Spaces Bedroom

I got me a Swagger Wagon...

2010-05-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

Had to share this, cause umm...yes I have a Swagger Wagon. And I love it. I pimp it. It even booms a bit. Which kinda embarrassed me when I was listening to Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas and the guy in the little Audi looked at me strange. He was of course just jealous of my Swagger Wagon.

This is what you would call virile marketing...go Toyota way to get your groove back.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books

2010-05-18T05:32:00.000-07:00

Anya's Favorite Books:

Tucker's Apple-Dandy Day by Susan Winget - Tucker is going on a field trip today. He is going to an apple orchard. He promises his mother that he will bring back tons of yummy apples so they can make a pie.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak - Our latest book purchase, and one of Anya's new favorites. This is a definite classic and fun to read to your kiddies, because you know at some point or another you've mistaken them for a wild thing.
Disney's The Princess and the Frog: Kiss the Frog by RH Disney - This Step Into Reading book is a quick overview of the Princess and the Frog movie and Anya who is a big fan of Princess Tiana loves this book.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff - A fun Christmas read (which we do not just read during Christmas time of course) goes over what happens if you take a mouse to the movies. What happens, well he'll want some popcorn, of course!
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman - A little bird cracks open it's egg to find it's mother not in the nest with him, so he goes in search of his mother. He meets a cat, a hen, and even a Snarf, but none of them are his mother.
I Love You Through And Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak- This is a great one to let you and yours know just how loved they are. Anya is a very loving little girl and loves hugs and kisses and saying "I Love You" so for me to read this to her makes her very happy.
Corduroy by Don Freeman - A classic story that I remembered when I was a child. This is the story of a department store bear that has lost his button and goes to find it so someone will adopt him.
Bailey's Day by Robert Haggerty - The story of a pup's day sneaking out of his yard. Anya is very happy to have received this book and loves looking at the pictures of Bailey.
Richard Scarry's The Early Bird - A play on the Early Bird gets the Worm - this Early Bird doesn't eat the worm, he befriends him.
The Great Fairy Race by RH Disney - A Tinkerbell book, which is one of Anya's fav characters. This one narrates a race through fairy land.

Wigglin' Water Sprinkler

2010-05-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinkler Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinkler
Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinkler
Purchased from a large retailer.
Price: $20.00

Product Description: Get ready for a full blast of wet 'n wild action. Connect the Wiggling Water Sprinkler to any hose to create a hurricane in your own backyard.

You get what you pay for, and cheap water toys just don't seem to be working well for me. This one is fine, but its not really a wacky wiggling mass of fun, it's more like a random squirting fiasco. It doesn't really stay down properly and it squirts everywhere, so the OCD in me had a fit because I couldn't really control the spray very well (most of them went down instead of up and about). They really didn't wiggle that much either, they just kind of squirted straight up and about. I tried messing with the water pressure, but it seemed to be limp or excessive.

Anya doesn't mind playing in it though, so was it worth $20. Yes. Does it do what it says? No.

Button Swap Blog Hop #3

2010-05-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

I love button swapping! I'll show yours, if you show mine!

Guidelines:

1. Grab the Blogger Chix Designs button and put it on your blog/blog roll (first link on the list). Leave me a comment while you're there and I'll grab your button and add it to my blog roll too!

2. Add the blog hop list (instructions below list) to your Button Swap Blog Hop post on your blog. Be sure to include the guidelines so all the buttons you swap with others will be returned by them grabbing yours as well. *Be sure to include your button's copy code in you Swap Post.

3. Link your blog post up to the blog hop. (You only need to link up once and it will show up on all the hop lists on all the blogs participating).

4. Then start visiting the other participants! Grab their button and add it to your blog sidebar or blog roll, and leave them a comment telling them your visiting from the BSBH party! Be sure to return the favor to anyone visiting you.

*Tip for having lots of buttons swap success - don't wait for others to come to you, go to them first!*

My buttons:

Disney on Ice - Let's Celebrate

2010-05-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

If you can't go to Disney World or Disney Land - well the next best thing is Disney on Ice, where you get just the smallest taste of what going to Disney World is like.

The show is billed as "One big colossal party on ice!" It opens with a birthday party, which leads to a very un-birthday party and a visit from Alice and the Mad Hatter. From there fun features include Minnie and her faerie godmother wishing for her Prince - which features all the Disney Princes and Princesses, along with the newest princess, Princess Tiana (Tetona Jackson). Mickey and Minnie also do a few trips around the world, China, Hawaii - and then to New Orleans, which I thought was very cool, and so did the rest of the crowd. When Tiana entered the ice, it was like Madonna had taken the stage or something.

The one thing that had me gritting my teeth though, was the anticipation of the villians scene. I knew Anya was not going to like this and sure enough when Jack the Pumpkin King entered she was grabbing my hand and whispering "I gotta go to the potty!" and then refused to reenter the arena until the music changed.

Overall it was a very charming experience and we will be doing it again next year. I'll just have to start saving now, because it is rather expensive. One thing I wish they did though - how about a meet and great with characters?? It can't be that hard, a little participation with the attendees? Anya would have loved that, and I probably would have paid extra.

Thrifty Thursday... Border Read 10 Get 1 Free

2010-05-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

This is my first Thrifty Thursday and I will be doing this every week. I plan on packing it full of coupons and money saving tips. Ways that my family spreads the dollars.

COUPON OF THE WEEK:

For children 12 and under, Border's is offering a great reward program to stimulate summer reading.

Program Details

MONEY SAVING TIP:

One of the ways our family tries to save money is we steer away from the "work" lunches and eating out. If you break it down, buying lunch from work can cost in the upwards of $50 dollars a week if you are spending $10 a lunch. That is $200 a month and over $2K a year! Putting that in perspective that $2K could be used to pay 1 or 2 extra mortgage payments a year.

How do we battle the going out for lunch necessity? Leftovers, and more leftovers. When you cook, factor in 2 extra plates, if both you and your husband work.

If you are tired of leftovers, I try to do a meal plan. I also will go and buy lunch meat, a loaf of bread, etc. and bring it to my work kitchen to make sandwiches. Most work kitchens have mayo and mustard there already, if not, supply it and write your name on it. This is how you can eat all week for around $10.

Is there anything special you do to battle the at-work lunch dilemma?? I would love to know.

Beautiful Creatures CD by Alan Glass

2010-05-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

I won this CD for Anya from Babblings of a Mommy. She has a wonderful blog BTW - you should check it out.

Info:
Beautiful Creatures, Children's Songs of Africa
Web Site

Ten fun and educational children’s songs of Africa, featuring "Imvubu the Happiest Hippo" and Lucas the Lazy Lion". "Mafutha the Elephant" just can’t stop eating, and "Wallace the wondrous warthog" is still the king of the pigs!

Review: Anya loves this CD and asks for it every time we get in the car now. Her favorites are:
Down comes the rain
Imvubu the happiest Hippo & Lucas the lazy Lion

The lyrics are both entertaining and educational. They speak of omnivores and carnivores. The lion song sings about how the lion lazes around while the lioness hunts for his food. Very cute.

If you are looking for music for your little one, this is a must have, especially if they are animal lovers.

Things to do in New Orleans this week.

2010-05-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Looking for a festival or fun things to do this week/weekend in the New Orleans area?

FESTIVALS

Broadmoor Fest 2010
Saturday, May 15 12:00p to 7:00p
at Broadmoor Improvement Association, New Orleans, LA
Food vendors, arts, crafts, community promo
Performances: DancingMan504 and F&S Dancers

2nd Annual NOLA Veggie Fest
Sunday, May 16 11:00a to 4:00p
at First Unitarian Church, New Orleans, LA
Vegan & Vegetarian lifestyle promotion
Restaurants
Food Samples
Cooking Demos
Films & Speakers
Vendor Booths
Raffles & Auction
Live Music

WORKSHOPS & PLAYDATES

Fairy Tales Exhibit
Tuesday, May 11 11:00am to 7:00pm
at Garden District Gallery, New Orleans, L

Arts Adventure Series Performances for school groups
Tuesday, May 11 11:15am
Westwego Performing Arts Theatre

Programs for Kids!
Wednesday, May 12 9:30am to 10:30am
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans, LA
18 months to 5 yrs
music and art at the museum

FEE: $15 per session for members
$45 per session for non-members
$15 per session for each additional child

Register: https://dnbweb1.blackbaud.com/OPXREPHIL/Link.asp?link=457124

Safari After Dark-African Safari
5/15/2010 5:30 pm AM End Date/Time: 5/16/2010 9:30 am
Regsiter by 5/11/2010 - bwalken@auduboninstitute.org
Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, LA
A unique family camping experience within Audubon Zoo.

FEE: $40.00 per Member
$53.00 per Nonmember

Junior Girl Scout Program
Saturday, May 15 9:00am to 4:15pm
looking to earn your Acadian Heritage Badge??
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

Tipitina's Sunday Music Workshops
Every Sunday at Tipitina's, a free workshop is hosted from 12:30 - 3:30 where students have the opportunity to play with and learn from the best musicians in the city.

Button Swap Blog Hop

2010-05-08T20:21:00.001-07:00

Guidelines:

1. Grab the Blogger Chix Designs button and put it on your blog/blog roll (first link on the list). Leave me a comment while you're there (include your button's code in the comment) and I'll grab your button and add it to my blog roll too!

2. Add the blog hop list (instructions below list) to your Button Swap Blog Hop post on your blog. Be sure to include the guidelines so all the buttons you swap with others will be returned by them grabbing yours as well. *Be sure to include your button's copy code in you Swap Post.

3. Link your blog post up to the blog hop. (You only need to link up once and it will show up on all the hop lists on all the blogs participating).

4. Then start visiting the other participants! Grab their button and add it to your blog sidebar or blog roll, and leave them a comment that includes your button's code, telling them your visiting from the BSBH party! Be sure to return the favor to anyone visiting you.

*Please note that this is mainly for family friendly blogs that will most likely only feel comfortable supporting other family friendly blogs.
*Tip for having lots of buttons swap success - don't wait for others to come to you, go to them first!*

My Button:

120" Swim Center Inflatable Pool

2010-05-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

120" Swim Center Inflatable Pool

Look at that family having fun! Don't they look happy?

Let me tell you the story of the inflatable pool.

After a long day, of Zoo, then Sam's and then Wal-Mart, we (me and the MIL) purchased this pool because it was a sale price of $25.00.

Along with the pool we purchased a cheap $5 air pump that was sitting next to the pool. Well, when I got home I planned on setting up the pool immediatly, because Anya was running around my legs in her bathing suit already screaming "Pool, Pool, Pool." Then the neighbor comes running over screaming, "Pool, Pool, Pool." But, upon opening the pump...well there was an empty coke bottle and dirty shirt shoved into the box. Fun. Seems someone swiped our pool pump.

Back to Wal-Mart. Back home. Recruit the manly neighbor because the hand pump was a pain in the rump to use. Manly neighbor slithers off and we fill the pool. Anya and manly neighbors daughter play in the pool for about 30 minutes because it was now 7 and dinner time was much delayed because of the constant forays to Wal-mart. Take out, anyone?

Now, today of course, back in the pool. But now after a day, there are bugs and twigs and leaves (happened to find my 12 year old neighbor in the pool when I got home - yeah fun!) so after Anya played in it for an hour, I decide dump the pool and store it upside down for the weekend, so it will not kill the grass and no more bugs.

NOW I KNOW WHY THAT POOL WAS $25. An hour later, two falls on my rear, soaking wet and the other neighbor pointedly having his phone conversation in the driveway staring at me... the pool is now empty, I'm covered from head to toe in leaves, grass and soaked.

Key point when purchasing a pool of this nature - make sure it has a drain at the bottom. (cue drum)

I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak

2010-05-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

I Love You Through And Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak

One of our favorite books to read. This is a very sweet and enjoyable tale of how exactly you love your child.

With easy to read and lyrical writing, you can practically sing this to your child and let them know exactly how much you love them.

"I love you though and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow too."

The illustrations are adorable, with the little boy demonstrating each topic of the book, showing him yelling and running and with his mouth open wide. It makes Anya giggle, go "Awe" and then give me lots of kisses and huggies after.

This is a wonderful gift to bestow on your favorite infant or toddler.

The Audubon Zoo

2010-05-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Always a fun place to bring the kiddies, the whole family went yesterday, including the Mother-in-Law. We had a wonderful time, but the Audubon Zoo is one of the best places to go for family friendly entertainment.

We had what I think is a baby peacock following us around in the aviary. Anya wanted to pick it up and pet it, I think it might have let her.

Why I'm posting this, is because Word on The Street (Audubon Zoo's web site) is that they are going to build a Splash Park in the middle of the zoo, this summer. How great is that? On the web site it says that it will be located between the petting zoo and the carousel. I'm assuming they might tear down the old playground and replace with this splash park. I think this is a wonderful idea, especially since their visitors drop down to hardly anything during the hot summer months.

I picked up the Family +1 membership yesterday and hope the splash park is up and running soon. Can't wait!

Info from web site:

Cool Zoo

Opening Summer 2010
Audubon Zoo
This new wild and wet splash park at Audubon Zoo will be the hot spot for kids to cool down this summer. Highlights include jumping water spouts, a huge alligator water slide, a spider monkey soaker, water-spitting snakes and more! There will also be shaded seating, restrooms, lockers, a concession stand and a small shop carrying towels, sunscreen, flip-flops, t-shirts and other summer necessities.

The splash park will offer three different splash zones with one specifically for toddlers and younger kids. Cool Zoo will be located in the area between the Gottesman Family Endangered Species Carousel and the Embraceable Zoo. Look for construction to begin soon and get ready to be wild and wet at the Zoo!

Cottage for Anya!

2010-05-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

If you are not going to enter, would you mind voting for me and Anya? This is a great giveaway - and would love to win it, of course.

Here is the link: http://www.classymommy.com/giveaway_new/contest6/vote.php?contest=cedar_cottage&name=Rachel+Rivera

Just scroll down to Rachel Rivera & hit vote! Thanks!

LeapFrog Tag Reading System

2010-05-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

LeapFrog Tag Reading System

One of the best investments we have made all year, LeapFrog's Tag Reading System is an Anya Favorite.

A little on the pricey side, but well worth it. Your little one will have a blast touching the pages with his/her Tag and hearing the story played through the pen. There are also a ton of other tid-bits buried in these books: games, reading assistants, the actual character voices.

We decided to actually purchase the Tag instead of the LeapFrog Tag Junior Book Pal because of the "test run" at Wal-Mart. Anya was much more interested in the pen than the little ball of the Tag Junior. The Tag is recommended for ages 4 - 8, whereas the Tag Junior is for 24 months to 4 years. I know a lot of parents want to age their child, buying advanced toys for little toddlers that aren't ready for them, and I usually try not to do this (usually a waste of money, because they lose interest quickly on these toys) but for this one I made an exception. She can't use all the functions cognizantly, but she enjoys holding the pen and clicking on words and pictures. I believe she will grow into the functions of the pen.

Not to mention the software worked smoothly with my MacBook - a definite added bonus!

Product Description:

Inspire a love of reading with Tag - the amazing touch reading system that brings stories to life like never before! As children touch the Tag Reader to the pages of specially printed storybooks, words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud, engaging children's senses to make reading a rich, fulfilling experience. And, with more than 35 books and games based on favorite TV, movie and classic tales, the Tag library has something for every reader!The Tag Reader holds audio for up to 5 books at a time. Simply connect the Tag Reader to your computer, download the audio for your Tag books and drag-and-drop up to 5 of your child's favorite stories onto your Tag Reader. While online, you can also discover your children's favorite books and activities, learn about the skills they are exploring and share in their accomplishments by creating a free LeapFrog Learning Path at leapfrog.com.

I have been very pleased with all the books we have purchased:

Danneel PlaySpot - Playground

2010-04-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Type: Playground
Age: 2 -12
Location: Danneel Park, New Orleans, LA (Danneel & St. Charles)

After being disappointed with our brief stint over at Audubon Park we decided to drive down St. Charles for a bit. Lucky we did because we spotted this little playground, tucked away behind a big oak, right on St. Charles.

Beautifully constructed, there is a new area and an older area for smaller children. This play area is huge and sports tons of slides, rock climbers, monkey bars...you name it this Kiddie Hot Spot has it all.

What you are seeing her is the middle of the playground. There is much more on both sides of the play spot, including a huge lawn for picnicking and letting the dog romp about (if you are by yourself of course!)

This is the smaller child area, with a little swing area and those tiny slides like that have at the Zoo. This area is much older and we didn't play on it...but it still seemed in good condition.

View Larger Map

Audubon Playground - St. Charles Ave

2010-04-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Type: Playground
Age: 2 - 12
Location: Audubon Park: New Orleans, LA (St. Charles Ave)

Audubon Playground seems to be a popular spot for SAHMs and nannies alike. In it's prime this play place was probably one of the hottest hang-outs for kids...but now well I don't think I'll bring Anya back to this one. Complete with broken slides and worn out climbers...Audubon Park needs to give this little area a makeover!

This playground is massive...with bridges and climbers that soar over the parents heads. It was very scary looking up to see my 2 year old pulling herself across this thing - but I can't tell her anything. The part shown above is the larger area, the slide is intack on this one. But the climb to get up there is very daunting!

This area shown is the smaller area. There are two slides on this one and a smaller bridge. This also seemed to be the more popular spot, even though one of the slides had a big hole in it.

There are much better places to take the kids than this. But, I really do hope that Audubon fixes the problems.

View Larger Map

Bounce Spectrum - Jefferson Parish

2010-04-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Another great place to bounce away that extra energy...Bounce Spectrum on West Napoleon. Mommy, Daddy and Anya attended a birthday there today. What fun.

http://www.thebouncespectrum.com/

With similar bounces as the other "bounce houses", Bounce Spectrum is a fun place, but not what I would call anything NEW. Similar in pricing, all the same bouncers, Bounce Spectrum is basically a carbon copy of BooKoo Bounce, just in a much better location.

Bounce Spectrum does have fewer bouncers than BooKoo Bounce though. All the main ones are there, the giant slide, the tackle bounce rooms with the attached slide, Giant Batman...etc.

We did attend a birthday there and the attendants were right on track. Everything was ordered and on spot. I wasn't nosy and didn't inquire as to what was provided, but they had ice. LOL. It was also separated from the other birthday that was there, and they did not allow "Walk-In Play" people to come in. Birthday's were pricey though, with a party pushing $300 range.

It is very affordable just for walk-in play though, just $8.00.

Book Blogger Hop!

2010-04-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Angela over at Mommy PR for making this Blog Hop*.

You can include this same list on your site by clicking here.

I found this on Just Another New Blog.

A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS. When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the exact same list appears on each blog. Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list. The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides. Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can “HOP” from blog to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!*

BooKoo Bounce, Elmwood

2010-04-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

Wonderful spot to take the kids to expel some energy. BooKoo Bounce in Elmwood is another of Anya's favorites.

http://www.bookoobounce.com

Not as unique as some of our other fun haunts, BooKoo Bounce, though is a great place to bring your 2+ kids. I say 2+ but to get your money's worth I would recommend them being on the high side of 2, able to jump and bounce and climb. There are small areas for the not so dexterous, but when they see the other areas, you know they want to go check it all out.

This place has like a ton of bouncers and two separate area, great for avoiding the big kids if you have a little one, or for avoiding the little ones if you are a big kid. There are huge slides, obstacle courses, and even some random hula hoops for testing moms ability to see if "She Still Got It."

I haven't attended a birthday there, so I can't tell you if they are on the ball or not, but they did have a separate birthday room...big plus and they seem to close the place down if it is your party - even better. But for the price, they better. This is not a cheap birthday party. $275 on a weekday, nearly $300 for weekends, I would have to say this is one of the pricier party places I've seen, and those aren't the party that includes cake and ice cream.

It is very affordable just for walk-in play though, just $8.00.

Tucker's Apple-Dandy Day by Susan Winget

2010-04-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

Tucker's Apple-Dandy Day by Susan Winget
Received as a gift from family.

One of Anya's favorite books, the book is repeatedly asked for by name and read over and over again. This is a great gift for a young child, or a wonderful addition to your child's library.

Tucker, a cute little rabbit with patchwork ears, is going on a field trip. His class is going to an orchard to pick apples. Tucker's mother gets very excited when she hears that, because she would love to make apple pie.

Beautifully illustrated and written, Winget's voice is sing-song and her illustrations are imaginative, sure to capture your child's attention, either boy or girl.

The Monkey Room

2010-04-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Monkey Room located at the very edge of Uptown is a favorite of Anya's.

(Photo from their website)

http://www.monkeyroom.net

The Monkey Room is a unique addition to fun things to do in New Orleans. Sporting a huge indoor play arena, and a mini toddler version, The Monkey Room is a great place to bring your child, whether they are just crawling or pushing teendom. The large play arena has two sets of slides, one with 3 shoots for side-by-side racing, obstacles, netting for climbing and just a general hamster cage type environment. But the great thing about this monster is that you can climb through it also. This is not one of those McDonalds play areas, where the tube that your toddler gets stuck in is about a foot across and you have to fight claustrophobia to save him...nope, plenty of room for rescue and nice an open for spotting your wayward tot.

The downside of The Monkey Room is the birthday feature. I wouldn't suggest having one over there. Free-play is the way to go. For one, the birthdays are reasonably priced, but they just don't sport any happy features that make that special day...well special.

My nephew had his 4 year old birthday here. This is what I found very wrong with the birthday party:

You get juice boxes, in an ice chest without any ice, so they stay cold for like a minute (this was the kind of service)
There is free play going on also, so you can imagine, 2 birthday's and then general public - very crowded
The rooms are really not off-the-beaten path, they are just cordoned off areas and you get your own bouncer. But the thing is kids don't care about that - and neither do parents, so we had a lot of free-players going into the bouncer. So when you have a 4 year old having a party and ten year old crashers - well you have a 4 year old that is not going into his own bouncer
It also wasn't organized, there was no structured play-time and party time

My conclusion, bring to play, best days are during the week, it is very crowded on weekends. And you might want to look at another option for a birthday party.

Win Anchors Away @ Two of a Kind...

2010-04-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is a promotional for another site, not Anya's Room.

Win the Little Tykes, Anchors Away Pirate Ship water table from Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House!

Click here to go to her website.

Blurb from Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House...
Ahoy matey! Get ready for a water-time adventure with the Anchors Away Pirate Ship! Two fun characters, a squirting shark and a constant running water fountain make sure that you will have hours of fun on the high seas.

Share from the Heart by Marilyn Randall

2010-04-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Share from the Heart -
Story and Illustrations by Marilyn Randall
Review copy provided by Marilyn Randall

An interesting book, labeled on amazon.com for children ages 9-12. To be honest though, the illustrations and tone seem a bit immature for children entering the tween stages, but the prose is too advanced for younger readers. The book is 21 pages of quatrains, a little much for younger readers.

Aside from the lengthy amount of wording, the tone and writing of this book for young readers is just not good. The tone fluctuates from trendy to dated, which I'm assuming the author implemented so she could keep up the rhyming scheme.

"That the dragon had hidden beneath those snappy, glazed eyes,
And the red teeth and fangs as they muffled their cries.
"Whew," said one brother, "I'm so glad to see this,
That he's not going to hurt us with his fire or his hiss."

"He's a monster and huge and I am still afraid still,
But for now I will listen to see if he's the real deal,
Or a figment I've dreamed with you on this darkest of nights,
Or if he's going to cause me to have to take flight."

I did try and read it to Anya, but she quickly lost interest. This was expected though, because of the advanced writing. She did like the illustrations, but I had to reassure her that the dragon was a good dragon, the dragon with the heart helped illustrate this. Basic thoughts on this, cute illustrations that might have worked if she would have cut it down to maybe a quatrain per page, instead of the 4 to 6 quatrains.

Jefferson Playground - Play Area

2010-04-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Jefferson Playgrounds Brand New Play Area, located near Riverdale High School, between South and River Road.

Newly built this past month, the Jefferson Playground is now a happening hang-out for kids ages 2 to 12. Complete with 2 plastic slides, rock climbing walls, toddler swings, monkey bars, mushrooms for balancing and ramps for running...this fitness focused playground is a must visit for families in the Jefferson area.

Want to work out while your little one ebbs some of that pent up energy on the monkey bars. Have no fear, situated around the playground is a workout place for adults. With Step-by-Step signs that show you just how to use that chin-up bar, balancing board and sit-up area. I haven't done a chin-up since basic training, but this fitness area just might make me work on that.

If you have tiny tots, I would really avoid this playground after 3 o'clock. The playground is situated near Jefferson Elementary and Riverdale Middle & High School, so it is jumping with kids Kindergarten and above when school lets out. And kids will be kids and they run around and don't expect them to watch out for your slow moving tots.

Great thing about this one though, it has like 6 inches of foam on the ground. I saw a kid do a header from the top of the slide and got up like no big deal. Talk about give me a heart attack though!

But for you parents that are looking for an after school hang out for your elementary student, great place to bring them. There is plenty of room to run and expend that energy. Pardon the pictures, BTW, they were taken the day after the pollen drop and one of the great things about this play area is that it is located under two magnificent Oaks...great shade but pollen season is pretty messy.

Anya's Favorite Toy

2010-04-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Anya's current fav toy is her Stawberry Shortcake pool and dolls. She loves the mini dolls, and making them go down the slide. It was easy to put together, in fact Anya helped me a lot with the installation. I was amazed at her genius :)

The mini dolls are one of her favorites, and they are easy to carry around in my purse to pull out in time of crisis. She sniffs them and goes "Ah, that smells nice."

We do now have a ton of Strawberry Shortcake mini dolls though, because each set comes with another doll. They are also very inexpensive, the little purse dolls can be as cheap as a few dollars if you catch a sale at Wal-Mart. Which are great for reward toys, etc. I actually got them on sale at Toys-R-Us, if you bought $15 of SS stuff, you got a free purse doll, so when I purchased the poll I got Blueberry Muffin to go along with it. A very cute, inexpensive gift for a girl child. But the parts are small, so recommended 3+.

It is really fun to see "old" toys come back in style. I actually had a Strawberry Shortcake bed when I was a wee tot. :) The one pictured is similar...but I had a canopy. Loved that bed!

Bailey's Day by Robert Haggerty

2010-04-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

Bailey's Day by Robert Haggerty

Robert Haggerty introduces us to his charming canine friend, Bailey, in his self-published book for young readers, Bailey's Day.

Inspired by his pooch, who loves to sneak out with his best doggy buddy, Frankie, Haggerty created this cute tale of what exactly Bailey did on her day out. From chasing an elusive lizard, to scaling a wall...then off to a taco stand, Bailey had quite an adventure. All of it wonderfully illustrated and penned. The author's voice is straightforward and childlike and kept Anya quite entranced. The IRL pics of Bailey in the back of the book were an added bonus and Anya laughed as I read the captions underneath them.

Easy to read for beginners, but also entertaining for read-aloud to toddlers. Bailey's Day is a recommended buy for fans of the canine variety.