Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Send mail to Grandparents

Most kids like to color, and if they are anything like my nieces, they can go through a pad of paper in a day! But what do you do with all those drawings? A refrigerator is only so big. Well, how many of those drawings are you sending to the grandparents? They were raised without e-mail and I think snail mail holds a high value with them and something they look forward to receiving. It is just not the same to scan it and e-mail it over. A friend who has a grandmother in an retirement home, say drawings and pictures from the grand kids are like every one's trophy wall. The more you have the bigger your smile. If your kids are older, and not as into drawing anymore you can still send mail to your parents. Trudy Triner provides you a fun list of easy things to send on her site http://www.makemomhappybymail.com/25-things-to-send-by-mail/ Old or young, make someone smile today with the gift of mail. Ciao. Ciao.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Cooking with Toddlers

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces is cook. I find it to be interactive, bring out a creative side in them and perhaps even giving them skills for the future. I can't believe I have friends (at my age) who barely know how to boil water. Ahhhh the age of dining out. I am also somewhat of a health nut and prefer things that are homemade, even if it is as simple as making a smoothie and pouring it into and ice cube tray for a mini frozen treat later. There are many books out there to help you out, should your cooking skills be rusty, but if you have toddlers in your mix be sure to check out The Toddler Cafe. http://www.chroniclebooks.com/excerpts.php?isbn=0811859274&store=books Many of the ideas don't even require any "cooking", just mixing of a few fun ingredients and freezing, which is perfect for summer time. Happy cooking! Ciao. Ciao.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Family Golf Open

With Father's Day right around the corner, how can one not think of a golf outing. While it is true not all guys are golfers....I'm talking about miniature golf here! You know, pee wee golf. How much fun would it be to have the whole family out for the first ever "Smith" Masters or the Olson Open. Time to get T-shirts printed up for everyone? Even those that don't golf would have fun and it is all about getting the family together! The best part is everyone has a really, really good chance at getting a hole in one! Find the nearest miniature golf course to you at http://find.mapmuse.com/interest/mini_golf Watch out, this is liable to become an annual event! Have fun. Ciao. Ciao.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Pretend Mailbox

A reminder that kids love mail, and also like to play postman. I'm in love with this pretend mailbox and all the letters that go with it. http://www.craftsburykids.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=233 It is all about imagination, and this brings it out. For me, I'd much prefer my little nieces play postman verses doctor. Also send them mail on a regular basis too. The real stuff can help build your connection with them and make them feel extra special. Ciao. Ciao.