A Train Ride with Clifford the Big Red Dog on the LM and M Railroad

January 11, 2012 by 21 Comments

What can be better for any kid then a train ride? How about a “Train Ride with Clifford the Big Red Dog” on the LM&M Railroad? Yeah, that is SIGNIFICANTLY better!!!

If you are in the Warren County, Ohio area- or are planning to be (and you should be! They don’t call it “Ohio’s Largest Playground for nothing!) there is one stop that any train lover, large or small will need to make sure is on your itinerary- the LM&M Railroad!

“The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M Railroad) operating from Historic Downtown Lebanon offers scenic train rides through Southwestern Ohio in Warren County. These nostalgic train rides present passengers with the opportunity to learn about local history and railroad operations while creating everlasting memories with family and friends. The unique location of the Historic Downtown Lebanon grants visitors the ability to experience the local splendor through shopping and dining in the charming tourist town. More information about the LM&M and it’s history can be found by checking out our history page!”

While we were there, the event going on was a train ride with Clifford, the Big Red Dog. I could not have been more thrilled- because you all know how much my Little love dogs! I mean really- trains AND dogs? Done! The LM&M Railroad was awesome for kids- the train even had a little snack station in the back where you can pick up drinks and snacks if you forgot to bring any along. One word of warning- BRING BUG SPRAY, the playground was crazy buggy- and there are no bathrooms on the train itself- the ride isn’t long, but if you are potty training, just beware, and perhaps use a pull-up vs. underpants, [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel

Ways to Motivate Your Child to do Homework

January 11, 2012 by 5 Comments

Some kids tend to be accommodating while others are willful, but regardless of your child’s
temperament, there are bound to be times (even extended phases) when getting him to do his
homework is like pulling teeth. For parents, this can be a difficult situation to deal with. Whether or
not you agree with the amount and type of homework schools are handing out these days (have you
seen all the busy work?), the truth is that your child must keep up if he wants to succeed in school,
and you certainly want him to do his best, benefit from education, and learn to respect the discipline
and work ethic that he will need in his adult life. But how can you motivate him to do his homework
without turning your house into a battle zone? Here are a just a few ways to get your kid on track with
homework, and maybe even make it fun.

1. Offer rewards. Since you know your child pretty well, you probably have a good idea of what
motivates him already. For most kids, added rewards are a good place to start. You can
definitely try to explain the rewards that come with a job well done (good grades, for example),
but most kids want something a little more substantial. So consider offering outings to the park,
the museum, sporting events, concerts, or even theme parks at the end of the semester if your
child brings in good grades. Just be careful not to offer food or monetary rewards, as this can
color the way your child views these types of commodities.

2. Threaten punishment. While many kids will work for rewards, others are far more motivated
by the prospect of avoiding punishment. This is simply a matter of temperament – we can’t all
be go-getters. Punishing your child for bad grades may seem harsh, but his time spent [Read more…]

Filed Under: education, kids

Crayola Model Magic Jewelry C0NTEST

January 10, 2012 by 1 Comment

Every time we go to the board walk or even the flea market for that matter, there is a mandatory look at the cheap jewelry table/shop. These stores specialize in unique and interesting bead based jewelry. Why not make these at home? With the right bead material, the right tools and a creative person these fun pieces can be made at home. Crayola makes just a set for this, the Crayola Model Magic Jewelry Boutique, well minus the creative person. Well, even the creativity is supplemented with a good instruction manual. 😛

This set includes a workstation and enough accessories and model magic to make hundreds of beads, charms, necklaces and bracelets. The workstation is super easy to use and Kamikaze loves it. She loved painting and clay to being with but now she can play with it and make something to wear. She [Read more…]

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Wordless Wednesday! Gingerbread House

January 10, 2012 by 5 Comments
Filed Under: baking, kids

Once Upon a Monster- a fun video game for kids

January 6, 2012 by 10 Comments

Sesame Street has been around since 1969. But never have children been able to really ‘be’ their favorite characters from the show. That is until now, and the new game Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster.
In this game the player takes the role of various characters through the course of the game. As such you dance, pose, wave, jump, and sing/talk.

The game is broken up into six chapters, each of which can be replayed if you want to. Each chapter has more characters to play with/as.
This game is just as you would hope it would be, a whimsical journey into the imagination of Jim Henson. The only change is the colors are somehow brighter an more vibrant if that is at all possible.

The character animations are spot on, the backgrounds are alive and vibrant. The audio is good quality too, characters sound the way they should, music is compelling and fun while not taking away from the game itself.
The co-op is drop in and out. So lets say your little one is playing [Read more…]

Filed Under: kids, review

Closer to Nature Monitor- When you only want the very best for your baby

January 5, 2012 by 14 Comments

You love your baby. They are the apple of your eye and you want to be able to see them all day and all night. How would you do this without either installing an expensive surveillance system or setting up a cot and learning how to creep stealthily like a ninja when going to the facilities are night? I jest- but really- how DO mommies get peace of mind at night?
Truly, I wish I had had this option when my son was born, the Closer to Nature Digital Video Sensor Pad Monitor. This monitor has a digital camera built into the satellite as well as a 2.8 inch color LCD screen on the viewer. I got the best available at the time- but this…this is pure magic!

This monitor has everything you could want in a baby monitor. Crystal clear sound, great reception and the ability to make it a two way audio connection to name a few. When our little one needs a little pep talk of, ‘it will be ok, shhhhhh go to sleep.’ It can be done without leaving your bedroom. This is no substitute for actual face time but it works for little fits. I know what you are thinking- my son is not a baby. Why do I have a monitor in his room?

He’s never been a good sleeper. He as breathing issues, and I am afraid that I won’t hear him if he is in distress and he sleeps upstairs. So, I never took the monitor out.

The connection between the monitor and the [Read more…]

Filed Under: baby, kids, review

Teaching Kids about Global Warming

January 4, 2012 by 8 Comments

When it comes to the causes and effects of global warming on our planet, and particularly how
climate change is affecting many species of wildlife, it can be difficult to figure out how to inform your
kids about the issue without scaring them or making them sad. And yet, you want to guide them to
make the choices that are going to lead to a cleaner environment and preserve diversity for future
populations. This means you need to explain how global warming came about and the alarming effects
that the situation has wrought. So if you’re looking for ways to get your kids on board with conservation
and reducing carbon emissions for life, here are few tips to help you get started.

For one thing, you should become well-informed yourself. You want to make sure that you are giving
your kids the best and most current information available, which means you need to do your homework
so that you can adequately answer any questions they might have. That said, you may also want to
temper what you tell them. You certainly don’t want them to think they are killing polar bears every
time you take out the family vehicle, for example. Of course, if you’re really committed to reducing your
carbon footprint, you probably have a fuel-efficient vehicle at the very least, or possibly even an electric
car. But the idea is not to scare your kids in the process of helping them to find the right path.

And you might need some help when it comes to teaching kids about global warming. Luckily, there are
a lot of resources. One great way to get children on board with [Read more…]

Filed Under: education, kids

Monkey Brains- good food for healthy kids

January 4, 2012 by 6 Comments

Monkey Brains, not just a disturbing scene from Indiana Jones, but also a new line of oatmeal and granola bars! Monkey Brains include prebiotic fiber, which help give your digestive system a jump start to good health.

In our house there are quite a few of us with digestive issues, including but not limited to lactose intolerance, to trouble starting, and even stopping once started. (gross and TMI! ew!!!)
Prebiotic fibers feed the healthy probiotics in your digestive system. The probiotics help keep you functioning regularly and the way one would expect.

Enough of the healthy stuff- the taste of the oatmeal is very good. The best part is the smell while cooking. It fills the house with strawberry, blueberry or maple. The kids favorite varies from day to day but all I have to do is put one bowl in the microwave and both want one as soon as that aroma emanating from the microwave. Also it helps there is a big smiling monkey on the [Read more…]

Filed Under: food, kids, natural