Dempster's Lunchbox Inspirations

Dempster's had just added to their site a community called Lunch Box Inspirations where moms can share tips, tricks, and recipes to get them through the school years. The site features content to help inspire new lunch ideas for busy moms (like you and me) with school-aged kids. You can easily search through the recipes and tips or sign up for the weekly newsletter to have inspiration delivered to your inbox.

What's my tip or lunch box inspiration? Because kids are little, I make bite-sized portions. For example: sandwiches -- my child usually get messy and eventually becomes bored if I give him a whole sandwich to eat. What I do is use cookie cutters and make shapes out of them. It gets kids attention and they'll eat it. I usually just consume the leftover cut-out portions. And another idea is that you can roll up ham and cheese sandwiches like sushi. Small bite-sized portions is easier for my little one to eat and less messy too.

I just love those bento lunches where you can make fancy designs or make a character face out of that you can eat it. It's like food art. It's pretty neat and it puts a smile to your child's face. :)

Leave a comment and share some of YOUR lunchbox inspirations.

Space Transport LEGO Set

Did you ever play with Lego when you were a kid? I did. I think most of us did. I didn't keep mines though, but funny thing is that my Hubby did. We found in the garage a box of toys that he used to play when he was a kid. There were a lot of stuff we could clean up and pass on to our little Brandon. And there was this lego box in mint condition. It was the 1989 series space shuttle and astronaut set.

Brandon is old enough now to understand how it works so I finally brought it out for him to play (he just turned 3 a few days ago). He kept busy putting pieces together from his imagination. Then he wanted me to build him that space ship like the one pictured on the box. He found the instructions inside the box and showed it to me. It was the Lego set #6892 Modular Space Transport. It looks like a space rocket.




I haven't build anything with Lego in ages so I am having a bit of fun with this one.

Happy 3rd Birthday

It's September 26th and Brandon is officially 3 years old! Happy Birthday, little guy! He had preschool today and he brought home a birthday certificate that the teachers gave him.




Nothing too big, just celebrating with family at home. Next week will be a birthday party for Brandon where he will have kids his age to play with. Why have the party a week later? It's because that's the weekend I was able to get all of our friends together. September is a busy month.

Little Helper

Most of the time, Brandon is a good eater. The other times, he would still eat but starts playing with his food when he gets bored.

One day, I had a great idea how to keep him entertained and not bothering me while I prepare lunch. I asked him if he wants to help me make ham & cheese sandwiches. Of course, he was so excited that it's something new to him. He likes to help sometimes. I also used cookie cutters to cut out shapes of his sandwiches. He enjoyed making the shapes and eating it. I got this idea from searching Bento lunch boxes and recipes online.






And then the next day at Frog Hollow's Family Drop-In program, they had sandwich day for the kid's meals. I told Brandon if he wants to help, then line up with the "teachers". I had to help him spread out the egg salad filling evenly.

Brandon's Cold & New Bedroom Layout

What a week! Little Brandon got a cold (probably from school). I noticed Brandon's runny nose and I knew he was getting sick. He was really fussy the day before. Same thing with my friend's daughter on the same day! So when Brandon get sick, I noticed I get the stomach flu. And with that, my neck and spine pains are back. I need to make an appointment to see physiotherapy.

My back pain got worst when I fell asleep with Brandon on his single bed. It was very tight and there were barely any room for me to stretch. Brandon never wants go to sleep on his own without me. Anyway, last month I decided that I bring out his baby crib mattress and lay it on the floor. The layout worked well and we both had a better sleep.


Previous bedroom layout


New bedroom layout with new homework desk (smaller); can't see the desk, but it's the same place as the old one. More floor space now.

Wordless Wednesday: Sleep

Free Birthday Ice-Cream Cone

Brandon's birthday is coming soon and we received a letter from Brentwood Mall to claim his birthday surprise. We went to the Customer Service booth and we received a coloring book, crayons, and a coupon for a free ice-cream cone at Dairy Queen.

Preschool: 2nd Week

It was Brandon's 2nd week of preschool and finally regular class time (was a full 2.5hr class). I went home to finish my work and then went back to pick him up at 11:30am.  It was walking distance from home. Brandon did very good. I heard he played with his classmates, shared the toys, and helped the teachers. He handled just fine without me around.  My little boy is growing up so fast!

Just a photo of him before I left him on his own.

His artwork he created and brought it home.

Christmas CD Greeting Cards - Unique Gift

I know it is a bit early to tell you about Christmas products, but I just received a boxed set of Christmas greeting cards from Twin Sisters Productions. They recently had a promotion on the "Christmas in July Rebate" where you purchase this year's Holiday Greeting Cards from QVC will receive the Keepsake Christmas Card Box set for FREE!



Just a reminder that if you have purchased Holiday Greeting Cards during the Christmas in July promotion, you are eligible to receive the Keepsake Christmas Card Box set from 2009 (at $29.99 value) for FREE. All you have to do is mail your receipt and send a shipping and handling fee of $3 cash or check to the following address:

Twin Sisters Productions
ATTN: QVC Rebate
4710 Hudson Drive
Stow, Ohio 44224


Set Includes:

· 10 Christmas Cards (5 designs, 2 of each)
· 10 Christmas CDs with 50 minues of music and 12 songs (vocal)
· 10 Sturdy Envelopes for mailing
· 10 Festive Holiday Seals
· 1 Keepsake Box



Card Designs:

Poinsettia - Outside Verse: Merry Christmas, Inside Verse: Wishing You A Wonderful Christmas

Star – Outside Verse: Peace, Inside verse: Wishing You Peace and Happiness, Now and Throughout the New Year!

Candy Cane – Outside Verse: Sweet Surprises, Inside Verse: Wishing You A Joy Filled Holiday!

Snowman – Outside Verse: Let It Snow!, Inside verse: Warmest Wishes for the Merriest Christmas Ever!

Christmas Tree – Outside Verse: Season’s Greetings, Inside Verse: May Your Hart Be Happy At Christmas and Throughout The New Year!


CD Track list:

1. Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow/Go Tell It On the Mountain
2. O Come, All Ye Faithful/Joy To the World
3. What Child Is This?
4. Angels We Have Heard On High
5. The First Noel
6. For Unto Us
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
8. The Birthday of A King
9. Let’s Celebrate
10. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
11. O Holy Night
12. Away In A Manger

Runtime: 50:00 minutes of vocal music

I received the card set and I think it's lovely and has great quality. This is definitely a great gift and a unique greeting card that all your friends and family and kids of all ages would enjoy.





You can view more other products at www.twinsisters.com.  Get a free gift for orders of $25 or more!


Disclosure: I received a Boxed Set of 10 Christmas Cards in exchange for my review from Twin Sisters Productions. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

First Day of Preschool

It was Brandon's first day of preschool. Wow, I can't believe he's already going to school. I had to wake him up for his early breakfast.

We went a bit early and walked over just a few blocks from home. Brandon has been inside the community center before when I took him to family drop-in, so he was familiar around the main entrance. The class was in a different room though. That was new to him.

There was a small group of children that are ages 3 and 4. Class started at 9:00am and it was a short day because it was the first day. Next week will be short too; about an hour. Then, regular class time will begin on Monday, September 19th from 9:00am - 11:30am. The class will be using a gradual entry process. Then this will ease the transition into a new environment and will make separation much easier. We will see how well it goes with Brandon after a few more classes.



Overall, Brandon did great on his first day of school. He behaved and he was a really good boy. I'm proud of him.

Brandon had a long day because he woke up early.  He doesn't usually like to take afternoon naps, but today he was extremely tired. During dinner time, he didn't finish his meal. I could tell he was sleepy from his droopy eyelids.  I carried him off his highchair and laid him down on his bed.  He stayed in his bed with his eyes closed.

Stanley Seagull eBook Review

Introducing Stanley Seagull, a children's book written by Cathy Mazur and illustrated by Colleen Gedrich. I was given the opportunity to review this ebook. I've read this book for little Brandon's bedtime story. He always enjoyed having stories read to him, especially from mommy.

Book Description:
Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.


The story is about a seagull named Stanley. He has wandered too far from home and is looking for his way back. It's a big world out there. Through his journey, he would bump into trouble along the way. There's so much he must learn. One day, Stanley met a new friend name Seymour (another seagull). He tells Stanley about the garbage truck that had so much food in it and also warned him that he must move fast. If Stanley didn't listen to his friend, he would be taken further away from his home from the ocean. How does Stanley get back home?

This reminds me that little children are alike that they have limited knowledge of how it is like out there in the world. And if they don't listen, they could get into trouble and bad things can happen.

About the author (Cathy Mazur):
Born in Scranton, Pa., Cathy Mazur is the daughter of Gary and Catherine H. Errico. She was educated in the Dunmore public school system and graduated from Dunmore High School in 1971. She received a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Mansfield State College in 1975. She received a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of Scranton in 1978. Cathy was employed as an elementary school librarian for the Mid Valley School District from 1975 until her retirement in 2010. While at Mid Valley, she instituted and coordinated the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program for 33 years helping students to develop a love of reading outside the classroom. Cathy served on the Board of Directors for the Valley Community Library in Peckville, Pa. for over 20 years acting as president for one year and board secretary for 19 years. She presently serves on the library’s Developmental Committee chairing various fundraising events. She resides in Dickson City, Pa. with Frank, her husband of 31 years. They are the parents of two children, Gary, 27 and Gia, 19. Now in her retirement, she is focused on writing books for children like Stanley Seagull. Follow Cathy Mazur on Facebook.


About the book illustrator (Colleen Gedrich):
Colleen Gedrich, a lifelong resident Throop, Pa., earned a BFA in illustration from Marywood University in 2002. She is a freelance illustrator specializing in animal-themed work. She enjoys creating her art using mostly watercolor and pastel. As a dedicated animal rights activist and full-time program coordinator for International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), Colleen lives her dream of joining her passions for animals and art to promote a more harmonious world with a touch of beauty. Recent works produced by Colleen include t-shirt and invitation designs, children’s book illustrations (A Different Kind of Hero), and book covers (With God There Is Hope). Colleen has also teamed up with her very talented artist mother, Kathy Holmes Gedrich, and paints murals for children’s nurseries. Follow Colleen Gedrich on Facebook.


View the Stanley Seagull YouTube video trailer below:



You can purchase the book in an ebook version or a hardcopy version from Amazon.com



Disclosure: I received a copy of the eBook from the publishing company at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Tribute Books. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Planet Explorers Guidebooks for Kids

Love to travel with your kids? I was recently introduced to and given the opportunity to review two of the Planet Explorers series ebooks. These ebooks, by Laura Schaefer, are travel guides written just for children. She is also the founder and publisher of the travel guide series.

These 60-80 page ebooks include everything your 8-12 year-old needs to know about your next family destination. Thought little Brandon is still little too young to know how to read, he really liked the pictures. The photographs are amazing!


Planet Explorers Disneyland

Description: Explore the planet with this Disneyland Resort guidebook written just for kids. This fun and informative ebook includes everything tweens need to know about Disneyland Resort, including information about attractions, food, shows, Downtown Disney and resorts. From theme park fun facts to Disney history, from ride highlights to quizzes, Planet Explorers guidebooks have it all.

I was very surprised that this Disneyland guidebook is quite detailed. It has all the information we need for each place, the rides, the characters, shops, passes, etc.  I've only been to Disneyland twice. We actually went just a few months ago with little Brandon. It was his first time (and was a long road trip).  I wish I knew about these guidebooks then so that we would have planned our day in a bit more organized way.  As Brandon was looking at the book on my computer, he pointed out the pictures and he said he remembered we went there. Oh he loved it and I told him we would go there again, this time with a copy of Laura's Planet Explorers Guidebook.


Planet Explorers New York City

Description: Explore the planet with Planet Explorers New York City, a travel guidebook written just for kids. This ebook includes everything a tween needs to know about the Big Apple. From fun facts to history, from attraction highlights to maps, Planet Explorers guides have it all.

I've been to New York one time years ago with my best friend. We were with a tour group though.  It's a nice, big city and I'd love to go back there again; this time with my Hubby and little Brandon.  There are many places in New York that I have yet to explore. The guidebook covers pretty much the cool places.  It also includes the New York City subway diagram. It's pretty useful to keep this page handy when we're traveling by transit.


About the Author:

Laura loves to write almost as much as she likes to drink tea. She got her start as a contributor to the University of Wisconsin’s student paper The Daily Cardinal and went on to write regularly for The Princeton Review and Match.com. Laura is the author of The Secret Ingredient (Simon & Schuster 2011), The Teashop Girls (Simon & Schuster 2008), and Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor (Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2005). She is also the author and publisher of Planet Explorers travel guides for kids. Laura lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her enormous cat Ramona and can usually be found sampling cheese at the farmer's market.


WHERE TO BUY?

These eBooks can be purchased through Smashwords.com or on Amazon.com.


Disclosure: I received a copy of the above mentioned eBooks at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Laura Schaefer (author). The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Baby and You: A Facebook Parenting Community

Have you heard about the new Baby and You Facebook Program? It is developed by Loblaws, Superstore, Valu-Mart, SaveEasy, Independent Grocers, and Zehrs.

This family-friendly online community was created for moms, dads, grandparents, and anyone else with babies, infants, and children in their lives who want to join the conversation. Unlike other parenting communities, Baby and You is all on Facebook. When you join (just click the "like" button), you can get exclusive coupons and promotions, and take part in great conversations with other Moms like me.  There are thousands of parents and grandparents who have already joined.

I am somewhat a social media addict, so I am always online and checking my facebook.  There aren't any offers or promotions at the moment, but when there is one, it will be on my newsfeed.  I can find out which of my 'mommy' friends already joined and invite those who haven't. I have already met a few new online friends (mostly moms with kids around the same age).  Since Loblaws is Canadian, it's great to meet others who are also in my area. I think it's a fun way to connect with each other and share our tips and experiences, and have your questions answered. And for the convenience, the site provides updated weekly flyers for you to view online. I couldn't find Superstore located in Vancouver, but I hope there will be more improvements.

Don't forget to check out the featured Canadian Mom bloggers, Mommy Moment dedicated to all things Mom, Lisa from Growing Your Baby, focusing on all things baby.

See you there on the Baby and You Community
Facebook Page

Disclosure: I am participating in the Baby and You program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Loblaw Companies. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Frog Hollow Harvest Festival & Veggie Contest 2011

It was the last day for "Frogs in the Park" event with the Frog Hollow Community. We celebrated with face-painting, crafts, watermelons, games, bubbles, music band, vegetable contest, prizes and lots more. I brought Brandon and cousin Michelle for a day of fun.


Brandon and Michelle playing hockey and games.



Brandon and Michelle at the playground. Not sure who the girl is in the back.


The kids also made custom buttons. I did a few for them.


Watermelons for everyone!


Here's my entry for the veggie contest. I called it the Tomato Bouquet.


The rest of the veggies from others. I think everybody who participated got a small prize.