The Mom Review

Panda Bears, Penguins, and Sea Turtles...Oh My!

2007-07-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Love Eric Carle books? Love animals? Then this one is a no brainer. The latest in the series, Panda Bear, Panda Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle is also the best. As usual, Eric Carle's illustrations are a delight to the eyes. The animals used are familiar to children with an unusual twist (they aren't just penguins, they are macaroni penguins). Even my preschooler was so curious about which animal would come next that she actually pried her eyes away from a princess book to read along. Whether you are looking for a gift or for the next family favorite, this book is sure to be a hit.

For Your Sweet Pea: Herb The Vegetarian Dragon

2007-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Meet Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon. While all of his dragon friends are out pillaging and plundering and snacking on brave knights, Herb is tending his garden vegetables. But when the townspeople lash out at the dragons, it is poor Herb that winds up in a pickle! Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon, by Jules Bass and Debbie Harter is a great book that has mesmerized both of my girls. This delightful story with its whimsical illustrations is sure to delight Herb-ivores and Meat-hooks alike!

The Mom Poll: Today's Poll

2007-06-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Mom Poll: Today's Poll

Get Lost!: Garmin Streetpilot c330

2007-05-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you who love gadgets, the Garmin StreetPilot c330 is for you. This things is just flat out cool. It's a mobile GPS unit for your car that will get you from point A to point B, even if you have no idea where you are or where you are going. It's got a bunch of nifty features such as lightning fast route calculations, built in speakers, and over 5 million points of interest. But my favorite is its usability. I literally sat down in front of this thing, touched the screen, and I was on my way. I didn't have to read any fancy manuals or follow a tutorial. Just touch and go. So go ahead, get lost...I dare you!

Draw Your Own Fairy Tale: How To Draw Princesses and Ballerinas

2007-04-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter is a budding artist/princess/ballerina, so this book was practically written just for her. But as her artistically inept mother, I love it as well. The instructions are clear and easy to follow (even for a 4 year old or a thirty something year old with no talent.) My daughter's drawings have actually improved as a result of this book (I wish I could say the same for my own!) The book is beautifully illustrated and if all else fails, it comes complete with the one component that is always sure to please...stickers!

Less Stinky: Brawny's Dura Fresh Sponge

2007-04-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

OK, I know it's lame to be obsessed with a dishwashing sponge, but I am very excited about what the new Brawny Dura Fresh has to offer. For some reason I cannot keep a sponge around my house for more than a week before it starts to stink to high heaven (maybe it's the never ending stream of cheerios that seem to be stuck on every plate and cup we own.) So I am pretty psyched about a sponge that inhibits the growth of bacteria. It also claims to be more durable and to lather better than regular sponges. I don't know about that, but I do know that anything that helps me reduce the overall stink in my home is a good thing.

Over The Rainbow: Barbie's Magic Of The Rainbow

2007-04-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Barbie latest movie, Magic of the Rainbow, is the epitome of little girl. A combination of fairies, sparkly dresses, fancy shoes and rainbows, this movie is sure to capture the heart of any girly-girl. Following along the Fairytopia series, Elina (Barbie) is once again needed to save Fairytopia from the evil Laverna. As with most of Barbie's flicks, this one is dripping with pastel colors and wholesome sweetness. But with an overall message of believing in oneself, it may be worth adding to your collection.

Lace Up: eeBoo Lacing Cards

2007-03-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why toddlers and preschoolers find it so fascinating to put a string through a hole, but I'm sure glad they do! My 4 yr old has enjoyed lacing cards for the last few years, but other products that she tried have been flimsy and boring, usually winding up in the garbage within a few days (or hours). eeBoo's Lacing Cards are made of high-quality stuff...durable enough to stand up to an active playgroup filled with rambunctious big kids and drooling babies time and time again!

For The Older Mom: Pregnancy and Parenting After Thirty-Five

2007-03-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

What special tests will the over 35 mom need during her pregnancy? How does it feel to be the oldest mom at the PTA meeting? What challenges does an older mom face when trying to get pregnant? Drs. Michele Moore and Caroline de Costa answer these questions and more in their new book Pregnancy and Parenting After Thirty-Five. This book is an excellent read for any mom or mom-to-be in her thirties and beyond. For starters, both authors are actually older moms, with a gang of kids between them on which to base their experience. They have been through this and they know their stuff, both as moms and as doctors. This book is chock full of info, advice, and anecdotes for the growing number of us having and raising children at 35+. It should be required reading for older parents.

Be Amazed: My First Amazing Game Board Book

2007-03-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

This book is a fantastic gift for kids who like little stuff and are finished sticking it in their mouths and noses. There are a ton of activities inside to while away a rainy afternoon (magnetic dress-up, tic tac toe, picture stories, matching games, weaving projects, etc.) So be amazed...but also be advised: there is a lot of little stuff that goes with this book, so it may not be great for travel or little ones.

Walk On: The Radio Flyer Walker Wagon

2007-03-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Radio Flyer Walker Wagon is one sturdy and solid toy. It's a huge hit with both my 1 yr old and her 4 yr old sister. The baby loves to climb in and out of the wagon, and it's a special bonus when she can charm her sister into taking her for a ride. The wheels don't pivot, so it's not easy to turn, but this also helps keep it from getting away from little feet.

Rainy Day Fun: Fun With Felt

2007-03-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

Fun With Felt, a Chicken Socks book by Liz Hutnick, wins the quantity and quality award in our toy box. I bought this book for a cross-country flight six months ago and we have used it almost every day since then. Not many toys hold my 4 year old's interest for more than five minutes, yet this is a book that she has literally played with for hours, each time with a guaranteed belly laugh. Who knew felt really could be fun?

Tickled Pink: Pinkalicious

2007-03-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

If your little one has a passion for all things pink, then she will LOVE Pinkalicious, a new book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. Pinkalicious tells the tale of a little girl whose love of pink is more than skin deep. But she soon finds out that living pink is not as rosey as it may seem. Just like my daughter, the story and illustrations are lively and impish. Pinkalicious has only one negative side effect: it will leave you craving pink cupcakes!

Have A Grand Old Time: Fisher Price's Baby Grand Piano

2007-03-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

This toy is a huge hit with both my musically inclined 1 year old and her musically challenged 4 year old sister. It's not often that you find a toy that entertains babies and big kids for so long but this one has earned a spot on the living room rug. It's got a number of built in tunes for the little ones and numbered keys and songs so the big kids can "read" the music. Definetly a must have for any budding piano prodigy (or her big sister).

BYOG: How To Make Pom Pom Animals

2007-03-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

Normally, I'm a huge fan of the Chicken Socks line of books. What could be better then a fun craft with all of the pieces and materials precut and assembled? Well, for starters, it would be better if all of the materials worked. I bought the Chicken Socks How To Make Pom Pom Animals book recently, thinking it would be surefire entertainment for my 4 yr old. It comes with pom poms of all sizes, googly eyes, a bunch of paper cut outs for making pom pom animals, and glue. Unfortunately, the glue in my particular package did not work. It was a gloppy mess that ruined several of the pom poms and threatened to ruin an otherwise peaceful day. My advice: buy the book, and your own glue!

A Tall Tale: Tails

2007-02-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

I have yet to meet the child that can resist this book. Tails, by Matthew Van Fleet is a fun, interactive book that tells the tale of tails. With charming illustrations and engaging rhymes, Tails is all the rage with the baby and toddler set. It has become my favorite 1st birthday gift.

Clip This: The Clip Away Feeding Tray

2007-02-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Looking for a few extra hands at feeding time? It’s enough of a challenge actually getting a spoonful of food into my baby’s mouth. But once she grabs herself a handful of that food, I feel like an octopus trying to keep her from covering everything in her path in strained carrots. If this rings a bell with you...never fear…help is here. The Clip-Away Feeding Tray® ($10, Responsible Me, Inc.) clips onto your high chair holding baby’s food, bottle and spoon out of baby’s reach. So you don’t have to worry about those little hands creating a big mess. The tray comes in two stages: Stage 1 (infants) has a special compartment for baby’s bottle and Stage 2 (toddlers) comes with a suction cup base that can be attached to a high chair, stroller, or even an airplane tray. Both versions can be tossed in the microwave or dishwasher. And a resealable lid on the food compartment is great when you’re on the go. For more info call Responsible Me at (800) 607-4255 or check out the tray online at www.juvenilesolutions.com

A Stroller Like No Other: The B.O.B. Revolution

2007-02-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

I have tested a parking lot full of strollers over the years and the B.O.B. Revolution is hands down the best. The ride is smooth, the turning radius is tight, and the materials are durable. The handlebars adjust easily so it is effortless to push, whether it's me behind the wheel (height: 5 feet) or my husband (6 feet.) The only negative: there is not enough places for parents to put their stuff. B.O.B. does make an accessory bar that attaches to the handles with a drink holder and a pouch for keys. But after paying $300+ I think it would be nice if this little perk were included. Then again, if you're already committed to $300 for a stroller, what's another $30 for the accessory.

A Helpful Tool: Plate Pal

2007-02-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

It’s recommended that parents keep the temperature in baby’s room between 68-70 degrees, but that may be hard to confirm if your thermostat is not right next to the nursery. I was always worried about this in my drafty old house, especially as my nursery was far away from our house thermostat. I think the Plate Pal by I.C. Innovations is a great solution. It replaces your existing light switch wall plate and features a built in digital temperature display. There’s no wiring…the thermometer is powered by an included battery. Here's their contact info if you want check this out: www.platepals.com or call (847) 279-7888.

Get Steamed: Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags

2007-01-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

As I've already mentioned, I love nursing, but I absolutely despise making breastmilk bottles. But there’s finally a better way to clean and sterilize all of those bottles, pacifiers, nipples, and breast pump parts. The Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags from Medela let your microwave do the dirty work. Now you can just rinse the item, pop it in the bag, add a little water and zap for 3 minutes. What could be easier than that? It’s faster than boiling and more effective than a dishwasher. The bags eliminate 99.9% of harmful bacteria like staph, e.coli, salmonella, pneumonia and yeast. And each bag can be reused 20 times so you’ll get 100 uses out of every box. Check them out online at www.medela.com.

Streamliner: The Pumpmate Breastmilk Storage and Feeding System

2007-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I am not a big fan of all of the pumping, washing, sterilizing, and storing involved in making breastmilk bottles. So I was pretty excited to find the Pumpmate^TM Breast Milk Storage and Feeding System. No more washing out pump parts, storage containers and bottles every time you pump. This system allows you to pump, freeze and serve breast milk all in the same container and it comes with a stamp of approval from author and breastfeeding advocate, Dr. William Sears. The kit contains an adapter for most breast pumps (including Avent®, Evenflo®, Gerber®, Lansinoh®, Medela®, and The First Years®,) so you can pump right into the provided liner and bottle. Freeze the liner in the kit’s freezer stand. To serve, thaw it out and drop it in the bottle. The Pumpmate^TM system eliminates the hassle of pouring milk from one container to the next to pump, store, and feed. For more info, check out their website at www.pumpmate.com or call (888) 400-6050.

Required Reading: Father For Life

2007-01-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Suddenly, you were catapulted into unfamiliar territory. Morning sickness, ultrasounds, baby classes, sleepless nights, and lots of crying. And your partner hasn’t even had the baby yet! Those two little pink lines have changed your life forever and it may be some time before you feel solid ground under your feet again.

“Going from man to father is one of the most dramatic changes you’ll ever experience. It’ll force you to rethink who you are, what you do, and what it means to be a man,” says Armin Brott, author of The Expectant Father and the New Dad Series. Brott’s book, Father For Life: A Journey of Joy, Challenge, and Change (Abbeville Press, 2003), takes an honest and often comical look at the natural progression of fatherhood from the “Expectant Father” to the “Grandfather Years.”

Brott walks readers through the usual scenarios like bonding with a newborn and power struggles with a toddler as well as some unique situations like how a single dad should handle the puberty discussion with his daughter. Nothing can fully prepare you for the roller coaster of fatherhood but Father For Life may help guide you through the journey or at the very least give you something to laugh about along the way.

Staying Power: Hide-n-Squeak Eggs from Tomy

2007-01-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Every now and again you discover a toy that never seems to find its way to the bottom of the toy chest. My eldest daughter received Tomy's Hide-n-Squeak eggs for her 1st birthday and they have held a prominent place in her play ever since. As a baby, she enjoyed taking the eggs in and out, opening them up, and hearing their squeaks. Over the years, she has enjoyed sorting the shapes, matching the colors, and using the eggs as "dolls." Her little sister has become equally enchanted with them. If you're looking for a toy with staying power, look no further than Tomy's Hide-n-Squeak eggs.

Growing Up: The eeBoo Growth Chart

2007-01-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

After 4 years of searching, I have finally found a growth chart that is durable enough to survive in my house without becoming a permanent fixture. I bought the eeBoo Growth Chart at Christmas (and yes, I backdated my 4 yr old's height info). It was cool to be able to compare my daughters heights at different intervals, all on one sturdy chart. It also comes with a bunch of stickers and a handy case to keep it intact until I dig it out each year.

Beam Me Up: Beamer Video Phone

2006-12-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

Want to show off your growing belly to a friend from out of town? Or maybe your oldest wants to blow a kiss to grandparents in another state. A regular phone call doesn’t quite cut it sometimes, does it? Say hello to the “Beamer” phone video station from Vialta, a hassle free way to add video to your phone calls. You need a unit on each end of the call, but there’s no extra charge for the call, you don’t have to subscribe to anything, and best of all, you don’t have to be a PhD to set it up. Just plug your phone into the Beamer and plug the Beamer into the wall. Simple as that. The video quality is better than you’d think, but don’t expect DVD. Think overseas news report. It’s a little jumpy but you can still see every wink, smile, and kiss. And at around $150 a unit, it’s easier on your wallet than plane fare. Check it out online at www.vialta.com

A Dancer's Delight: The 12 Dancing Princesses

2006-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

What could be better for a budding ballerina than a movie filled with dancing princess ballerinas? How about 12 dancing princess ballerinas! Barbie's lastest movie, The 12 Dancing Princesses, tells the tale of Barbie (Princesses Genevieve) and her 11 sisters as they navigate a magical world and aim to defeat the evil Duchess Rowena. The story is the Barbie standard sugary sweet, but with music by Felix Mendelssohn and ballet choreography (albeit animated) by the New York City Ballet the movie is appealing to both moms and daughters alike.