7 Indoor Energy-Burning Toys

Parenting Magazine featured these 7 Indoor Energy-Burning Toys in their February 2010 issue. I'm totally intrigued - the idea of sitting inside with the boys and hearing them whine or fight doesn't thrill me...

Here's a link for the whole article, and here's some of my favorites:

How low can you go?
Who can resist Giraffalaff Limbo? Shimmy and slide under the foam bar as the music plays -- then move it down a notch after each round. Knock the goofy giraffe off his perch and he giggles like mad.
($29.99; hasbro.com) 3 and up

Jump for joy
This tyke-size Little Jumper Trampoline has a cushioned bar, padded edges, and colorful polka dots to brighten gray days. It's easy to assemble and folds up in a snap, so you can shove it under the bed when gym time is over. Consider this in the "pricey but worth it" category.
($108.99; alextoys.com) 3 and up

Undercover Veggies - Part Two

To piggyback on today's earlier post regarding undercover veggies...Parents magazine featured these in their January 2010 issue:


"Eat Your Fries! Um, your veggies, that is. These frylike sticks from Peas of Mind (how cute is that?) are made with cauliflower, carrots, or broccoli mied with a little potato. Our kid testers polished them off with no coaxing; their texture and shape are right on the money. But if your child is skeptical, offer them with dip. Log on to peasofmind.com to find out where they're sold. ($4 per bag)"

Oh, and I did a search on their website - this is the only store that they are (currently) sold at in the St. Louis area: The Healthy Shopper 139 Concord PlazaSt. Louis, MO 63128 ph: 314.849.1050

Undercover Veggies

Melissa - this post if specifically for you. :)


The September 2009 issue of Parenting magazine featured ways of sneaking veggies into the child's diet. "These snacks all have one thing in common -- they're made of veggies. (But they're so yummy your kid might not notice.)"


Inside this snack round-up: Spinach noodles and red pepper crisps. Who knew pasta and crackers were prime opportunities to sneak veggies into your tot?


Podcasting
Green peas are transformed into airy crisps with a touch of salt. (Calbee Snack Salad Snapea Crisps, $2.98)


All Ears
For older tots, "crunch dried" corn kernels are gems best eaten by the handful, kinda like M&M's. (Sensible Foods Crunch Dried Sweet Corn, $1.89)


Bite Delight
Carrots, onions, and red peppers add a kick to these crisps. (Edward & Sons Brown Rice Snaps in Vegetable, $3.99)


Use Your Noodle
Would your kid ask for seconds of spinach? Didn't think so. But he might just polish off these spaghetti noodles fortified with it. [Insert evil mommy laugh here.] (De Cecco No. 12 Spaghetti with Spinach, $4.49)


Spin Doctor
Don't tell: The colors in this screwy pasta come from spinach and tomato. (De Cecco No. 34 Fusilli d'Italia, $3.99)


Just Beet It
Thinly slice a sweet beet or other root veggie, then bake at 400 degrees for around 40 minutes for homemade chips --they'll crisp up as they cool.


Salad Crisper
These chips pack a half serving of vegetables, with no force-feeding required. (Flat Earth Tangy Tomato Ranch Baked Veggie Crisps, $2.99)


Fruits with Roots
These new yogurts are a mix of fruits with a sweeter savory like carrot or sweet potato. (Horizon Organic Little Blends, $3.49 for four)

Ornament Collection

I became a godmother in November when my nephew Blake was baptised. Truth be told, I'd be pondering for some time about a 'set' of some sort that could be given to him as he grows - instead of insignificant toys year after year. I'd thought about the train collection that Scott & Jamie are doing for my boys, but I figured they would do this for Blake as well, and they did.

So I'd thought about doing an ornament collection - an ornament every year so when he is older he has a complete set...great idea, except for it's January 1st and I've yet to get his first year's ornmanet. :(

And since it's January 1st, I'm cleaning and purging today - I came across pages I had torn from the Crate & Barrel catalog...too bad I didn't remember seeing their "12 Days of Christmas Ornament Set" (W2116; retail price $39.95) - that could be really cute for Blake. And then I remembered that Land of Nod also had a set. And yet both are sold out.

So, Jaime, note this for next year - and keep an eye on craiglist and ebay. :)

Crate and Barrel set (above)

Land of Nod set (above)