Stuff We Love

How to Entertain a Toddler

2009-04-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

OMG - I'm going out of my MIND trying to entertain my 2 1/2 yr. old precious little daughter. So, I went to my God = the internet, and prayed and received some awesome ideas just now:

http://www.minti.com/parenting-advice/4638/How-To-Entertain-A-Toddler-for-Hours-on-End/

If and when I find more stuff, I will update this asap!

Online Activities for 2 Year Olds?

2009-01-26T23:05:00.000-08:00

A way to not feel guilty about being on the computer while your toddler is vying for your attention...get your kid on the computer with you. No, you may not be able to blog, while away time on FB, or go shopping on Amazon, but at least you will can have a little fun with your baby - and still be on the computer. Because we all know that's the only way you feel complete.

One night after my dad fascinated Dora with tales about lions and bears in the jungle, I wanted to continue the fun by pulling up images that would portray the fantastic world my dad described. So I googled "jungle" or "jungle scenes" or something and came across this fabulous website:

http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/jungle.htm

where you and your child can create these amazing jungle scenes. Dora absolutely loves it. Plus, I've gotta be honest, I've gotten a little carried away by the imagery and creating mysterious jungle scenes.

After 2 weeks of jungle fun, I was interested in finding more interactive games like this one. A lot of you may already know about PBS Kids online:

http://pbskids.kids.us/program-barney.html

When I found this, I felt like I just won the lottery! (It doesn't take a lot these days). There are games for almost every PBS show that I know of and the games are really smooth, with awesome animations and interactivity. I am quite impressed.

I think it may have only been a month ago that I found these sites and Dora is now 2 yrs. and 5 months. so I'd say the games are appropriate for a bit past 2 and up.

If anyone has any other sites, please feel free to post. I'm always looking for a way to ~~keep Dora from making sure that every last hair on my head is gray by the time she's 4~~ entertain my little Dora:-)

UPDATE: www.noggin.com, www.pbsparents.org

These are probably well-known, but new to me!

An Issue with Front Loading Washers

2008-12-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

If you read my last post, you know that the Restless Household had had this very frustrating...and stinky issue with the odor in our CLEAN towels and some of our clothes, that wouldn't go away no matter what. With absolutely no clue as to why this was happening, I came up with this theory: condensation in the closets and drawers in drier climates. I know, it probably doesn't make any sense. My husband blamed it on my poor laundry skills and leaving the clothes in the dryer too long. Whatever the case is, I thought by using the odor-remover I wrote about in my last post, I would solve the problem. Not. It worked temporarily, and acted more as a band-aid for a deeper problem. Because, the mysterious odor...came back.

I had finally had it and decided to spend some serious time and do some serious research on this issue (cuz I don't have anything else better to do with my time).

I SOLVED it!!!!

The problem was with our actual washer! Our whiz-bang, top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art Maytag front-loading washer. To make a long story short, it seems that front-loading washers ALL seem to have a flawed design. There is an area where water gets trapped which creates the mildew we have been unknowingly living with! I know...ewwwwww!!!!! If you have such a washer, check out the rubber tubing located in the area where the door seals to the washer. With further investigation, much disgust, and some relief, you may find the culprit. Mildew. I cleaned it easily with a towel and either 409 or Windex (can't remember - and then running an empty cycle with the product I'm talking about in the post).

The real work is washing the mildew that has been lurking in the towels and thicker type clothing which traps this odor and never comes out.

White Vinegar + Hot cycle + and get this....it's called "Smelly Washer"! Awesome huh?! Dude, this stuff WORKS! And of course, the Smelly Washer stuff REALLY cleans the washer.

Count your blessings if you didn't get fooled into thinking a front loading washer is better and don't have this problem. But if you did, like me, and have this extremely aggravating and GROSS problem, GET THIS STUFF TODAY!! ...wash everything with it (plus with vinegar and hot water!) AND always clean that tubing area I was talking about after every wash.

I got it through the website: www.smellywasher.com.

Can I just say how much I LOVE the smell of freshly washed towels?!!!

Odor All Gone!!!

2008-10-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

O.K. Nicolle, I have something: and it's GOOD!!!!

One of the reasons I don't update this very often, is that I kinda stopped buying stuff! Really! And I seriously only put stuff on when I'm IN LOVE with it: and you guys, I'M IN LOVE!

The other day after my shower, I sunk my face into the bath towel, expecting the fresh fragrance of clean laundry, when I about gagged smelling the putrid musty odor that is somehow extremely prevalent in the closets of the deserts. This particular odor has been a constant nuisance in my life since moving to this climate. I've washed comforters, dried them COMPLETELY, put them away for the summer in air tight plastic cases, only to open them up and be knocked out by this rancid odor. I've wiped my hands on spanking clean kitchen towels straight out of the linen closet, again, only to have my hands stinking of that same odor that lurks in closed spaces in dry climates.

Now, I admit I may have a bit of sensitive sense of smell - especially since becoming a mother (? hormones?), but I'm not the only one in this household that knows (nose - ha ha) this distinct odor.

Anyway, I had been researching "odors" and how to get rid of them (no - I don't have anything better to do), and found this stuff called "activated charcoal". I actually found it last year! But I guess just hoped that maybe, some day, the odor would magically vanish. Well, it didn't.

I threw the stinky towel into the wash, marched over to the computer and ordered this stuff (o.k., after I grabbed a freshly washed and dried towel from the dryer and wrapped it around myself - so much for mystery, drama and suspense):

at: www.buyactivatedcharcoal.com

I was a bit skeptical, but folks, this stuff WORKS!!!! I seriously think I should become one of their sales reps. I can't believe how cool this stuff is!

I put one of the disks in the bathroom, and that rank smell that was lingering in the towel du jour, is gone! Seriously - I'm going to try the disc in our big trash can in the garage, and will update this blog to reveal the results.

And I got the whole package for 14 bucks!! I thought that was awesome considering these discs last like 3 months. At least, this is what they claim.

Anyway, they suggest only using them for 5 x 7 spaces or smaller. So I'm going to use them for the trash cans, closets, and drawers, see how they work, and update this blog accordingly.

But, so far, it pleases my "scentsibilities"! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

Banana Cream Pie: a D.I.E.T. recipe that SO does NOT taste diet!

2008-06-18T17:08:00.001-07:00

OH - MY - GAWWWD.

This recipe (minus the cinnamon - in my opinion) is RIDICULOUS!!!!! (BTW, have I mentioned how AWESOME www.recipezaar.com is??!)

It does NOT - let me repeat - does NOT taste diety AT ALL.

The combo of:

this (Sugar-Free Fat-Free Banana Cream Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix)..............

+

this....(Fat-Free Cool Whip)

+

and this...(any reduced-fat ready-made pie crust)

= an all night party in my mouth!!!

And it takes M.I.N.U.T.E.S. to make - take it from me - someone who has spent most her life outside the kitchen, this recipe is E.A.S.Y.!!! And D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. (Anyone T.I.R.E.D. yet of "T.H.I.S." yet?)

White Cheddar Rice Cakes

2008-05-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

My Seriously-To-Good-To-Be-True-In-Laws can vouch for these. Right guys?! They're awesome. I just went to the site and saw a bunch of other flavors I look forward to trying.

I don't know about the pizza they're showing on the package, but by themselves, for a quick snack here and there - perfecto.

Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap - Eucalyptus

2008-05-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Because I haven't been able to find this body wash (extremely disappointing BTW) at Target, I sought out another one that was gentle, all-natural, and smelled fresh and spicy. I came across this, and after much deliberation, got it and have been pleasantly surprised.

Plus, since your obviously not paying for medicinal styled labeled bottle, you get more for your money. Packaging is overrated. It's what's on the inside that counts.

Fiber One Caramel Delight Cereal

2008-05-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

As you may know by now (if you've checked out my other foods I love section), I'm a big fan of Fiber One stuff. So, last time I was at their site downloading a picture for this site, I signed up for a free sample. Oh My Gawd...SO GOOD. I got the free sample in the mail, and ate the whole box (it was small) on the way to my grandmother's.

I can't even imagine what it would taste like in milk!

I'm Baaaaack! Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat

2008-05-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's been way to long since I've posted here. At my too-good-to-be-true mother-in-law's (she really is!) prompt I'm going to do a product overload starting.....NOW!

This:

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat

has been a G-send. Seriously. We rented while on vacation last year (for 2/3) of the price we could've bought it for - gotta love resorts - and bought one when we got home. Since then, there's only been a handful of times we've used the high chair. This thing is great, cuz you can put it on the couch, it's so easy to clean, and easily transferable.

(Oh, and it's also great for when you wanna do your daughter's hair and she'd rather run around the room and drive you bonkers.)

The Golden Spoon

2008-03-25T21:29:00.001-07:00

68 cal. per serving
0 g. of fat

...and comparable to Cold Stone.

Need I say anymore?

Flavors I've had and LOVE: Cheesecake, Strawberry, and Peanut Butter. My husband tried the Coffee tonight and he loved it. I got mine with graham crackers crumbled on top which gives it that extra texture to compliment the creaminess of the yogurt.

Unfortunately, they are only located on the West Coast it seems. Sorry.

BUT for any NYers out there (and CAns), one of best friends told me about Pinkberry. It looks FABulous.

For everyone else, get out of the Midwest! No - Just Kidding. TCBY will always rock.

Honey Maid Bees

2008-03-13T14:33:00.001-07:00

I'm a total graham crackers and milk addict. When I was pregnant, I'd go through a box of graham crackers a week.

Anyway, last week I hosted a playgroup at my house and was getting snacks for the kids and came across these. Of course when I got home I had to try them out for the the kids to make sure they were o.k. After trying them, I decided we had enough other stuff for the kids...I'm so bad.

The best part - 2 pts. for 27!

Boots Mediterranean Body Wash - Wheat Germ/ Basil/ Bergamot

2008-03-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

I’m usually a total plain jane when it comes to stuff like this. Before this body wash, I just used Dove bar soap all the time. Then, I don’t remember why, but I got one of those scrubby things and needed to get body wash for the scrubby thing. I was at Target combing the “spa” aisle in search of the perfect body wash. Well, I found it! This stuff smells SO good and also seems to be really gentle. I’m just so addicted to the smell. I’ve gone back to 2 different Targets on 3 separate occasions to get more and they were OUT every single time! Why is it that when you find the most obscure product, listen to the most obscure music or fall in love with the most obscure actor, everybody else in the world does too??!

Anyhow, this stuff is great. I’m actually going to order it onlline since I haven’t been able to find it and I’m going crazy for the smell of it in the shower.

Oh, and did I mention that I got it at Target?

Fiber One Honey Clusters

2008-02-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

I know I already put a Fiber One product on here, but this cereal is SO frickin’ good for having as much fiber as it does. I would eat it even if I didn’t need the fiber.

I just went to the website and they’ve got ANOTHER cereal out that looks really good. “Fiber One Caramel Delight”! I just signed up to receive a free sample! So exciting. I swear, the things that excite me now are just sad.

Planet Sleep Pajamas

2008-01-31T22:16:00.000-08:00

O.K., so these aren’t the ones I got, but sure wish they had them at Marshall’s! A bit pricey for pajamas for my taste, but SO comfortable and so cute.

Hey, you might be able to get a deal like I did at either Marshall’s or TJ Max.

FYI, these are sold at sleepyheads.com for $62.

Again, the fabric is so soft which makes these so comfortable.

Hyland’s Teething Tablets

2008-01-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

Let me put it this way. My 17 month old daughter takes these out of my hand, and gives them to herself.

Trust me, they work.

And if they don’t, you’re only wasting like 5 bucks. No biggy. Plus, they’re all natural.

BTW, when does it end??

Weight Watchers Snack Cakes

2008-01-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

1 POINT!!!!

These are SO good and come in a variety of flavors: chocolate, lemon, carrot cake, and I even saw caramel.

I love the chocolate ones. They totally satisfy the chocolate craving.

The only problem is, I end up eating like 5.

Campbells Select New England Clam Chowder

2008-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

100 calories, 2 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber per serving. This equals a mere 2 WW pts.

This is SO good. It’s rich, chunky and does NOT taste diet.

My husband is a Clam Chowder fanatic and cannot believe that this is low-fat.

And REALLY good with croutons.

Trader Joe’s Tomato-Basil Hummus

2008-01-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

This literally taste like a rich cheese spread or sauce that would be totally off-limits when dieting (which for me unfortunately is always). I put it in toasted pita bread with Santa Fe Vegetables (frozen veggie). It was SO good and SO filling. Even my 17 month old daughter couldn’t get enough.

My husband and I were thinking it would actually probably be really good on pasta.

It would be good on anything.

Laser Guided Parking System

2008-01-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

My dad ordered this for us online. It works perfectly and looks WAY better then the hanging tennis ball thing.

No more running into the shelf, or having to re-park because the tail end of the car is sticking out.

Highly recommended.

Lifesaver

2008-01-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

My MP3

This thing has saved my life. O.K, maybe a bit too dramatic. But really, it has been a lifesaver especially in the car. Our daughter loves it.

The kids voices sound a little scary, but this has rescued us from many crying episodes.

Unless you have a DVD player in your car, it’s a must.

It doesn’t seem that exciting, but it really keeps our little one very content for a considerable amount of time.

Look, Dance, Sing-Along...Whatever!

2008-01-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price Little Superstar Sing-Along Stage

My daughter absolutely LOVES this! I got this for her for Christmas, and it she’s in front of that thing all the time. O.K., maybe not ALL the time, but it holds her interest for at least 15 minutes I think, which for a 17 month old, is an eternity.

She’s entertained by the music, the mirror, everything. It’s great. We love it.

Fiber One Oats & Peanut Butter Bars

2008-01-19T14:27:00.000-08:00

Delicious!

So, if you’re like me, and have a difficult time getting your fiber in, these do the trick. They are SO good, and have 9 grams of fiber in each bar!

They are so incredibly healthy, so incredibly good and filling, and only 2 WW (Weight Watchers) points.

I prefer the Oats & Peanut Butter, but there are also Oats & Chocolate Chip, and on the site I just saw Oats & Caramel.

Just to inform you of how much I love these, last time I went to Target and they were on sale, I stocked up and bought 15 boxes. No joke.

Aveda Damage Remedy

2008-01-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Vegas and especially since pregnancy - my hair has turned into a dry, wiry, tangled mess.

About a month (or two) ago, I went to an Aveda salon for a haircut, and my devoted Aveda worshipping hair dresser who I imagine praying to the Aveda God every morning, gave me a sample of this stuff. A month (or two) later, my hair feels completely different. I mean, it’s probably going to take some time to undo ALL the damage the desert weather, hormones, and color have done to my hair, but so far so good.

My product guru/best friend (the one who loves Kenmore) also swears by Aveda products.

Oh, and for anyone - who like me, hesitates to buy salon grade shampoo and conditioner cuz of the price - not a good idea. Your hair is totally worth the price, plus, these higher end products last longer.

Anyway, this stuff is awesome, bought both the Damage Remedy shampoo and conditioner, and now, am also a devoted member of the Aveda fan club.

Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum

2008-01-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

This vacuum ROCKS! Seriously - I actually ENJOY vacuuming! I’m not kidding you.

Before this, I was using my husband’s Oreck he had from his bachelorhood days. He was convinced that the Oreck is the BEST vacuum cleaner and has the most suction power etc.

After the traumatic visit from the Kirby salesgirl, come to find out...not so much. Then again, compared to any vacuum cleaner that costs as much my car - none could compare.

Even though we decided not to get a second mortgage to buy the Kirby, with a baby crawling around on the horizon, we decide a vacuum cleaner would be an important investment. My best friend absolutely LOVES Kenmore appliances and is also my product GURU and after doing a little research myself, we decided on the Kenmore. We LOVE it.

The best part is the Intelliclean feature. It senses how much dirt you are picking up and adjusts it’s power accordingly PLUS displaying what level it’s at. It’s great, but for my OCD sensibilities, can cause a record skipping effect with me vacuuming the same spot over and over till the level is on one.

Nevertheless, this is the BEST vacuum I’ve ever used, and the carpets FEEL really clean - at least, as clean as they can possibly get in my control.