Play Doh Backpack Review

We had a blast using the Play Doh Backpack!  It was perfect timing for some back to school reinforcement after a long summer.  My Kindergartener made patterns with letters and colors.  The scissors were great for perfecting fine motor skills.  He absolutely loved cutting and shaping his letters and numbers with the Play Doh tools and stamps.  My 8 year was equally as entertained.  What kid doesn’t love Play Doh?  This cute backpack kit kept everything neatly organized and was not at all overwhelming with the number of pieces and set up.  As a teacher and mom, I loved the fact that it had letter and number stamps.  This was a fun, easy way to sneak in some math and spelling practice.

It makes a super gift! Only 14.99, the Back Pack comes with four 5-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH compound, a FLIP ‘N SNIP tool, presser, rail, roller, knife and 36 cutters.  Take everything you need to make fun creations everywhere you go with this fantastic clear Back Pack. With four cans of PLAY-DOH compound and more than 40 accessories, the number of things you can mold, shape, cut and create is practically endless! Plus, when it’s time to hit the road, put everything inside, zip the top, put the pack on your back and you’ll all set to travel with fun in tow!

Fun Back to School Activities for your Preschooler

As a mom of a 5 year old and preschool teacher,  the Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit was a welcome addition to our home.   We used the Snip, Glue, and Grow kit which includes 10 hands- on games.   The product was developed by an occupational therapist, so the activities and games focus on fine motor skills, while having fun!  These skills are often a source of frustration for the preschool age children and Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kits make developing these skills fun and interactive.  My son particularly liked the cutting activities and did very well following the directions and doing it correctly.  I am definitely going to integrate this product into my preschool classroom this fall.  Great activities, great product!  Visit www.grasshopperkits.com  for more information about this educational company and their other Preschool Prep Kits.

From the Grasshopper Prep Kit Site:

The current recommendation states that parents need to introduce more active, goal-directed play into their children’s routine. GRASSHOPPER® Preschool Prep Kits are the answer. Children play games while achieving functional success. All GRASSHOPPER® kits are packed with exclusive materials and games to help create a smooth transition into the world
of education.

GRASSHOPPER® games are clearly laid out in full color guide books with straight-forward instructions and supporting illustrations. All of the materials fit easily into the custom GRASSHOPPER® no-spill carrying case which is designed with organized compartments, an easy snap lid, and a built in easel.

The games all have a ‘back to basics’ slant, with a clever edge so that kids feel like they are playing while they are building their foundation skills for school. Help your child get ready for school the GRASSHOPPER® way!

Disclosure:  The Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit was provided for review.  All opinions are mine and not influenced by anyone or anything.

NEW Bilingual Preschool Option in Metro Detroit

Looking for an affordable, educational, worthwhile, preschool for your little one?  Plymouth Children’s Nursery is a fantastic choice!  It is a Cooperative Preschool which offers a lower tuition cost and the opportunity for the families to be involved in the children’s experience and education.  This fall PCN will be offering a Bilingual Spanish/English school option for 4- 6 year olds.  This class will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1- 3 pm.  Research continually shows the benefits of early language exposure and this unique school experience supports the advantages of bilingual development and school readiness skills.

Children will be exposed to a traditional preschool curriculum in a play based environment with a focus on both English and Spanish communication.   Experienced, degreed language educators bring their expertise of second language learning to this bilingual program.  Music, songs, thematic curriculum, hands on activities, gross and fine motors skills, creative projects and out door play will integrated in the bilingual program.  This class is not only for preschoolers, but also an enrichment program for Kindergarteners.  Be sure to contact Plymouth Children’s Nursery (located in Canton) for more information and to schedule a visit.  Open House September 11 from 10- 12 noon.  Space is available, register today! 734-455-6245. www.plymouthnursery.org

Zuma Coffee House Hosting Guatemalan Relief Fundraiser

Zuma Coffee House is hosting a week-long Guatemalan Relief fund raiser to help the many families in need following a series of natural disasters that took place over the last month.  As Birmingham’s only 24-hour establishment, the fund-raising effort will run 24/7 for a full week, beginning at 12:01am on Sunday, June 20 through Saturday, June 26 at midnight.

In late May, the Pacaya Volcano erupted, scattering several inches of volcanic ash over Guatemala City and the countryside.  Shortly thereafter Tropical Storm Agatha dumped torrential rain across the country, creating massive flooding and mudslides that have destroyed bridges, homes and farm land.  Additionally a series of small earthquakes have undermined the country’s already fragile infrastructure. Even people who are not personally affected by the floods are affected by the lack of tourism that has resulted from the recent disasters. Images are available online at: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/06/a_rough_week_for_guatemala.html

During the week Zuma Coffee House will display various crafts and artwork from Guatemala.  For a minimum contribution of one dollar ($1.00) donors will receive a Guatemalan Worry Doll, a popular symbol of Guatemala culture.  According to legend, Guatemalan children tell one worry to each doll when they go to bed at night and place the dolls under their pillow. In the morning the dolls have taken their worries away.  Further, Zuma Coffee House will display the award-winning photography of Detroit-native, Marco Mancinelli, and his collection of original Guatemalan photographs.  The exhibit features picturesque Antigua, the scenic Guatemalan countryside, traditional Mayan dress and photographs of children taken in an elementary school for underprivileged girls in Guatemala City.

The week-long fund raiser will culminate with a Guatemalan Relief family event on Saturday, June 26th from 10:00 to 1:00pm.  The Bilingual Fun Company will provide a festive bilingual Spanish language story time complete with music, dancing and singing.  Children’s music will be performed live by the group, Duck.  Marco Mancinelli will be on-hand to personally share his exhibit and experiences in Guatemala.  Various crafts and puzzles will entertain and educate children about Guatemala.  Zuma Coffee House will donate the entire day’s proceeds, plus all contributions received throughout the week, to the cause.

All donations will benefit Mayan Families, a non-profit organization working on-the-ground in Guatemala, particularly in the Lake Atitlan region.  A donation of $40 dollars can provide a family of five with a 100-pound bag of corn, sufficient to provide tortillas for 3-meals a day for two weeks.  Or, for the same monetary donation, a family could receive ten (10) chicks, providing them with both supplemental income and food.

For Lisa and Richard Spicko, owners of Zuma Coffee House, the connection to Guatemala is personal.  The Spicko’s adopted an infant and two-year old from Guatemala in the fall of 2007.  During their adoption processes they travelled to the country many times, always bringing several suitcases full of clothing, medical supplies and toys for children in need.  They witnessed first-hand the pride, warmth and respect of the Guatemalan people, even those living in the most meager of circumstances.

“Following the recent tragic events in Guatemala, we have felt a strong call-to-action.  We are concerned for our children’s birth and foster families and the many wonderful people we met during our numerous visits to Guatemala,” said Lisa Spicko, co-owner of Zuma Coffee House.  “Any one that has adopted a child knows that you carry forever in your heart the people who made it possible for you to become a family.”

“As an independent coffee house we enjoy the freedom to rally behind causes, such as this, that are important to our family and community.  Having met many families in Michigan with children from Guatemala, and realizing we all feel the need to do something to help, this fund-raiser is sure to make a difference,” said Richard Spicko, co-owner of Zuma Coffee House.

“Zuma” is Mayan for ‘new beginning or journey’ and aptly describes how the Spicko’s transformed their lives.  After adopting an infant and toddler from Guatemala in fall 2007 the couple needed to re-structure their lifestyle to better suit their new family.  They left corporate America and ventured into small business ownership, purchasing the Java Hutt Café – Birmingham in November 2008.  The Spicko’s are grateful to mark their first year of ownership as a success.

Zuma Coffee House is located at 207 S. Old Woodward Avenue next to the Uptown Birmingham 8 Theatre in the heart of Birmingham’s Principal Shopping District.  Open 24 hours, 365 days a year, Zuma Coffee House is host to students studying, friends meeting, movie-goers and business people enjoying the free wi-fi at all hours.  The drink menu includes coffee, espresso drinks, tea, hot cocoa, bottled juice, smoothies and soda.  Fresh baked goods including scones, cookies and brownies made daily, soups and chili’s created from scratch, along with a large variety of made to order sandwiches and salads are sure to please all palates.  Learn about specials and browse our menu online at www.zumacoffee.com.

The Airplane Story: Book Review

Local author Shari Minke, has released a thoughtful book geared for the blended family. In our society today, it is increasingly common for children to grow up in blended families.  The children are often exposed to quite a bit of change and have many questions about their new families, expectations, rules, and much more.  Ms. Minke has taken this topic and has written a thoughtful, encouraging story that many families can relate to.

The Airplane Story: A Blended Family’s Journey is a tool to bring about healing, communication, help and hope for blended families. When Shari remarried, her heart broke over the pain that her new (step) children, and her biological children, dealt with due to the loss of a parent through death and divorce. The contents of this illustrated children’s book are true. They are shared in order to encourage others in their blended family relationships! “Conversation Starters” at the end of the book can be used as a interactive guide to help blended families work though the difficulties, pains, hurt feelings and changes they may encounter as they begin their new journey.

For more information about Shari Minke, please visit www.shariminke.com

Keeping the Kids Busy this Summer

With the little ones home all summer long, we like to make a list of things that we want to do, visit, or accomplish while they are home.  I like to post it on my refrigerator, so that I can get ideas each week about planning a fun outing or activity.  There are so many fun, family friendly activities in Metro Detroit and we love to take advantage of as many as we can.  We have started Summer Activity List and this is how it looks thus far ( more to be added as the  MI festival season gets into swing).

$1 Kids Movies M- F at Canton Cinema

Wednesdays Music in the Park in downtown Plymouth 12 noon

The Toledo Zoo

The Detroit Zoo

Beach and waterpark outing to Kensington Park

Canton’s LibertyFest and Fireworks- June 19

U Pick Blueberries at the Dexter Blueberry Farm

Visit to the Detroit Science Center for summer kids activities

Ann Arbor Street Fair

Tall Ship Celebration

Visits to various Farmer’s Markets

Royal Oak, Plymouth, Northville, Ann Arbor and more!

Comerica Park Sunday afternoon Family package to Tiger’s game

Chocolate…. The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift!

Give Capies Candies this year for a Special Mother’s Day Gift!

If you know a chocolate lover, look no further!  Capies Candies has scrumptious gourmet chocolates for that special mom, grandmother, wife, sister, or friend for Mother’s Day.  Their scrumptious products include gourmet chocolate covered pretzel drizzle sticks, dark chocolate covered marshmallows, and chocolate covered cookies.

Capies Candies are beautifully packaged that help making these fabulous chocolates the perfect Mother’s Day gift.   Kudos to another Detroit Mommy and her exceptional business!  Contact Lori at Capies Candies today to place your order!   www.capiescandies.com

PowerCapes: Win One For Your Little Super Hero! *GIVEAWAY*

As a mom of a little boy, super heroes and dress up are a HUGE part of our life.  My son dresses up daily in some kind of costume, and delves into imaginary play leaping from couch to couch, making secret hideouts in the backyard, fighting the bad guys in the basement, and the list goes on.  Needless to say, he was thrilled to receive his personalized PowerCape!   He immediately put it on and it has been a instant favorite, as he is now “Super Aaron” with his own cape and mask!   I love the high quality of the product and of course I love that it is Michigan made by a team of local moms and dads.

Here is their story:

PowerCapes is a team of Moms, Dads, Customer Service Heroes, Web Ninjas and Passionate People who have dedicated their lives to helping kids be real super heroes.

Started by Holly Bartman as a way to provide children with personalized super hero capes, PowerCapes has become the #1 destination for authentic super hero wear for kids (and adults, too!)

Their company is founded on the principles of giving back to the community and supporting children’s causes while making a fun, high quality, safe product

They have their own manufacturing facility in the Metro Detroit area where their production staff makes each product completely by hand one-at-a-time for children around the world.

Win it!

PowerCapes has generously offered to give a personalized cape to one of our readers here at Detroit Mommies!  Thank you PowerCapes!

For your chance to win, you must do the following two things.  Leave two comments for two chances to win:

1. Sign up for their newsletter here to be eligible.
2. After visiting their site, return here and comment on what your learned about this cool Michigan company.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Detroit Mommies, Giftfully Simple and The Digital Mommy writers and contributors are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Detroit Mommies is not responsible products shipped from outside vendors or sponsors.  Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older. One entry per person. Contest ends  at 05/17/2010 11:59:59 p.m. EST.

Disclosure: A Power Cape was provided for review.  The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone and are not influenced in any way by anyone.

Update: Contest extended another 7 days.

Choo! Choo! A Day Out With Thomas Giveaway!

One lucky DetroitMommies.com reader will win a family 4 pack of tickets for this fantastic family event and Thomas the Train DVD’s!  Read below for event details and giveaway rules.

Thomas the Tank Engine™ chugs into Greenfield Village for 6 days of family fun and entertainment! Ride with Thomas around the village, meet Sir Topham Hatt™, enjoy storytelling, live music, shopping and much, much more.

What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ at heritage railroads nationwide. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine™?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine™ left the depot more than 60 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages.

Where is the event?
Day Out With Thomas™ takes place in Greenfield Village, part of The Henry Ford. All rides are a roundtrip beginning at Smiths Creek Depot, about ¼ mile from the entrance of Greenfield Village.

When is the event?
The 2010 Day Out With Thomas™ event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, April 24-25, May 1-2, and May 8-9, 2010.

Prize

One lucky winner will receive a four pack of tickets to the show of their choice and Thomas the Train DVD’s.  Winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do the following one thing:

Tell us why you think Thomas the Train is a good roll model for children.  Leave a comment  below for 1 entry.

For Extra entries:

1.  Tweet about this contest on Twitter.  Multiple tweets count.  Leave a comment after each tweet with tweet url.

2.  Share this contest on Facebook.  Come back and leave a comment below with a link to Facebook url.

3.  Blog about this contest linking back to this post.  This is worth 5 entries.  Leave 5 separate comments, with the link to your blog post, for this to count as 5 entries.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Detroit Mommies, Giftfully Simple and The Digital Mommy writers and contributors are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Detroit Mommies is not responsible products shipped from outside vendors or sponsors.  Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older. One entry per person. Contest ends  at 04/22/2010 11:59:59 p.m. EST.

Disclosure: Tickets for A Day Out with Thomas were provided for review.  The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone and are not influenced in any way by anyone.

Winner’s Info:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1

Timestamp: 2010-04-23 17:48:22 UTC

Sarah Hirsch says:

Thomas teaches kids to stay on the right track! OK, all puns aside, he tries hard and always aims to be kind and do the right thing. I would love for my kids to do the same. I would also love for them to drive me around like Thomas, but that may have to wait a little longer.

Calling All Frog Lovers!

OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR FROG SURVEYS

EVENT NAME:

Frog Survey Training

WHAT:

Oakland County Parks seeks volunteers to conduct night frog surveys at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston and Rose Oaks County Park in Holly from April – June.

The free workshop demonstrates the importance of wildlife surveys, how to recognize the calls of singing frogs, and other facets of amphibian survey work.

Pre-register for the workshop by March 25 by contacting Educational Resource Specialist Kathleen Dougherty at 248-858-0704, or doughertyk@oakgov.com.

For a volunteer application or more information about volunteer opportunities at Oakland County Parks, visit DestinationOakland.com.

When:

Friday, March 26, 2010

7 – 9 p.m.

Where:

Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For more information, contact Educational Resource Specialist Kathleen Dougherty at 248-858-0704, or visit DestinationOakland.com.

On Aug. 3, 2010, Oakland County voters will be asked to vote on the renewal of a 10-year millage of .2415 for the purpose of operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in Oakland County.

Next Page »