Monthly Archives: April 2012
Kolcraft Helping K.I.D.S.
Kolcraft loves K.I.D.S! We believe in helping those who are less fortunate and believe that every child should have a good start to life. Kolcraft puts their money where their mouth is by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars in product every year. This year we decided to bring it a step further and donate from our own wallets with a Kolcraft Cares K.I.D.S. week.
The week was a special fundraiser where employees were divided into teams. We gave money to play bags (For those who don’t know what this is… It’s when you throw a bag filled with dried corn into a hole in a board), to participate in March Madness brackets, to bake & buy goodies and pizza, to be part of Casino night, a silent auction, trivia night and much more. We raised over $4,000.00 for K.I.D.S. and Kolcraft generously matched that. We had a lot of fun with our co-workers and are thrilled that children will receive their daily necessities because of it!
You too can help K.I.D.S by donating here. No amount is too small!
Adventures At Your Library Beyond Books
Reading opens up worlds of adventure, exploration, education and fun. Your local library has books beyond belief, but also has so much more for your kids especially on rainy Spring Days! Not only can you check out great books at the library, your kids can join story hour, puppet plays, toddler music time, get free passes to your local museums and city attractions, get help with homework and much more.
If you haven’t been to your local library in awhile, google it online and check out the kids corner or events page and let the adventure begin!
Letting Baby Play with Paper
Did you ever notice the delight your baby takes in hearing paper being crinkled? Paper can entertain your baby for hours. it can help baby develop fine motor skills and dexterity as he picks up the paper, scrunches it and even throws it. A quick few tips on letting baby play with “safe paper”.
- Make sure the paper doesn’t have any dyes in it since baby will put the paper in her mouth.
- Choose paper that is “soft” and won’t cause paper cuts.
- Watch so that baby doesn’t choke on torn off paper.
We love baby paper because it’s crinkly loud and non-toxic!
Funny Things Kids Say That Make Us Laugh
This really made us laugh. “Daddy, did your hair slip?” – 3 year old son, to his bald but long bearded father. What funny things have your kids said lately that made you laugh?
Passover and Easter
To all our friends who celebrate these special days of Passover and Easter, we wish you the happiest of holidays as you make memories with your family.
Contours Optima Tandem Stroller Is Editors’ Favs!
Our Contours Optima Tandem Stroller is a favorite of many moms so we were happy to see it receive props in the April issue of American Baby. It was picked as an American Baby best stroller for siblings. The editors love all the options this stroller gives parents esp the 6 different seating options: children can both face parent, face each other, face forward, back to back, front seat only (& large storage in the back), or use with an infant car seat.
To keep up with all the latest from Contours including contests and more, please follow Contours Baby on Facebook and Twitter.
Spring Bird Nests Treats for Kids
Robins, Cardinals and Chickadees are singing away so why not have some spring inspired treats for your kids? Rice Krispies has a fun recipe for bird nests. Our Kolcraft Kids has so much fun making them. We talked about Mommy birds and how their babies hatch from eggs. We talked about their favorite birds and why they liked them. We all had so much fun cooking up a recipe together and learning about birds!
For a little healthier spin on these yummy treats, we substituted brown rice puff cereal (found at any health food store)for Rice Krispies and coconut oil for butter. Instead of M&M’s for the eggs we used dried cranberries, nuts and raisins.
What you’ll need
- 1/4 teaspoon water
- 2 to 4 drops green food coloring
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
OR
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal
- Miniature marshmallows
- Jelly beans
- Chocolate eggs
Directions:
- In small bowl stir together water and green food coloring. Add coconut. Stir until coconut is tinted. Spread on baking sheet to dry.
- In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
- Divide warm mixture into sixteen 2 1/2-inch muffin-pan cups coated with cooking spray. Shape mixture into individual cups. Cool. Remove from pans.
- Fill cooled nests with coconut, marshmallows, jelly beans or chocolate eggs. Best if served the same day.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Follow step 1 above. In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 3 thru 5 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.
Note
For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.
Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze unfilled cups, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before filling.
Motherhood and Parkinson’s Disease
Brandi doesn't let Parkinson's disease get in the way of her parenting
April is Parkinson’s awareness month. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It is a disease that doesn’t have much funding for research for a cure, but people like Michael J. Fox have been bringing more light to the effects of it. In the recent issue of Parade magazine, Fox talks about the joy he finds as a parent and a husband – that fuels him to battle Parkinson’s disease.
We admire those who fight the daily battle against Parkinson’s disease especially those who juggle being moms and dads and the daily impact of this disease. In December of 2010 we met a mom named Brandi who at the time was pregnant while fighting Parkinson’s disease. Pregnancy can take a toll on one’s body especially when you can’t take your medications for a sickness. Brandi handled the entire situation with humor, grace and strength. She now has a beautiful baby boy who joined her family of five.
If you know someone who has Parkinson’s disease, you know the daily challenges they face. This month please consider donating to help find a cure.
