Extra Savings Off Sale Items at Fisher-Price.com

Now through Friday, you can get an extra 20% off sale items at Fisher-Price.com. No coupon code needed; the extra discount will appear once you have items in your cart.You'll find riding toys, Little People sets, building sets, software, character items and more.

Cheerios Necklace: A Snack and Activity in One

Moms of older babies, toddlers and preschoolers often have plenty of Cheerios around. Turn them into a learning activity (but still a treat). For older kids, use a piece of string or non-flavored dental floss (they're floppy so harder to string); for the younger set, use pipe cleaners, which are stiffer. Tie or loop the first Cheerio to the end of the string so it acts as a stopper and won't allow the rest to fall off. Have your child string the rest of the Cheerios on to create a necklace or bracelet (or just slip them back off once they're tired of the activity. Stringing items will help develop their hand-eye coordination and give them a snack! You can use any o-shaped cereal and any flavor (fruit-flavored would give great color--plus, another color-learning opportunity). Some have larger holes, so see which works best for your child.

And if you'll be needing a new box of Cheerios soon, sign up for $4 in coupons!

Free Pretzel Today! And Free Ice Cream on Thursday

Take the kiddos for a FREE pretzel today at Pretzel Time or Pretzelmaker!

AND...you can get a free low-fat ice ice cream with flavor shot at Carvel on Thursday.

Free Hat and Activity Sheets at the Disney Store for Earth Day

If you take in six plastic bottles or aluminum cans to a Disney Store location tomorrow (Thursday, April 22, 2010), you'll get a FREE Friends for Change or OCEANS branded eco-friendly hat (while supplies last). The hats themselves are made from recycled plastic bottles.

You can also pick up OCEANS themed activity sheets. Your kids will learn about various bodies of water and how to keep trash out of them.

Thanks, Coupon Cravings!

Discovery Channel Store Toy Clearance--And Extra Savings!

The Discovery Channel Store is having a toy clearance right now. AND you can apply the code TOYS for an extra 15% off! With the addition of the code, you could save up to 75%. It's only good for a week, so if you want to take advantage, do so now!

Thanks, Baby Cheapskate!

Update....and Better Stuff to Come!

Wow...I don't know how it's been a week since I last posted. Well, actually, I do. Lots has been going on. Got diagnosed with gestational diabetes, so having to take some time to adjust to the new "schedule." Spending most of my time planning what I'm going to eat for the day, eating it, checking blood sugar, and recording things. Plus, half the time my results make no sense to me, which is a little frustrating. Good thing there's a follow up on Friday! I've also been trying to get the house reorganized for the baby and A's new toddler room set up. Both are still works in progress, but at least there has been some progress! And then there's work. But that's standard.

I just wanted you all to know I'm still around, just having to make some adjustments. I'll be posting with more substance very soon (and I have a giveaway to post! )--hopefully later today or tomorrow. Hang in there with me. :)

But also, I'll be posting some Tax Day food freebies today and tomorrow on my other blog, Means to Eat. Be sure to check them out to save some money while dining with your little ones! OK..time for (another) meal-plan snack!

Special Help in the Garden

Now that winter is finally deciding to leave (at leave in most places), it's time to start gardening. Whether you've already done your planting or not, there are multiple ways to get your young kids involved in the process, whether you're gardening with flowers or vegetables. I know A (22 months) is already glad to help out with the weeding and digging in the dirt!

If you're planting vegetables from seed packets, show your child the image on the seed packet and have him tell you what it is. If he's not yet talking (or at least not enough to get out vegetable names), lay out the packets and have him point to whatever veggie you say. For instance, you could say, "Let's plant the carrot seeds. Where's the carrot?" Then show him how to dig the hole and plant the seeds. Plus, you can have him help dig, pat the dirt down, or sprinkle with water from a watering can.

You child can also draw place markers for the plants. If she's a little older, she can draw the actual vegetables in an index card that you then put onto a craft stick to put into the ground. Otherwise, you could print out black and white drawings of each and have your little one color them.

Once your garden has developed, have your child help pick the vegetables, telling him what it is as you go and even counting them. You can also tell him the color or have him name it (same would work for flowers that have bloomed). Remind him these came from those tiny seeds you planted.

Not only will they have fun with all of this interaction, it will make them more likely to try eating the foods!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Have a wonderful day with your family today. I'll be off doing the same. See you tomorrow! And look forward to a giveaway next week!

Free Easter Craft at Michaels This Saturday

At many Michaels stores this Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., you and your child can decorate an Easter pail for free. Not all stores participate, so be sure to call yours first.





What Easter crafts have you done with your children this week?