Code for FREE 8x8 Photobook from Shutterfly

While this isn't technically an activity for the kids, it's one ABOUT the kids, and maybe they could help pick a few of their favorite images...plus, I know you guys love free goodies related to your kids! Shutterfly has a code out for a FREE 8x8 photobook for Father's Day (of course, you could give it to anyone, including yourself)--a $29.99 value. The deal includes 20 pages; you can add more for an additional fee. Just enter MAYBOOK as the promo code. Expires May 26, 2010 (I personally wish it could last until the new baby gets here!)

Free Crafts on Saturdays at Lakeshore Learning Stores

For your kids 3 and up, check out the free craft workshops at all Lakeshore Learning stores. They're held every Saturday from 11-3 p.m. The East Brunswick and New Hyde Park locations also have craft time every Sunday at the same hours.

Here's a roundup of the crafts for the next month:


May 22: Tear-Art Tambourine
May 29: Tic-Tac-Toe Board
June 5: Summer Sunglasses
June 12: Portable Storage Pouch
June 19: Notepad Holder
June 26: Summer Fruit Baskets

Happy Birthday, Little Monkey!

Happy birthday to my little monkey! She's 2 today! We bought her this playhouse and so far, she loves it. It's a good size for her and keeps her entertained.

At her party on Saturday, we put several things on the deck for her and her 18-month-old friend to play with. We set up a kiddie pool, sand table, a small slide on the deck, and then had a small ball pit and the playhouse in the yard. I think they would have stayed out there all day if we'd let them!

Kids Eat Free at IKEA This Weekend

Starting tomorrow (May 14, 2010) and going through Sunday, kids eat free at Ikea. You get your choice of three kids' items in a meal. A great deal! Be sure your location is participating.

Make Your Own Toddler Skee-Ball Game

I just saw this on an e-mail from Babycenter. It's a fun idea--and easy! Make a Skee-Ball game for your toddler. Just take an empty diaper box (or any cardboard box) and glue various containers to it, one above the other. You could use empty formula, coffee or oatmeal canisters. Make sure the hole isn't too small on each or your child may get frustrated. To add an educational element, you could assign amounts to certain spots (for instance, 1-4), which your kids then identify and even add up. If you make them different colors, they can aim for certain ones, or you can go over what they landed in.

LAST DAY of Giveaway!

If you haven't entered already, make sure to do so before noon! Good luck!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope you all have a great day tomorrow (or a whole weekend!). If you're debating where to have your family treat you, check out my posts on Means to Eat for some food deals and freebies (including free TCBY and great lunch/dinner deals)--many of which are for both today and tomorrow.

And don't forget to enter the I Spy Bag giveaway! Ends on Monday at noon EDT. 

I Spy Bags from Emmie's Designs: Review and GIVEAWAY!

As I was browsing Etsy.com recently, the I Spy Bags from Emmie's Designs caught my attention. These bags are intended as fun (and even somewhat educational) toys for small children. They include small trinkets, which are hidden within rice and all viewed through a large plastic window. Each bag also includes removable cards with written lists and images of the hidden items. Searching for the items can be entertaining in and of itself, but you could also make it game. For instance, ask, "Where is the pink star?," then your child's search begins!

Emmie was kind enough to send a sample for A to try out. Admittedly, she used it as a bean bag at first, throwing it across the room. But she'll often find it and sit for at least a few minutes while hunting for finds. Preschoolers would have a bit more of an attention span to actually hunt for all of the items. And it seems even babies would enjoy the bags, squishing them and seeing what pops up. The bags are made with very soft, fun fabrics (I was quite amazed at their softness, actually) and seem well stitched so nothing escapes. The only area that might eventually become an issue is where the bag was stitched shut after being filled. However, even in that spot, I think it would take a lot of wear and tear to break through.

Since it's such a fun item, I wanted to give one away, and Emmie was happy to help! The winner will get the opportunity to choose her favorite I Spy Bag design from the Emmie's Designs collection. Be sure to check out the selection--designs for boys, girls and unisex!

CONGRATULATIONS! The winner of the I Spy Bag is Meej (meej1028@)! Be sure to contact me by Thursday at 11 p.m. to claim your prize! 

Easily Find Places to Take the Kids With Mom Maps

Just found a website for finding fun spots for spending time with your kids! Mom Maps helps you locate places for family fun around your area. You'll can search for parks, playgrounds, restaurants, museums, indoor play areas and infant spots. You can also add your own spots as you discover them.

Here's a list cities they cover as of now (looks like more will be added soon. Hoping for Atlanta!):

West Coast: San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Hawaii
Midwest: Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Boise, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee
East Coast: Philadelphia, New York City, Washington D.C.
South: Dallas, New Orleans, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Charlotte

If you have an iPhone, you can download the Mom Maps app (shown in image).

$1 Items for Outdoor Playtime

I was just at Target and found some fun outdoor stuff for kids in the dollar section (you know, the area right inside the front doors near the registers). Little Monkey's 2nd birthday is coming up and we'll have some outdoor activities, so figured I'd pick up a few fun items the kids can play with (and of course A can keep to enjoy later). Here's what I found:

• sidewalk chalk (a multipack of large pieces in various colors)
• bucket with shovel
• plastic rake, spade and shovel set for the sandbox
• beach ball
• small, bright-colored tin buckets for take-home treats

Plus, they have some kids' gardening items such as shovels and spades and mini pots with seeds. I'm sure there was more I'm now forgetting. Check it out if you're looking for ways to entertain your kids while they're outdoors this summer!