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Sharing a Real Tradition with a New Look: Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol

December 8, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays & Sundays: Books and info worth sharing

A charming new edition of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol is a large-bound edition that will last your family for years to come. Quinten Blake, who was made famous by his legendary illustrations for Roald Dahl, vividly brings this story alive with drawings of the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present, the bleak street children Want and Ignorance, Ali Baba with his donkey, and others with his unique droll ink-and-watercolor illustrations.

The story which is a little complex for younger readers, Blake’s rendition tells the story for ages 7 and above using his iconic artwork. Reminding children everywhere about the true spirit of Christmas, Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol is sure to be incorporated into holiday traditions for many years to come.

Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens; Illustrated by Quentin Blake

Pavilion Children’s

October 2012, ages 7–9

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DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Sharing How the Holidays REALLY Happen with A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus

December 1, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Sundays – Books and info worth sharing

I love reading books at the holidays and with this year’s incredibly long holiday season, trying to keep the little ones at bay when Christmas is all around them is much easier if you can read a book daily to maintain the Christmas spirit.

One of my favorite new finds to helping explain how Christmas happens is A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus. Patterned after ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, this book tells the story that hasn’t been told before; how Mrs. Claus helps to make Christmas happen.

Looking back on history, Mrs. Claus is often a part of the holiday tradition, but you never hear what Mrs. Claus does as the most important person at Christmas #2 (sounds like a lot of stories to me…) However, this story, written by a family team of women, shares the backstory of when Santa falls ill how Mrs. Claus gets everything ready from reading children’s letters, wrapping the gifts and even preparing the reindeer for flight to make Christmas possible.

Honestly, in our house this story is exactly how Christmas happens. Thankfully these ladies find a much more fun way to tell it.

A Bit of Applause for Mrs. Claus

By Jeannie Schick-Jacobowitz & Muffin Drake-Policastro

Illustrated by Wendy Wallin Malinow

Sourcebooks Jannerwocky

Ages 4-8

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Stuff the Stocking with I See Me Personalized Books

November 24, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays:

Just as important as the gifts under the tree are the gifts in the stocking. Working to find the right things that are fun and perfectly priced, this is traditionally where a small trinkets like Matchbox cars, Thomas accessories and holiday candy and of course, dog bones for Birddie, the family dog. Now with a little girl in the mix, I’ve got to expand my ideas of what goes into the cute stockings on the mantle, while also being “even” so the older one doesn’t think the younger one is getting anything cooler than he has.

Enter one of my favorite stocking stuffer finds this year: customized books. I See Me! personalized children’s books are a great way to spark a child’s imagination this holiday season. With every book, the child’s name and other personal details are inserted into stories that can help teach learning lessons like how to be a big sister/brother, the importance of a name, and most appropriately for now: the story of Christmas and Hannukah. Each of the books selected for both children included a great story, beautiful illustrations and will also make them feel special since every page including something specific just for them.

While I opted for color activity book options for both children, you can also choose for beautiful hardbound/board book editions for a little longer shelf time. And with a starting price of $9.99, these personalized books are affordable, memorable and educational all at the same time – making them an idea stocking stuffer. If my recommendation is enough, see what the Today Show, People and DailyCandy had to say about I See Me! Books.

I See Me!

Personalized Books

$9.95 – $39.95

http://www.iseeme.com

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Giving it to You Down and Dirty: The Gross-O-Pedia

October 27, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Sundays:

When I was growing up, I looked forward to watching Saturday cartoons including a show called Beakman’s World. It was full of tons of information about real stuff and demonstrated in a way that kids could easily understand. Actually the best way to describe it was a “kid-version of Dr. Oz.” I distinctly remember how one episode showed you how scabs formed by using red and white balloons to symbolize red and white blood cells. But it didn’t stop there – he talked about all the things that make you go “huh?”

Don’t have a clue what I’m talking about or remember Beakman fondly? Check out YouTube or you can order him on Netflix.)

Anyhow, my point of this was he did some amazing explaining about things no one wants to talk about but does” like farts, scabs and other gross stuff. While as adults we do our best to be appropriate about the topics, but as kids they don’t categorize it as gross, nasty or whatever. They just want to know “WHY.”

The Gruesome, Disgusting, and Absolutely Vile Gross-o-Pedia by Rachel Federman is the perfect treat for anyone with an interest in the bizarre or an offbeat sense of humor. There’s a chapter on every subject that you might want to know a little too much about, like bugs, the human body, science, festivals, and even an entire section devoted to farts. (yes, I’ve mentioned that word like three times already.)

So with Halloween just around the corner and a four-year-old who asks “why” at least a million times a day, this book gives me a reference to explain things to him as well as some great factoids that Beakman would be proud of – 20 years later.

The Gruesome, Disgusting, and Absolutely Vile Gross-O-Pedia: A Startling Collection of Repulsive Trivia You Won’t Want to Know!
Rachel Federman
Skyhorse Publishing

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Show Your Kids that Storytelling is Fun and Important

October 21, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Sharing Saturdays & Sundays:
While most parents intend to spend time teaching and enjoying quality time with their children learning through arts and crafts, unfortunately, it don’t always happen. Too often life gets in front of us and too often we’re too quick to hand them an Ipad (which is hard when you love yours), turn on the TV or tell them to go play. I know I am guilty…not because I don’t love my kids, but that “spending time” seems like it has to be a big ordeal, project or outing and after all the “stuff” that has to be done, you just don’t have anything left.

Author Emily K. Neuburger of Thanks to Show Me a Story: 40 Craft Projects and Activities to Spark Children’s Storytelling makes sharing, learning moments easy for both parents and kids to enjoy with her award-wining book. This guide provides a plethora of easy ways to create a project or game with things you can find around your home in an easy-to-follow format. While many of the suggested ideas may seem as simple as building a list based on word association, it makes it possible for families to have a “moment” without putting much into the prep time and all your time into making a memory together.

Amazon.com describes the book as:

Children love to make up stories, and these 40 creative projects and activities encourage them to free their storytelling instincts. Younger children will love making story stones and a storytelling jar and then using them to create stories of their own, while older kids will enjoy word grab bags, story walks, and journaling exercises. For everyone ages 5 to 12, whatever their reading level, this book has everything needed to spark an infinite number of child-created stories.

While I have children ages 4 and 1, this book is something we can begin to use sparingly at this age and grow into as we head past our toddler years and even into young adults.

I loved the artwork and the format as it reads like a recipe book – which is may favorite guide to read.

Spend this weekend and even those 20 minutes breaks between one appointment to another with this great reference book for your family library.

DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)m

Chase the monsters out of your kids room with “Marlow and the Monster”

October 7, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Weekend Whatever

With a four-year old and a one-year old, thankfully, we haven’t entered the phase of “monsters,” YET. However, it’s nice to prepare myself with something as easy to have as a book to add to our staple “parenting” kit.

Marlow and the Monster by Sharon Cramer

Monsters hide under beds, in closets and lurk outside closed doors. No matter where these creatures take up residence, most children go through a phase when they worry about monsters, ghosts and other creepy-crawlies being in their room at night. So how can parents help them cope?

Author and mom of three, Sharon Cramer, has dealt with her fair share of monsters with her own sons. She tackles the subject in her latest children’s book Marlow and the Monster, a book for parents to keep on hand for those spooky nights. Cramer takes the intimidation factor away from monsters and helps children and their parents form a more lighthearted view of these creatures.

Illustrated with quill pen and ink, the only splash of color is reserved for the monster to depict that only the children can see him. (It’s a cool concept, however, I’ll admit it makes it a little harder to read.)

And just in case reading this book doesn’t take the monsters out of your kid’s closet, then consider these tips from the author, Sharon Cramer.

About the author

Sharon Cramer is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of Cougar Cub Tales, an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star.

Marlow and the Monster

Sharon Cramer

Talking Bird Books

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DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Talking Divorce and Remarriage With Your Kids

September 30, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Sharing Sundays – Books and info worth sharing

A few pages into this book, I was already crying. Not because I’m a child of divorce, but because as a mother now, I was instantly touched about how a child would feel reading this book and as a parent IF I had to discuss such a difficult issue with my child. While it is sad that divorce is so prevalent in our culture, it is fact that children will be affected when 50 percent of marriages do result in divorce.

Thankfully there is a book on a 3 – 8 year-old level that kids relate to and can help parents communicate and share their feelings about divorce in an easy-to-read format.

A child of a successful “bonus mom” relationship, author Tami Butcher penned My Bonus Mom! Take the Step out of Step Mom to plant a seed in children’s minds that having a stepmother/stepfather can be a bonus with their hearts and minds accept the new relationship in a positive way. Through colorful graphics and rhyme, she’s developed a must-have book for any family affected by divorce and remarriage.

My Bonus Mom! Take the Step out of Step Mom

By Tami Butcher

Five Star Publications, Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-58985-081-1

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The Grandma Kit: What Do Caregivers Need When Parents Go on Vacation

July 10, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Simple Joys of Grandparenting for purposes of this review, however, the views expressed here are all my own. Additionally, affiliate links have been included.

After two decades of waiting, I’m only a week out from embarking on my dream vacation to Italy. Two glorious weeks in Rome, Sorrrento, Florence, Pisa and Venice with my husband – and totally kid free. While that sounds pretty amazing, I know that two weeks is going to be HARD without my kiddos. Luckily both my amazing mother and my selfless mother-in-law are sharing the load of taking care of the kids while we’re away at their homes. And for that to be successful for everyone, it takes planning and paperwork to make sure the children and our moms are properly prepared with every detail from what foods the kids eat – to the pediatrician’s number in case an emergency happens (oh, please I hope that doesn’t happen…)

Each of the grandmas got a special kit with everything I could think of that they needed in addition to clothes, toys, games and of course, bottles and formula. With a little help of Google, I found many free downloadables that I could use to fill out and print.

The Grandma Kit included:

1. Temporary Guardianship:
Allows my parents and my husband’s parents to have temporary guardianship of my kids in our absence. (There’s both a start and an end time on this.)

2. Medical Power of Attorney:
This form allows the listed person to order medical services if necessary. For instance, if you child broke their arm, this would be the form needed to ensure grandma could take him to the emergency room and take care of any needed medical services in your absence.

3. Medical Information:
Provides basics like social security numbers, insurance info, allergies, prescriptions, and medical phone numbers like their pediatrician.

4. Kids Info Sheet:
Gives the basics on your kiddo like favorite foods, routines, etc.

5. Copy of Itinerary:
While I’m providing a link to a helpful template, I just use my own Excel worksheet. This is just a spreadsheet covering my daily activities which is useful if they needed to reach us or explain to the kids what we are doing.

6. Email & Skype Info:

Since we were traveling overseas, using our phones was not in the plan. So through the magic of iPad, we had planned to Skype our families periodically to see them and to checkin. This way we didn’t have to pay for any international fees. Another useful tip we’d learn is that if Skype wasn’t working out for us, you can always buy a Pay and Go Mobile Phone for $30 and use that in place of our mobile phones without incurring roaming charges on our normal phone rates.

7. The Simple Joys of Grandparenting:
This was a last-minute find and was the icing on the cake for my “grandma kit.” Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies – but now there’s no way they’ll even run out of stories, nursery rhymes, games, crafts and even recipe ideas! The Simple Joys of Grandparenting by Abigail R. Gehring created a great collection of a little bit of everything that makes grandmas great like mac n cheese, homemade hot chocolate with marshmallows, sock puppets and even tea parties!

Growing up, trips to my grandma meant the world to me (and still do), so just reading this book gave me the warm and fuzzies just remembering the fun I used to have. Beautifully illustrated, it’s a perfect gift for new grandparents as well as like this when you might be traveling or they have the kids for an extended period of time.

While I have no tip or downloadable about how not to feel guilty or keep from missing your kiddos while you are away, hopefully this kit can make the experience a little more bearable for everyone!

What do you do to for care providers before you leave?

Pin It To Get The Perfect Mom’s Day Gift

April 29, 2012 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Every Mother’s Day everyone scrambles to get the right Mother’s Day gift. Although I have received a good one or two myself (my husband surprised me the year right before my was born with a pair of diamond earrings in my Sunday paper), for the most part it’s like Forrest Gump said, “you never know what you’re gonna get: (and in some cases, not get.)

So rather than scour the planet to try to figure out what you think mom wants for Mother’s Day, I’m going to tell you exactly what to do to get it right this Mother’s Day…

Go to Pinterest. You’ll find the motherload (yes, that was the perfect pun!)

Yep, this social media site (whose users are 70 percent women in the U.S. according to Mashable) is going to give you a full listing of everything you can think of to get for mom and probably at every price point. Don’t know if your mom is on Pinterest or know she doesn’t have an account? Don’t worry: just get one for yourself and type in “Mother’s Day” to get tons of ideas that you can make or buy just to make your mom feel special this Mother’s Day.

First thing you should know is Mother’s Day isn’t really about what you get her. Yep, while jewelry, purses and all that is nice, you can get away with a lot cheaper items and get big brownie points. A meal, a craft or a keepsake may make take you a little time, but remember, the gift is about letting her know how much you appreciate her. However, if your mama has been screaming for a new Louis Vuitton (like I have) and you’ve got the cash to splurge, don’t worry, you’ll still get your bonus points and a lot more too if you get if for her (honey, this special note was just for you.)

Here’s just a few pins I’ve come across that might make good Mother’s Day gifts for mom, grandma, etc. And if you’re like me and you get to purchase your own gift and then let everyone know what they got you, there’s even a few ideas just for Mother’s Day for you to give to your kiddos one day to show them how this whole Mother’s Day thing is supposed to work.