Check out the new arrivals. Down to Earth has some great European toys, including pots and pans from Portugal,and child-size garden tools from Hungary.
Aluminum pot with lid ($17.95)
Showing posts with label down to earth toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label down to earth toys. Show all posts
Monday, August 30, 2010
A new coupon code from Down To Earth Toys
Free shipping on natural toys and toys made in the USA from Down to Earth Toys. Just use coupon code "SARA" through September 30, 2010 on orders over $25.
Check out the new arrivals. Down to Earth has some great European toys, including pots and pans from Portugal,and child-size garden tools from Hungary.
Aluminum pot with lid ($17.95)
Child-sized garden tools ($14.50)
Check out the new arrivals. Down to Earth has some great European toys, including pots and pans from Portugal,and child-size garden tools from Hungary.
Aluminum pot with lid ($17.95)
Friday, July 2, 2010
I'm back!
We moved and we're finally settled in our new home on the outskirts of Washington D.C. It's a big adventure after six years of living in a northern farming community.
New Playroom
The new house has a great play space. The basement family room is large enough that we could divide it into TV space for big kids and play space for little kids.
Lots of Trofast storage furniture from IKEA means we can store all the toys. And, the little alcove outside the laundry room makes a great play kitchen.
My home office is behind the white doors.
Best of all, the playroom opens up to an awesome back yard. Arielle has been looking for fairies.
Other big news:
Arielle started kindergarten. I'm working almost full time now and I can't really do justice to home schooling. The local schools are excellent, so Arielle attended the last two and a half weeks of kindergarten.
She loved it!
She also lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy brought shiny silver dollars and a great book about tooth traditions all over the world. The book is available on Amazon.
New Playroom
The new house has a great play space. The basement family room is large enough that we could divide it into TV space for big kids and play space for little kids.
Lots of Trofast storage furniture from IKEA means we can store all the toys. And, the little alcove outside the laundry room makes a great play kitchen.
My home office is behind the white doors.
Best of all, the playroom opens up to an awesome back yard. Arielle has been looking for fairies.
Other big news:
Arielle started kindergarten. I'm working almost full time now and I can't really do justice to home schooling. The local schools are excellent, so Arielle attended the last two and a half weeks of kindergarten.
She loved it!
She also lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy brought shiny silver dollars and a great book about tooth traditions all over the world. The book is available on Amazon.
We have ballet and swim lessons coming up this month. I recently read that swimming lessons are the best way to protect your children from drowning. Grandma has a pool and lives near the beach, so swimming lessons here we come.
Coming up on the blog:
Toys and Games Online has asked us to do monthly reviews or giveaways in exchange for a little advertising. I'll be posting more about that this weekend.
An organic Franklin doll just arrived from Franklin Goose. We'll be doing a giveaway as well :0)
Check out the eco-friendly toys at Down to Earth Toys . Most of the toys are made in the U.S.A., but there's a brand new selection of European toys, including some realistic cookware. Like us, our friend Carrin is very concerned about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. So, Down to Earth Toys is donating a percentage of every purchase to help with clean up efforts. There's a lot of wildlife at risk.
And, a store review and coupon code are coming soon from our new Canadian friends at Giving Gifts. Giving Gifts offers a variety of eco-friendly products for families.
And lots more.
Thank you for hanging in there and I appreciate all the supportive emails.
Coming up on the blog:
Toys and Games Online has asked us to do monthly reviews or giveaways in exchange for a little advertising. I'll be posting more about that this weekend.
An organic Franklin doll just arrived from Franklin Goose. We'll be doing a giveaway as well :0)
Check out the eco-friendly toys at Down to Earth Toys . Most of the toys are made in the U.S.A., but there's a brand new selection of European toys, including some realistic cookware. Like us, our friend Carrin is very concerned about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. So, Down to Earth Toys is donating a percentage of every purchase to help with clean up efforts. There's a lot of wildlife at risk.
And, a store review and coupon code are coming soon from our new Canadian friends at Giving Gifts. Giving Gifts offers a variety of eco-friendly products for families.
And lots more.
Thank you for hanging in there and I appreciate all the supportive emails.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Considering Earth Day
I wanted to share this article from Maple Landmark
Classic wooden school bus ($44.95)
A lot is said about the eco-benefits of wood grown is Asia, too bad much of it is the incomplete truth. To be sure, the idea of plantation grown trees sounds like a tremendous advantage over imagined alternatives. However, there is always more to the story. For several reasons, North American hardwoods, including our own hard maple, are superior choices.
1) Plantation grown vs. Forest harvested.
Plantation trees, such as rubberwood, are easy to envision as renewable and sustainable. However, what has that done to the natural, historical ecology of that land? It has been forever supplanted. Land was cleared to grow a crop, no differently than jungle cleared in South America. The biodiversity has been eliminated.
When trees are selectively harvested in our northern temperate forests, they are culled from the natural ecosystem. Modern logging techniques allow for minimal damage to the surrounding area and the natural forest continues to thrive and regenerate as it has for thousands of years.
Limited harvests actually increase biodiversity since the large trees are less dominant and most wildlife flourish with varied vegetation.
The images of a denuded landscape are part of the history of forestry throughout the world and it still happens in pockets, especially in third world countries. Generations of experience in land stewardship has taught better ways of management. In Vermont, forest coverage is increasing and, after the heavy logging of the 1800’s, is nearing that which the colonists saw when they arrived.
2) Chemical safe
Wood products that come from other parts of the world have sometimes been found to be chemically stabilized or treated against pests and fungus. The Forest Products Lab in Madison, Wisconsin says in reference to rubberwood (parawood): "Lumber requires chemical dipping to control blue stain and borer attack."
That is not used in general application in this country with our domestic woods. Air-drying and kiln-drying are the accepted ways of removing moisture from raw lumber to be ready for further processing. Maple will take on a “sticker stain” if it is not set up properly to dry. Adding chemicals is not the answer, good mill management is the solution.
3) Transportation
Wood grown and used in manufactured goods in Asia has already traveled over 10,000 miles when it reaches the US market. Most American wood products factories are near their material source. Our main mill suppliers are within 10 miles of our shop and the trees are harvested in the local region.
If you think floating goods over the ocean is low impact transportation, you would be wrong. Ships burn some of the nastiest of fuels, especially high in sulfur. The largest of the super freighters are each said to pollute as much in a year as 50 million cars (16 of these ships equals all the world’s cars).
4) Honest dealing
This from Ethical Corporation: “And China is major importer of illegal timber from forests in Indonesia, Cameroon, Congo and Equatorial Guinea. Though accurate figures are hard to come by, the website globaltimber.org.uk says up to half of all timber imported to China in 2004 was illegal.” Corruption in the trade of commodities, such as timber, in undeveloped countries is common. Certifications can mean very little – look at the continuing incidence of lead tainted toys discovered at our docks, practically every week.
We will admit that a few years ago there was a case of timber rustling in Vermont, one neighbor got angry at another and cut a few of his maples.
5) Quality and beauty
While every attempt has been made to talk up the qualities of rubberwood, it just doesn’t match the durability and beauty of our maple. Sometimes called “Asian birch,” I’ve even heard it claimed that rubberwood was in the maple family (not even close). The high-pitched attempted to make it appear to be as-good-as, most likely means it isn’t.
Just food for thought.
Wooden fire truck ($44.95)
Classic wooden school bus ($44.95)
A lot is said about the eco-benefits of wood grown is Asia, too bad much of it is the incomplete truth. To be sure, the idea of plantation grown trees sounds like a tremendous advantage over imagined alternatives. However, there is always more to the story. For several reasons, North American hardwoods, including our own hard maple, are superior choices.
1) Plantation grown vs. Forest harvested.
Plantation trees, such as rubberwood, are easy to envision as renewable and sustainable. However, what has that done to the natural, historical ecology of that land? It has been forever supplanted. Land was cleared to grow a crop, no differently than jungle cleared in South America. The biodiversity has been eliminated.
When trees are selectively harvested in our northern temperate forests, they are culled from the natural ecosystem. Modern logging techniques allow for minimal damage to the surrounding area and the natural forest continues to thrive and regenerate as it has for thousands of years.
Limited harvests actually increase biodiversity since the large trees are less dominant and most wildlife flourish with varied vegetation.
The images of a denuded landscape are part of the history of forestry throughout the world and it still happens in pockets, especially in third world countries. Generations of experience in land stewardship has taught better ways of management. In Vermont, forest coverage is increasing and, after the heavy logging of the 1800’s, is nearing that which the colonists saw when they arrived.
2) Chemical safe
Wood products that come from other parts of the world have sometimes been found to be chemically stabilized or treated against pests and fungus. The Forest Products Lab in Madison, Wisconsin says in reference to rubberwood (parawood): "Lumber requires chemical dipping to control blue stain and borer attack."
That is not used in general application in this country with our domestic woods. Air-drying and kiln-drying are the accepted ways of removing moisture from raw lumber to be ready for further processing. Maple will take on a “sticker stain” if it is not set up properly to dry. Adding chemicals is not the answer, good mill management is the solution.
3) Transportation
Wood grown and used in manufactured goods in Asia has already traveled over 10,000 miles when it reaches the US market. Most American wood products factories are near their material source. Our main mill suppliers are within 10 miles of our shop and the trees are harvested in the local region.
If you think floating goods over the ocean is low impact transportation, you would be wrong. Ships burn some of the nastiest of fuels, especially high in sulfur. The largest of the super freighters are each said to pollute as much in a year as 50 million cars (16 of these ships equals all the world’s cars).
4) Honest dealing
This from Ethical Corporation: “And China is major importer of illegal timber from forests in Indonesia, Cameroon, Congo and Equatorial Guinea. Though accurate figures are hard to come by, the website globaltimber.org.uk says up to half of all timber imported to China in 2004 was illegal.” Corruption in the trade of commodities, such as timber, in undeveloped countries is common. Certifications can mean very little – look at the continuing incidence of lead tainted toys discovered at our docks, practically every week.
We will admit that a few years ago there was a case of timber rustling in Vermont, one neighbor got angry at another and cut a few of his maples.
5) Quality and beauty
While every attempt has been made to talk up the qualities of rubberwood, it just doesn’t match the durability and beauty of our maple. Sometimes called “Asian birch,” I’ve even heard it claimed that rubberwood was in the maple family (not even close). The high-pitched attempted to make it appear to be as-good-as, most likely means it isn’t.
Just food for thought.
Wooden fire truck ($44.95)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A shaky egg.... and other inexpensive Easter treasures
Are you looking for inexpensive natural toys and toys made in the USA to fill your Easter baskets? Check out Down to Earth Toys. They have a great selection of toys under $20.
We love:
Egg Shaker ($7.25)
When Linnea saw the shaker she said "OH!" in that sort of breathless way some of us might save for the perfect pair of eco-friendly shoes. I think the egg spoke to her.
When they were younger, the girls went to music lessons where the favorite activity for toddlers was shaking an egg to a song. We played a game where we sat and sang and passed eggs around the circle. Very relaxing. Or maybe she's thinking of the Laurie Berkner song, I know a chicken. Click the link to see the YouTube video :0)
The egg is made by Jam Town. They support the makers of fair trade musical instruments around the world. The egg helps employ someone in Bali. Check out Down to Earth's extensive selection of musical instruments.
Magic Fairy Wand ($2.95)
Ari preferred the magic wand. She says, "You can do anything with a magic wand because it's magic." All you need is imagination. What a deal! But, don't turn your sister into a toad.
Felt Chocolate Easter Bunny ($8.99)
I haven't seen this in person (in bunny?). But, I love Lilly Bean play food and I'm sure it is the same great quality. How cute it would look in an Easter basket!
Sara's Toy Box readers get free shipping on orders over $10 until 4/30/2010. Just use the code "SARA" at checkout. Happy Spring to all of you!
We love:
Egg Shaker ($7.25)
When Linnea saw the shaker she said "OH!" in that sort of breathless way some of us might save for the perfect pair of eco-friendly shoes. I think the egg spoke to her.
When they were younger, the girls went to music lessons where the favorite activity for toddlers was shaking an egg to a song. We played a game where we sat and sang and passed eggs around the circle. Very relaxing. Or maybe she's thinking of the Laurie Berkner song, I know a chicken. Click the link to see the YouTube video :0)
The egg is made by Jam Town. They support the makers of fair trade musical instruments around the world. The egg helps employ someone in Bali. Check out Down to Earth's extensive selection of musical instruments.
Magic Fairy Wand ($2.95)
Ari preferred the magic wand. She says, "You can do anything with a magic wand because it's magic." All you need is imagination. What a deal! But, don't turn your sister into a toad.
Felt Chocolate Easter Bunny ($8.99)
I haven't seen this in person (in bunny?). But, I love Lilly Bean play food and I'm sure it is the same great quality. How cute it would look in an Easter basket!
Sara's Toy Box readers get free shipping on orders over $10 until 4/30/2010. Just use the code "SARA" at checkout. Happy Spring to all of you!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Free shipping at Down to Earth Toys
Down To Earth Toys is offering Sara's Toy Box readers free shipping on purchases over $10. Use code "SARA" at checkout. The code is good until 4/30/2010, so you can use it for Easter shopping.
Down to Earth Toys offers a large selection of toys made in the U.S.A. Personally, they are one of my favorites :0) because I know that everything they sell is natural and safe.
My latest favorite new arrival are the walnut castle blocks ($118.95 for the large set)
I think I'm going to have to start saving. Arielle just came over and said, "That looks like a fairy house!" I can just see little fairy dolls making a home with dandelion beds and daisy chairs.
Down to Earth also has a large selection of toys under $20. That's more budget friendly!
The Roy Toy earth Friendly Tree House($17.00) looks like fun. There are several sets of Roy Toys available. They are an updated and eco-friendly building toy similar to Lincoln Logs.
Our very favorite, of course, is the Organic Sock Monkey ($19.95) from Maggie's Organics. Linnea's monkey Poo-Poo is still her constant companion and still holding up to three-year-old love. I just took of Linnea and Poo-Poo watching "Super Why".
It looks like Poo-Poo needs another trip through the washer. Hanging out with Linnea isn't the cleanest job.
Down to Earth Toys offers a large selection of toys made in the U.S.A. Personally, they are one of my favorites :0) because I know that everything they sell is natural and safe.
My latest favorite new arrival are the walnut castle blocks ($118.95 for the large set)
I think I'm going to have to start saving. Arielle just came over and said, "That looks like a fairy house!" I can just see little fairy dolls making a home with dandelion beds and daisy chairs.
Down to Earth also has a large selection of toys under $20. That's more budget friendly!
The Roy Toy earth Friendly Tree House($17.00) looks like fun. There are several sets of Roy Toys available. They are an updated and eco-friendly building toy similar to Lincoln Logs.
Our very favorite, of course, is the Organic Sock Monkey ($19.95) from Maggie's Organics. Linnea's monkey Poo-Poo is still her constant companion and still holding up to three-year-old love. I just took of Linnea and Poo-Poo watching "Super Why".
It looks like Poo-Poo needs another trip through the washer. Hanging out with Linnea isn't the cleanest job.
Friday, February 19, 2010
PromiseBrand: All Natural Wood Toys
Sometimes, when I have a few minutes, I do web searches on "natural toys" and "toys made in the U.S.A." and, of course, I find some favorites like Down To Earth Toys and Palumba, but sometimes I find wonderful new toys to write about
PromiseBrand wooden toys are so gorgeous, I had to share. Look!
Alphabet blocks $68
These blocks are big - 3"x3"x3". what a wonderful idea for a new baby gift. Picture blocks are also available individually ($6.50 each), so you could spell out a new baby's name.
PromiseBrand toys are made of just three ingredients: wood, edible linseed oil and eco-friendly, non-toxic milk paint. Very natural and very safe. Everything is hand made by a family-owned business in Bend, Oregon.
In addition to the large alphabet blocks, PromiseBrand makes building blocks, small square blocks, child-sized rocking chairs, a giant bi-plane puzzle and tic-tac-toe game. You can also purchase milk paint for your own projects.
Building Blocks from reclaimed juniper ($45-$95)
Check out all the beautiful toys at PromiseBrand.
I am sorry that the blogs been slow. I appreciate those of you that keep coming back and would like to welcome our new readers. There are more reviews coming soon. We are moving soon and half the toys are packed. Once we're settled in, the blog will be back on a more regular basis.
PromiseBrand wooden toys are so gorgeous, I had to share. Look!
Alphabet blocks $68
These blocks are big - 3"x3"x3". what a wonderful idea for a new baby gift. Picture blocks are also available individually ($6.50 each), so you could spell out a new baby's name.
PromiseBrand toys are made of just three ingredients: wood, edible linseed oil and eco-friendly, non-toxic milk paint. Very natural and very safe. Everything is hand made by a family-owned business in Bend, Oregon.
In addition to the large alphabet blocks, PromiseBrand makes building blocks, small square blocks, child-sized rocking chairs, a giant bi-plane puzzle and tic-tac-toe game. You can also purchase milk paint for your own projects.
Building Blocks from reclaimed juniper ($45-$95)
Check out all the beautiful toys at PromiseBrand.
I am sorry that the blogs been slow. I appreciate those of you that keep coming back and would like to welcome our new readers. There are more reviews coming soon. We are moving soon and half the toys are packed. Once we're settled in, the blog will be back on a more regular basis.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Having one of those days?
Try Mama's Mood Lifter's Deck.
No, I'm not dealing drugs. Mama's Mood Lifter Deck is a set of cards with activities with children ages 2-5 in those moments when you just need to change the mood in your house. You know, when the kids are fighting, and you have a million things to do, and you are way too stressed to think of a fun activity?
Mama's Mood Lifter Deck ($16.95)
You can either pull out the Mary's Soft Dough or grab a card.
These arrived at the perfect time for a review because I've had that kind of week. In addition to writing the blog, I work as a freelance writer. I'm currently finishing up a few projects. My husband is also out of town, and Linnea is dropping her nap which means she is very emotional. I had ample opportunity to try the cards out (and to get some good use out of the soft dough).
When everyone is hollering, you pop a card out of the deck and read the inspirational quote.
"The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work." - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
You think about that a moment and then introduce the activity. This card suggested a game of Hide and Seek, so I got a few minutes of peace while I hid under a blanket.
The girls had a great time looking for me. They found me and jumped allover me which was a good excuse for tickles. They giggled, and then it was their turn to hide.
I pretended that I had no idea where they were. Ari was under a blanket on the couch, so I (gently) sat on her and said "My this couch is lumpy!"
After a few rounds of hide and seek, we cleaned up the play room together.
Later, we danced in order to diffuse a meltdown. "No, Linnea, you can't have chocolate chips for dinner." I am such an unreasonable mother.
Other suggestions include Simon Says, playing Bus Stop, doing simple tricks for each other and making a kiddo burrito. There are 31 fun activities that will definitely make your child smile and give her treasured happy-childhood memories.
My kids loved it, and so will yours.
The cards are inspiring. When the freezing rain let up this afternoon, I decided it was time to walk to the post office. It was cold! Linnea was refusing to walk and screaming about wearing her "fat jacket". Arielle was screaming at Linnea to stop screaming. I was trying to convince Linnea that she wanted to spare my back and walk. Half a block from home, it started snowing. I wondered if we'd survive the next block and a half and wished for an idea. Then I thought of the mood lifter cards.
I put Linnea down and said, "OK you brave Arctic explorers, tippy-toe so you don't wake up the polar bears." The mood immediately changed, and we happily braved polar bears, sea lions and frigid arctic wind as we bravely made our way to the post office igloo. Linnea was finally able to stop screaming and admire all the Christmas decorations.
There are a few blank cards, so you can include your own ideas.
The cards are made in the USA and are sold at Down to Earth Toys. So, if you've been a mostly good mommy this year, ask Santa to put these cards in your stocking. They aren't nearly as messy as soft dough and no supplies required.
Thank you, Down to Earth Toys, for making a big difference in my week! and for offering such an awesome selection of natural toys and toys made in the USA.
No, I'm not dealing drugs. Mama's Mood Lifter Deck is a set of cards with activities with children ages 2-5 in those moments when you just need to change the mood in your house. You know, when the kids are fighting, and you have a million things to do, and you are way too stressed to think of a fun activity?
Mama's Mood Lifter Deck ($16.95)
You can either pull out the Mary's Soft Dough or grab a card.
These arrived at the perfect time for a review because I've had that kind of week. In addition to writing the blog, I work as a freelance writer. I'm currently finishing up a few projects. My husband is also out of town, and Linnea is dropping her nap which means she is very emotional. I had ample opportunity to try the cards out (and to get some good use out of the soft dough).
When everyone is hollering, you pop a card out of the deck and read the inspirational quote.
"The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work." - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
You think about that a moment and then introduce the activity. This card suggested a game of Hide and Seek, so I got a few minutes of peace while I hid under a blanket.
The girls had a great time looking for me. They found me and jumped allover me which was a good excuse for tickles. They giggled, and then it was their turn to hide.
I pretended that I had no idea where they were. Ari was under a blanket on the couch, so I (gently) sat on her and said "My this couch is lumpy!"
After a few rounds of hide and seek, we cleaned up the play room together.
Later, we danced in order to diffuse a meltdown. "No, Linnea, you can't have chocolate chips for dinner." I am such an unreasonable mother.
Other suggestions include Simon Says, playing Bus Stop, doing simple tricks for each other and making a kiddo burrito. There are 31 fun activities that will definitely make your child smile and give her treasured happy-childhood memories.
My kids loved it, and so will yours.
The cards are inspiring. When the freezing rain let up this afternoon, I decided it was time to walk to the post office. It was cold! Linnea was refusing to walk and screaming about wearing her "fat jacket". Arielle was screaming at Linnea to stop screaming. I was trying to convince Linnea that she wanted to spare my back and walk. Half a block from home, it started snowing. I wondered if we'd survive the next block and a half and wished for an idea. Then I thought of the mood lifter cards.
I put Linnea down and said, "OK you brave Arctic explorers, tippy-toe so you don't wake up the polar bears." The mood immediately changed, and we happily braved polar bears, sea lions and frigid arctic wind as we bravely made our way to the post office igloo. Linnea was finally able to stop screaming and admire all the Christmas decorations.
There are a few blank cards, so you can include your own ideas.
The cards are made in the USA and are sold at Down to Earth Toys. So, if you've been a mostly good mommy this year, ask Santa to put these cards in your stocking. They aren't nearly as messy as soft dough and no supplies required.
Thank you, Down to Earth Toys, for making a big difference in my week! and for offering such an awesome selection of natural toys and toys made in the USA.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Blasting off..... in a rocket ship.
All my kids love space. I have great memories of when my big kids (now 18 and 20) were the same age as Arielle and Linnea. I took them on a geology field trip with me, and they spent the six hour drive playing spaceship and singing "we are aliums!"
Arielle went through a year when she always wanted stories about rocket ships and her friends Moonielle and Starielle who live in space. I had to make them up, and now she calls her Mommy-made-up bedtime story a "Moon Story".
Here's a true Moon Story.
One very exciting day, a rocket landed in the playroom. The FedEx man brought it.
It required a little assembly - cardboard tabs had to be pushed into cardboard holes. I needed help, just an extra hand to hold things, but it wasn't too hard.
Then... out popped a little alien.
"Hello," it said. "Do you have cookies on this planet?"
Once the alien confirmed that, yes, this is a planet with abundant cookies, she decided to visit awhile. Then I had no more cookies.
The rocket ship ($77.95) is made in the USA of recycled paper and is 100% recyclable. It is from Down to Earth Toys, which is just a great place for Toys Made in the USA. I recently saw the rocket ship listed as one of Kiwi Magazine's top eco-friendly toys of the year. Arielle and Linnea certainly thought it was a top toy!
It's just the right size (67"H x 27.5"W x 27.5"D) for two little aliens and a few treasures. With a little effort, I even fit myself in there. I don't suggest this unless you really like tight spaces.
For Arielle and Linnea packing up the spaceship for the journey was almost as much fun as actually visiting strange planets. They put in a whole collection of play food. Traveling is hungry work.
Happy face.
I just asked for comments from the aliens. Arielle said she wishes the rocket was really big because then it would be even better (where would be put it?). And, Linnea told be a very enthusiastic story about zoom zoom zooming to outer space and having a picnic of astronaut food and alien food on the moon.
And off they go again....
The spaceship would be fun to decorate... glow-in-the-dark paint and space stickers would be cool. Or glow-in-the-dark stars? Maybe a sticker from every planet visited? Because we are moving soon, I decided to hold off on decorating, so the paint doesn't get banged up.
This is a neat toy for encouraging imaginative play both indoors and outdoors. Boys and girls will love it and get great practice at counting down from 10 to 1 (a kindergarten skill). I can't imagine a child not loving it. And, when they outgrow it, it can be passed on or recycled.
And check out the Playhouse.
Thank you, Down to Earth Toys for this out-of-this-world play experience.
Arielle went through a year when she always wanted stories about rocket ships and her friends Moonielle and Starielle who live in space. I had to make them up, and now she calls her Mommy-made-up bedtime story a "Moon Story".
Here's a true Moon Story.
One very exciting day, a rocket landed in the playroom. The FedEx man brought it.
It required a little assembly - cardboard tabs had to be pushed into cardboard holes. I needed help, just an extra hand to hold things, but it wasn't too hard.
Then... out popped a little alien.
"Hello," it said. "Do you have cookies on this planet?"
Once the alien confirmed that, yes, this is a planet with abundant cookies, she decided to visit awhile. Then I had no more cookies.
The rocket ship ($77.95) is made in the USA of recycled paper and is 100% recyclable. It is from Down to Earth Toys, which is just a great place for Toys Made in the USA. I recently saw the rocket ship listed as one of Kiwi Magazine's top eco-friendly toys of the year. Arielle and Linnea certainly thought it was a top toy!
It's just the right size (67"H x 27.5"W x 27.5"D) for two little aliens and a few treasures. With a little effort, I even fit myself in there. I don't suggest this unless you really like tight spaces.
For Arielle and Linnea packing up the spaceship for the journey was almost as much fun as actually visiting strange planets. They put in a whole collection of play food. Traveling is hungry work.
Happy face.
I just asked for comments from the aliens. Arielle said she wishes the rocket was really big because then it would be even better (where would be put it?). And, Linnea told be a very enthusiastic story about zoom zoom zooming to outer space and having a picnic of astronaut food and alien food on the moon.
And off they go again....
The spaceship would be fun to decorate... glow-in-the-dark paint and space stickers would be cool. Or glow-in-the-dark stars? Maybe a sticker from every planet visited? Because we are moving soon, I decided to hold off on decorating, so the paint doesn't get banged up.
This is a neat toy for encouraging imaginative play both indoors and outdoors. Boys and girls will love it and get great practice at counting down from 10 to 1 (a kindergarten skill). I can't imagine a child not loving it. And, when they outgrow it, it can be passed on or recycled.
And check out the Playhouse.
Thank you, Down to Earth Toys for this out-of-this-world play experience.
Monday, November 16, 2009
We love Mary's Soft Dough so much...
that we are reviewing it again!
We first reviewed Mary's Softdough in March 2008. Arielle was 3 1/2, and Linnea was 16 months old. We loved it then, and we love it now.
Normally, I mix dough myself. But, sometimes I'm busy or I don't want to do the dishes or I need an emergency gift or something fun to pull out right away.
Mary's Softdough is just as healthy and natural as dough I make myself. It has the perfect dough texture and it smells good.
It is made of flour, water, salt, cream of tartar, soybean oil, food coloring (all stuff we have at home) and sodium benzoate (a food preservative that keeps it from getting moldy so it can be used for up to a year). It comes in so many colors and scents and even with sparkles.
The Playful Pink Glitter Softdough is the favorite here.
Mary's Softdough is available in a big, 18 oz,. rainbow tub ($8.95), big single color tubs ($9.95), and small 4 oz. single color tubs ($3.35 plain, $3.95 for glow in the dark or scented).
Linnea just came up to me, "Mommy, I'm good! Can I do play dough? Pease pease pease pease?" Playing with dough is one of her favorite things. And, now that she doesn't eat the dough, it means she stays in one place for an hour or so... long enough for me to write this.
Linnea does mush colors together. This drives Arielle nuts. If this is a problem for your children, I suggest a big, single color tub.
Hard at work.
Masterpieces.
Terrapin Toys offers a Soft Dough Tool Set ($7.95) for extra fun. Like the dough, the tool set is made in the USA. The girls love the roller and cookie cutters. Check out the squirrels.
We also like to use small kitchen utensils (an old garlic press is awesome, as are plastic pizza cutters), cookie cutters, blunt tip scissors, tiny plastic figurines and dinosaurs, toothpicks, textured rollers and sometimes small hammers and golf tees for dough-play variations.
You can purchase the whole line of Mary's Softdough products directly from Terrapin Toys.
We first reviewed Mary's Softdough in March 2008. Arielle was 3 1/2, and Linnea was 16 months old. We loved it then, and we love it now.
Normally, I mix dough myself. But, sometimes I'm busy or I don't want to do the dishes or I need an emergency gift or something fun to pull out right away.
Mary's Softdough is just as healthy and natural as dough I make myself. It has the perfect dough texture and it smells good.
It is made of flour, water, salt, cream of tartar, soybean oil, food coloring (all stuff we have at home) and sodium benzoate (a food preservative that keeps it from getting moldy so it can be used for up to a year). It comes in so many colors and scents and even with sparkles.
The Playful Pink Glitter Softdough is the favorite here.
Mary's Softdough is available in a big, 18 oz,. rainbow tub ($8.95), big single color tubs ($9.95), and small 4 oz. single color tubs ($3.35 plain, $3.95 for glow in the dark or scented).
Linnea just came up to me, "Mommy, I'm good! Can I do play dough? Pease pease pease pease?" Playing with dough is one of her favorite things. And, now that she doesn't eat the dough, it means she stays in one place for an hour or so... long enough for me to write this.
Linnea does mush colors together. This drives Arielle nuts. If this is a problem for your children, I suggest a big, single color tub.
Hard at work.
Masterpieces.
Terrapin Toys offers a Soft Dough Tool Set ($7.95) for extra fun. Like the dough, the tool set is made in the USA. The girls love the roller and cookie cutters. Check out the squirrels.
We also like to use small kitchen utensils (an old garlic press is awesome, as are plastic pizza cutters), cookie cutters, blunt tip scissors, tiny plastic figurines and dinosaurs, toothpicks, textured rollers and sometimes small hammers and golf tees for dough-play variations.
You can purchase the whole line of Mary's Softdough products directly from Terrapin Toys.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Kitchens.... sink and all.
Many of us are considering play kitchens this holiday season, and this can be a tough decision. It's a big chunk of money, and you want to be sure that the kitchen will be both fun to play with and last for years. I asked Carrin of Down to Earth Toys about the difference between the various wooden kitchens.
Kitchens made in the USA - all these sinks have removable stainless steel bowls.
Little Colorado is the least expensive of the brands made in the USA. Little Colorado kitchens are made of pine, but they use MDF for the backs and counter surfaces.
Little Colorado Child's Kitchen ($183.95)
There is an optional door window for an additional five dollars. The measurements are 24"W x 14"D x 34"H, which is pretty standard size. It arrives fully assembled, but allow a few weeks for delivery. The matching refrigerator($161.95)has little shelves on the door. A microwave ($63.95), pantry ($129.95)and washing machine with a turning tub($162.95) are also available.
Elves & Angels kitchens are made of pine with formaldehyde-free plywood for the backs. Elves and Angel kitchens require some assembly. They are finished non-toxic linseed oil.
Julianna's Kitchen ($206.90)
As you can see, the styles are very similar, but Julian's kitchen has more realistic round burners rather than X's. They are painted on. Christina's Kitchen ($185.00) has no shelf, but it is a little wider (28") with space to chop vegetable or mix a cake.
Sylvie's Kitchen ($245.00) is also 28" wide, but has two shelves. The matching Jacob's Icebox ($174.95) has inside shelves, but no door shelves.
Willow Toys kitchens are made of solid pine. They are finished with a natural oil finish. The finish is available in an aromatherapy lavender scent or in unscented. There are two basic styles.
Ivy's Kitchen ($229.00) is more traditional.
Liam's Kitchen ($225.00) has a more contemporary look.
Each style has a matching refrigerator. Devin's Icebox ($179.00) goes with Ivy's kitchen, and the Willow Icebox goes with Liam's Kitchen ($179.00).
Sandy's Kitchen ($185.00) is the basic model with no shelves.
Camden Rose kitchens are beautiful,pine-free and more expensive. They are available at Palumba.
A Simple Hearth ($349.99) is made of cherry with walnut and birch accents.
The shelves inside both the stove and the Simple Fridge ($299.99) are made of metal. There is a cutting board that slides out. The BEEautiful Hearth ($289.99) is simply the same kitchen without the hutch. You can add the hutch ($69.99) later. You can save a little by buying a refrigerator-kitchen combination.
The Gourmet Kitchen ($219.99) has a separate stove and sink. This is good for keeping two children busy.
Camden Rose's more affordable new kitchen, the Camden Kitchen, is made of solid ash wood collected from the many thousands of trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. It ships flat and quickly snaps together for assembly. It has a contemporary style and two burners for more counter space.
Camden Kitchen ($249.99)
You could wing a Camden Kitchen, click here for details.
Imagine That Woodshop on Etsy takes custom orders for handmade wooden kitchens, but they are no longer taking orders for this holiday season.
Kitchens that are not made in the USA
Plan Toy kitchens are made in Thailand of environmentally-friendly rubber wood and finished with a non-toxic water-based dye.
Plan Kitchen Center ($269.99)
The stove ($159.98), sink/dishwasher ($199.99) and refrigerator with water/ice dispenser($245.99) are also available as separate pieces in bright colors. We have the washing machine ($199.99). It is OK, but the big rubber band that makes the machine turn tends to slide off. I can easily reach in and slip it back on, but I am also have small hands.
The European kitchens tend to be smaller. The counter height is 19 inches rather than 22.
The Vitamin Kitchen from Nathan at Oompa is both beautiful and colorful -- and expensive! The wooden pieces are modular to allow it to be set up in different ways. Nathan specializes in toys for preschools, and that is what this reminds me of. Because the height is a little smaller, so it is more suitable for children under three. It is made in Poland.
Finally, a German play kitchen. This kitchen is made from alder wood.
Children's Play Kitchen ($350.40)
Kitchens made in the USA - all these sinks have removable stainless steel bowls.
Little Colorado is the least expensive of the brands made in the USA. Little Colorado kitchens are made of pine, but they use MDF for the backs and counter surfaces.
Little Colorado Child's Kitchen ($183.95)
There is an optional door window for an additional five dollars. The measurements are 24"W x 14"D x 34"H, which is pretty standard size. It arrives fully assembled, but allow a few weeks for delivery. The matching refrigerator($161.95)has little shelves on the door. A microwave ($63.95), pantry ($129.95)and washing machine with a turning tub($162.95) are also available.
Elves & Angels kitchens are made of pine with formaldehyde-free plywood for the backs. Elves and Angel kitchens require some assembly. They are finished non-toxic linseed oil.
Julianna's Kitchen ($206.90)
As you can see, the styles are very similar, but Julian's kitchen has more realistic round burners rather than X's. They are painted on. Christina's Kitchen ($185.00) has no shelf, but it is a little wider (28") with space to chop vegetable or mix a cake.
Sylvie's Kitchen ($245.00) is also 28" wide, but has two shelves. The matching Jacob's Icebox ($174.95) has inside shelves, but no door shelves.
Willow Toys kitchens are made of solid pine. They are finished with a natural oil finish. The finish is available in an aromatherapy lavender scent or in unscented. There are two basic styles.
Ivy's Kitchen ($229.00) is more traditional.
Liam's Kitchen ($225.00) has a more contemporary look.
Each style has a matching refrigerator. Devin's Icebox ($179.00) goes with Ivy's kitchen, and the Willow Icebox goes with Liam's Kitchen ($179.00).
Sandy's Kitchen ($185.00) is the basic model with no shelves.
Camden Rose kitchens are beautiful,pine-free and more expensive. They are available at Palumba.
A Simple Hearth ($349.99) is made of cherry with walnut and birch accents.
The shelves inside both the stove and the Simple Fridge ($299.99) are made of metal. There is a cutting board that slides out. The BEEautiful Hearth ($289.99) is simply the same kitchen without the hutch. You can add the hutch ($69.99) later. You can save a little by buying a refrigerator-kitchen combination.
The Gourmet Kitchen ($219.99) has a separate stove and sink. This is good for keeping two children busy.
Camden Rose's more affordable new kitchen, the Camden Kitchen, is made of solid ash wood collected from the many thousands of trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. It ships flat and quickly snaps together for assembly. It has a contemporary style and two burners for more counter space.
Camden Kitchen ($249.99)
You could wing a Camden Kitchen, click here for details.
Imagine That Woodshop on Etsy takes custom orders for handmade wooden kitchens, but they are no longer taking orders for this holiday season.
Kitchens that are not made in the USA
Plan Toy kitchens are made in Thailand of environmentally-friendly rubber wood and finished with a non-toxic water-based dye.
Plan Kitchen Center ($269.99)
The stove ($159.98), sink/dishwasher ($199.99) and refrigerator with water/ice dispenser($245.99) are also available as separate pieces in bright colors. We have the washing machine ($199.99). It is OK, but the big rubber band that makes the machine turn tends to slide off. I can easily reach in and slip it back on, but I am also have small hands.
The European kitchens tend to be smaller. The counter height is 19 inches rather than 22.
The Vitamin Kitchen from Nathan at Oompa is both beautiful and colorful -- and expensive! The wooden pieces are modular to allow it to be set up in different ways. Nathan specializes in toys for preschools, and that is what this reminds me of. Because the height is a little smaller, so it is more suitable for children under three. It is made in Poland.
Finally, a German play kitchen. This kitchen is made from alder wood.
Children's Play Kitchen ($350.40)
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