Our new kitchen

The time had come. The play kitchen was falling apart and playing "Mommy in the kitchen" is one of Arielle and Linnea's very favorite games. We needed to replace it.

So, the old kitchen went on Craig's List and Mommy priced new kitchens. It was a pretty easy choice. I was in love with the Camden Rose Simple Hearth ($349.99) from Palumba.

Why is this kitchen so great? Let me count the ways.

1. It arrived quickly. Two days after I ordered the kitchen the FedEx man brought three big boxes to the door. The girls were very excited, but I sent them next door for their regularly scheduled play date, anyway. I'm mean.

2. It was easy for a small mommy working alone to set up. Tools needed were a Phillips head screw driver and a box cutter. Seriously, the hardest part was getting it out of the box. Then you attach the handles and the faucet, add the hutch (slides on and the tighten the screws), slide in the shelves and you are done.

I bet you're thinking "Sara, show me pictures already!"

3. It is beautiful. The kitchen is made of solid wood - sustainably harvested cherry, ash and walnut.

4. Look at all this storage space.


I like the cute shelves and that they finally have a separate cabinet for pots and pans. But what I really love is...

5. ...the wire rack in the oven. Don't ask why. It just appeals to me.

6. It has an oven! Our old kitchen did not.



7. The matching refrigerator ($299.99). It is so big. There is room for ALL the play food. Actually, when Linnea first looked inside she said "It's not full. I need to put more stuffs in there."



8. More wire racks...



9. And cool on-the-door shelves for jars and eggs.


How did the girls like it?

First, they danced on the bubble wrap.



Then Linnea went to find more stuff to put in the refrigerator. "How about the toaster?"



Then Linnea discovered cool thing #10.

10. The pull-out shelf that adds space so two kids can cook at once.



11. It came with milk and eggs.



12. It's fun. It's been a few weeks, and the girls play with the kitchen constantly.

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.

Fairy Puzzles at Palumba

So pretty!

Fairy Puzzles ($9.99 or 3 for $24.99)

These puzzles are perfect for fairy-loving little girls. The illustrations are from the work of watercolor artist Betty Sturley. She's a gardener as well an artist, and you can tell that because of the loving attention to detail that is in her paintings.

Linnea was so jealous, but these puzzles are not for beginners. So, Arielle got to try "Ofrey and Archie". The fairies are helping the little hummingbird.






Arielle really enjoyed the challenge and the beautiful artwork. And, puzzles are great for learning perseverance, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, geometric relationships and logical thinking.

These would make a nice take-to-school gift.

The puzzle is printed in the USA on recycled chipboard using soy ink. The completed puzzle is 8"x10".

Musical gifts from Palumba.

Some of my friends have musical toddlers and have been wondering where to find inexpensive, but good quality musical instruments. I'm going to suggest Palumba.

Rhythm instruments are great for early musical development. They don't require a lot of coordination. Kids don't need lessons because rhythm is instinctual. And, rhythm provides a foundation for future mathematical learning, too.

Toddler music classes often combine rhythm and movement with learning songs.


Djembe Drums ($19.99 and $39.99)



Linnea got to try out the Maple Tone Block ($8.99).



The tone block can be played either by striking it with the mallet (fun!) or by rubbing the mallet along the side like a guiro. It has a very pleasant tone, not too loud. Put on some music, grab some wooden spoons or rhythm sticks ($5.99) and have a musical parade.

Some pictures (Linnea grabbed a mallet from another toy, the Palumba mallet is smoother and has more pleasing proportions. Linnea didn't seem to care.




You can also tap out a rhythm while you talk.

dum da da dum dum dum dum... Linnea went to the store... Linnea asked for a cat... Linnea said, "that's my cat"... the cat grew real big... the cat wanted to fly... dum da da dum dum dum dum... Linnea went for a ride... She went to the moon...

My kids love that game. They make do this while I'm driving. I get silly, and they listen to every word, and I can drive without distractions.

For more ideas about music with children, check out Music Together.

Puppets at Palumba

Arielle and Linnea love putting on puppet shows at the moment. What a great way to use their imagination, practice story-telling, and play-act social skills. So, my Christmas list includes finding some special puppets to encourage this activity.

The puppets at Palumba definitely qualify as special. Just look!


Fairy Hand Puppet ($39.99)



The puppets are handcrafted for Camden Rose in Canada. They are made out of wool and cotton and have beautifully embroidered faces and pretty decorative details.

Palumba sent us a Queen hand puppet ($39.99) to review.

Watch the show.

Arielle's best friend, Cockatooey, warms up the audience.



And now for our star.... The Queen. Isn't she lovely? Her gown and felt crown are accented with metallic embroidery. Her hair is of golden wool that is styled in a regal braided bun. Her cheeks are rosy, and her embroidered eyes have a wise, yet kind expression.



The show begins. A mischievous rabbit comes on the scene.



But, he can not compete with the loveliness of the queen, nor will she give him any attention. So, he leaves on a quest for a golden carrot. The queen bows.



And sings a solo. "A B C D E F G....."



Definitely an award winner!

Linnea enjoys using the puppet as a soft doll. At this moment she is being tucked in and covered with kisses.

Also, check out Palumba's incredible selection of Waldorf finger puppets with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail ($19.99 each).



Don't forget, Palumba has offered our readers 5% off until the end of December. That's a great excuse for new puppets, don't you think?

Put your children to work... it's fun!

No, that's not Cinderella, that's Arielle in her apron ($17.99 on sale) from Palumba. She's singing while she sweeps up the dining room floor with her Arielle-sized broom ($19.99).



The Child's Apron is handcrafted in the USA by an Amish women's co-op established by Camden Rose. The aprons are made of 100% cotton and they are machine washable, so your child can paint or cook or clean without fear of getting messy. Best of all the aprons are adjustable at the neck to get the perfect length, so they will fit most children between the ages of 3-6.

There is also an organic cotton apron ($24.99).

The child-size broom is made of natural materials that are both grown and processed in the USA. It is sold as a toy, but it is built just like an adult broom ($54.99) and can be used for real sweeping. Or, for playing Halloween witch.



Linnea is wearing her apron to help in the kitchen.



She doesn't like anything "tight" and it is easy to adjust the straps to keep her comfortable. We are making baked apples. In September, we visited the local orchard and picked bags and bags of apples. We couldn't eat them all, so I chopped some up for the freezer.

When Linnea is in the mood to cook, I take out a bag of frozen apples. She puts them in the baking dish and sprinkles them with cinnamon and brown sugar. They go in the oven and when everything is hot and smells good, we eat baked apples. Thanks, Linnea. Baked apples are so yummy, the elephant wanted a taste.



Kids love helping out. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride and children are more likely to eat healthy food if they help prepare it.

If you need help getting started, The Waldorf kindergarten snack book ($12.95) is full of healthy snacks that can be cooked with children.

Thank you, Palumba, for letting us review the lovely aprons! They make helping out extra fun.

Lunch at Palumba, a sandwich and pear

Once you've chosen a kitchen, you'll need to stock it with food (good for filling a stocking). The chefs at Palumba offer a whole menu that gives new meaning to natural food.

Arielle and Linnea tried a perfectly knitted cheese sandwich ($12.99) with a pear.

Knitted pear ($5.99)



The knitted foods are made of hand carded-hand dyed wool. They are fair trade from Peru. The sandwich comes with a slice of your favorite cheese, tomato and lettuce on a healthy, whole-wool bread. It goes really well with a cup of good milk ($8.99). Lizzie's favorite lunch!



Check out the whole menu of felt, wool and wooden play food at Palumba.

Everyone likes pizza. The felt pizza ($34.99) comes with removable toppings and a metal pizza pan. Made in the USA. Since the toppings aren't attached, Arielle could make vegan pizza for her daddy, lots of vegetables for me, plain cheese for Linnea, and pepperoni for herself.



Thinking about Thanksgiving? This made me laugh.

Felt turkey with stuffing ($24.99)




and, I don't think I could eat this guy... too cute!

Knitted lobster ($9.99)


Palumba also stocks a whole range of kitchen accessories for little chefs. Many of these can be used for real cooking, too.

The colander ($4.99) has been a favorite plaything in our house for years. It is also perfect for rinsing just-picked strawberries.



Linnea is using the colander with the cherry kitchen straining spoon ($7.99) and cherry kitchen spatula ($7.99). These utensils are so pretty, I wish they made larger ones for my kitchen.

Mmmm.... acorn and pasta pie - with mushrooms, ladybugs and stars. A future Top Chef for sure :o)



And, I dream about the stainless steel cookware set ($29.99). I think they are on my own Christmas list.



The little metal pots I bought at TJ Maxx already show so much wear. I like that these are made of high quality steel that will last. And, the kids just seem to prefer realistic kitchen toys. They often take stuff out of my kitchen.

Kitchen play is a big deal here. Linnea walks me over to her toy kitchen, practically pushes me into a chair, and says "Ok, Hon. What would you like to eat?" Then my little mommy cooks me a feast. She's so grown-up.

Happy cooking!

Win a Camden Kitchen!

Did you like the kitchens in my last post? You could win a Camden Kitchen from Palumba just in time for the holidays. All you have to do is register on their website. The random drawing will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009.

Camden Kitchen ($249.99)



I love the look of this eco-friendly kitchen made from solid ash wood collected from the many thousands of trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer. It ships flat and quickly snaps together in just minutes for assembly.

Check out Palumba's new website. I am working on reviews that will post this week, and there are tons of new products. Best of all, Sara's Toy Box readers save 5% until January 1, 2010 with the code "sarastoybox". Combine this with free shipping on purchases over $100 for bigger savings.

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)