What type of bag to send your kid to camp is always a dilemma. However, in the Covid-19 era, there are more rules than ever before. Some of the guidelines are from the camp and some of the requirements are personal preferences. For example, I wanted a bag this year that I could wipe down […]
May 21, 2018
Here is the Best Tick Repellent for Kids Without Deet
When you are looking for tick repellent products, you want to make sure your getting the safest tick repellant for kids. Often that means getting tick repellent for kids without Deet. Natural Tick Repellent Deet has been shown to be toxic in certain concentrations and for certain people. So many just avoid this chemical-based tick […]
May 9, 2018
Unique But Easy Teacher Gift Ideas
It’s time for unique but easy teacher gift ideas! With the end of the year looming, it is time to say thanks to various people – most notably teachers. However, don’t forget to say thanks to coaches, dance teachers, tutors, bus drivers, school administration, and the PTO president too. I’m always looking for unique, yet […]
May 1, 2018
How to Host a Kentucky Derby Party
Most folks don’t think of having a Kentucky Derby Party. However, it is a fun theme that also kicks off spring! It is also unique enough that you probably won’t have to compete with another event. The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday in May. So here is how to celebrate the […]
April 24, 2018
Back to Nature: Educational Butterfly Kits
Kids can observe the butterfly life cycle up close with a LIVE Butterfly Kit. Insect Lore One popular one is from Insect Lore. As soon as the kit arrives, it comes with five, live baby caterpillars. Retail price is $27.99 and includes the caterpillars. You can also gift a kit without the butterflies (The Insect […]
June 29, 2017
Outfit Ideas for the Fourth of July
From your own closet! With July 4th a few days away, it always is fun to be festive for the fourth. However, there is no need to go shopping! You probably already have key pieces in your closet to make a series of fabulous outfit ideas for the fourth of July! 14 Wardrobe Pieces for […]
May 31, 2017
Summer Gift Guide: Cool Summer Gift Ideas for Kids
It is officially the start of summer! It can be a great time for trips to the beach, ice cream stops, excursions to the local pool, noshing at backyard BBQs and, most of all, amazing memories. Make those memories more fun with these Summer Gift Ideas for Kids! Whether your are looking for outdoor toys, […]
July 5, 2016
Top Ten Travel Toys
Traveling with kids this summer! We have all heard the dreaded “are we there yet” and with a few simple toys, we can avoid most of this. Think games, small toys, easy to carry (and stow) activities or playsets. Each pick here also was selected because it works in the car, the restaurant along the […]
March 15, 2016
8 Tips On How to Not Get Bitten By Mosquitoes
With the weather rapidly going from winter to summer here in the northeast, the mosquitoes will soon be showing up with a lot more than just their tiny bodies. With the Zika virus hitting the world hard, the rise in tick based diseases, and with the growing reports of the e-virus, the battle against these […]
July 27, 2015
The Best Summer Salad
It is hard to find ways to make meals from scratch. And that is on a good day. Add the craziness of summer (late night baseball practices, camp schedules, vacations) and it is pretty much frozen meals for us. Yet, I stumbled across a recipe from Whole Foods that took in account the veggies of […]
June 17, 2015
What to Have in a Beach Bag
Are you still pinching yourself that summer is ACTUALLY here? After the winter here in the Northeast, I feared I would never see a blade of grass again, let alone see sand at a beach! Yet, it is here and the warm weather is very welcome in our house. So we are already planning for […]
May 19, 2015
How to Make Snow Cone Syrup
Making snow cones is easy and fun! Plus, it is a much healthier treat than ice cream for those times you need to watch the calories. But mainly, it is just fun! Now that summer is here, let’s make some snow cones! Here is how you can make your own homemade snow cone syrup! To […]
March 26, 2015
Five Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Car
At this point in the year, I look at my car in disgust. Between the typical signs of kid occupation with the crushed goldfish, sticky seats from spilt juice and the fuzzy ball of you-are-not-sure-what-that-was, the car can look like a frat party in a matter of days. Then add the post-snow-apolyse of salt, mud […]
March 12, 2015
National Bubble Week
Despite what the thermometer says, spring (and summer) is just around the corner. One of our favorite family warm weather past times is to blow (and chase) bubbles around the yard! This week is National Bubble Week. It started in 2000 as a way to celebrate spring. Because bubbles are such an iconic, fun outside […]
March 12, 2015
Homemade Bubble Solution
If you are looking to make your own Homemade Bubble Solution, your own Homemade Bubble Solution without glycerin, Homemade Bubble Solution with Corn Syrup and even your own Homemade Bubble Wands to make bubbles of all sizes, including GIANT Bubbles, keep reading! Homemade Bubble Solution 1 cup water 2 tablespoons light karo syrup or 2 […]
February 20, 2015
Sunscreen & Free Radicals Protection
With the blades of grass start peaking up from the ice and snow to reach the sun, and we humans start emerging from hibernation and joyously discarding winter layers in the process, we need to add a new layer, and that is sun protection. Clarins is launching a new formula innovation for its UV Plus […]
February 18, 2015
Seeing Green: The Color Trend for Spring
The big beauty trend for spring is green and that is no exception, even in makeup. Clarins is on trend with their signature Garden Escape Eye Palette and Intense Green eyeliner. The Clarins Garden Escape Palette Eye Shadow has six shades ranging from white to pink, and taupe to green. Perfect for layering or blending, […]
June 28, 2014
Five Summer Worthy Natural Sunscreens for Kids
All year round, sunscreen is key for anyone in your family, but never more so than the summer months! While babies under 6 months shouldn’t wear sunscreen due to the thin layer of their skin, and thus should be kept out of the sun altogether, once your children are over six months of age, or […]
June 5, 2014
A Kid Camp & Summer Travel Must Have
Swagger Tags are a must have for Camp and travel this summer. It’s not your traditional name tag for a backpack or a suitcase. But a fun alternative for kids and adults alike. It easily attached to any gear and is water and impact resistant (for those bags for swimming lessons or the beach!). It’s […]
May 22, 2014
Tofu Dessert Recipes for Summer
Here are two Tofu Dessert Recipes for your summer parties using firm and medium firm tofu! Plus, they are light, fresh, and seasonal with the focus on lemons and strawberries! TOFU LEMON TART WITH OLIVE OIL CRUST {Serves 8} What You Need: Olive Crust: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour ½ cup confectioners’ sugar 1/4 […]
February 27, 2014
Five Jeans to Have in Your Closet Right Now
Jean Trends 2014 Jeans are the staple of everyone’s wardrobe. Whether pair with heels or flats, a blazer or a sweater, a t-shirt or a vest, they go with everything and go everywhere. But if you are looking to add to your skinny jean/straight leg jean collection, here are some new jean trends in 2014 […]
February 26, 2014
Spring 2014 Fashion Trends
Wondering what to shop for, buy for, and wear for spring 2014? After scouring style blogs, fashion forward retailers and, of course, celeb watching, here are my Spring 2014 Fashion Trends top six picks. {Click the images to be taken to the affiliated product website.} 1. Draw String Bucket Bags: A fun and carefree handbag […]
July 11, 2013
What Should You Have in Your Beach Bag?
Have you hit the beach yet? Even if you have kids in tow, and thus all of their stuff, you should have your own well-stocked bag. So, what should you have in your beach bag? First, get a classy straw tote. I suggest a simple looking one that will last you years and will go […]
July 8, 2013
Bummis Sun Line Review: Swimmi, Tankini and Sun Hat
It has finally gotten hot enough here in the northeast to go swimming. And thus, finally hot enough to think about putting the Bummis Swimmi swimsuit on my one year old girl. Being from New England, only the super hearty go into the ocean before July 1st and only the bold go into a backyard […]
June 24, 2013
What to Bring to the Beach (or Pool) with Kids
Living in Massachusetts near the beach (and with a set of grandparents with a pool) we are always in or near the water. As a former collegiate and masters synchronized swimmer, I am hoping that my kids love the water as much as I do. As a result, I’ve signed them up for swimming lessons […]
Hi! I'm Charlene! I'm a Toy Expert, Creator, Media Personality, and a Mom. I love helping fellow families learn how to play, find the best educational games, or discover the best toys. My first job was in a toy store and I've been happily playing professionally in the toy industry for the past 10 years. So let's play together!
