Wow, yet another blog post about video games. Can you tell I’m the mom of boys or what? In my house, 2012 is the season of wacky dudes with equally wacky names. Trigger Happy, Terrafin, Stump Smash and Ghost Roast are just a few of our new family members. That’s right, MommyQ is living in a Skylanders wonderland.

Welcome to Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure. It’s expensive, highly entertaining and all the rage. Cool molten lava dudes cough up fireballs, clumsy trees smash stuff and spit out balls of wood…hmmm…there’s a lot of spitting. What’s funny about this game is in the Adventure mode, which is supposed to be relatively peaceful, you can walk around smashing innocent sheep. My four-year-old find that to be beyond hilarious.

It’s cool because you can drop a new character on the Portal of Power and send it right into the video game. It springs to life with a weird giggle and a grunt. Of course, there are tons of them so it’s an endless money pit. Although it is very unique and lots of fun to play. The game pieces also serve as memory chips so my kids can take their Skylanders to a friends house and play. Kinda cool concept.

Have you met the Skylanders yet? Who’s your favorite character?

If the oddly amusing sounds of laughing and snorting pigs along with the melodious hum of cawing birds echoes in your ears, you’re no doubt an Angry Birds fan like me. Well, not me, but my boys. Who knew a few furrow-browed birdies could be so darn entertaining?

This ridiculously addictive game has broken all sorts of unbelievable internet records. It recently became the first game in gaming history to be downloaded over 500 million times. In fact, the uber-successful maker of this game, Rovio, has gone on record stating that users “on average log about 5 million hours of Angry Birds play time daily.  More than 266 billion levels of Angry Birds have been played and close to 400 billion birds have been catapulted at the dastardly pigs.”

And just in time for Christmas, a whole new (or “nuther,” as they say in Texas) Angry Birds egg-stravaganza awaits. You can now get a new “Wreck the Halls” edition for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Mac. For Christmas, Rovio has released an update with 25 new levels and several other added features. The Angry Birds “Wreck the Halls” update can be downloaded in the App Store. I hear you will meet a new Angry Bird and if you’re good enough, possibly King Pig. Gee, I hope he’s wearing a Santa hat.

Every so often I need to get crafty. I subscribe to Craft Gossip, so when I need to crack a smile, I always get my fix.  Thanks to Craft Gossip, I found these rice krispie critters on the Disney Family Fun website. Wouldn’t they be a fun addition to a birthday party? They could double as decorative touches & party favors. Perfecto!

Worms are delicious — when they’re our bookworms made from crispy rice and marshmallows. Make a batch for Read Across America Day (March 2), and your child can sink her teeth into a treat while devouring a good book.

Ingredients:
• crispy rice cereal treats
• butter
• fruit leather
• plastic wrap
• googly eyes
• pipe cleaner

Instructions:
1. Whip up a batch of crispy rice cereal treats, using your favorite recipe.

2. Using buttery hands, mold the rice mixture into worm shapes (ours are about 5 inches long).

3. Add three strips of fruit leather to each worm, securing the overlapping ends of each strip with a dot of water.

4. Wrap the worms in plastic wrap, then add two googly eyes.

5. Loop a pipe cleaner around the worm’s neck and twist it together at the top. Curl the ends into antennae.

If you haven’t heard about  NEA’s Read Across America program, it’s an amazing initiative to help motivate children and teens to read. NEA’s Read Across America Day, NEA’s national reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.  Wouldn’t these worms be a super way to celebrate?

If you haven’t heard the buzz about this new doll, I’ll break it down for you. Breast Milk Baby is a doll that allows little girls to simulate the act of breast-feeding. And as you can imagine, this toy is creating waves of controversy as it will soon be available in the US. So what’s the big deal about another doll? I mean, we already have plenty of dollies that eat, pee and poop. Well, it could be the vest with sensors to trigger nursing or the suckling sounds or the fact that little girl can loosely experience latching. Pick one. Here’s a recent article from ABC News.

Today, I spoke with FOX 7 about it and shared my thoughts as not only a mother, but a mother who happens to know a lot about baby products. I even posted something on Facebook about my impending interview, which created its own little swirl of debate. This is a controversial doll for many reasons. Instead of exploring the obvious, I thought it was far more interesting to hear reactions about the doll from dads. After all, dads shower their daughters with gifts. Will they buy Breast Milk Baby for their daughters? One dad added his two cents to my lively Facebook discussion by posting the following:

“Don’t want to drag another ‘party’ to the discussion unknowingly… But having had this very discussion today…. It’s not about sexuality or nourishment as much as it seems to be about the publicity of it. Should be private and between a mom and child, not public and out for display for everyone to share. I think public display kind of sensationalizes it. Back to the doll – is that the right WAY to send the message or teach our children? My girls will never own one of these, but you can bet they will know everything they want and need to about breastfeeding and discretion.”

Bravo, daddy! I think he illustrates great points and let’s face it, dads are an integral part of parenting, so why dismiss their feelings? Many dads seem to be annoyed by the doll, because they feel young girls don’t need to experience something reserved for grown women. It’s simply too much, too soon. Other dads think there is a shady sexual undertone that just makes them feel slightly ill. Loving daddies might not want to imagine their sweet little girls as mothers quite yet, especially with all of the valid fears of teenage pregnancies.

Weigh in, dads! What do you think about this doll? Will you buy it for your daughter?

Summer is best known for relaxing poolside, sipping a frosty beverage and enjoying lazy days. Wait, it is? Then why is my summer a completely chaotic, unorganized journey of madness. Okay, it’s not that bad. Not yet.  As the mom of two youngsters, pool safety is a major concern. And getting my little guy (who has the mentality of a stubborn teenager) to willingly wear floaties or a life jacket is a battle.

I kept seeing these little cuties at the pool with nifty flotation devices. After some online research, I found out they are called Puddle Jumpers by Stearns. It’s like a life jacket combined with floaties with an adjustable strap and buckle in the back. It’s not a bulky or uncomfortable. Shockingly enough, I ordered one for my youngest son at the beginning of the summer. Yeah, I’d normally do it three days before summer officially ended. Anyway, I bought it at Leisure Pro and we took it for a test drive today. LOVE IT.

Here’s more about it:

- The Patent Pending design allows free range of motion and great stability while in the water.

- Choose from the green frog, the orange smile, the blue lion and the red ladybug.

- The Puddle Jumpers life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard- approved, and is also a great confidence builder for kids who are just learning their way around they water.

They sell them at Target and Toys R Us, but I found the best selection and prices online.

What’s your favorite summer toy for 2011?

Remember when hanging your child’s name in wooden letters became standard procedure in the nursery? I loved them, but was totally appalled at how expensive they were. So, I decided to do them myself.  I pranced my very pregnant self into Hobby Lobby and feeling overly confident in my own new DIY Martha Stewartness, I proceeded to buy a ridiculous amount of stuff. With a basket full of paints, stickers, tiny wooden doodads and thingamajigs, I realized they only had 2 big wooden “E”s and I needed three. It was craft chaos. Long story short,  I finished those letters TWO YEARS LATER. But my real point is isn’t it funny how you think a Do-It-Yourself project will save you money and it ends up costing the same if not more?

Well, drop that Prada screwdriver, you diva! Here are 9 Helpful Tips for Saving on DIY Projects from consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch:

1. Big Box Vs. Small Stores
For the frugal consumer, shopping smart is always a logical first step. When you’re shopping at the big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, there are always deals going down.

The two heavyweight retailers are highly competitive and both stores offer price matching with an additional 10-percent discount on identical products advertised at a lower price at any competing store. Both stores also post weekly sales, discounts and rebates on their websites so you can be prepared before you hit the store. Not to mention, you can always find for these home and garden giants.

On the other hand, locally owned home-supply stores, like Ace Hardware, often provide email sign-ups that allow you to receive special deals on the same items you would find at the big-box stores. While you may not be able to purchase sheet rock, the smaller places may carry everything from plumbing supplies to finishing notes for your home.

2. Tester Cans and Used Paint
Next to buying a nice area rug, painting is probably the easiest way to change the look of a room. Unfortunately, home improvement stores are aware of this and they like to make you pay for it. There are definitely ways to get around the high prices though.

If you only have a small space to paint, there’s no need to invest in a whole gallon of paint that’ll inevitably take up space in the garage or closet. Ask about small tester cans that can often be found for $5 or less in a variety of colors.

The word is starting to get out on used paint, too. When people order large amounts of custom paint, they often order too much. This paint gets returned to the stores, but the merchant can’t put such cans back on the shelf with the rest of the paint. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to get gallons of paint for around $5. Not all stores will have used paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

3. Buy Lumber in Bulk
Working with lumber can be intimidating. It requires precise measurements and cuts, or you’ll end up wasting money and materials. Prices vary by lumber grade and wood type, so be aware of what materials are required to get the job done.

4. Generic Vs. Name Brand
There’s an incredible variety of nails and screws available, but how much of a difference is there really? Generic brand nails and screws are often up to par with the name brands, but cost significantly less. In some cases, the only difference between a generic and the brand name is the box!

The same can be said for pipes and plumbing fixtures. Unpackaged fixtures in a bulk bin can have the same quality as their packaged counterparts on the shelf, but cost much less. Longevity is also something to consider when working on a plumbing project. Copper pipes and PVC pipes typically give you the most bang for your buck, lasting up to 60 years.

5. Caulk Singles
Caulk certainly won’t be the most expensive item on your home improvement list, but it’s useful for patching up holes and sealing cracks. Often when people buy a tube of caulk for a small project, they end up making a mess of it and throwing half the tube away.

If you want to keep some caulk around for projects that spring up, try out some caulk singles from General Electric. Much like the fast food ketchup packet, they’re enough for one project and cut back on waste and mess. Watch for coupons to home centers like the Home Depot that offer General Electric’s caulk singles.

6. Government Rebates
Now that warm weather is finally on the way, you can replace your old windows and doors with more energy efficient ones. While it’s a big project, it may be worth it when you save on heating costs next winter.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the federal government is continuing to offer tax credits when you install Energy Star certified windows, doors and skylights. The credits aren’t as generous as last year, but you can still get 10 percent-off for $200 worth of windows and skylights and a rebate of up to $500 for doors.

7. Buy Reconditioned or Rent Power Tools
It’s hard to justify buying an expensive power tool, especially when you know you’ll never use it again. If you live the DIY credo, Home Depot rents such power tools as power washers, paint sprayers, chainsaws and buff sander. By renting, you’ll get the professional finish you want without having to cut corners on expensive equipment.

Many power tool manufacturers have online outlets where they sell reconditioned tools at a discount. These tools are certified by the manufacturer, so you have a guarantee they’ll work. You can save even more when you use a Bosch Outlet coupon or a Bostitch Outlet free shipping code for discount power tools.

8. Used Hand Tools
The garage sale may still be king for finding good deals on hand tools. Many people don’t enjoy inherited tools and are willing to part with them for next to nothing, compared to new tools. Wrench sets, hammers and screwdrivers made by quality toolmakers like Craftsman and Stanley can stand the test of time and are as good today as they were 30 years ago.

9. Working Together
No one escapes a little home maintenance from time to time. If you and a neighbors are working on similar projects, sharing the cost of renting a wood chipper or cement mixer can save both of you time and money.

While skilled friends and family don’t necessarily enjoy manual labor, they can be coaxed into it with the promise of good food, drink or a labor exchange to be named later. Working with friends gets the job done faster and is usually much more fun.

As a media expert source, Andrea Woroch has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. Follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips!

Image: Getty

In honor of SXSW, the annual music, film and interactive conference in Austin, I’m gonna treat everyone to some balls. Okay, that sounds bad. I’m talking about the newest trend in baked goodness – Cake Balls and/or Cake Pops. It seems the cupcake may be tossed from its tiny throne and a sassy, smaller, chewier champion will be crowned.  Behold, the Cake Ball.

Even Starbucks is getting on the Cake Ball action as they recently introduced Cake Pops. They brag that this little chewy pop of yummy is under 200 calories too. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth who just wants a nosh.  So if you live in Austin, Texas, or you’re in town for SXSW, I urge you to stop by one of many hip trailers for a “Keeping it Weird” experience. And if you want a little cake orb, visit Holy Cacao.

My hubby surprised me with Cake Balls from this bakery for my B-Day. I must say, they were totally adorable. You’ve gotta keep ‘em refrigerated, so plan ahead. I don’t suggest eating one cold. And don’t expect a cake consistency when you bite into them. They’re much chewier like brownies. I was impressed with ‘s circular goodies and they’d be a HUGE hit at a kid’s party too. My boys went wacky for them. Cake on stick? Come on.

is a gourmet dessert trailer offering unusual items such as Cake Balls, as well as providing a true Austin experience.  The Cake Balls are available by the dozen and easily customized for special occasions.  Get a load of the names: Velvet Cake Balls (red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting), Brass Cake Balls (peanut butter cookies mixed with chunky peanut butter, then dipped in chocolate and topped with crushed peanuts), and my fave, Rabbit Cake Balls (carrot cake mixed with cream cheese, dipped in white chocolate and coated with crushed walnuts).

The Holy Cacao trailer is located at the iconic South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery, alongside Torchy’s Tacos (gourmet tacos) and Man Bites Dog (gourmet hot dogs). Eat on, SXSW friends. Eat on.

Images: Holy Cacao

What happens when it’s 23 degrees outside and my son needs a homemade Valentine’s Day card box? MommyQ resorts to doing a craft project with her MacGyver skills. That’s right, folks! I made this card box with random stuff I found in the house, because I refuse to go out in this ridiculously frigid weather. It’s not perfect, but I’m nice & warm and didn’t have to spend a dime. It took me about 15 to make it and it was so easy!

Materials:

- Wooden puzzle box
- Wrapping paper
- Decorative tape
- Scotch tape
- Red ribbon
- Yellow craft paint
- Coupon book

I used an old puzzle box that was already painted yellow and blue. I covered the removable sliding  lid with black & white, polka dot wrapping paper. I used tape to adhere the paper to the lid, making sure to pull the tape tight at the ends. I don’t want to paper to start ripping when my son slides the lid open and closed. I found an old red ribbon, which I cut down to fit the box. I remembered my ultra-awesome role of Damask decorative tape from TapeSwell and used that to decorate the box. Wow, decorative tape is the BEST for stuff like this.

Keep in mind, this box is for a little boy to take to school, so I didn’t want it to be too girlie. However; I wanted to add something with hearts. My true Richard Dean moment occurred when I saw a coupon book sitting in our pile of mail. I flipped through it and just loved the Dunkin’ Donuts ad for heart-shaped donuts, so I cut out the pictures and used them as my hearts. Nothing says love like donuts, right?

Tell me about your ‘MacGyver’ moments as a mommy!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids for Valentine’s Day? I found this adorable craft project on Craft Gossip and just had to share it. The idea, plus a fully detailed tutorial, comes from Crafts by Amanda, which is a wonderfully craftastic blog. I love this project because it’s easy, yet gives your kids the chance the chance to be artistic. The mess factor is minimal and the items are probably in your house at this very moment.

These are Egg Carton Lollipop Flowers! You just need items like cardboard egg cups, acrylic paint, mini muffin pan liners (2-4 per flower), lollipops and tape.

By painting the egg cartons, creating petals and then poking a lollipop through the papers, you can make these cute, colorful favors for teachers, friends, classmates and family members. Plus, your kids will have a blast. Tuck this idea away in your mommy brain when you’re trying to think of party favors too.

Now go check out Crafts by Amanda (@amandascookin), make a bunch of scrambled eggs to empty those egg cartons and get to it!

Images: CraftsByAmanada

Wondering what to get the little guys in your life this Christmas? Well, here’s my list of super-duper gifts for boys from toddler up to kindergartner. (I’m not being paid to tout these items, nor were any of these items freebies.) I’m compiling this list based on three criteria. First, these are toys my boys play with all of the time. Second, they are built to last and worth every penny. Third, I like these toys too. And that matters because they’re usually scattered all over the house, so I get to see them a lot.  I like to think of toys as home decor, don’t you? Anyway, let’s get to it!

Leapster2 from LeapFrog

Oh, how I love the Leapster2.  It was certainly created with little kids in mind. The colorful educational gaming device is chunky enough for small hands and it can withstand some serious bumps and bruises. Both of my boys have taught themselves how to play all of the games. The instructions are very easy to follow, even for toddlers. Both boys operate the controls with ease and the wand, which is needed for certain games,  is attached securely – yay!  The graphics are fantastic and if you take the time to download everything, you can see a summary of how long they’ve played (hours) and how well they are scoring in different academic areas. I love Leapster!

Kung Zhu Pets

If these toys had been around when I was little, I would’ve begged borrowed and begged some more for them. I think these animated hamsters are hilarious! (And they don’t stink or poop.) I got my boys the Kung Zhu Pets because those are the rugged (boy) version of the girlie Zhu Zhu Pets. These guys are ninja warriors. In fact, you can buy them armor! See pic at top of posts for fierceness. See, I told you they were cool. They make the funniest little noises and bounce around at will. We often race the Zhu Zhu Pets on the Shake ‘N Go track I mention below. Now that’s entertaining! Besides, this is the closest my boys will ever get to owning hamsters.

Razor Rip Rider Castor Trike

This is the modern day version of the bulky Big Wheels we all had as kids. This Razor trike is the coolest toy we’ve ever purchased. It is lightning fast. I mean, this baby moves. It’s easy to control thanks to the Razor wheels and castors on the back. My son picks up serious speed on it, but he can easily maintain control. It’s so smooth and maneuverable, he can ride it around inside the house too. Much to his dismay, a helmet is required either way.

Twlight Turtle

Another super toy/gift for toddlers! Both of my boys have their own Twlight Turtle (my older son has Twlight Sea Turtle) and we turn them on every single night. Twilight Turtle is one of the few toys that travels with us anytime an overnight stay is required. We’ve never used nightlights and I think it’s because of this innovative toy. The turtle illuminates the ceiling with tiny stars and a moon. You can choose blue, green or yellow stars, so it never gets boring. Plus, there is a self-timer so it automatically shuts off after 20 minutes. Love, love, love it.

Wheely Bug

I’m sure you’re like, “Come on, MommyQ, please stop talking about your love affair with Wheely Bugs.” No can do, folks. This is still one of my all-time favorite gifts for kids. I’ll go out on a limb and say a 2-year-old or 3-year-old might never stop playing with this ride-on toy. Everything about it perfection. The look, the design, the mobility.  If you click here, you can read all of my posts about this speedy little critter.

Toy Story 3 Shake ‘n Go Track

Omg! What a super-terrific toy for little boys who love cars. This is definitely the most sturdy, functional and fun race track I’ve seen. Period. It comes with two shaker cars, but any shaker car fits. The cars require some solid shakes (we think 7 is the magic number), but they race around the track a lot faster than you might imagine. My boys also race their ‘Cars’ cars, HotWheels, NASCAR cars and even Zhu Zhu Pets around the track. We’ve decorated with our own stickers to make it perfect. This gift is great for toddlers and my kindergartner loves it too.

Big Foot the Monster by Imaginext

This guys is patiently waiting in the closet for X-Mas morning. You may have seen this tumbling monster on The Ellen Show, because he’s gotten a lot of attention this year. Much like a Kardashian, he’s always headed for trouble, so it’s fun to watch. He roars and pounds his fists, and then he takes off rolling around and walking. He walks forward and backwards and the six buttons are happy, angry, sleep, fun, ball, and exercise. He even throws a ball. A+ for amusing.

Imaginext Bat Cave

This is another toy we’ve had for over a year and the boys still love it. The Bat Cave has all sorts of trap doors and secret entries, but non of it operated with batteries. It’s all run on imagination and that’s why I love Imaginext. You can buy extra figurines and accessories to make it even bigger. (I highly recommend the helicopter.) There are a few small pieces, so if you’re giving it to a toddler keep that in mind. The Bat Cave folds into itself and closes, so your kids can pack it up and take it to different rooms with no major toy spillage. It’s very cool!

Melissa & Doug Jumbo Cardboard Blocks

Jumbo cardboard blocks are a must-have for any child’s playroom. My boys absolutely love these blocks. We stack them, build tunnels, play games and more. The blocks are very easy to put together initially because they fold into themselves, so you don’t have to use tape. They can also withstand some serious abuse. I’ve seen a tower knocked across the room and the blocks survived without a scratch. Storing them can be a slight issue, because they take up a lot of room.

Nurf Reactor

Well, I guess it just isn’t a post about toys for boys with something potentially dangerous, right? I have to admit, this Nurf gun is lots of fun. We have to make sure nobody gets hit in the face, of course, but it is a riot. My 3-year-old has a little bit of trouble getting it loaded, because it requires a pretty strong pump. My kindergartner has no trouble with it and is getting to be a good shot. Not as steady as a Sarah Palin hunting caribou, but he’s decent.

Feeling splurgy? Check out the $1 million Advent from Porsche. Looking for an eco-friendly Advent this year? Take a look at all of the beautifully crafted Advents from the most creative Etsy sellers ever! The categories are Luxury, Traditional, Modern, Candy and DIY. You’d better get started because these cute Advents gotta be ready to go on December 1st! Here’s a little taste:

I came across these buttons on Etsy and they are just so amazing! I love the colors and the uniqueness and especially the price. $6 for a set! Any crafty mom will lose her mind over these. I don’t scrapbook, but I hear you can incorporate these kinds of cute goodies into it. (Not sure how that works. Someone wanna explain?) If you like to sew, I bet you can do great things with them. I don’t really sew either….

Anyway, take a look at all of them over on Droolicious where you can see the full post.

Yes, a paperie. And if you don’t know what a paperie is you might also need a dictionary. Ouch. Snap! Sorry, MommyQ hasn’t had enough coffee today. Anyway…

If you don’t have a paperie like Polka Dot Design – that makes your mouth water and your heart skip a beat, you’re totally missing out on party-throwing fun. From adorably tiny cupcake toppers to swoon-worthy invitations to knock-your-stilettos-off party favors, a reliable paperie is one of life’s perfect pleasures.

I think every mom needs a one-stop-shop for baby shower and birthday party inspiration. This fact is especially true if you’re like me, up to your knees in diapers, sippy cups, Goldfish crackers and a ponytail is your standard hairdo. Trying to be the creative party hostess can be as tricky as making my spirited 2-year-old get a haircut or trying to convince my 5-year-old that cauliflower doesn’t smell bad.

This is why I love Polka Dot Design. Struggling with a great teacher gift? Not sure what to do for a party favor? Need a dinosaur centerpiece? Of course you do. And you’ll find all of this and much more that will get your creative juices flowing.

“Calling all bugs! Calling all bugs! Do not come within inches of this fresh meat!” If my OFF! Clip-On device could speak, that’s what it would say. It might also say, “Paging Dr. Ryan.” It kinda looks like a pager or something. A pager/fan/Walkman without the headphones.

I bought it a few weeks ago and just tried it out for the first time. You see, if I walk outside for 3 seconds, I get 1,000 mosquito bites and my oldest child is the same way. I read once that bugs sense anxiety and that’s why they bite. I’m not buying that particular brand of logic, but I’m a victim nonetheless. No matter how much repellent we wear – be it sweet-smelling-lotion or peels-your-skin-off harsh – nothing works.

The Clip-On is very easy to use and is just a tiny fan that circulates repellent. It even has a nifty “use-up indicator” to tell you when you need a refill. You can clip it on or place it near you if you’re sitting still. I clipped it on my kiddo and it seemed to work. It’s totally odorless and very quiet. Just make sure you turn it off when you’re done. One of my friends said it’s just a silly gadget and accused me of being a marketer’s dream. That may be true, but if they made an animal-print Clip-On I’d be wearing it to outdoor events with heels & a cocktail dress.

I ordered the Blue Home Sweet Play Home and the cushion online. The website said both items would arrive by the 24th. I was a little bit worried, but the items arrived in plenty of time. When I took the cushion cover out of the box, I noticed the directions said to wash it before use. When I unzipped the cover to find the washing instructions, I was pleasantly surprised. The directions ended, “Do not dry clean. Do not pass go. Sleep tight!” Well, that was such a clever little treat. Making laundry fun – what a novel idea!

Last night, I put the clean cushion cover on the cushion and was so impressed with the fluffiness of it all. This is one luxuriously fluffy cushion! The play tent is beautifully made and it is quite stunning in person. I am so thrilled with this purchase and only hope it is as pleasing to my child on Christmas morning.

Find the tent online at The Land of Nod for $99 and the matching cushion for $49. It also comes in lavender, pink and green.

As you can imagine, my kiddos got a hold of the crayons and found some serious wall space. Yep, they drew all over the wall upstairs in the playroom. Oh my, what a mess.

I know it’s not a huge surprise as these things happen with little kids and crayons all of the time. I guess I’m just surprised because I mistakenly thought we had made it through that wall-scribbling era without a problem.

Nope, they just waited and waited until the time was right. Luckily, one of the drawings was a huge jet that started at one end of the wall and went all the way to other end. And it’s magenta! What fun. All I can say is I love my Clorox Wipes more than ever.

Here are a few things that made it under our tree this year. Obviously my kiddos don’t read my blog, otherwise I’d be ruining some good surprises.

1. – Reading Tent AKA Home Sweet Play Home from The Land of Nod – Our friends have this for their kiddos and my little guys loved it. Since my oldest is an avid reader, I think he’ll really enjoy some quiet time away from all of us! I also got him the matching cushion.

2. -  Twilight Turtle – Our little guy is getting his very own turtle. I opted for the regular as opposed to the Sea Turtle because there aren’t as many lights. There’s just something special about falling asleep under the stars, even if they are battery-operated. We’ve had Twilight Sea Turtle for over a year and he’s still a family fave.

3. – “Jerry” the Peterbilt from Cars – I have no idea where you can find this toy. I bought it on eBay because I couldn’t find it anywhere. I’m sure it’s back in stock at Target now!

4. – NASCAR Slot Car Racers – This is going to be the biggest hit by far. Dale Jr. & Jeff Gordon can race each other all day long. I sure hope it can take some abuse. And lots of screaming.

5. – A Drum Set – Oh, yes! Are we gluttons for punishment or what? It’s a pretend set, so it’s not all that elaborate. We love encouraging our kids to be musical because none of us are. I sure hope they can sing too. (I gotta admit, I’m still undecided about this one…)

Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what made your list!

Last year, I even wrote an ode to Wheely Bug on MommyQ. Yes, I’m that obsessed. And so are my kids. Our Wheely Bug is a constant source of fun and learning. I say learning because it really helps toddlers develop motor skills and balance.

The Bee and the Lady Bug are cute, but you just can’t beat the Cow. There’s something about those little wooden horns that makes you grin. Make sure you buy the large Wheely Bug. Your children will outgrow the small one way too quickly. Even if your kiddos are little, buy the big bug because they will grow into it in a flash.

Win on of the cutest iPhone apps for youngsters, Peekaboo Wild, at Droolicious!  I announced this great giveaway today – a free Peekaboo Wild app for five lucky winners. This game is a lifesaver if you have extra time to spare waiting in line at the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, at the restaurant – anywhere!

We discovered Peekaboo Barn a few months ago. Now those quirky farm animals have gone wild! Instead of barnyard animals, it features friendly animals you would find in the wild. Instead of peeking out from behind the barnyard doors, these critters pop out from behind the waving grass in Africa. The illustrations are endearing and the activity makes for great learning opportunities. Remember, you can play it in Spanish too! Thanks for the fun, Night & Day Studios!

There are lots of cute, tiny decorations to choose from, as well as cupcake liners and wrappers. It’s certainly worth a click or two! Hop on over to CupcakeSwirl.com.

The sound he makes at blast off sends my kids into hysterics. And when they laugh like that, we laugh too! My four-year-old plays it by himself and thinks it’s just great. After the kids go to bed, my hubby and I play it too. I think the best part is the old fashioned helmet. That is such a clever twist.

You can read more about it and download it here. I guess I’m just a sucker for a flying sheep. Read about it on Droolicious here.

As some of my readers may know, I also write for Babble’s unique blog about baby products, Droolicious. Yes, the team at Drool is always seeking out the most fabulous baby items in town. If you haven’t been, take a few minutes to visit. You will love it! Here are a few things to whet your shopping whistle…

If this Denim Military Jacket doesn’t make you want to grab a glittery, white glove… Oh, yes! Toddlers and preschoolers (and their folks) are grabbing up this iconic jacket like crazy! Check it out here!

Sweet & sour wooden condiments for your little chef! Yes, thanks to Melissa & Doug pretend kitchen food just gets cuter and safer. Check it out here!

I’m so impressed with this cool idea, the Simple Stencil. It allows you to create one-of-a-kind stencils for any room and the utensils make it easy peasy. Find out how you can stencil like a pro!

It’s amazing how cute babies look with a set of animal ears! I know, I know. Hard to resist this soft, cuddly, sweet goody! If you want to grab this coat, I suggest buying it sooner rather than later. It will certainly sell out by the end of Fall. Happy shopping!

That’s why I really like this fun option from Skip Hop. It’s the Funky Farm Fun Activity Mat and although it’s quite colorful, it’s cute. The animal characters are quirky and sweet, while the mat itself has lots of great eye candy for baby. I love the plush, striped carrot with the bunny and the goofy pig that is actually just a circle with a snout.

Find it at BabyEarth for $60.

Anyway, the purses come in a kitty, butterfly, flower and heart. Makes a cute birthday gift or gift add-on. Retails for $10 at Hanna Andersson.

All mommies know that even at a very early age – like two – your child can destroy a backpack. I have no idea what happens to these little bags, but they take some serious abuse.  From rips and tears to splatters and drips, they never seem to look as great as they did on that historic ‘first day’ of school.

Why not go for cute and durable? This is Rory The Lion Little Kid Backpack. It is made from nylon and laminated canvas so it’s easy to clean. For extra comfort on little bodies, it has a padded  back panel and padded straps. It also has a patch on the back for your little cub’s name. It’s on sale now at Posh Tots for $36!

The line of eco-friendly knit toys from Yellow Label Kids is hard to beat. Take a look at this delicious Sushi Rattle Set. Cuddly, creative and made through fair trade practices. The perfect gift for your favorite eco-conscious mommy and her sweet ‘green’ baby.

This yummy set retails for $34 at Arte Bebe. The only thing missing is a knit chunk of wasabi and a knit ice cold Sapporo…

Talk about something you would’ve loved as a kid! Get a load of this hilarious Fisheye Camera. Your kiddos can take goofy photos with ease, thanks to the special lens that actually makes distorted cool. When I was a kid, my sister and I would’ve spent hours laughing and giggling with this camera.

We had our own photo album of bloopers that we made with construction paper and tape. No Snapfih albums back then. We would pick the absolute worst photos from the pile and give them clever little titles. The infamous ‘Book of Mess Ups’ was a cherished household item. I remember one photo that was an extreme close-up of my sister, so she looked as white as a sheet. The title was about pilgrims and the Mayflower. Who knows, but as a kid it was HILARIOUS. Believe it or not, the book was lost and we have no idea where it is. I sure would love to see it again. I bet it’s still funny.

Anyway, the Fisheye Camera uses standard 35mm film, so you can develop the goofiness easily. Retails for $54 at Chasing Fireflies.

Sweet, smoking-hot, burn-your-tongue, set-your-toaster-on-fire, gooey, sugary goodness. All bow down to the Pop Tart. The most delicious way to instantly add too many sizzling calories to your day!

Your little chef will love these frosted felt goodies. They are eco-friendly because the felt is made from recycled water bottles. The trio of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla comes in an adorable cello-bag, so they are perfect to give as a gift. Just keep in mind that the cute little sprinkles can be crunched off by a hungry toddler! Check out Etsy seller, LittleFluffStuff for even more handmade treats!

Over at DaddyTypes in July 2007, as the iPhone was being hyped, a smart daddy recognized the need for something fun that could withstand some drool. Oh – I’m assuming you know how much babies like to chew on cell phones. To save the $800 device from baby lovin’ (and not the good kind), mommy knitted an iPhone.

The best part of this post is the pic below the knitted iPhone – the knitted Pop Tart cell phone cozy. This rocks! I want one! I’m such a huge fan of Pop Tarts (S’mores are the BEST!), so this strikes a place near & dear to my heart. You can read the full post here. Thanks for sharing the yarny goodness, DaddyTypes!

Nothing screams “Hook ‘Em Horns” for baby quite like the new WubbaNub Longhorn Bull. This perfectly burnt orange little Soothie Pacifier is an essential part of every baby’s UT  fan apparel. And if the game doesn’t go exactly as planned, mom or dad can borrow it.

The eyes of Texas will certainly be upon you as other UT fans (and parents) see your baby with this priceless gem. Get your WubbaNub at Exclusively Children’s for $11.50.

Boon, one of my most favorite baby product brands, captured parents’ attention with Kermit’s best pal, Frog Pod. This handy froggy friend is also a scooper, so you can easily move toys from the tub to the pod. Then the pod sticks to the wall for storage. Last year Frog Pod gained a new pod pal, LadyBug Pod.  Now there is another neoprene option from Skip Hop, the Tubby Bath Toy Organizer. I haven’t seen this one in person, but it is BPA-free and claims to store lots of toys with ease. I’m guessing it’s pretty popular because it is sold out at BabyEarth right now. (You can click the ‘Notify Me’ button to know when it will be back in stock.)

If you want to make the most out of bath time, you can always add some bubbles. And if you use California Baby Bubble Baths, you can rest easy knowing they are extremely safe. Give the sampler tote a try to see all of California Baby’s unique options like Overtired & Cranky, Colds & Flu, I Love You and more! Makes a great birthday present too.

Wanna hear something funny? When I was little, my sister and I played with Barbies constantly. I never cared for the bad fake Barbie food, so my sister and I would create Barbie-sized portions out of Play-Doh. We made pizzas, hamburgers, sunny-side-up eggs, donuts, popsicles, etc. We would spend an evening planning Barbies’ meals. We would let the Play-Doh food dry out and harden. It was great!

So here’s my new favorite pretend food. Ice cream and sweets.

This is from Melissa & Doug and you can find it at The Land of Nod. They also have a Cookie Set that’s pretty cute.

These are just divine! Find Fabric Dainty Treats at The Land of Nod too.

A cupcake kit complete with a hat and chicken timer. Is this fun or what? Yes, TLON. So much fake food, so little time!

I’ve loved donuts since I was a little kid. A trip to Krispy Kreme was something to behold. My husband and I are huge donut fans. Before he went on his recent health kick and lost a bunch of weight, we would eat donuts at least once a week. Shame, shame, shame! I won’t even say how many hot KK donuts I can eat in one sitting because it’s absurd.  And you can add two to that total if I have an ice cold glass of milk. Yummy!

My new favorite donut can be found at The Donut Hole. The chocolate iced is sinful. A new Dunkin’ Donut just opened shop nearby and I am not impressed. How can a fresh donut taste three days old? They always seem stale to me. Every couple of years I retry a DD and end up spitting it out after the first bite. Not worth the fat, calories and carbs. Sorry DD, you suck.

Why is MommyQ on a donut kick, you ask? Well, I stumbled across these adorable Frosted Donut Ornaments and just had to share. Can you imagine how awesome it would be to do your entire tree in donuts? Oh my gosh! That would be sweet, no pun intended. Make a mental note, “buy frosted donut ornaments for X-Mas tree.”

Want to get your toddler or preschooler the most friendly backpack on the playground? These cute little guys might make the class jealous. Plush pull along bags can become regular backpacks by removing the handles. The handy front pocket helps keep little things from getting lost. 12″h x 8″w x 6″d. Specify Leopard or Horse. On sale for $25.

Whether you’re headed to grandma’s house or on a big adventure, your little one will enjoy carrying his or her own weight. This perfectly petite Timi & Leslie Le Petit Voyage suitcase is made especially for little hands and big imaginations. It features a removable shoulder strap, waterproof lining, bottle tote, stroller straps, changing pad, wristlet and easy-access key FOB. Not to mention a lively circus print. On sale for $115 at Bella Blu Maternity.

If you’re looking for a walker without lots of buzzing, dinging, ringing and batteries, this might the one for you. What a fun & safe way for your baby to build gross motor skills and improve balance. The WoodPecker Walker from Plan Toys features two wooden birdies that peck when the walker moves. It’s beautifully crafted and has no sharp edges. Your child will love the click-clack sound. Retails for $72 at BabyEarth.

Taggies Books – Yes, it’s the blanket in a book version!

I love Sandra Magsamen! Take a look at her Snuggle-Me books.

Little Green Books for the eco-tot.

Say “howdy” to Nacho the Party Puppy!

Sweet little faces book with rattle.

At first mention, the thought of a peanut butter and jellyfish sandwich doesn’t sound too appealing. Then again, this little guy is cute enough to be considered edible. What a funny and unique plush toy. Available in raspberry, grape and strawberry. To see another pic of these critters, click here. Delish! Etsy.

This ship may have set sail last year, but it’s still a wonderful toy for youngsters. Thanks to chunky wooden pirates that are easy to grasp and the perfectly sized playset, the Play Town Pirate Ship is a favorite with little kiddos. The working anchor, spinning wheel, cannonball launcher and telescope are interactive, yet no small pieces to keep up with or worry about. It also comes with a cute board book as an added bonus. The ship is on wheels so it can scoot without waves. A few left at Amazon.

My youngest son got another goodie for Christmas, his first Bing Bunny book. This is a beautifully illustrated delight called Bing: Make Music. Bing and his friends use a variety of household items to explore music, just like my son. The author, Ted Dewan, has won many awards in the UK. If you haven’t seen these books, you must check them out. Available at Amazon. It’s a Bing Thing!

As unique as a cloud and as messy as a mud pie.  Hold on to your beanie hats folks, you may fall in love.

Muddy Cloud is a one-of-a-kind, too-cool-for-school company that makes hats, mittens and dolls. Who knew fleece could be so spiffy? The family of products consists of cute little characters like Joop, Doot, Tada, Balob and Beep. (Baby Bit-O will be making an appearance soon.) Each character has its own hat, mittens and a matching doll. You’ve gotta visit the Muddy Cloud site to see the cuteness for yourself. Thanks to Flash Monkey Studios for such an enjoyable online experience!

I L-O-V-E-D playing Candy Land as a child. And this is how I remember it. (Looking at it now, it doesn’t seem as wild and crazy as it did back then.)  I think one of the main reasons we loved the game was because we were a bit candy-deprived as kids.

I cheered for joy passing the Ice Cream Floats and shed a few tears when I got stuck in Molasses Swamp. What was your favorite rest stop in Candy Land?

Create your family’s masterpiece with this unique Handprint Canvas Kit. Capture handprints, footprints or a parent-child combination. This adorable gift set comes with four 10″ stretched canvases in a variety of colors and non toxic water-based paint. Everything you need to celebrate today and mark milestones for years to come. A wonderful keepsake and a fun family activity! $40 at Red Envelope.

While thumbing through the Pottery Barns Kids catalog, you’ve probably seen these plush sleeping pals. Maybe you already own one. If not, let me just say this is a great product and in my opinion, worth the money.

Even if your kiddos are too young for sleepovers, you’ll still use it a lot. We use ours as a nap mat at school. Talk about luxurious! My active preschooler always rests during nap time and we think it’s because this sleeping bag is so comfy. Perfect for those cold winter days!

Made of high quality cotton, it is plump and cozy. It’s also very easy to roll up and closes with Velcro tabs. You can wash it on the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. The blue one and the red one are on sale for $64. A functional treat that happens to be adorable too – 2 thumbs up!

I’m not usually a big fan of plush dinosaurs, but this funny guy is oozing personality galore. Meet Sigikid Ankylosaurus Sweety Dinosaur. Standing 10 inches tall, he’s not ferocious at all. He’s really cuddly thanks to his soft microfiber outer fabric.

The TRex is actually my favorite, but he’s currently extinct out of stock. There’s something really funny about his big head, little arms and big feet. He kinda reminds me of an ex-boyfriend. Poor guy.
Shop Maukilo for lots of Sigikid creations.

They’re called Helmet Heroes and the proud mommy is Playskool. You can get a Race Car Driver or a Police Officer. It’s really just a speaker, some lights and a bunch of buttons. Using his or her legs, your tot gets an “in-car” experience via the helmet.

My four-year-old son has one. He got the Race Car one from a friend for his birthday and honestly, I groaned when I saw it. My husband immediately grabbed the batteries while my son jumped around yelling “Helmet Heroes!” I must admit, my son loved it and we had a good laugh watching him fly through the house, obeying the commands from his imaginary pit crew.

If this toy had been around in the early 70s, my husband would’ve been wearing it 24/7. I know, I know. I’m all about the educational wooden toys too, but this is a pretty cool gift for little boys age 3+.

Glass baby bottles stepped off of the dish rack and onto the runway, thanks to WeeGo. These adorable mini WeeGo bottles by babylife are draped in colorful modern silicone sleeves. If you’re looking for a cute and functional gift for the new mom in your world, grab her a rainbow of WeeGo goodness. She won’t be disappointed. $12

Introducing the cutest calorie-free cupcake you’ve ever seen. (Based on my expertise in the cupcake kingdom, I know moms will be buying these for themselves.) Four tasty knitted treats are perfect for baby’s little hands. They’re made through fair trade practices. Don’t forget the milk! $35

I love leggins for babies because I’m secretly still a huge fan of legwarmers. Anyway, these leggies come in fun styles and one size fits all. The cotton is 100% certified organic. The best part is, you don’t have to wrestle with tights during diaper changes. $12

7 Days of Bodysuits? You betcha! Nobody knows organic baby clothes like Kate Quinn. Boasting bright colors for every day of the week, this gift set is the perfect idea for new parents. $92

Bath time calls for lots of monkeying around with these adorable 100% organic cotton hooded towels featuring everyone’s favorite playful friend – the monkey! These towels are spa-grade with organic terry towleing on the inside and organic french cotton knit on the outside. I’m jealous!  $39

As a 30-something mother of two little boys, I don’t get to play with dolls very often. When I visit my neighbor who has two little girls under the age of five, I walk into a pink fantasy land of glittery, girlie wonders. Barbies, princesses, baby dolls, My Pretty Ponies, Polly Pockets – it’s awesome! Were I 20 years younger, you could never make me leave that house.

As a little girl, I loved two things. Fashion Plates and Barbies. My younger sister and I played with Fashion Plates all of the time. In fact, we named each ‘plate’ girl head and then renamed her when we switched her outfit. We had about 30 fictitious names committed to memory. When we got bored rubbing the girls onto paper, we started writing books. There were plots, personalities, do-gooders, evil characters, etc. We spent hours and hours coloring them and laughing at their silliness. I’m pretty sure my mom still has pages upon pages of our creations stored in a dusty forgotten box somewhere. Boy, would I love to see those again!

My other childhood obsession was Barbie Dolls. My sister and I each had about 15-20 Barbies and two small suitcases full of outfits, coats, dresses, gowns and teeny tiny shoes. To save time, we referred to single pieces of clothing as “clo” – pretty innovative, huh? I probably played with Barbie Dolls until I was 13 or 14 years old. That’s how simple my life used to be. My main concern was whether ‘Kim’ could wear her ruffled yellow dress with her matching yellow shoes. The vacuum cleaner was not a friend to Barbie’s shoes.

We had winking Barbies, posing Barbies that came with a camera, Malibu Barbies, fake Barbies, Ken Dolls, fake Ken Dolls, the Barbie dog that was really really fluffy… the list goes on and on. We named each one and gave them a story and their own special personality. ‘Sue’ was my sister’s most prized Barbie and ‘Kim’ was mine. ‘Julie’ was the most hated Barbie, ‘April’ was the ditz and ‘Star’ was the unlucky stunt Barbie that got stuck in trees on more than one occasion.

We had the townhouse and the yellow corvette, jeep and the horse trailer. Ah, those were the days. We certainly had lots of Barbie stuff, but we usually bought it ourselves with our birthday money. Aside from the toys, what I remember most is the laughter. The completely spontaneous genuine 100% heartfelt goofy loud laughter. My sister and I had some of the greatest times ever playing upstairs in a room covered with Barbie paraphernalia.

When I think about my boys, both of whom celebrated birthdays recently, I hope and pray they have wonderful memories of their childhood too. As grown men with children of their own, I wish for certain toys to spark a flood of delicious memories. Because in a crazy complicated world, great childhood memories may be the best gift of all.

What sparks your best childhood memories?

As the mommy to a four-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I’ve discovered many wonderful  mainstream toys that are both fun and therapeutic. Toys that improve language development, sensory and motor regulation, build core strength, muscle tone and coordination. Toys that spark my son’s inner drive, encouraging more engagement and child-lead interaction.

Here are five of MommyQ’s favorite toys, from $18 – $300. Most of them are eco-friendly, which I personally love. I’m not speaking as a medical expert here, just as a mom. If you’re the parent, relative or friend of an autistic child, maybe this list will make your holiday shopping a little bit easier. I hope so!

Wheely Bug – If you haven’t seen these cute little ride-on critters, you need to check them out. I bought the cow for my boys last month and my ASD son loves it! (Also available in bee and ladybug!) It really helps him with coordination and balance, while building his core. We he first started riding it, he was wobbly. Now he can lift his feet and maneuver it around every corner. It has helped him adjust to motion that had bothered him in the past. In my opinion, this is one of the best gifts for an ASD child. Make sure you buy the big Wheely Bug to get the most use out of it. Eco-friendly! $70

Breakfast Menu Set – These types of wooden toys are great for a variety of reasons. Many autistic children have issues with food due to textures. By incorporating pretend food into playtime, it seems to make real mealtime easier. You can ‘prepare’ the pretend food together and takes turns ‘tasting’ it. That way your child is more open to the idea of trying different foods. Manipulating smaller toys, like shaking the salt & pepper shakers, improves fine motor skills too. Plan Toys is a wonderful green company and makes a huge selection of incredible wooden toys. Eco-friendly! $18

LIKEaBIKE – This is a unique eco-friendly bike sans pedals! That’s because this bike was designed to boost your child’s confidence and comfort in riding a bike, while building their balance, core strength, etc. They start out slow, usually walking with it and then as they improve, they can go much faster. Obviously this is not great for hills or steep surfaces, but on flat streets, in the driveway or at the park, it’s a wonderful (and fun) toy. Our OT therapist has mentioned it multiple times. Eco-friendly! $300

Haba Ball Track Master Builder Set – Many autistic children love toys that spin and roll. My son does a variety of activities at OT therapy involving marbles, which is why I love this toy from Haba. Your child can build the track and then watch the marbles spin through it. This is the big set and Haba also makes a smaller set for $43. This toy is perfect for fine motor skill improvement and development. It also gets the imagination and interaction rolling. Eco-friendly! $200

Hopscotch Puzzle Mat – Another great toy for improving balance, motor skills, interaction and organizing thought processes is this cute Hopscotch mat by Alex. First you put it together like a puzzle, then you play the game. This gives you child a great opportunity to practice hopping on one foot and then jumping with two feet. It’s also a good game for ASD kids to play with their friends or siblings. $23

Read Ode to a Wheely Bug to see the cow in motion!

What makes this sphere-shaped snack container so much fun?

- BPA-free
- Phthalate-free
- PVC-free
- rigid form so snacks are crush-proof
- great for travel
- two halves unscrew for easy cleaning
- perfect size for little hands
- dishwasher safe (top rack only)