Soft Baby Blocks

I love soft baby blocks. They are perfect for little babies and work well when you have a toddler around too. If they "accidentally" get thrown everyone stays safe and we can avoid little tears.

For a while now I've been looking at patterns and then I found this one at All People Quilts. The templates for the letters and illustrated instructions are provided here. It looks very simple and uses 5" squares. The letters are optional, so you don't have to do the fusible web, letter applique part and I think I might use Amy Butler fabric instead. :) What a great gift.

Kindergarten Rocks

As many of you know I recently returned to work after my second maternity leave. Over the past eleven years I have spent most of my teaching career doing Special Education and Junior grades.

So, when I accepted my new Kindergarten position I was feeling slightly apprehensive, not to mention all of the other things mothers feel upon returning to work. (which is another post unto itself). A little out of my element for sure.

(The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn) -an excellent book for children with separation anxiety

The good news is that I am really enjoying it. The class is a split Jr (4yr olds) and Sr (5yr olds) Kindergarten with 19 children. Anyway, to make a long story short I thought I would recommend a few books that I found useful. I try to read multicultural, inclusive, and diverse books to my own children so I decided to continue that trend with my students. I'm going to list good books as I find them. :) And if you have any to add please let me know, as I am always on a quest for good materials.

(Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis) - helps present Kindergarten in a positive way

Here are a few books that I found useful in easing the transition for some of the children. Many of them had never left home and I was met with many tears for the first few visits. These books helped.

(Don't Eat the Teacher by Nick Ward)-this one made the kids laugh

(It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr)-a simple way to explain how diversity is wonderful

The Rock & Roll Tutu

Many of you who know me are aware of the fact that I don't do the "princess" thing very well. Some would say I oppose it to an extreme. I won't pontificate on gender stereotypes or over intellectualize regarding the social pressures, or relationship norms inherent in being a "princess" because I know many people don't agree with me. And that's ok!

But, my daughter has been asking for a tutu for several weeks now. I struggled with indecision and uncertainty about how to proceed (similar to my internal battle regarding Santa). So I made her one. A rock and roll tutu! And she loves it. That way she can express herself in dance and can play imaginatively, yet doesn't need to be a "princess" and marry a "prince".

Works for us. For now at least, until December. lol

Comments are welcome and encouraged. I love discourse.

Here It Is....Snugnluv Paci Pouch in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine

Hi Everyone. I'm attaching pics of the September Issue of Pregnancy & Newborn magazine that used my Amy Butler pacifier pouch. I would have never though of hanging it off the side, but it sure works well. Now available and on sale for $7.50 on Etsy.

Oliver's Labels Review Discount

Recently, I was lucky enough to be sent a sample of Oliver's Labels for review. They couldn't have come at a better time, as I am returning to work and my oldest daughter will be spending some time at day care. I wanted to label her clothing, but wasn't thrilled about the ide of writing on her clothing and shoes with permanent marker. I like to pass her clothes on to others or trade

them in, which is tricky when they are defaced with marker.

As a teacher and a parent I have to say that these labels are wonderful. Over 35 themed designs are available in full color/colour. I chose the Rococo and was very pleased with the quality and brightness of the labels.

Waterproof labels, clothing labels, safety bags, bag tags, and gift labels are among their products. Oliver's labels also offers an option exclusive to their company called Found It. This is a tracking system, so that if any of your items are lost they offer a free online lost and found system which identifies your item through the code. They offer numerous packages at various price points.

The personalized labels were shipped very quickly and I was notified when they were on the way. Great customer service and an excellent product have made this fast growing Canadian company stand out from others. There is even a fundraising option for schools.

10% discount for Snugnluv readers. Just enter the code oliversfriends. In addition, Oliver's labels is offering free shipping on all orders over $30.

Oliver's Labels

www.oliverslabels.com

www.oliverslabelsblog.com

600 The East Mall, P.O. Box 11552 Toronto, Ontario M9B 4B1 Toll Free: 1-800-398-2060

*I provide reviews strictly for interest and am not part of an affiliate program.

The Winner Has Been Chosen for the See Kai Giveaway

127 jazz said...

following see kai run on twitter!

True Random Number Generator 1-161 Result: 127 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

I have contacted the winner by email and she will have 48 hours to respond. Thanks to everyone who took part. Another giveaway will be coming soon.