I was babysitting my granddaughter last night while her parents were at a Super Bowl party and was trying to come up with some ideas to keep her entertained.

In my family room I still have a cabinet filled with arts and crafts supplies that my girls used for school projects.

It’s only February, but there’ll still be plenty of snow days off from school before spring finally arrives.

What are some fun ways to spend time together when the weather outside is dreary? There are all kinds of inexpensive ways to spend time with your kids. Reading a story to your young child is a wonderful experience. Listening to music and dancing together is also fun. Another fun activity is building forts with blankets and moving furniture together. Then bring in a flashlight and read a book to your child.

Play dough is also a nice creative way to spend time together. Roll it, mold it and create great works of art. It’s safe and can be used over and over again. You can make your own play dough and make different colors.

Here’s a nifty play dough recipe that I’ve used many times with my own kids.

• 4 cups flour

• 1 cup salt

• 4 cups water

• 4 tablespoons oil

• 1/2 cup cream of tartar

• food coloring (use this to create the colors of your choice)

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. Allow to cool slightly before storing in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

Shaving cream art is also fun and easy. Using a vinyl table cloth or plastic place mats just spray some shaving cream on and let them use like finger paint. I would recommend using the sensitive skin brand of shaving cream.

Another great favorite is collages. You’ll need a few craft supplies such as construction paper, some magazines, Elmer’s glue and safety scissors. You can find deals on craft materials at Create for Less.  Have the kids cut out pictures of interest to them and glue them all over the construction paper. Once their project dries hang it proudly on your fridge!

These fun projects are also great for homeschooling moms or daycare moms!

Turn a snow day into a fun and exciting day with your child or grandchild if you’re babysitting while their parents are at work!
photo credit: woodleywonderworks

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

After the blizzard the Mid-Atlantic states and Washington D.C. experienced this week, we in Connecticut were lucky we missed it.

But our turn in New England is coming on Wednesday!

How do you handle snow?  Does your inner-child come out?  Maybe you always dreamed of participating in the Winter Olympics! Do you rush off to go skiing, snowboarding, skating or sledding? Do you hunker down inside, or maybe go on a cruise or fly south like the snowbirds from up North do?

I just took this little test – and if you read through my posts and 101 Random Things About Me – you’ll see it’s right on the mark! Look for me inside the Ski Lodge!

You Are a Snow Kitten

You like snow in small doses. You find snow to be comforting, and you love to snuggle up under a blanket of snow. You’re not a big fan of the hassles of snow. You’re happy to see it come, but you’re also happy to see it go. Go ahead and venture out in the snow from time to time! Throw a snowball or make a snow angel. You have an inner snow bunny inside you, and it’s time to let that bunny play.

Are You a Snow Bunny?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Plan a Magical Vacation That is Perfect For Your Family

I’ve had the opportunity to review a new book that takes all the guesswork out of planning for a trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers in tow.

My oldest daughter fondly remembers our family vacation to Disney World when she was younger.  I saved for almost a year, and paid for the entire vacation in cash.

The girls were 7 and 11 at the time, in 1994.  We went towards the end of August when the rates were somewhat less expensive, and stayed directly on the grounds in Florida at the Polynesian Resort.  I don’t mind the heat since I live in New England.  Actually I thrive in it!

Now that my daughter has two toddlers of her own, she’s been making “noises” about wanting to revisit Disney with their kids, who are 1 and 3.   Both my daughter and charming son-in-law are extremely close to both sets of parents.  They’d really like that the grandparents can all join in together for a memorable family trip.

As a parent, you already know that you don’t want to have to carry your preschooler around in your arms all  day. You couldn’t possibly make it through the day!  You also can’t expect your child to walk all day long.

Beyond the Attractions:  A guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers by Lisa M. Battista (BookSurge) is a definite must-read book.

Lisa Battista answers common and not-so-common questions in Beyond the Attractions such as advance reservations; the best time to visit; sleeping away from home and more that will assure that your family vacation is enjoyable and stress free:

Strollers – Strollers are not only welcome at Disney World, they’re highly recommended. In fact, Disney World rents strollers for a reasonable fee.  My suggestion would be to tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park.

FastPass – You don’t want to spend your entire Disney World vacation standing in long lines. This can be avoided by using Disney World FastPass. FastPass can be obtained from kiosks located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn’t mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It’s more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day – at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you’re free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park.

Many other tips to help you maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars are included in this reference guide for parents, by a parent.

Start planning your next vacation!

On Twitter: @DisneyExplorer
Pages: 169
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5757-9

For More Information Visit: Beyond The Attractions

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book, Beyond the Attractions:  A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Tell me why you’d like to win this book.

This contest will run until February 28, 2010 at  11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

I’ve written about using PLR articles versus free reprint articles recently. If you still have some questions on Private Label Rights articles, hopefully this information will help you decide how to choose a good service targeted to your particular blogging niche, and help you get over writer’s block.

Benefits of PLR Articles

By Nicole Dean

Private Label Rights (PLR) articles are hot right now. The only problem is that many people have tried them and been very disappointed. I can’t say I blame them. I’ve been disappointed, too.

Oftentimes, the PLR services you may have tried are lacking in several areas. So, what makes a good PLR service and how can you make sure that you don’t waste you money on a bad one?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before investing any money into a PLR package or membership.

1. What topics are you getting?
I mean, seriously, if you are promised 100 articles each month, but you end up receiving a selection on Laser Hair Removal and Divorce, when all your websites are about cooking… You just wasted money.

2. What quality are you getting?
Say you’re lucky enough to get a series of articles on your topic. Take a minute to look at them. Are they pure fluff? I’ve paid for articles that had no original ideas, or worse, were written so poorly that there’s no possible way I’d put them on my website. Make sure your PLR package contains quality articles. Otherwise, you just wasted money.

3. How many other people are getting the exact same articles?
If 1000 other people signed up to get the same articles, are you really receiving any value? Perhaps, if you don’t mind reworking the articles. However, if you’d like more unique articles, then you may consider a more limited PLR service.

4. Does the PLR service give you any extras?
Are they offering training on ways to use their PLR articles? Do they provide you with ways to monetize the articles you’ve purchased? Some PLR sites will include recommended affiliate programs and training on how to use their articles to get the most benefits from their service.

Really assess the value you’re receiving when investing in any PLR package or service so that you don’t end up wasting your money. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.

Article written by:

Nicole Dean is the owner of  www.EasyPLR.com – where you’ll find high-quality PLR articles sold in very limited quantities.  The PLR articles at EasyPLR are professionally written and professionally edited — top quality at an affordable price.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Wooden Toy Set

For the grandkids’ birthdays this past summer my husband and I bought a Little Tikes outside playhouse which included a kitchen and attached picnic table.  My son-in-law set it up in their backyard, and both kids, ages 1 and 3 enjoyed it well into the fall.

My granddaughter, ‘Lil Moomette, really enjoys following in her mom & dad’s footsteps by pretending to play “kitchen.”

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to let you know about a new wooden play food set manufactured by Melissa & Doug, from Gumpy Lump.

The Slice and Bake Cookies set is both educational and inspirational as it inspires pretend play and introduces children to the world of baking and might encourage them to be the next Pillsbury Dough Boy or Betty Crocker!

Inside the wooden set are:

• 12 cookies and 18 colorful toppings
• spatula
• knife
• cookie sheet
• kitchen mitt

Even when choosing make-believe toys for my own girls, I always looked for items that would stimulate their own imaginations.   “Baking Instructions” are included, but they’re not intended to be used with real food.

What I like about Melissa & Doug toys is that they use non-toxic coatings and meet or exceed all U.S. toy testing standards.

If you’re looking for a gift for the kids, grandkids, homeschool or run a daycare, put this activity toy on your list!

Product Number: 4074
Manufacturer: Melissa & Doug
Size Box: 11.5″ x 9″ x 3″
Recommended Ages: 3 years and up

Follow on Twitter: @GumpyLump

For More Information Visit: Gummy Lump

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest!* For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a wooden play food Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie Set.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

*USA only

Main Rule: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Gummy Lump and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until February 25, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

It’s the 4th Friday Follow Blog Hop going on!

Spread the word about Friday Follow by grabbing the button for your blog and come celebrate again every Friday.  Feel free to also send out a tweet, blog, stumble or share the news in your own special way!

On Fridays this meme is a great way to meet new friends and get more blog followers! Welcome to the second Follow Friday Celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!   They invite you to join them every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

• Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
• Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots. They will follow you back.
• Follow as many blogs as you’d like to have followers
• Comment on the blogs telling them you’re from Friday Follow
• Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Awhile back I wrote a post about Skin MD Shielding Lotion that I had the opportunity to review.

Skin MD Natural is now hosting a terrific contest in time for Valentine’s Day!

They’ll be giving away a prize basket that’s valued at $100 which contains the following goodies:

• Bottle of Skin MD Natural shielding lotion

• Bottle of Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 shielding lotion

• One pound of See’s dark assorted chocolates

• Pack of Starbucks VIA Ready brew coffee pouches

• Kiss Me coffee mug

• A Cuddly teddy bear

• Lollipop Bouquet

Contest closes February 7, 2010 and will ship in time for Valentine’s Day!

Whether for yourself, or someone you’re sweet about, don’t miss this terrific contest!

To enter, Visit:  Skin MD Natural

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Win A Ticket

Many of my readers know I was all excited about attending BlogHer10 in New York City this summer.

If you’re a current email subscriber to Moomette’s Magnificents – thank you; but if you aren’t yet – you must might want to subscribe NOW because I’ll be running an exciting contest in March!

But first things first.

If you’re a veteran blogger, you’re probably familiar with all the conferences that take place throughout the year in various parts of the country.

If you’re new to blogging, Blog Conferences are a great opportunity to meet fellow mom bloggers, affiliate marketing bloggers and bloggers from all walks of life.  Together they share information and bounce ideas off of each other.

BlogHer is open to anyone and everyone who considers themselves part of the blogosphere; BlogHer is particularly focused on highlighting the skills and talents of women who blog. All genders, ages, ethnicities, and levels of blogging experience are encouraged to attend! We promise there’s something for everyone.  (And in case you’re curious, about 10-15% of attendees are men.)

My friends Connie, from Brain Foggles; Heather from Beautiful British Columbia; Murray from Murray Newlands Marketing Blog; and Trisha from MomDot all are veteran conference attendees.  It’s thanks to friends like these who help me to improve on my blogging skills and techniques and enable me to meet new friends through social networking.

Do you think you’d like to attend some conferences, but need to get sponsored to attend? Read up on some of the following tips to help get sponsored.

Now that you’ve made it this far, I’ve saved the best for last.

Certain plans don’t always pan out, and this year’s BlogHer10 conference falls on my grandson Slugger’s birthday weekend this August.  I already bought my conference pass to BlogHer10, and will be hosting a Giveaway (a $298 value for the 2-day pass) to my readers who are email subscribers!

So watch for my upcoming Giveaway post which will tell you the rules and sign up for my Newsletter!

For More Information Visit:  BlogHer10

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Say It With Baby Bunch Flowers

As a Baby Boomer, I’ve been to many baby showers in my lifetime.  Just as each pregnancy and baby are unique, so are the showers I’ve attended.

Some baby showers are simple affairs – held at home, with just a few munchies out on the table.  Over the years, showers have become more elaborate, some are brunches and luncheons held at the mom-to-be’s favorite restaurant.

When I put together the baby shower for my daughter when she was expecting ‘Lil Moomette, I held a luncheon, and made all the centerpieces out of baby bottles. You can find the directions on my sidebar.

Recently I had the opportunity to let you know about the Baby Bunch. I wish I had known about this when ‘Lil Moomette was on the way!  It’s not only functional, but would have made a beautiful table centerpiece!

Baby Bunch, which has been featured on Martha Stewart, offers refreshingly different baby gift baskets, presented as bouquets, cupcakes and candy. Because they’re made of baby clothes, the gifts are not only practical, but they’re also beautiful!   The baby clothes are arranged into “baby bouquets”, “crayon boxes”, “lollipops” or “cupcakes.”

The company was started by Bryony and Simon Boxer after the birth of the first son:

“The Baby Bunch combines practicality with presentation,” says Bryony Boxer, founder of The Baby Bunch along with her husband Simon Martin. “We wanted to create a gift that was attractive yet useful and offers everything a baby needs to get the best possible start in life.”

I received the Classic medium Baby Bunch, which was presented in a floral gift box with clear lid.  The presentation is so pretty!  The clothing items are all wrapped tightly, to look like flower buds.  Encircling the clothing are green fabric leaves and rosebuds, which can later be saved in a baby book or as keepsake treasures of the occasion!

Inside each “Baby Bunch” are:

• 2 Onesies

• Hat

• T-shirt

• Bib

• 2 Pair Socks

All of the clothing is soft, 100% cotton, and is sized from 0-6 months, up to 16 lbs.  Organic clothing is offered in sizes 6-12 months.

Spring is just around the corner, and there will be plenty of new babies being born!  You’ll find gifts for Mom or Grandmom, as well as unisex gifts, girl gifts and boy gifts.  There’s Free Shipping (twins)! When you order two large buckets!

Baby Bunch is offering email subscribers of Moomette’s Magnificents a 15% discount on any of their products, excluding the cost of shipping through the end of March, 2010.  Please contact me for the Promo Code which I will send to you after you become an email subscriber.

Follow on Twitter @BabyBunch

For More Information Visit: Baby Bunch

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest*! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Medium Classic Baby Bunch, MSRP $59.95

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

This contest will run until February 22, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

*USA ONLY

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Baby Bunch and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Shade Tobacco Farm Barns - Windsor, Connecticut

More scenes from our weekend drives.  During the summer months, coverings are placed over the poles to shade the tobacco leaves from the sun.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes