This year for kindergarten I had to prepare a "bag" for Little P of quiet time activities. Children need to be quiet physically and verbally during quiet time but can engage in quiet activities if they are not sleeping.

In the busy lives we lead today, the value quiet time is something that is often forgotten. When children stop taking naps, that time is filled in quickly with activity. When used properly, quiet time can help families soothe some of chaos that enters our lives.

Here are some I used (for boys) and some I thought of (for girls):

1. coloring book and crayons
2. matchbox cars
3. mazes / connect the dots
4. puppets
5. Etch-a-sketch
6. polly pockets or other dolls
7. lace up cards or sewing projects
8. puzzles
9. tinkertoys or other small building blocks
10. felt boards with shapes (like tangram)
11. reading or "I spy" books for younger children
12. a small blanket or nap bag to cuddle with
13. magnetic blocks

Do you have any great quiet time activities? Share them with us!

I am always looking for ways to encourage Little P to draw and express himself creatively. Like most children, his drawings have evolved from scribbles to forms that I can easily identify. It is so exciting to see these changes and I welcome all his artwork and display it on our "wall of wonder."

This week I discovered two great books: Doodles and Scribbles.

Nevermind that Taro Gomi is one of my favorite children's authors. These are great resources for getting kids to think creatively! Pages that let kids complete existing drawings by adding leaves to pre-drawn trees, or heavy things for pre-drawn cranes to lift! These books really work for me! A big thanks to Kids Craft Weekly for giving me the heads up on this.

Here are some drawings Little P did using this technique. The black lines were drawn by me (no comments on the realism please!). Click through to Flickr to see notes about what is in the drawings!

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

QWho watched the 2006 Emmy Awards this year? The Emmys always gives us a chance for a fun fashion show. Who can't have their favorites after seeing all the celebrities walk down the red carpet?

I didn't even know they were on (yes I live under a rock) but I'm glad some of my favorite shows (like "24" and "Monk") and actors (Mariska Hargitay and Julia Louis Dryfus) were recognized with awards. Here are my fashion choices:


Best: Heidi Klum

I remember looking this good when I was pregnant ... in my dreams!



(via Yahoo.com)


Best: Julia Louis-Dryfus

Classy and fits her to a "t" - great choice!



(via NewsDay.com)


Best: Portia de Rossi

A beautiful, young. fresh look that isn't skin tight.



(via Yahoo.com)


Best: Helen Mirran

As a contrast to all the cleavage-thrusting and gown positioning going on, it was nice to see an example of a women dressing her age and doing it very well!



(via Yahoo.com)


Worst: Kyra Sedgwick

Kyra: Maybe if I thrust my chest forward enough people won't notice how poofy my gown is.

Kevin: I thought we were going for the "matrix" look?"



(via NewsDay.com)


Worst: Jennifer Love Hewitt

Advice to Jennifer - if a gown adds 10lbs and 20 years, choose a different cut, color, designer, something!



(via Yahoo.com)


Worst: Kim Caldwell

You don't have to connect the dots to see that this gown isn't a winner.



(via NewsDay.com)

Here are my picks:


Best: Annette Benning

Simple, classic, elegant.



(via NewsDay.com)


Best: Lisa Kudrow

She looks stunning and she's not falling out all over!



(via Yahoo.com)


Best: Patrick Dempsey

Eye candy - he is to damn cute!



(via Yahoo.com)


Worst: Debra Messing

One word - yech.



(via Yahoo.com)


Worst: Tyra Banks

We know you have a model's body. We don't need a see-through dress to prove it.



(via Yahoo.com)

QWhat things do your kids have now that you didn't have when you were young, and yet they can't imagine life without them?

My boys can't live without their gameboys and playstation and the computer. This is definitely the technology age. Scary. I can remember as a kid being excited because I got a cassette tape player with the Andy Gibb tape - I am dating myself here.

A computer, MP3s, and definitely Tivo. I remember watching TV and listening to the car radio growing up. You had to listen/watch what was on at that time. Now Little P is used to pausing programs, recording what he wants, and listening to his own playlists in the car!

It's Friday ... do you have an accomplishment or success from your week? Take pride in yourself and share it with us! Or just tell us what's making you smile today!

I am feeling good for two reasons 1. next week the kids go back to school and I can't wait for a routine to come back into our lives and early bedtimes for them and me. 2. the diva is back from vaca and she can post all this wonderful stuff for you to read.

Thanks Belle! It's always fun to go away on vacation but it's nice to get back and have your routine too. The cool temperatures we've been having in the Northeast this week have me thinking about fall ... pumpkins ... apple picking ... foliage ... Halloween. As much as I enjoyed the summer, fall is my favorite season and I'm feeling good that it's on the way!

Now tell us why you feel good

Summer's almost over, but there's still a few weeks left to squeeze in a vacation with your friends or family. Here is a list of fun things to do on vacation.

1. mini golf
2. sight seeing / hiking
3. camping
4. fishing
5. swimming
6. going to the beach / lake
7. bicycling
8. sleep in late
9. horse back riding
10. water sports (jet skiing, para sailing)
11. camping
12. souvenir shopping
13. relax!

What do you like to do on vacation? Let us know!

I used to use a product called Handi-Wipes which are thin, spongy like cloths that dried quickly and could be reused to clean my dishes and kitchen area. However, they have become harder and harder to find. I have been looking for something to replace them for a while.

I like to use something that is thin and flexible so a sponge just wasn't cutting it for me. Plus all the warning about bacteria in sponges ... ewww

Recently I found Scotch Brite Kitchen Microfiber cloths.

I love them! They clean and dry really well and when they start to get a little grungy I throw them in the washing machine and they're good to go again.

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

QWhat is the appropriate age to get your son or daughter a cellphone?

I am not sure - that is why I am throwing this question out to the readers. My oldest is 11 going into 6th grade - there are a couple of kids in his class that have one - (that is definitely not a reason to get one) - is this the right age - help me out readers of the blog - what do you think??


I think the right age for this can vary depending on the child and the situation. There is a lot of buzz being created these days by the cell phone companies, targeting the "tween" set. IMO, you should get a phone only if it is necessary, not just to be trendy or simply to chat with his friends.

The #1 reason for getting a cell phone should be security. Ask yourself -- are you going to be dropping him off at events and he may need to call you to get a ride home? Are there times that you want to reach him and you can't without a cell phone? Do you feel like you want to keep track of where he is and can't without a phone? What is your school's policy on cell phones?

If you decide to get one, there are some cool parent-controlled phones available like TicTalk from Enforma and the Firefly. They let the parents control what the phone is used for. Don't become one of those parents that is clueless about what is being said, or texted, on the cell phone.

QYou are renting a cottage for vacation. When you move in, the cubbord is bare. With $5.00 in your pocket you head to the store - what do you buy?

I would buy coffee and milk - gotta get the caffeine to get the day going.


I'd buy cereal and milk. It's enough for a light breakfast and you can snack on the cereal if you get the munchies later.

And frankly after the news this week ... it's a little weird to be doing that but we're ok with it. It's a domestic flight and a short one at that, so all should be good. Channel your good vibes anway - it never hurts!

While I'm away on vacation I tried to badger cajole Belle into posting the blog entries but she's got way less free time than me a busy Mom and you will have to wait for me to return for new entries.

In the meantime ... here are some fun things to look at:

Here are some games to play when you need a break from back-to-school shopping!

and I created a hive via Stylehive with goodies for you to browse through (and maybe treat yourself)!

Products from DivaP

Summer for many people includes a family vacation. I'm getting ready for ours right now and have several lists going: what to pack, what to do while we're there, who to send postcards to, etc.

Here's you shouldn't think about / do when you're on vacation:

1. Work
2. Worry about deadlines
3. Get up early
4. Get sunburned (remember your SPF)
5. Do laundry (unless you have to)
6. Do bills - they can wait!
7. Diet - eat now - count calories later!
8. Think about schedules
9. Quarrel with your spouse, kids, neighbors, anyone!
10. Get arrested (a weekend in jail really isn't a vacation)
11. Get seasick (if you're on a cruise - bring your Dramamine)

Can you help us come up with the missing two to make 13? My mind is already on vacation!

Well as some of you may know I have boys and boys equals sports and driving around to various fields and sporting events. Last week my youngest started football - and if anyone remembers last week was a scorcher!!!

So I was trying to find ways to keep him cool with all that gear on him. I was at work and noticed the guys in the plant were wearing these bandana things around their necks and or heads.

Was it the latest Dukes of Hazzard fashion trend> I don't think so - they were cooling bands. They need to soak in cold water for 20 -30 mins to activate - then tie them loosely around the neck or head - and you will cool down. So for football practice I chilled down the bandana and tied it around his neck and hid it under the pads - my son was still sweaty but this did help.

The chill it bandana - it's working for me!!

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

You've heard it ... you may have even said it. It's a nighttime warning that goes back to feather beds.

But did you know that after years of not seeing bed bugs in the US ... infestations are on the rise now? I checked the calendar when I saw the news articles and it's not April Fool's day. It's true. Bed bugs are real.

A friend-of-a-friend of ours has even had to have their home fumigated to get rid of them.

If you're traveling this summer, here's a great article on what to look for, where to look, and what to do if you are bitten. FYI: contains some creepy crawly photos - entomophobics beware!

QYou go to a store and the clerk rings up your sale incorrectly in your favor, but your children are with you and you're distracted and you don't realize the error until you're out at the car. Do you go back in and pay the difference -or- do you consider it a little bonus and drive away?

You should go back into the store for two reasons: (1) since you know the error was made, by taking merchandise you didn't pay for you are actually stealing it (2) the clerk may make the same error with other customers and lose the store money.

I would go back to the store and pay the difference - you need to teach the children what is right from wrong.

It's Friday ... time to think of some accomplishment or success from your week to take pride in and share! I checked another item off the school to-do list this week, we dropped off Little P's backpack to get it embroidered with his name. It should be ready next week - in plenty of time before school starts. Now if they would just send me that school supply list so I can stock up on crayons, glue sticks, and more before the stores raise the prices back up!

Now tell us why you feel good

What's summertime without a great blockbuster movie? Movies that come out in thet summer, or movies about the summer - they're great either way! Here are some of our favorite summertime movies:

1. Grease
2. Wedding Crashers
3. Pirates of the Caribbean (1 and 2)
4. E.T.
5. Jurassic Park
6. Finding Nemo
7. Pete's Dragon
8. National Treasure
9. The Greatest Game Every Played
10. The Rookie
11. Independence Day
12. The Matrix
13. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

What are your favorite summer movies? Let us know ...

It's Wednesday and time for another Works for Me Wednesday - and before you all sigh and go ok - just bear with me.

E-mail/digital cameras the the Internet are working for me. See last week the boys and I were on vaca and we were without computers and their beloved game boys. However we came back to reality this past weekend and we were loving it- EXCEPT on Sunday when I had no Internet or e-mail - not cool. After a call to my Verizon tech support (which I believe is located in India don't get me started) I was back in business last night - and none to soon. My cousin had her baby yesterday and she is one state away so by the power of digital cameras and email - I was looking at the beautiful Mr. Connor - what a wonderful addition to our family. So I am so glad that I came out of the techno darkness when I did or I would have to wait until this weekend to see that beautiful baby.
Seriously what did we do 20 years ago???

Remember to check out Rocks In My Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

QHere are some fun questions to answer:

1. Five minutes to yourself. How would you spend them, ideally?
   
2. Five dollars to spend right now. How would you spend it?
   
3. Five items in your house you could part with, right now?
   
4. Five items you absolutely, positively, could never part with in your house?
   
5. Five words you love?
   

Here's my five:

1. reading a book
   
2. dunkin donuts french vanilla iced coffee with cream and sugar
   
3. the kids toys(that they dont play with) , my uncomfortable desk chair, my refrigerator ( i want a new one), my icky blue counter, and my stove.
   
4. my kids, my wingback chair, my computer, tv in my bedroom, my bed
   
5. free, sale, reduced, dunkin donuts and bedtime.
   

Five from me:

1. a cup of coffee and 5 minutes of peace and quiet - the instant refresher
   
2. iced coffee with sugar and extra skim milk
   
3. the junk in the office, family room pillows (we need new ones), Little P's baby toys (he doesn't need them), stale candy, tv in my bedroom
   
4. my family (of course), photographs, my camera, my computer, Tivo
   
5. scandalous, peace, shopping, vacation, love