Olivia's Pick--21 June 2008

An entrepreneurial Mama I know who owns the cutest baby store in town gave me a suggestion that has turned out to be Olivia's latest favorite: Ballet on YouTube. We're not big on TV around our house and Olivia is generally nonplused by it when she sees it. But show her a video of a twirling ballerina and she just can't get enough! Within moments, she's spinning, trying to point her toes and stretching for her best arabesque. It's a quick and cute distraction that's brought both of us a lot of smiles.

Olivia's Pick--15 June 2008

Maybe it is the influence of last week's pick that has inspired a creative surge in Olivia. She's creating masterpiece after masterpiece with her Do a Dot art set. Part marker, part paint set, Do a Dot is the hybrid of toddler art. And yes Mamas, the paint is totally washable.

Olivia's Pick--8 June 2008

Olivia has officially added Impressionism to her ever-growing list of interests, thanks to the lovely book, "Degas and the Little Dancer," written and illustrated by Lawrence Anholt. A sweet story of a young Parisian girl with big dreams, this book manages to introduce Degas and his artwork in a completely natural way, through the story. Unlike so much of what's out there these days, this book doesn't promise to make your kid the next Leonardo Da Vinci. Rather, it is a story worth reading in its own right, with the added bonus of an introduction to one of history's more celebrated artists.

We can't wait to read more in Anholt's Artists Books for Children series.

Olivia Pick--1 June 2008

Beach, beach, beach! She can't get enough of our pretty little piece of coastal heaven, and truthfully, I'm loving it too. But Girls of Summer need gear, right? Shade on the shore is a must, but you don't need to break the bank on a good beach umbrella. Castle building goes green with this Sand Play Set by Green Toys. Made from recycled plastic, this playset is manufactured, assembled and tested in the USA and is BPA and Pthalate-free. And no day at the beach is complete without snacks. This summer, skip the hot dogs and nachos and freeze some fresh fruit the night before, to keep it cooler, longer. Cut up watermelon, mango, pineapple or whatever your little one loves and freeze it. Then, pack it on ice for your day of fun in the sun! And Mamas, don't forget the sunscreen!

Olivia's Pick--25 May 2008

The sunshine is here, even if summer doesn't officially begin for a few more weeks. And Olivia can't get enough of just being outside. We spend hours sketching masterpieces, sculpting great works or just blowing bubbles. Before I know it, she'll be ready to ride with the big girls.