MommyCoddle

Show & Tell : Baby Bjorn Active Carrier

 THE WINNER IS:

Rebecca who said: Looks sweet and cozy!

Congratulations! I'll be in touch soon!

This will be my last Show & Tell for awhile, (more details to come) but it is one that I am really excited to share with you. 

I have always believed that a baby carrier is an essential piece of baby gear. Not only are there great benefits to wearing your baby, but there is also the reality that sometimes, with baby in tow, you still need to have your hands free.

So I was really excited to get to try out the new Active Carrier from BabyBjorn.

 

Ever since my pregnancy with Emma, I have had nagging lower back problems. And old college volleyball shoulders still plague me now and then, as well. This makes baby-wearing often uncomfortable for any length of time. So I am always on the lookout for a baby carrier that is comfortable and easy on my neck, back and shoulders. 

The Active Carrier, however has been extremely helpful with all my babywearing "issues". The carrier has sturdy padded straps that are comfortable, not digging into my shoulders and back. And the best part, to me, of this carrier is the extra lumbar support in the back that can be adjusted with the carrier straps.

 Among carriers that I've used, I believe this to be one of the easiest to transition into and get used to using. I have also found my children to adjust to it very easily, too. It can be used for newborns (8 pounds, 21 inches) and then transitioned into an outward facing position as baby grows older. 

And let's also not forget the great colors that the carrier comes in. (I finally decided to stop being neutral in all my baby gear and opted for the pink and navy!)

 And today, thanks to the generous folks at BabyBjorn, I have an Active Carrier to give away to one lucky MommyCoddle reader. Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. I'll announce the winner on Thursday. 

(Please note: This post is only open to US and Canada residents.BabyBjorn sent me an Active Carrier for this review.)

good finds + a giveaway

AND THE WINNERS ARE::::

One Year of Back Issues: Laura F.

One Year Subscription: Amanda

I'll be sending you an email shortly, to let you know that you've won! Congratulations!!

Both of the things I want to share with you today were supposed to be included in my week of "baby celebration", but because of timing, they didn't fit in the week. So I'm really happy to share them both with you today. 

The first is this great new bag called the Samantha Diaper Tote from Kokopax. It is my use-every-day diaper bag with Birdy and I love that fact that you'd never really know it was toting diapers and extra onesies and burp cloths, unless you peeked inside. So many people have commented on how much they love it's size, style, design without even guessing it falls under the category of "diaper bags". That's my kind of diaper bag. 

The bag is made of 100% cotton canvas with a water-resistant lining. It is full of pockets inside including a zipper pocket and elastic pocket for bottles or sipppy cups. It has a strong magnetic closure and is roomy without being cumbersome. I really love using it. 

Go to the Kokopax website and MommyCoddle readers can earn 10% off any order by entering the code mcoddle2010 . (Also check out their cute carriers--awesome prints and lightweight so you're not adding extra bulk besides the toddler already on your back! :)   

LIVING CRAFTS MAGAZINE

I've really scaled back my magazine subscriptions but one that I still really enjoy for it's inspiration, philosophy and ideas is Living Crafts magazine. 

 

"Living Crafts is a community of readers who value the work of their hands, use natural and organic materials, and live an authentically holistic lifestyle.

Living Crafts provides craft enthusiasts with the information, ideas and inspiration they need to support their desire for self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a natural lifestyle."

Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Living Crafts magazine, I am excited to give away one year of back issues and and one year subscription to Living Crafts magazine. Leave a comment on this post to be entered and I'll pick the two lucky winners on Friday! Good luck!

Show & Tell : Cariboo Folding Bassinet

   

About Cariboo:

Cariboo welcomes baby in sustainable style. All Cariboo designs are inspired by a commitent to the safety and protection of children and the environment. Handcrafted in rural Canterbury in New Zealand's South Island, the Cariboo line is constructed from sustainable, local materials including radiata pine and organic New Zealand wool.

My Thoughts:

Since Birdy was born, she has been sleeping in the Cariboo folding bassinet. I knew that I wanted a bassinet for her first few months so that she could sleep in my bedroom making nighttime feedings and daytime naps easy and convenient. I have always admired the simple, modern design of the Cariboo bassinet. And I especially love the convenience of this particular bassinet's ability to easily fold up and be moved from room to room, or even to travel (if I were so adventurous!) 

The bassinet comes with 100% cotton bassinet linens and is made from sustainable wood. It assembled in less than ten minutes (even with help from eager little hands) and it feels sturdy, safe and long-lasting. 

A GIVEAWAY!!

Thanks to the generous folks at Cariboo, one lucky MommyCoddle reader will receive a Cariboo Folding bassinet. Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, May 3rd.

Good luck! And happy weekend!!

 

Show & Tell : OhPlah! | Plan Toys | Mothering Magazine

 

A few other great finds that are catching my attention these days:

            

   

OhPlah! Teething Cuff

The teething cuff from OhPlah! is one of these great little ideas that are so simple, but so smart. It is a stylish cuff for moms to wear that is made from medical grade thermoplastic. This means that it is non-toxic, bacteria resistant, free of lead, latex, BPA, latex and phthalates. Wear it on your wrist and pass it off to your teething or fussy baby that needs something to chew on, twist, bend or play with to keep him or her happy and entertained. It is durable and flexible and it can easily be cleaned with soap and water. I have one myself and while Birdy isn't teething yet, I've been using it as a nursing reminder--wearing it on the wrist of whichever side I need to start on next. (with sleep-deprived mommy-brain you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget in these early days.) And know what else is great? When you are done with your teething cuff, you can visit the OhPlah! website to print out a prepaid postage sticker to return your cuff where it will be recycled by the company.

Plan Toys 

I have always been a big fan of Plan Toys. In fact, years ago, Emma's first big Christmas gift was this dollhouse. And while toys in our household have come and gone, her dollhouse still sits front and center in the living room and gets daily use. Plan Toys is a company that is continuing to make the classic, wooden toys that have become increasingly hard to find. Their vision statement so perfectly sums up what I love about their company :

We create toys that inspire children's imagination as well as promote their phyical and intellectual development. We're also proving that it is possible to maintain superior quality standards while steadfastly following a path of environmental and social responsibility.

We were recently sent this wooden matching game to review as part of Plan Toys new Spring line. It usually sits at our kitchen table and the girls play with it often. Sorting. Matching. Thinking. Another classic added to our collection.

More From PlanToys:

Baby Toys | Developmental Toys | Educational Toys | Wooden Toy

Mothering Magazine

 

When I first became pregnant with Emma, I remember going through moments of worry and fear about the journey ahead. Was I ready to be a mother? Was it too soon? How would I figure it all out? How would I know what to do?

And I can remember during many of those moments of concern, flipping through the pages of a Martha Stewart Baby magazine. Getting lost in the pages, I felt reassured and inspired. I felt like I could do this. 

I believe that magazines can serve a variety of roles in our lives. They can inspire, educate and encourage us, and help us find camaraderie and connection. Or they can can make us feel inadequate, ill-equipped, or lacking.

I believe that Mothering magazine is a publication that does the first--the educating, the inspiring, the encouraging. Mothering magazine is the first to introduce and reach out to the natural family lifestyle:

from their website:

Mothering celebrates the experience of parenthood as worthy of one's best efforts and fosters awareness of the immense importance and value of parenthood and family life in the development of the full human potential...We address contemporary health, personal, environmental, medical, and lifestyle issues in an upbeat, intelligent, compassionate, and courageous way...Each issue contains philosophical inspiration and practical advice about family living...Mothering is a family. We have an independent editorial spirit unmatched in the industry and a readership that is unmatched in responsiveness. Readers who read Mothering share many of the same values. Nowhere else will you find such proactive, passionate, and highly educated readers. In the pages of Mothering you will find an environment of credibility, trust, and authority.

A GIVEAWAY !!

Thanks to the generous friends at Mothering magazine, one lucky MommyCoddle reader will win a ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to MOTHERING magazine. Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. The winner will be announced on Monday, May 3rd.

I'll be back later this afternoon with one more GRAND FINALE giveaway! 

I can't wait!!!

Show & Tell : Dress Me Up

 

About Dress Me Up

Dress Me Up specializes in beautiful, organic toys for young children that are gentle and safe, and always art-inspired. They are a mama-made (not factory made) independent cottage industry located in Victoria BC, Canada. When you purchase from Dress Me Up, you are supporting their small company directly.

Their products are brought to life by owner, designer and creator Tressa Brotsky and her small team of craftswomen and mamas, all located in or near Victoria BC. Each organic soft toy, teether and baby linen is meticulously and responsibly handmade in small batches, ensuring confidence and loads of good, loving energy in every aspect of production.

 

My Thoughts:

I can't remember when I first discovered the Dress Me Up shop, but it has been on my radar for quite some time--one of those things I had stored away in my memory for the days when my next baby arrived, or when I needed a shower gift for someone special. I am always drawn to simple, classic baby toys and I love the "new take" that Dress Me Up puts on the classics. And it is purely icing on the cake that they are a small company, making handmade toys from organic and sustainable materials. After having the privilege of emailing back and forth with Tressa, I'm so happy I can share her amazing shop with all of you. 

One of Tressa's Organic Cloth balls is sitting on the bookshelf in Birdy's room waiting for the days when her little hands are coordinated enough to grab and play with it. And I can pretty much guarantee that when the time is right, I'll be adding one of the Rabbit Rattles or Teething BonBons to her toy basket as well.

 

A GIVEAWAY!!

Tressa is graciously offering one lucky MommyCoddle reader the chance to win one of her lovely organic cloth balls in the new Tree Ring Design (in blue). Simply leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. All winners from this week, chosen randomly, will be announced on Monday, May 3rd. 

(NOTE: This giveaway is for US residents only, please.)

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Show & Tell Disclaimer

  

 

Show & Tell : Aden + Anais

  

 

  
 

their story:

Aden + Anais has brought the legacy of muslin together with fashion forward design to create a line of products that are as stylish as they are useful; and as simple as they are beautiful. We believe in muslin--the way it looks, the way it feels, the way it works--to improve the lives of babies and their mothers no matter who they are or where they live. 

  

 about muslin:

When it came time to decide what fabric we would use in our products, and especially, in our swaddles we turned to the traditional practices of motherhood -- practices that transcend all boundaries of time and culture -- and chose muslin. Durable and gentle. Soft and strong. Breathable and comfortable. Time-tested and pure. Today, aden + anais is the steward of muslin's long legacy and ardent believers in its ability to bring mothers and babies closer together.

 
 my thoughts:

I have an aden + anais's cozy sleeping bag for Birdy and I really love it. The muslin is the perfect amount of warmth and protection on these chilly spring nights and it is comforting to have her "swaddled" in a sleep sac versus wrapped up in blankets. Not to mention the fact that I love the print and style. Aden + Anais has beautiful muslin products on their website, provides great instruction on swaddling babies (something I must perfect with my fussy baby number four) and is also doing great charitable work around the world. It is a company that is making helpful, healthy (and stylish) products for children, and also striving to do good in the world around them.

     

   

A GIVEAWAY!!

aden + anais is generously giving away a cozy sleeping bag in print and size of your choice to one lucky mommycoddle reader. simply leave a comment on this post to be entered. the winner will be announced on Monday, May 3rd.

For an extra entry, simply copy and "retweet" this line: 

@mommycoddle I'm giving away an @adenandanais cozy sleeping bag as part of a week of GREAT BABY GIVEAWAYS! http://bit.ly/amhOHf

then remember to come back and let us know that you did!

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Show & Tell disclaimer

Show & Tell : Ergo Baby Carriers

   

 

Their Story: from Karin Frost, ERGOBaby Creator

One of the greatest gifts anyone can be given is the opportunity to be a parent. I remember when my son was only a few days old, sound asleep in his bassinet; my strong desire to pick him up and hold him close to my heart dominated any other need. My mothering instinct to keep him safe, secure and content has always been my driving force, and when I started ERGObaby, my intention was to create a product line that would promote and enhance the ability of parents to safely and comfortably keep their babies close to them as often as possible. Eight years later, my research into the science behind babywearing has affirmed my mothering instincts. I know, beyond a doubt, that bonding with and nurturing our babies from infancy with the help of babywearing is absolutely the best way.

   

 

My Thoughts:

If I had to make a short list of baby necessities, a baby carrier would definitely make it in the top five. To me, they truly are a necessity--not only for the convenience of hands-free time, but also for the bonding and comfort of wearing my babies close to my chest. 

With almost each child, I have to confess to trying a different style carrier. So one could say that I have a lot of experience! But my biggest complaint with each of the carriers was the strain these popular brands put on my back and shoulders. When a good friend introduced me to the ERGO Baby Carrier, I had a feeling that this would be the perfect carrier to comfortably carry my babies from birth to the days when they were happily toted around on my back. 

   

And as most of you know, my first few weeks with Birdy have been tough. Trying to get to the root of her fussiness has meant long days with an inconsolable baby. And in most cases, I have found that snuggling her into the extremely soft and comfortable Infant Insert (which is much like swaddling her) and putting her in the ERGO baby carrier calmed her. And it has given me times of quiet and peace with her. (Not to mention a chance to get a few things done around the house.) It is comfortable, easy to put on and I have felt no strain on my neck, back or shoulders. And most importantly, Birdy is peaceful and comfortable.

A GIVEAWAY!!

Thanks to the generous folks at ERGOBaby, one lucky MommyCoddle reader will receive an ERGObaby Infant Insert and baby carrier. Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered and one random winner will be selected and announced on Monday, May 3rd.

For ONE extra entry do one of the following and then come back here to leave another comment letting us know that you did:

Follow ERGObaby on Twitter

Become a Fan on Facebook

the winners

Despite my late posting today, the power is on and the storm has passed. Now the cleaning and clearing fun can begin...

The winners of the Moleskine giveaway are :

Deb who said:

My kids love them because of the famous people they know who also used them :)

and

Kristin who said:

oh, I would love to win! I've never even had a moleskin, and I keep hearing people rave about them!

Congratulations! Please send me an email with your contact information and we'll work out all the shipping details. 

Show & Tell : moleskine

  

 
 

 I have a problem. Maybe even an addiction. And I'm pretty sure this is a safe place to admit it. To come clean. Because something tells me there are other addicts among us. 

I am addicted to journals and planners. All things organizational. All that blank space for ideas and lists. 

It used to be that almost any journal could suck me in --lined, unlined, spiral, hardbound, wide ruled, college ruled...

  

 

But with time and experience and as I've honed my addiction, I've come to realize that there is one company that just gets it right. That has managed to think of all the things I want in a journal/planner -- from a tiny pocket in the back, to the "feel" of the page, to the amount of writing space. 

That company would be Moleskine. They have really managed to capture the perfect balance between planner space and journal space, and they do both very well. 

 

 

So I am really excited this morning to be able to offer a bundle of moleskine goodies to TWO lucky mommycoddle readers.  

 

 

Each bundle will include a Color-A-Month calendar and a pocket sized address book, as well as a few other tidbits, that I know you'll use and enjoy. 

Be sure to check out all that Moleskine has to offer as well as their new colors--blues, pinks? I love it.

In order to enter, simply leave a comment on this post and I'll announce the two random winners on Thursday. Good luck!

*Please note: I will be shipping out the winner's prizes myself, so I am asking each winner to pay for shipping (via paypal). Please be sure you are willing to do this, before you enter. Some of the products have been removed from their clear plastic packaging for "inspection" for my review, but are in perfect condition, otherwise. 

Show & Tell : Wonderfluff

  

Today's Show & Tell is sure to add a little inspiration to your fabric stash. Liz Scott is the fabric designer behind the amazingly fun and inspired etsy shop, Wonderfluff.

 
I asked Liz to share a bit about herself and her shop :

I was born and raised in Michigan, and now I reside in Los Angeles. I'm a 33 year old Capricorn living with my husband and one gray cat named Zipper. I am a graphic designer by day and a freeform stuff maker by night. Whenever I see a fabric swatch from the late sixties or vintage scandinavian cookware, my heart beats a bit faster. I love to paint, draw, sew and constantly rework the look and feel of all the rooms in my apartment. I've always made stuff and I always will because it gives me peace and energy at the same time. 

I make what I like and what I enjoy making. I strive for expression in my work, not perfection (that part is hard sometimes). I am consistently drawn to all that is bold and graphic. I love rambunctious color palettes, optical illusions, repetition and insane amounts of detail. I’ve been like this for as long as I can remember.

Today Liz is giving away four fat quarters to one MommyCoddle reader from her new collection called "Sugar Pop"(seen below). 

  

Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing. I'll announce the winner on Thursday! 

A little more about the fabrics in the Wonderfluff shop :

  

 All fabric designs are available in the following fabric types:

• -Quilting Weight Cotton
• -Upholstery Weight Cotton Twill
• -Organic Cotton Sateen
• -Organic Cotton Interlock Knit
• -Bamboo Cotton Rayon
• -Linen-Cotton Canvas

 
All fabrics are available in sample size, fat quarter, half yard, and full yard increments. Multiple yardage is also available.

If you would like a certain design in a different fabric or a different amount than listed in the shop, please convo or email me and I can create a custom listing. Special orders do take approximately 2 weeks for delivery from time of order depending on your location.

Liz is also offering MommyCoddle readers a 15% discount in her shop, beginning today and running through the end of the month. Simply enter "MOMMYCODDLE" in the notes to seller box and Liz will refund you the discount via paypal, right away.

Liz's Website

blog

fabric shop

art shop

on flickr

email

 

show & tell : blush

  

 *note: this post isn't just for the "prego" people among us, read all the way to the end!*

While pregnancy has a number of woes and ailments that I'll refrain from listing here, my biggest daily, even hourly, even minute-ly (is that a word?) annoyance is the falling down jeans. And while I welcome the addition of some stretch to my denim, I loathe the way it causes my jeans to sag and slouch. 

If you cared to follow me around the house, this is what you'd see:

step. step. step. hike up the jeans. step. step. step. hike up the jeans.

It makes me crazy. On top of that, I have a few shirts or sweaters that I love and don't want to part with despite my long torso and growing belly. But the last thing I want to see on my pregnant self in the middle of winter is too much skin. 

So when I stumbled upon Blush Topless Undershirts, I was immediately intrigued. Pregnant or not, here's the solution to many wardrobe problems. 

 

The layered look without the extra bulk.

Get more wear out of shirts that shrank in the wash.

Long torso? Tees never long enough? Get just the right amount of length you want.

Pregnant? Tempted to unbutton that top button on your favorite pair of jeans? Hide it and hold 'em up.

Nursing? Lift your shirt without exposing all kinds of skin. :) 

  

 The nice people at Blush sent me a maternity undershirt to try and I have to say it was really comfortable and exactly what I'm needing at this stage in my pregnancy. But I can also see how I'd really love having one, even if not sporting an expanding belly.

And not only did I get to try one, Blush is also giving away one to a lucky reader**. Leave a comment to be entered. I'll announce the winner on Thursday.

Didn't win the giveaway? Can't wait for the results?

Use the coupon code : welovebloggers to get 20% off your order of two or more undershirts.

Good luck!

Blush website

Blush on Facebook

Blush on Twitter

**please note: winner can choose size, but not color.**

Show & Tell : ReproDepot Pattern Books

 
I'm sure many of you have seen the new ReproDepot pattern books--Flora and Folk -- floating around blog land. They are truly amazing books that come with a CD containing more than 200 patterns that you can print and craft away with. They have the wonderful appeal and charm of vintage-inspired design and graphics. I love them. I'm already thinking of a million things I could do with the patterns--silhouettes of the girls, a paper chain advent calendar for the holidays, Christmas cards, or a new blog banner, perhaps?

The images have some licensing restrictions--they are intended for personal use, though there is a small provision for individual craftspeople to make limited edition handmade items for resale using the patterns. The details of those terms are provided in the back of the book.

The designs included in the books have been selected by ReproDepot founder, Djerba Goldfinger, and the book also contains several inspired project ideas and tutorials created by Mollie Green.

Though it will be hard to part with, I have one copy of the Flora Pattern book, that I'd like to giveaway to one MommyCoddle reader. *But there is one tiny catch--I am personally shipping out the book, it is not coming directly  from Chronicle Books, so I'm asking the winner to be willing to pay shipping charges. Thank you!*

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of one of these books that offer unlimited crafting potential, leave a comment, I'll announce the winner on Monday.

Show & Tell : Lettergirl

I am excited today to share with you a little bit about one of this month's sponsors, Lettergirl. Gina makes lovely hand-lettered stamps to be used in a variety of ways from bookplates to return addresses on envelopes to custom invitations and stationery. 

I asked Gina to share a little bit about herself, her shop and what inspires her :

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Minneapolis with my husband, Peter and our two kids, Juilet is 11 and Forest is 8. We live in a 105-year old Victorian fixer-upper near the Mississippi River. I love making things--and like many crafty people, that goes back to when I was a child. I have always loved reading and sewing and cooking and trying new things.

How did you get started with Lettergirl?

I have been a designer for 17 years through my business, Dreamland. I started by designing our wedding invitation (18 years ago this week!). A friend came to our wedding and asked me to design their invitation. A friend of hers then asked me to design for her...Within a few years I was designing close to 100 invitation suites in a year -- all hand-lettered and hand-painted. Dreamland evolved through the years to include birth announcements, holiday cards, everyday stationery, and for the last year, my online shop, lettergirl.

How do you balance it all? When do you fit in your creative time?

One of my most favorite things about self-employment is the flexibility I have during the day. I can help at my kids' schools, buy groceries when the store isn't so hectic, or go for a bike ride if I need to get outside. I have to balance that with a few late nights or early mornings, but I am so grateful to even have that option. I have the most energy in the morning, and am still trying to figure out how to work in more personal creative time then. In the meantime, I love keeping an Idea Journal, where I jot down all the things I want to make "someday".

What inspires you?

Other artists absolutely inspire me. I have been obsessed with Alabama Chanin since a trip to NY in spring 2008, and have made almost a dozen clothing items entirely by hand thanks to her. I love quilts by Cher Cartwright and cookbooks by Ina Garten With limited time (two kids! old house! business to run! volunteer projects! older parents!) I am learning to let others do what they do best...instead of making that little pouch I needed, I bought on etsy from mintworkshop. I have lots of things on my favorites list right now!

Gina's Blog   :   Gina's Lettergirl Shop

And today, Gina was kind enough to offer one her custom family name stamps to one lucky MommyCoddle reader. Simply leave a comment in this post to be entered in the giveaway. And I will announce the winner on Friday!

Good luck! And thank you, Gina!

Show & Tell : The Vintage Pearl

I am so excited to share this shop with you this afternoon--because as I sit here at my kitchen table writing this post, I'm wearing a little goodness around my neck from this very talented mother and artist.

Erin of The Vintage Pearl, was one of my lovely sponsors for the month of August and she emailed me about working together on a Show & Tell for mommycoddle readers. 

Erin's shop is absolutely lovely and full of so many beautiful classic creations. They are timeless, and make wonderful gifts.  Lately, I am really loving the idea of giving personalized jewelry as gifts--whether it be for a friend, a mother, a newlywed, or even our children. (Shhh, but I'm already thinking my older two might be ready for their own simple necklace this Christmas.)

Erin is a mother of four children. She makes her hand-stamped jewelry, keeps a lovely blog and shop and also takes beautiful photographs. I asked Erin to share a little bit about herself :

How did you get started making jewelry?

After my daughter was born (after having 2 boys) I started tinkering around with how to make jewelry for her and I to wear. I started with beading and soldering charms before discovering hand stamping. I love playing with new materials and figuring out new techniques!

How do you balance it all?

Balance can be really hard sometimes! It's probably my biggest obstacle. I try to work during naptimes and I work a lot of late nights after all 4 kids are in bed. My husband is very supportive and if I need to get orders done he will take the kids out for a few hours. My family is very close and we love to be together... I also love my job and work hard to keep up with it all. Sometimes, especially during busy seasons, it's hard to do both! But we make it work :)

And I'm so happy to tell you that Erin is giving one lucky mommycoddle reader their choice of one item from her beautiful shop! Yup, that's right. Your choice of any item from The Vintage Pearl.

You know how it works: Pop over to Erin's shop and have a look around. Come back and leave a comment letting us know what catches your eye, and you'll be entered in the giveaway. I will randomly choose and announce a winner on Monday.

Good luck!  And thank you, Erin for such a sweet giveaway!

Show & Tell : Crafting Fun, Cooking Fun

I have to confess, I judged these books by their covers. When Rae Grant contacted me to see if I'd be interested in review copies of her two new books, I took one look at the covers--with their vintage illustrations and drawings and immediately said yes. They reminded me of the old go-to Betty Crocker cookbook from my childhood.

And when I got them in hand, the goodness went beyond what was on the outside. I like Rae's note to families on the first few pages:

Crafting Fun : 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids is a collection of classic childhood projects that kids and families can use all year long. It's a ticket back to a less busy time, and a reminder of how much fun it can be to make and do simple things.....Like a family dinner, crafting brings kids and parents together and allows for a quality time that the TV or computer just can't provide.

The first Book, Crafting Fun: 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids , is a collection of classic crafts categorized by season. Though many are new, some are the time-honored, best-loved crafts of our childhood. The book has clear, simple directions that make it easy enough for even the youngest crafter to be involved, and older crafters to work through independently. Animal track casting, seashell candles, natural dyes, paper chains, and tinsel stars, there is definitely something for everyone.

Her next book, Cooking Fun: 121 Simple Recipes to Make with Kids would make a great first cookbook, gift, or addition to any kitchen library. I love (and appreciate) the helpful sections at the beginning which give how-to's and insights on kitchen tools, measuring, cooking terms, equipment and equivalents. Baked apples, heirloom brownies, icebox cookies--can you tell which section my children turned to first? Aside from yummy desserts, the book is filled with great recipes to make with your children in the kitchen.

Find Rae's blog here at My Little Hen

and her Author's website : Crafting Fun For Kids

I have one copy of each of Rae's books to giveaway this weekend. Leave a comment on this post and I will pick and announce the two random winners on Monday.

Happy Weekend, friends!