Little Tikes

Because I Have a Little Artist.

December 19, 2013 By Lena

Sometimes, as I look around my home, I am dismayed by the clutter produced by toys, gadgets and gizmos. I often joke with my husband that we have special sight filters that allow us to ignore the mess; thicker soles due to the torture of repeatedly stepping on errant cars, and stronger ab muscles from bending over 172 times per day to pick up a stray pencil crayon, a runaway Cheerio, or the dreaded, crumpled, discarded used tissue.

For a long time, I simply allowed myself to believe that kids will take over the home and there’s nothing that can be done about it. But then I realized that as my boys grew, they began to crave a space of their own. Slowly, the basement became a place to engage in imaginative play. Ryder’s bedroom became his corner nook to enjoy a good book. And Reid always, always wanted to be in the kitchen when he was in the mood for arts and crafts. Hence, when we received the Little Tikes I’m an Artist Station for review, I knew it would quickly become a family favourite.

“This uniquely designed, multi-functional art station features a cover for the table that doubles as a portable drawing surface. It even lights up for tracing. Little Tikes smart design gives I’m An Artist Station plenty of storage cubbies and a convenient place for hanging wet artwork and displaying the finished creation.”

Features:

Splatter table spins paper and paint. Includes splatter guard to minimize any mess.
Table cover converts to portable drawing table that lights up for tracing.
Convenient clip rack where artwork can hang up to dry and then be displayed.
Multiple spaces for storing art supplies. Sturdy stool and 4 paints included….

Ride & Relax… Oh Yeah. And Then Some.

August 2, 2013 By Lena

Meet my two boys. You may know them already; they’ve been prominently featured on my site for oh, the last five years or so. On the left is Ryder, and on the right, Reid. Of course, we also have several nicknames for them. This summer, it’s “The Whiner” and “Sir Good to Go”.

“The Whiner” – my son formerly known as Ryder – is 5 years old. He likes to kick soccer balls, drink apple juice, and complain about the heat. Oh, how he complains! In fact, we cannot recall a single event or day trip this summer where he didn’t schlep around whining about how hot he is.

“I’m tired,” he says.
“It’s too hot outside. I don’t want to walk anymore,” he says.
“Can I sit in Reid’s stroller? My legs hurt,” he says.

Yes, he is a professional whiner. His little brother, “Sir Good to Go”, has no problem getting out, running around and trudging through deep vegetation… but here’s the problem. He’s 3 years old, and he’s batsh*t CRAZY. Picture the Tasmanian Devil – got it. That’s Reid. So technically, we don’t want him getting out, running around and trudging through deep vegetation – we want him securely fastened so we can keep both eyes on him. To tell the truth, if child leashes weren’t so socially unacceptable, he’d be harnessed in a heartbeat.

Here’s the dilemma. Reid is the toddler who dislikes the stroller; Ryder is the kindergarten kid who wants to crawl in. I loathe taking the double stroller to theme parks and street festivals just because The Whiner doesn’t want to walk. So what’s a girl to do?

(Cue the parting of the heavens. If I could Photoshop a ray of light shining down on the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella, I would.)

Of course a wagon is the answer! It allows both boys to be comfy and secure, with the ease of jumping in/out whenever they’d like. And, the optional harness allows us to safely restrain Reid on bumpier terrain or near roads.

Now, just as I like my vehicles souped up and with options to the nines, you can bet I wouldn’t just settle for any wagon. Nope; it had to be a wagon with ALL the bells and whistles. And trust me, the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella delivers. Here’s why we love it….

Little Tikes Cookin’ Creations Kitchen #Giveaway

February 24, 2012 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This is a true story: A few weeks ago, I had plans on a Friday night. When my girlfriend called to confirm, I waffled a bit.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded.
“Oh nothing…” I answered.
“Well what’s the problem then? Pick you up at eight?”
“The truth is… I kinda want to stay home and put together this Little Tikes kitchen that arrived today…”

Okay, I know that I may have issues. But I also knew that my boys – who spend a lot of time engaging in pretend play – would be absolutely enthralled with the playset. I was really torn, but in the end I decided to be a good friend… and blow off my plans. After all, why party with girlfriends… when you can do THIS on a Friday night.

Now don’t be scared. Yes, when the good folks at Little Tikes sent us the Cookin’ Creations Kitchen to review, I didn’t exactly realize that it would arrive in about oh, a hundred pieces. Maybe more. The above picture was taken after an hour of work; the entire assembly took four (4) hours and sometimes required two people. But most of the time, I drank coffee and poured over the instructions while my husband manned the screwdriver. And so before we chat about the actual playset, I have this advice to offer:…