Blogging Hiatus

9/17/14

 

Dear Friends,

It’s been a few weeks since my last post. That was intentional. I’ve been busy with Back-to-School/Work, the yoga studio, etc. While it’s nice to get back into a routine, it’s just a reminder of how quickly time continues to fly. My baby girl turned 8 last week. She started 3rd grade and absolutely loves her teacher…so do I! It’s going to be a good year for her.  I’ve heard from several friends and colleagues how significant 3rd grade can be. I think it has a little to do with being able to remember more from that year. It was very memorable for me. I don’t have much recollection of anything before 2nd grade….but 3rd? I remember my wonderful teacher Mrs. Pahoundis, the ice cream scoop book report chart, the reading cave in her classroom, my best friend Carissa (who is still my best friend!), my first crush, and a trip to Colombia. I also think that the step from 3rd to 4th is huge…I see it in the kids I teach now. There is something still so innocent and young about the 3rd graders, but as the year progresses you see so much growth…physically, intellectually and emotionally. It’s hard to believe, let alone accept, that my little one is growing up….

All Summer I anticipated writing this post. Last year was so busy for me that I think I stretched myself too thin (almost!). The reality hit me within the first couple days of vacation. When I realized that I had to almost force myself to relearn how to relax, I knew something had to change. So as I basked in the California (hottest!) Summer sun, I vowed that this school year would be different. I don’t want to forget what’s truly important. I don’t want to lose the beautiful connection I have with my baby girl. I don’t want to miss a single beat. I’ve been grateful that the school she started at this last year has been a good fit for her, but I do miss our days of homeschooling, taking field trips and running errands together. The days seemed longer then. I still do hold on to the idea of homeschooling again soon, but for now things are working out the way they are.  I am super proud of her….this year she has joined the Dance Company at her dance school. She is so excited that they will be performing at a 76ers half time show! It’s everything to me to see her face light up when she tells whoever she can. lol. I want her to flourish and be all that she can be and never lose that positive energy and confidence she has. I know that in order to support and guide her I need to make sure that I am truly available to her. So, for now, it means setting aside quality family time, reprioritizing, learning how to say no, and taking a little more time for me.  After all, I don’t want to lose myself either.

So I take this time to thank all of those who have spent a few minutes reading my posts. I truly appreciate the support. I have had an amazing time sharing my thoughts, reviewing products so I can report back, and connecting with other moms out there that are also busy trying to juggle it all for the love of our families. I appreciate all of the opportunities and while blogging has been a fun outlet, many of you know that it can also be very time consuming. Therefore, the time has come for me, not to say goodbye, but see you later. Wishing you all health, love and happiness!

Until next year,

~Dee

 

Back-to-School with CLIFKid

Last year I shared my love for CLIF Kid snacks with you (to read post: Click Here). My family and I have been a big fan of their Zbars for a while now. Well, with back-to-school around the corner, I could not pass up the chance to share their latest product with you…CLIF Kid Zbar Protein! These nutritious snack bars are made with organic whole grains and contain 5 grams of protein. They are also a great source of calcium, fiber, iron, zinc and vitamin D. They do not contain any high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, preservatives or artificial flavors. They are also low in calories, fat and sugar. They are a great alternative to conventional granola bars, snacks and sweets that are filled with sugar and unhealthy ingredients.

Zbar Protein is available in 3 flavors: Chocolate chip, Chocolate Mint (my daughter’s favorite!) and Peanut Butter Chocolate (my favorite!).  All three are super yummy…your kids won’t even know they’re actually good for them. A box of 5 sells for approximately $4.99…just around 99 cents per bar!

Zbar makes a great addition to your child’s lunch. It can also be used as an after-school snack, fuel for after-school activities, or a post-practice recovery snack. It is essential that growing, active children get their daily intake of nutrients in order to perform and flourish. I don’t know about you, but this is the type of snack bar I am happy to pack in my little girl’s lunchbox…

So, in honor of Back-to-School, I would like to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to be a “lunchbox hero.”  Be the first to leave a comment below sharing your most creative healthy lunchbox snack and you will win a half dozen variety of the new CLIF Kid Zbar Protein snack bars…simple as that!

For more info on CLIF Kid visit the Website or follow them on Facebook, and Pinterest.

 

 

Final Ecocentric Mom Review

 

Yes, sadly, this will be my last Ecocentric Mom review. I have had such a great time being a part of the expert blogger team and receiving goodies to review and share with you, but my time has come to move on. This past year was a very busy one and after some R&R this Summer, I’ve realized the need to slow down a bit. With a new school year around the corner, I am looking forward to new projects and responsibilities. However, the focus on my priorities and time management will be much clearer. Family comes first and Ecocentric Mom has played a big role for me in making sure I do not forget that.

As a busy mom it can be difficult to find the time to ensure you are providing your family (and yourself!) with the healthiest and safest options. That’s where Ecocentric Mom subscription boxes can help. Every other month you will get a box of organic, natural and healthy products right at your doorstep. You can discover and learn about some of the healthiest snacks, safest bath products and cosmetics, and so much more.

Being a Birth and Postpartum Doula, I want to make sure I keep up-to-date with what’s out there for new moms and little ones too. So, without further ado, check out the great products I received in my July/August “Mom-to-Be” Ecocentric Mom Box…..

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Foundation ~ this has become one of my favorite make-up lines thanks to Ecocentric Mom. I’ve tried their lipstick and glosses and love them. While I’m not a foundation fan, this stuff works great….super lightweight, all-natural and contains SPF-28. I received a 3 pack travel size worth $1.40.

Savannah Red Lip Balm ~ this balm comes in a variety of flavors. I received the Beautiful Sugar and love how it smells. Best of all, the natural and organic ingredients leave my lips feeling so soft. One tube of lip balm sells for $2.99. I also received a 20% online discount code.

Bears Beauty Belly Balm ~ This organic skincare line will be a great recommendation for my doula clients. Hand-made, chemical free and made with organic hemp oil, this vegan belly balm is a safe choice for your baby. I received a travel size balm worth $1.50 and a 15% online discount code.

Bathtime Baby Hair & Body Wash ~ Another great recommendation for my doula clients, this baby skincare line is free of parabens, glycols, petroleum, sulfates, fragrances, dyes, and all that toxic stuff that can be harsh and damaging to your baby’s delicate skin. It is made with organic plant and fruit extracts, nourishing vitamins, antioxidants, and other ingredients that are safe and gentle and care for your little one. Bathtime Baby is also made in the U.S.A., is vegan and comes in BPA & Phthalate free packaging. I received a 3 oz. bottle which sells for $7.50, along with a 20% online discount code.

Water Wipes All-Natural Baby Wipes ~ This is the second time I receive Water Wipes in my Ecocentric Mom Box…but I’m not complaining! In fact, they are the brand I recommend the most. These are truly the purest baby wipes ever…made with 99.9% water and just a drop of fruit extract. I received a 10 wipe travel pack which sells for 99 cents. They can now be found at most major retailers, including walgreens.com and diapers.com.

Happy Baby Meal Time Board Book ~ This adorable book would make a great gift for any new mom and baby, especially when it is time to introduce solid foods to your little one. The bright pictures and clever words will keep baby entertained and expose him or her to meal time fun and reading. The board book sells for $9.95.

eInvite Sample Personalized Cards & Stationery ~ I received 5 sample fold top cards and a 20% online discount code which introduced me to eInvite.com. The site offers a great line of personalized stationery. You will find baby related stationary, like shower invitations and birth announcements, all customizable and all made in the USA. Visit http://www.einvite.com for more info.

AROMAFLAGE Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent ~ Now that I’m back on the East Coast for the end of Summer and its humidity, I will definitely be putting this to use to keep those pesky mosquitoes away. It is free of synthetic fragrances, parabens and other toxic chemicals. The cedar wood, vanilla, citrus and Vitamin E combination even make it smell good, unlike most natural insect repellents. I received a travel size sample worth $3.75.

The Natural Suburban Spices and Teas ~ I received a sample of “Summer Herb Garden Savory Spice”, as well as “Need a Little Sunshine in my Day Tea.” While I have not used either yet, I love that they are handcrafted, all-organic blends. I also received a 20% online discount code.

Yogavive Apple Chips ~ Last, but certainly not least (considering I opened these first!), I received a regular bag of chocolate flavored apple chips. Not sure if it was the chocolate or the Yoga that caught my attention first. Regardless, this healthy snack is made with USDA certified organic Fuji apples and are 100% fat free…tasty too! A bag sells for $4.49.

There you have it…another box of great finds, thanks to Ecocentric Mom. If you are thinking of signing up for a subscription box service, I highly recommend you give them a try. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

For more information and to subscribe visit the Ecocentric Mom website.

Playmaker Nutrition Giveaway!

In my May/June Ecocentric Mom boxes review, I mentioned how excited I was to receive 2 full size bottles of Playmaker Nutrition. This line of dietary supplements is designed for active kids and teens and is endorsed by some very famous athletes. Finding the right vitamin for my active 7 year old daughter has been one of my biggest battles in the past few years. We’ve gone from the teddy bear gummies to chewables to trying to get her to swallow capsules. The problem is, many supplements out on the market are full of sugar, preservatives and other fillers. Thanks to Playmaker Nutrition, we have finally found something we both like! She loves the taste of both the Playmaker Nutrition (Sugar-free!) Multi-Vitamin, as well as the Calcium-Vitamin D. I love that their products are made with all natural colors and flavors and are free of preservatives, corn syrup and added sugars. Playmaker Nutrition is also free of gelatin, gluten, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts and animal derivatives.  While we may do our best to eat balanced, healthy meals, it is always a good idea to supplement with vitamins to ensure our active children are getting all the nutrition they need. At only $13.99 per bottle, Playmaker Nutrition is also a great value! You can find Playmaker Nutrition products in their webstore or nationwide at The Vitamin Shoppe, Sprouts, Whole Foods (SoCal, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii) and Kroger’s chain of stores.

Wait…it gets better!

I am happy to announce the opportunity for my readers to win a free 3 pack of Playmaker Nutrition Products! Just click the link below to enter the Raffle and you can win a full size bottle of the Sugar-Free Multivitamin, the Calcium-Vitamin D, and the Immunity Vitamin C. That’s over a $42 value!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Raffle ends on Tuesday, June 29th 2014 at 11:59 pm (est). One winner will be randomly selected and all entries will be verified. Winner must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States. Please provide a valid email so you may be easily contacted within 24 hours or another winner will be chosen. Good Luck! 

 

For more info on Playmaker Nutrition visit their Website

or

Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube

Reflections…

Happy Anniversary!

You registered on WordPress.com 3 years ago!

Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging!

I received the message above in an email yesterday. It made me realize a couple of things and somewhat inspired me to write and share a more personal post. For starters, wow, time flies! So much can happen in such a short amount of time and certain things seems like a distant memory. Still, when looking back, I can’t believe how fast time is flying. Someone make it stop!  Just last year, at this time, I was getting ready to finish up my 2nd year of homeschooling my daughter. Today, I’m in shock that her first year in a “traditional” school is almost over. I was so torn about having to go back to work and send her off to school. However, as usual, things have a way of working themselves out. I mean, landing a gig as the Spanish Teacher at her school was a pretty damn good sign that I was doing the right thing….for now. 🙂

She loves her school and has had a great year making new friends and learning new things. I would still do anything to be able to homeschool again…and I still keep that option open for the near future. But for now, I am so comforted in seeing how things have just fallen into place over the last few years.  Seeing her become an even more beautiful and bright little lady is what motivates me to keep working hard to realize my dreams. This way, I hope to inspire her and help her make her own dreams come true.  So now, with the month of May basically here, I count down the days for the school year to officially end. You can be certain, however, that the learning won’t stop!

As I get ready to finish up my Postpartum Doula Certification, I will also make sure to set aside some time for the little and I to do some “Summer Homeschooling.” I think it’s important to review a little during the Summer months to reinforce and help kids retain what they have learned. You can do this in so many different ways, from reading books to visiting parks, zoos and museums. I am especially excited because I was recently introduced to a special online program designed for elementary school students and had to share with you….

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I’ve been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.  Once we get started on it , I’ll make sure to report back on how it went! Thanks for taking the time to read this post. 🙂

Have a Green Easter

Easter is around the corner and you may want to consider some safer, healthier alternatives for your kids. While conventional Easter egg kits seem convenient and easy, they are loaded with toxic chemicals that are harmful to your family. The following infographic from Door t0 Door Organics shows just how simple it is to create a variety of dye colors using simple and natural ingredients.  Think of it as an art and cooking lesson all in one! For more ideas on how to make your Easter safe and fun, check out my article from last year Happy Eco-Friendly Easter. Enjoy your holiday!

March and April Goodies for Mom

I’ve been enjoying some great new products the past couple of weeks, thanks to my Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box. Every other month I anticipate what new and useful products I’m going to find. With Mother’s Day coming up next month, you should really consider gifting yourself or a special mom in your life a subscription to Ecocentric Mom. Just look at all the amazing things I received in my March/April Box…

2 Degrees Food Bar ~It was a nice treat to find this healthy food bar in my Ecocentric Mom Box. I actually tried one for the first time just a few weeks ago and liked it very much. It’s not just tasty, but also vegan, non-GMO, gluten free and Kosher. The bars are made with Heritage Grains like quinoa, chia and millet. What I like most about 2 Degrees Food is that they donate a meal to a child in need for every bar sold. I received one bar in the Cherry Almond flavor which sells for $1.99.

BrewLeaf Organic Tea ~ I love trying new teas. I received a sample pack of caffeine-free Roman Provence Rooibos Tea by BrewLeaf. The tea leaves smelled fresh and the tea tasted fruity and yummy.  A regular 2 ounce bag can brew up to 25 cups and sells for $6.99 – $8.99. I also received a 20% online discount.

BluApple ~ Another great surprise! I’ve been meaning to purchase something to help my produce last a little longer in the fridge for a while now. BluApple is a safe and effective way to do just that. The apple-shaped blue gadget absorbs the ethylene gas that fruits and veggies emit, allowing them to last up to three times longer. I’m still testing the product out, but after a week my tomatoes still look good! A pack of 2 Bluapples sells for $9.99. I received one BluApple Sample Kit.

Oatmeal Grapefruit Face Wash Powder by Homespun Northwest ~ Talk about literally feeding your skin…this powder is made of ground organic oats, Kaolin clay and grapefruit essential oil. Just a pinch of it mixed in with a little water creates a face wash that is perfect for any skin type. Homespun Northwest also make a variety of natural and vegan, home, baby and other beauty products. I received a travel size of face wash powder which sells for $3.50. A regular 4 ounce size sells for $7 and there is a certified gluten-free version that sells for $8. I also got a 10% online discount code.

House Blend Organics Coconut Body Wash ~ Right now we have everything from coconut oil to coconut cereal in our home. A coconut body wash was very welcomed…and I am loving the House Blend Organics version. It has a nice, light coconut smell and rich lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Best of all, its ingredient list simply consists of organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, along with organic aloe vera and rosemary extract. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from dry skin and/or eczema and other skin issues. A regular 8 oz bottle sells for $14.95. I received a travel size bottle and a 15% online discount code.

MarieNatie All-Natural Lip Gloss ~ This came at the perfect time. I recently lost my favorite lip gloss and this Cotton Candy shade from MarieNatie matches almost perfectly. Best of all, it is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, phthalates and petro-chemicals. I’m going to have to check out the rest of the cosmetic line too. A full size lip gloss sells for $18. I received a travel size gloss, which sells for $5, and a 20% discount code.

Treefort Naturals Comfrey Salve ~ This all-purpose salve is sure to come in handy now that the warm weather is setting in and those pesky mosquitos and bug bites are coming back. The Comfrey Salve is handmade with natural and organic ingredients, containing only organic olive oil infused with comfrey and calendula, beeswax, and lavender essential oil. A full size tin sells for $8. I received a travel size tin and a 20% online discount.

Bach Original Flower Remedies ~ This line of natural remedies is a system of 38 plant and flower based essences developed by Dr. Bach. By placing a few drops in your water, you can help manage the emotional demands of everyday life. I received a bottle of Elm which “restores your normal strength and optimism when you are temporarily overwhelmed or burdened by responsibility.” This couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve been extremely busy lately and counting down to my few days of break for the Easter holiday. Call it coincidence, but after a hectic week and placing a few drops in my water bottle each day, I did not feel as stressed and had a very productive and positive week. J I received a regular size bottle of essence, which sells for $19.98, and a $4 online coupon.

Powernap 2-CD Set ~ Someone is definitely trying to tell me to relax! 😉 I am definitely not much of a napper, but this CD set may convert me. In the first disc, you can choose from 3 long “naps” or two 5 minute programs. Each “nap” ends with chimes and a gentle voice to wake you. The second CD contains 19 songs with guitar and piano melodies that can help you sleep, relax, meditate, or even just get your creativity flowing. I actually plan to incorporate these CDS into the yoga classes I currently teach. The CD set sells for only $9.99.

Eco-Friendly Organic Acai Seed Bead Hair Barrette by Terri Jean’s Adornments ~ My daughter snagged this one from me! The hair barrette is very unique and I love knowing that it was designed with animals, nature and the environment in mind. It’s nice to see the growing trend in jewelry and accessories made with fruit seeds and other eco-friendly materials. One small barrette like this one sells for $5 on Etsy. I also received a 15% discount code.

Sport Suds Laundry Detergent ~ This detergent is formulated to completely get out odor-causing bacteria, oils and dirt from fabrics and leave them free of any residue. Best of all, it is biodegradable, made with natural ingredients and is non-toxic. I have yet to give this laundry detergent a try, but plan to use it this week on the hubby’s gym clothes. I received 2 sample packets and a 20% disount code. Prices for regular size jars, pouches and tubs range from $20.95-$59.95.

Along with discovering so many new and great products, I also received a $10 gift card for ESSIO, the world’s first aromatherapy diffuser for the shower.  Of course, my Ecocentric Mom box would not be complete without the March/April Expert Tips card. It included: Tips for a Safe and Non-Toxic Vacation by Kathy Scoleri and A Healthy and Tasty Lunch Recipe by Alysa Bajenaru.

This Mother’s Day, I highly recommend you give Ecocentric Mom a try. You end up getting so much more than you paid for…and who doesn’t love getting a surprise package in the mail? 😉

Your Child’s First Pet

What Should Your Child’s First Pet Be? (Guest Post)

It has been said that giving your child a pet to take care of will help him or her learn what being responsible is about. As a first time mom to this kind of parenting, it may be quite difficult to match your child to the right pet. The ideal age for a child to own a pet is 7 years old and up. However, starting at age 5 or 6 can be also be okay, as long as you know what you are up for! Caring for even the littlest of pets requires supervision from adults.

To help you with the decision making process, here are some ideas and tips for each potential pet:

Dogs

We all know that canines are the most popular animals to own as pets. Man’s best friend indeed, because it is a companion pet which your child can interact with. Before owning one, you need to know first if your child can be counted on to do tasks for his pet such as feeding the dog and filling up its water supply. Dogs need high maintenance because they need daily exercise, toilet training, and a lot of caring. The best dog breeds to own as pets are Beagle, Golden Retriever, Maltese, Pug, Shih tzu, and Poodle, to name a few. If you live in a smaller house or in an apartment, it would be best to choose smaller breeds. Be careful when considering breeds known as being aggressive, such as Rottweiler and Doberman. They may not be suitable for young children.

Cats

Compared to canine, the moody domestic feline is perfect for a nurturing child who does not really mind being ignored every now and then. The best breed for household cats are the Persian cats, Abyssinians, Burmese, Birmans, Manx, Ragdolls and Somalis. Stray kittens that are usually of multiple breeds could grow up to be a very good companion and a pest controller too.

Birds

Consider the Myna birds. My neighbor used to have one, and it was a main attraction especially for kids who passed by. Myna birds pick up people’s voice as well as intonation and expressions. Birds are perfect for children who are keen observers of animal behavior. If you decide for a pet bird, you need to be sure that you and your child are prepared for the commitment because birds can possibly live a long time. Finches and canaries are simple to maintain and could be fascinating for your child. These types don’t care much for human attention and interaction, so it would be better to get several to provide them company. Parakeets are known to develop a strong connection with their owners and can learn to talk too. My uncle has one and does not put it in a cage. He just lets it fly around but it eventually comes back to him some time before sunset.

Goldfish

Goldfish as pets may look easy to maintain because they don’t need toilet-training and walking, but the biggest challenge is to keep them alive! The germy waste-filled bowl or tank needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained. You also need to regularly supply aerated water. Fish are best for first time pet owners.

Small Mammals

Small mammals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits are popular pet choices. They are known for their cuteness, being harmless and clever. Pocket pets like these are ideal for families that spend most of their time outside the house. If you think that you and your child are not ready yet to take care of a cat or a dog, then having this type of pet is a good compromise for kids who are excited to have animals in the house.

~Ghezzi is a full-time work at home mom. She is a contributor at pregg.net, a blogazine for newbie as well as experienced parents. Pregg.net believes that parenting is something you never stop learning. Ghezzi is mom to her 5 year old daughter who is doing quite well in school. They both love to dine out and watch animated films.

Hyland’s New DEFEND

I am a big promoter and believer of homeopathic and natural remedies. Since my 7 year old was an infant, I have relied on the Hyland’s brand for her immune system needs. With Spring season arriving, the change in weather also means colds and the flu have joined us again. My daughter caught a cold just last week. Luckily, after being contacted to sample their newest line, I had some Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu on hand.

A box of Hyland’s DEFEND comes with 8 packets of quick-dissolving powder that can be added to some warm or hot water. The natural lemon and honey flavor is light and soothing. Best of all, Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu is dye free and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners. It is made with only natural ingredients and is non-habit forming. When taken at the first sign of illness, Hyland’s DEFEND will work with your body’s natural healing process to safely and effectively relieve symptoms of colds and the flu, including: runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, headaches, and body aches.

In less than two days of taking Hyland’s DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu, my little one felt a whole lot better. Her runny nose never progressed to any major nasal congestion and the only thing that lingered for the rest of the week was a minor cough. All other symptoms were gone! I took some along with her during those first two days, just to give my own immune system a boost and avoid catching her cold. I think it worked. 😉 I am very happy to have been introduced to this newest Hyland’s product. What I like best is that my whole family can benefit from it. We can fight off illness and avoid yucky, toxic chemicals found in most conventional brands. I definitely plan on keeping Hyland’s DEFEND stocked in my medicine cabinet.  The new line also includes a natural cough syrup and sinus relief products.

One Hyland’s product that I’ve had on hand for years is their Calms Forte Sleep Aid. It’s not uncommon to feel restless at bedtime when you’re suffering from a cold or the flu. This is when using Calms Forte, along with DEFEND Severe Cold & Flu, can be very beneficial. Calms Forte is non-habit forming, natural and gentle on the body. It is safe for children as young as 6 years of age.  My husband and I have used it ourselves when we’ve needed a little stress and tension relief in order to get a better night’s sleep. It has also come in very handy when our family travels and suffers from jetlag. It helps you wake up feeling rested, without that groggy feeling most over-the-counter sleep aids can cause.

If you’re looking for safer and convenient alternatives to keep your family healthy and boost their immune system, I highly recommend the Hyland’s brand.

For more info visit their WEBSITE and

Follow them on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST and YOU TUBE.

 

Tacky Box Makes Kind Kids

This cute and creative set includes the hardcover book, Margo’s Magnificent Choice by author Chris Phelps, and a ” Tacky Box” that can be personalized and decorated.  My 7 year old daughter finished reading the story, shut the book closed, and proceeded to explain to me that it is about choosing to do the right thing. She excitedly grabbed her Tacky Box and its contents. She jotted something down on the little Tacky Box note pad, folded it up and put it in her box. When I told her she could then decorate her Tacky Box, she was over the moon!

Chris Phelps is a mom, author and inventor who knows all too well that raising children today, in a society fueled by social media and movies full of bad language and violence, can be challenging.  She created the idea of the Tacky Box after her daughter, in Knd at the time, used her first naughty word.  Her book, Margo’s Magnificent Choice, is a story about a monkey that repeats some “tacky” words she overhears and, therefore, struggles to make friends. With the advice of a wise old owl, she begins to jot down kinder words she can use instead, and stores them in her Tacky Box. By speaking positive and kind words, she soon makes several new friends.

The book is filled with colorful watercolor illustrations that will capture your child’s attention. The story is easy to follow and its strong message is clearly understood. Best of all, the special wooden box, notepad and suggested uses from the author, will emphasize the story’s purpose in a fun way for you child. There is also a separate set featuring Max the monkey, should you prefer a “boy’s” version.  The Tacky Box set is a very creative way to bond with your child and teach them a very important lesson on the power of words and how effective and fun it is to be kind. I would highly recommend it for young children of any age.

For more info visit: http://www.tackybox.com