An Awesome Lego Duplo Play Date #LEGODUPLOPlay

As a Lego Duplo Play Agent, I was given the opportunity to throw a super fun Duplo bash with the new line of Toddler Duplo, for a few of my favourite kids!  It was so much fun working off of the Duplo theme, and creating a great little play date for my two munchkins. We invited my niece, as well as my little cousins and the kids had a wonderful time creating, coloring and playing games! What I loved most is that everyone was getting involved, including the parents.

Here are a few pics of the decor and great activities we were able to enjoy during our fun play date!

I printed out activity sheets for the kids, to supplement the ones we were sent in our Duplo party kit.  The kids were each able to colour and decorate their own Lego man!  They had lots of fun with it, and even the little ones were able to get in on the colouring action and use the stickers.  We also did a game of Pin the Chick on the Farm.  The grown ups and kids alike got in on this one, and the kids had a good laugh when we kept missing!  The munchkins enjoyed Animal Crackers, M&Ms and some other fun snacks.  I'll admit that by the end of the party all of the M&Ms were gone.... But that had NOTHING to do with the kids!  lol!  We decided not to snack too much, as we enjoyed a huge Mexican meal afterward for dinner!  It was a fantastic opportunity to get together, and watch the kids play. 

The kids built all kind of towers and castles with the Toddler Starter Building Set.  D told me at one point that she was building "Ariel's grotto" and I loved how everyone teamed up, the older kids helping the little ones out to build with their toddler sized blocks.  L had fun with the Toddler Build & Pull Along, and was dragging his "car" around for most of the evening going "brummm brummmm!"  The older kids were building towers as high as they could, to see how big they could make them before one of the little ones would knock it over.

To wind down after the party, we sat down and did worked through the Bricks and Books sets that were sent to us.  It was a fun way to allow the little ones to play along with the stories.

I sent the kids home with their activity books, crayons and stickers.  They were all pretty jazzed and asked when we could have another Duplo party!  Guess I'll have to start planning for round 2.  :)

All in all, it was a fantastic time and it's so great to see that Lego Duplo is a toy that will last for years to come.  Not only is it quality, but the proof here is that kids from the ages of 11 months to 10 years old were all cooperatively playing at this play date - and they ALL had an equally fantastic time!  Thanks to Mom Central Canada for this way cool opportunity -- I look forward to the many years ahead of us enjoying our awesome Duplo!  


Disclosure: I am a LEGO DUPLO Play Agent and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.


 

Don't Let the #Flu Get Your Kids Down! 6 Tips For Helping Them Feel Better

Is it just me, or has this winter been particularly bad for nasty virus' spreading around? I know my kids have been sick several times - over Christmas my daughter had a nasty upper respiratory infection and my son had a double ear infection. Horrible! My husband and I have been sick also. 

I've heard well meaning advice from all kinds of people. Everything from "wash your hands more!" (I think if I washed my hands any more than I already do, they'd fall off) to "eat a healthy diet." Well, we get our fair share of fruits and veggies also.  Sure, your best offense is a good defense - but in my opinion, if you're going to get sick you're going to get sick.  Once you've caught that cold or flu bug all you can do is deal with it!  Here's a list of 6 tips for helping your littles feel better when they're under the weather:

1.  Stay Home!  It's my biggest pet peeve to see parents dragging their obviously sick kids out to daycare, play dates, shopping, etc.  If you're feeling like garbage, the last thing you feel like doing is running errends -- but at least you know how to prevent spreading your germs.  Little kids haven't got that figured out just yet.  You're perpetuating the problem, and your kiddos need rest as much as the next person.  

2.  Chill Time.  Why not take this time to snuggle up with your little one?  Watch some movies, read books, maybe play some board games if they're up for it, or do a puzzle. 

3.  Kids under the age of 6 should not use cough and cold medicines.  Instead, try these natural remedies: 

• To calm a cough, rub some Vicks Vaporub on the bottom of your child's feet, and put socks on.  It sounds wacky, but many parents swear by this! 
• A spoonful of honey is also said to help a cough.  Note: Check age guidelines before giving honey to an infant. 
• Try a nasal aspirator.  There are many brands available at your local pharmacy, targeted at young infants.  Saline solution can do wonders to clear the nasal passages. 

4.  Give plenty of fluids.  Warm broth, lots of water, and diluted juice all help to flush out the system -- and are comforting too. 

5.  Try a Cool Mist Humidifier for helping with breathing, especially at night.  I run one in my kids' room often when they're congested and having trouble breathing.  I find it helps clear their sinuses a bit, and they sleep a lot better.

6.  Lots of Hugs & Kisses from YOU!  

 How do you help your little munchkin feel better when they are sick?  

Stay healthy this season!  Don't forget to wash your hands.  ;)


 

Mini Lalaloopsy Doll: Product Review

D is at the age now where her imagination is really growing.  I love watching her play pretend, and act out different scenarios with her toys.  Some of her favorite items to play with lately have been smaller sized dolls and play sets - toys that fit perfectly in her little hands, that she can take with her everywhere.

I knew when I was given the opportunity to review a Mini Lalaloopsy Doll that it would be an immediate hit.  It's small (just 4" tall) and wobbly with brightly colored, fabric inspired clothes, and cute little button eyes.  When the doll arrived in the mail, I immediately stashed it away in my purse knowing we'd be taking D out to a restaurant later that evening.  It worked out wonderfully because after supper when she started to get a little antsy, I gave her the new doll and it kept her busy until we were ready to go.  Each play set comes with small accessories and a pet, and the packaging converts into the doll's own house.  We received the Sew Pretty Mini Lalaloopsy with a little sheep for a pet, an alarm clock and a book.  D thought the doll was fantastic!  She really enjoyed setting up the doll's house at the table, and filling it with the small toys it came with.  She kept herself busy pretending the doll was sitting down and eating dinner with the rest of us.  It was such a joy for the rest of us to watch!  D even took her new little friend to bed with her that night (a sure sign that the new toy is a favorite.)

The Mini Lalaloopsy Dolls by MGA Entertainment are available at all major toy retailers across Canada, and sell at a suggested retail price of just $6.99  There are 8 different dolls to choose from, as pictured above.  (Side Note:  Does the Easter Bunny need any additional treats for your little girl's basket next weekend?  These dolls would be perfect!)  For more information on these and other great Lalaloopsy Dolls, visit their website at www.Lalaloopsy.com 









Disclaimer: I was sent a Mini Lalaloopsy Doll for review from Paradigm PR. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not financially compensated in any way for this review.