Stuart Murphy's I See I Learn series of books

One of the greatest gifts we've given our daughter is a love of books. My husband and  I started reading to her shortly after we found out I was pregnant. A Bargain for Frances and Goose Goofs Off were among our favorites. After her birth, we continued to read to her. It warms my heart to see my daughter run to the book section whenever we're at Marshalls or Toys R Us.

Last week my husband and I began reading Stuart Murphy's I See I Learn books to her. The series of eight books teaches kids how to deal with social, emotional, health and safety issues. Each character is a colorful animal who speaks in simple sentences little ones can understand. In Percy Gets Upset, kids learn how to deal with frustration and being grouchy. So far, this title is my daughters favorite of the series. She wants it read to her multiple times a day and enjoys "reading" it to mommy and daddy too!

Personally, my favorite of the series is Percy Plays It Safe. My daughters favorite giraffe is a monster at the playground until a minor accident teaches him to be more careful and respectful of others.  What parent and child can't relate to the daredevil at the park who wants to push and knock down everyone else in pursuit of what they think is fun?!

These  books remind of the Sweet Pickles series (one of my favorite childhood collections) by Richard Hefter. Every main character got into a "pickle" but ends up learning an important lesson in the end.

You can purchase Stuart Murphy's I See I Learn books from Charlesbridge.com. Hopefully this series will be as big a hit in your home as it is in ours! Enjoy!

New beauty product I just love!

A friend recommended Tropical Isle Living products to me when I complained about my horribly dry skin. I've tried the Jamaican Black Castor Oil (stinky but moisturizing) and the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo with Shea Butter (really cleanses the hair and leaves a nice fresh scent) but my favorite product in the line is the Khus Khus Body Butter. The consistency is like shea butter, has a light scent and left my skin feeling smooth without feeling greasy.

Visit http://www.tropicisleliving.com/ for more information on this delicious body butter and more!

S'More to Love?

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I had a lot of trouble sleeping and stayed up very late watching reruns of Sex and the City and paid programming specials. I just loved the item that "slices, dices and juliennes fries" even if my doubtful husband wasn't impressed. He thinks the Perfect Brownie Pan Set would collect dust in our kitchen. No, I don't  make brownies but on the occasion that I might, that pan would be useful! When I told him I wanted the Egg Genie, his response was, "that's just lazy!"

He started singing a different tune when I showed him S'mores to Love, a genius little gadget that lets you make S'mores in your oven or on the grill. The old time favorite usually reserved for a campfire can be made in your apartment. On Friday, I tested out my new S'mores to Love product by making my favorite childhood snack with my daughter. It was so easy and quick. The best part? Other than the chocolate and gooey marshmallow left on the sides of my mouth was the easy clean up. Just a quick wipe with a warm cloth and I was done.

This is definitely an item you'll find useful if you or your children are S'more lovers. If you order from smoretolove.com, you get a free Marshmallow Blaster (only a true Marshmallow fan can understand the greatness of this item) and finger sandwhich cutter! You can also find S'More to Love (without the add ons) at stores like Marshalls. I saw one at my local Marshalls store a couple of weeks ago!  

Parenting Real Talk...

Becoming a parent was one of the best things I've ever done. When I was younger, I was afraid to have children for fear I'd repeat the same parenting mistakes my mother and father made. I don't mean not buying your child a trike for their first birthday but causing them the kind of pain that typically lingers into adulthood making for a cycle of dysfunction. I didn't have the worst childhood but I also didn't have the best.

I grew up feeling very unloved and spent many years of my childhood hurt, angry and resentful and very alone. The pain still exists and sometimes manifests it's way in how I deal with people. Even though I was well-traveled and well-educated but by the time I was 21, I was just an insecure little girl looking and wanting love in all the wrong places and wanting parents who weren't willing and/or capable to fulfill my emotional needs.

Now that I'm a parent to a child I am very careful to not the let cycle of dysfunction that existed in my childhood (and still exists in my family) continue. I want to show my daughter how much she's loved but not smother her to the point of usurping her ability and desire to learn, discover and explore on her own. She's not yet 3 but I do worry about subsconsciously being the kind of mother to her that I don't want to be.

Today, I had a lightbulb moment that some adults from abusive households never have...After coming home from a lunch date with my daughter, we listened to some music and danced in the living room. She came over to me and said, "hold my hand, mommy." I did. We danced and we laughed. I'm not sure what it was but in that moment I realized I am not my mother but the mother of my daughter. It's possible and probable to end a cycle of familial dysfunction.

I can't protect my daughter from all of the ills in life but I can give her, what I think, is the best give in life...loving parents.

eeBoo Learning Puzzle Review and GIVEAWAY!

I'm so excited about the Holidays this year. I'm not sure if it's because DD is older and starting to articulate what she wants and doesn't want or if it's because I won't have to spend anytime with my mother-in-law. Whatever the reason for my joy, I'll gladly revel in it.

This year my husband and I are getting our daughter a few new things to play with. She's outgrown and is uninterested in many of the things she's had since she was considered an infant. She's even outgrown the Melissa &Doug puzzles she used to love.

I came across Eeboo products while I was searching for a matching game with animals instead of people. I was impressed by their selection of quality children's products and because they're open minded and worldy enough to have games that include children of all shades (way to go eeBoo!). In a time where it's difficult to find items with children of color that don't look like minstrel show characters, this was refreshing.

DD loved the eeBoo Pre-School Animal Matching Game. She matches the cards face up but the game has helped improve her memory skills and increased her vocabulary.

If you're looking for a holiday gift for your toddler that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and fun to play with while teaching your child, our family loves eeBoo's 9 piece Wild Mothers and Babies Learning Puzzle. From bears to lions, it's a nice departure from the four piece puzzles your child has likely outgrown. The puzzle retails for around $13.00 and can be purchased directly at eeBoo.com or my favorite online store, Amazon.com.

Thanks to eeBoo, one Organic Madre reader will win one eeBoo Wild Mothers and Babies Learning Puzzle. Contest details are below.
To Enter: Post what you're most looking forward to this holiday season! DON'T forget your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner. Note: The selected winner must provide an email address and a shipping address located within the 48 contiguous US states – no APOs, PO Boxes or shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or Mexico.

Bonus Entries: (After completing the mandatory entry above, enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!)


-One Entry: Follow my blog.
-Two Entries: Leave a comment on http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/eeBoo/119071888106553?v=wall and tell them Organic Madre sent you.
Two Entries: Reblog about this giveaway (leave a link)

I'd take it to the pole before I'd take it to the 5 train...

On my way home this evening my husband and I witnessed a woman begging for money. Since I live in New York this isn't surprising. However, I'm not accustomed to people begging with their children in tow. This mother had her toddler with her. Actually, he was holding the "please give me money" sign. She went on and on about being broke and needing money for food.

Am I the only parent who'd drop it like it's hot before I'd subject my child to begging on the New York City subway? I thank god everyday for my blessings...for a roof over our  heads and food on the table even if we're having a struggle. I know there are people out there with far less so I try not to complain. However, I don't respect parents who use their children to try and get a dollar. I don't believe in popping out babies you can't take care of. I am aware that financial situations change but never is it okay to use your child as bait to try and get a dollar. I feel bad for the child who has to hold a sign while their capable mother pushes him in a Maclaren stroller and begs for money.

It's shameful. It's shameful for the mother to do this, shameful for the father of the child to allow it...Men make babies and they should take care of them. Mothers choose to push them out and we should take care of them. Part of being a parent is protecting your children from certain things. I may not be able to shield my daughter from all of the ills that exist in this world but I can make sure she's not subject to being a common beggar before she turns five. I can only imagine the damage that does to a childs psyche.

New York City is full of resources...

Our tax dollars for your baby formula?

Yesterday, it took the cashier on the line I was on, about 10 minutes to process WIC checks for the couple in front of me. I don't mind waiting so no biggie. Having a toddler has taught me patience like you wouldn't believe. While I stopped by daughter from trying to remove every packet up peanuts hanging to the left of us,  I oberserved the couple in front of me. Their son was so adorable...

The mother carried an authentic Gucci diaper bag and their son was in a $500 stroller. If a couple can afford an over $600 stroller and a $910 Gucci diaper bag why on earth are they benefiting from a state program meant for low-income mothers and their children? Judgement much? Yes and I don't care.

I'm tired of parents assing up money on what they want to buy so tax payers can contribute to the needs of their children. Frankly, I don't believe a person who cannot afford to provide for the basic needs of their children should have children. I especially don't believe parents capable of supporting their children with the money they bring into their household should be allowed to even apply for programs like WIC.

If you own a Gucci diaper bag and can't afford formula, sell that shit on Craigslist and use the money to provide for the basic needs of your children. I don't respect parents who prefer handouts from the state in lieu of being fiscally responsible for themselves and their children.

I don't have an issue with WIC when people truly need it but the Gucci carrying mama with the Bugaboo Frog needs to fall back. The end.