Quick update! I have a new blog with OC Family – OC Toy Tales. In it, I will be reviewing toys and talking about where they can be purchased in Orange County, CA. Lots to say – and I said in my first post! So please check it out and leave a comment to be entered into this week’s contest to win the first giveaway. Fun all the way around!
Having a quiet day of ditto handouts is one of those fond memories I have of elementary school. And while completing these busy work sheets, nothing gave quite the sense of accomplishment as watching a picture emerge from a collection of dots placed in a seemingly random scattering. Without ever really thinking about it, or identifying my fondness of, Dot to Dots were definitely a quiet pleasure from 2nd to 4th grade, with little thought given to after that period in my life.
Until. Until the Mindware box of samples arrived a few days ago. There were some really cool things within the box – things I am sure I will write about in later posts. But it was the Extreme Dot to Dots that compelled me to get out the pen (the thrill of being an adult able to tackle this dot filled challenge on my terms – no pencil!) and work to reveal the picture hidden within 900+ points. Yep – 900+. The first one took me an hour. I didn’t get to do the second one because at that point (pardon the pun) both of children (ages 16 + 12) had surrounded me and in an effort to each give a page their own go. It was pretty funny to see. Obviously Dot to Dots are the comfort food of skill developing workbooks. These challenge filled books would be great for travel or buying one some quiet time during mmmm, let’s say a 2+ week vacation?
Where might one find such a fun dot filled book? Try your local specialty retailer, of course!
Okay, okay – busted! I did not finish my advent countdown of independent retailers before Christmas day. A million and one excuses including 4000 miles of holiday travel, holidays with 18 other extended family members, and many holiday cookie to eat. But I am back, I have received boxes of samples of new specialty goods to stash in the back of my car when I hit the road again. And I am so excited for the new retail year (of which, I promise to keep talking about awesome local shops!)!
As I continue to organize, fill out my calendar, plan for New York’s Toy Fair next month, etcetera, I ran across a really cool blog about a new movement called Cash Mobs – organized to gain attention and sales for independent retailers! Great read – drop me a note if you are motivated to join forces in supporting our local mom and pops. Love it!
Happy New Year! Happy Shopping! Here’s to 2012!
Kid Stuff I LOVE 