As you know, UltimateMama really does love books!  Moreover, UltimateMama loves finding a good deal on books!

UltimateMama's top places for finding books include: 

– The Public Library.  Not only will you find so many great titles at your library but you can read them for FREE!  Many libraries even offer "story times" or special programs for babies, toddlers, and school children. What a great way to introduce your child to the wonders of the library and make friends in the process. If possible, sign up your child for their own library card and teach them about the process of "checking out" or borrowing books that will ultimately be returned.  This is a great life lesson that can be taught to toddlers!

– Thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, yard sales, school fairs.  All of these places are great for finding books for sale at GREAT PRICES.  UltimateMama regularly finds great books at Goodwill and The Salvation Army.  Keep in mind that these are also terrific places to donate your books when you and your child are through with them!  School book fairs are another excellent resource for picking up terrific books PLUS you can feel good about supporting education as you shop away!

– Half.com, an eBay company, is a wonderful resource for finding both new and used books in excellent condition.  UltimateMama regularly orders books for herself and her children on this website.  Also, if you are buying several of the same book (as a party favor, for instance) this is a terrific place to shop!

– Amazon.com, Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com are all excellent sites for finding books.  A great tip is to sign up for their emails so that you can receive frequent discounts (online and at retail locations)!  UltimateMama also notes that the "brick and mortar" Borders and Barnes & Noble stores usually have special events for children so check out your nearest location or look online for their calendar.  UltimateMama's children loved spending Halloween at Borders this year.  The children donned their finest costurmes and were treated to a "spooky" story and participated in fun games and coloring projects.

– Books not cards.  Typically, a baby shower tradition that is now popping up for holidays and birthdays, Books not cards means that you tell your "guests" to give your child a book instead of spending money on a card.  UltimateMama searched around several bookstores and found many great children's books for $4.99 and under, similar to the price of a greeting card!  

UltimateMama LOVES books!  UltimateMama encourages you or your caretaker to read to your baby several times a day.  Not only is it good for bonding but also great for building their future vocabulary. 

Also, UltimateMama prefers Board Books for babies over paper books so that your child can enjoy the book by touching and turning the pages without the worry of messing up or tearing paper pages!

UltimateMama's top books for babies:

Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells's "That's Not My Bear…Its Nose Is Too Rough" is a fun "touch and feel" book that all babies will enjoy.

Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpiller" is a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations. 

Sam McBratney's "Guess How Much I Love You" is a magnificent story about love and devotion. A story you will read again and again through the years. 

Sandra Boynton's "Boynton's Greatest Hits:  Volume 1" is perfect for new parents.  This nice boxed set includes 4 super fun books:  Blue Hat, Green Hat (teaches colors); Moo, Baa, LA LA LA! (teaches animals and sounds they make); Doggies (teaches counting); and A to Z (teaches the alphabet). 

Karen Katz's "Counting Kisses" is a sweet bedtime book that involves YOU, the reader, kissing your little one along with the story. 

Karen Katz's "Where is Baby's Belly Button?" is a fun book in that babies can lift the flaps to reveal body parts.

Jan Brett's "The Mitten" is a beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a Ukrainian tall tale involving a grandmother, her grandson, and animals. 

Margaret Wise Brown's "Goodnight Moon" is a bedtime classic that all children should be exposed to when they are young.

Do your
children think cheese only comes in slices between plastic wrap? Then UltimateMama believes that it is
time to introduce your children to the numerous varieties of cheese at your local cheese shop or grocer. Your children may be familiar with American,
Mozzarella, and Parmesan but what about Gouda, Piave Vecchio and Manchego?
Shopping for cheese can be quite
entertaining as well as educating for children of all ages. 

To educate yourself before the big trip go to www.cheese.com or I Love Cheese! , a fantastic resource for all things CHEESE!

UltimateMama's tips for
exploring cheese with your children:

– stick to
pasteurized cheeses only

– discuss
the various colors, textures, and shapes

– a little
sometimes goes a long way so do not cringe when you see the price per pound

– bring a
pocket atlas with you and show your children which States or countries the
cheese come from

– ask for
some recipes and try them at home

– host a
cheese taking party for family/friends

– make
cheese baskets

– give gifts of cheese (UltimateMama loves NYC's Murray's Cheese Shop for gifts!)

UltimateMama created this equation: Farmers' Markets + Kids = Healthy Fun

UltimateMama knows that parents want what is best for their children and food is no
exception.  In these challenging economic times parents struggle to feed
their children healthy meals with fresh ingredients in a cost efficient
manner. 

Although
not all families can go directly to the farm, many are fortunate to have the
farm come to them.  Exploring Farmers'
Markets together as a family will support local farmers and serve as an
entertaining way to educate children about the health benefits of eating fresh
food.

Additionally,
Farmers’ Markets provide a quick and easy out of classroom lesson plan for
parents.  Parents can teach their
children about colors, textures, sizes, shapes, and tastes by walking around to
the various stands.  Your children will
learn to select items using all of their senses.  

UltimateMama believes that visiting
Farmers’ Markets is a wonderful way to get your food shopping done while teaching
your children the importance of buying locally. 
And once you return home, your children will be excited to make meals or
gift baskets with the fresh ingredients they selected.   

Below are a few suggestions or tips from UltimateMama to keep in mind while shopping at the
Farmers' Market:

– Start early – in terms of age and time.  Farmers’ Markets are fun for
people of all ages.  Even toddlers love
visiting Farmers' Markets to roam around the colorful food items and smell the
fresh flowers and herbs.  Plan ahead and
shop early.  If you arrive first thing in
the morning the selections are better and the crowds are minimal. 

– Shop with reusable bags.  Be good to
the environment by bringing your own reusable bags and avoiding plastic.  Use some of your old tote bags and have your
children decorate their own Farmers’ Markets bags as a simple craft idea.  Your children will have fun creating their
personalized bag that can be used time and time again.  Just make sure it is sturdy enough to handle
all of your goods. 

– Allow
your children to select fruits or vegetables that appeal to them.  If your
children are part of the selection and purchasing process they will be more
excited when it comes to preparing and eating the meal. Teach your children to
make smart choices for their bodies. 

– Encourage your children to be active participants.  Let them SHUCK THAT
CORN while they are outside at the Farmers' Market.  They will have fun
preparing the corn and your kitchen will remain unharmed in the process. 
Plus, you are one step closer to dinner.   

– Make shopping at the Farmers' Market a routine.  Teaching children to
eat well at an early age will hopefully lead to healthier eating habits when
they are older.  The more you visit the
Farmers’ Market, the more your children will feel like it is a part of their
lifestyle.  

– Visit the Farmers' Market throughout the
year.  Children will learn about the seasonal nature of foods and will
look forward to purchasing "in season" delights.  Create a Farmers' Market calendar with your
children.  After your visits have your children list the foods that they
saw on display and compare the lists with previous trips.  Children love
to make repeat trips to the Farmers' Market to sample seasonal
delights. 

– Venture out.  Don't just stick to
food.  Many Farmers’ Markets also offer cheeses, breads, syrups,
honey, flowers, herbs and more.  Browse
the stands and show your children the many offerings available.  When you return home from your visits, create
Farmers’ Market placemats or bookmarks. 
Have your children cut out pictures of 
items they saw at the Farmers’ Market from your old magazines, glue them
onto both sides of a piece of colored construction paper, and cover with clear
contact paper.   

– Make friends with the farmers.  Sure children can hear about farming,
nutrition, buying locally, and the environment in a classroom
but encouraging children to talk directly to the farmers at the
various stands is more fun.  Farmers will
share details about their current crop as well as what to expect in upcoming
weeks. 

– Share your Farmers' Market finds with other family members or
friends.  Create seasonal baskets of the goodies you and your children
picked up at recent Farmer's Market trips.  Encourage your children to
give these baskets to others as holiday gifts or birthday
presents.  Make a card to attach to the basket detailing your
children's Farmers' Market experience and why they picked the contents to go
into the gift basket.  The recipient will love their thoughtful gift and
your child will be proud of their creation.

– Prepare
new recipes.  Your children will discover that the farmers or chefs
present at the market can provide many delicious recipes for the family.  Cook together as a family and turn your children
into mini culinary masters of fresh food. 
From simple salads and soups to more complex side dishes and
pies your children will have a terrific time learning to cook with fresh
ingredients.  Help your children create great tasting meals that are good
for your family and our planet. 

For Farmers' Markets in your area please check:  http://www.localharvest.org/

UltimateMama wants you to have fun – Do it Together – Easy, Cute & Cheap Crafts for Kids!

UltimateMama knows that parents always look for
ways to entertain their children without breaking the bank.  Participating in an art project with your
child will not only provide essential bonding time but also offers creative
stimulation for the whole family. 
Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour you can teach your child about
colors, textures, shapes and sizes while creating a wonderful keepsake for all
to enjoy.

UltimateMama encourages you to take a look at the following simple craft ideas that enable families to have fun
together any time of year.

My First Bookmark

Who said bookmarks have to be rectangular?  Have your child decorate colored construction
paper with washable crayons or markers to create their first bookmark.  They could even add some cut-out objects
(stars, hearts, animals, etc.), stickers or glitter to make it extra
special.  Put clear contact paper over
the finished bookmark to preserve your masterpiece.

Lots of Leaves Placemat

Use real or faux leaves to create a rustic placemat for your
family dining table.  Glue leaves on
construction paper, then let it dry. 
Your child could individualize the placement by writing guests’ names on
it.  Finish by covering your leaves with
clear contact paper. 

Countdown to Holiday/Birthday/First Day of School/New
Sibling Chains

Choose two colors of construction paper and cut two inch by
four inch strips.  Create these “chains
of love” by either gluing, taping, or stapling chains in alternate colors to
link them together.  Hang your chain on a
wall, door, chair, or tree.  Your child
can break off one chain a day to countdown to the big event! Do it
together! 

Hand it to Me Tree

Create a tree with your child’s handprints for your door or
window.  Trace your child’s handprints on
a piece of construction paper or wrapping paper.  Cut out a bunch of handprints.  Tape the handprints to your door or window in
the shape of a tree.  Or you can even
glue the handprints on cardboard or poster board for a sturdy backing. 

Yummy Licorice Necklace or Bracelet

Making licorice necklaces or bracelets is a fun activity for
the slightly older child.  String the
licorice with pretzels, cereal, crackers or cookies.  Tie the finished product around your child’s neck
or wrist in a knot.  Your child can even
making you a matching one!

Diorama for All Ages

Use your old shoeboxes, tissue boxes or any other boxes to
create a base.  Then let your child’s
creative juices flow to create a whimsical scene using crayons, feathers,
colored construction paper, stickers, glitter, or other art supplies you have
at home.  Youngsters will have fun gluing
objects on while the older children will enjoy making a beautiful background.

Seashell Centerpiece

Your child can practice their counting skills while making
the perfect centerpiece for your table. 
Gather all of your seashells from recent vacations.  Then tell your child to put them into a large
vase one at a time.  Tie a fun ribbon
around the vase to finish it off.

Creepy Cardboard Monsters

Make good use out of your old toilet paper or paper towel
rolls.  Glue fabric or construction paper
to the cardboard roll.  Glue moving eyes
on for a special effect or create eyes with crayons or felt.  Press pipe cleaners through the rolls to
create hair.  Your child will love their
creepy monster!

Wreath for All Seasons

The perfect no-sew, easy to make wreath that looks like it
took hours to create.  Loop an elastic
hair band around a 10 or 12 inch straw ring (keeping the plastic on) for
hanging.  Next, use pinking shears to cut
3 inch squares of your favorite fabric. 
Take a screwdriver and place it in the middle of the fabric square and
poke it into the wreath.  Fill in the
entire wreath.  Decorate the wreath by
clipping on objects or pictures.  Hang it
up indoors or outdoors!

Personalized Photo Frames

Your child can make a fancy personalized frame for their
favorite pictures.  Have your child
decorate construction paper.  Use letter
stickers to create a name or message. 
Tape your child’s favorite photo to the center of the paper.

Season’s
GREEN-ings from UltimateMama! ‘Tis the season to give green.  In these challenging economic times families
are searching for ways to buy holiday gifts in an economically and
environmentally conscious way.  Green
shopping trips during the holiday season will not only save your family money
but also teach your children about environmental conservation.  The holidays are a perfect time to remind
your children to reduce, reuse and recycle. 
Your children will learn valuable lessons about waste management as well
as complete their shopping in the process.

We have rounded up some useful, cost efficient tips for a
GREEN holiday season:

–         
Reuse bags.  Before you leave the house remember to grab a
few of your own sturdy bags for the shopping trip.  Encourage your children to decorate their own
bags with markers.  Have your children
use old fabric swatches and create fun patterns on their bags with fabric
glue.  This fun and simple craft project
will start the shopping trip off on the right note.    

Give keepsakes.  Keep valuables in the family by giving your
favorite childhood books or precious jewelry to your children.  You can even teach an older sibling to
recycle a treasured toy by passing it down as a special holiday gift to a
younger sibling. 

Go vintage.  Show your children that they can find hidden
gems by shopping at thrift stores.  From
sterling silver belt buckles for dad to crystal vases for mom your child will
have fun perusing the shelves to complete their shopping list.   

–         
Shop locally.  Support your local community by searching for
gifts at craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and flea markets.  From handmade candles to apple butter to
sweaters you can find many wonderful gifts for friends, family members,
teachers, and neighbors without even leaving your community.  Let your children get creative with gift
presentation by reusing your old baskets. 
Have your children put the gift items into individual baskets and tie
ribbons around them for a colorful spark.

Bu Buy organic cotton products.  Organic cotton can be found in clothing
items, towels, bed sheets, children’s stuffed animals, and bath robes.  Once your family goes organic they won’t go
back.

–         
Choose gifts made from recycled
materials.  It is so easy to find a wide
variety of gift ideas that are made from recycled materials including coasters, placemats,
trivets, jewelry, and bags. Bring new meaning to the old phrase “one man’s
trash is another man’s treasure” by engaging in craft projects with your
children to make gifts from your old supplies.  

Bake.  Host a cookie decorating party or
cookie/recipe exchange around the holiday season to encourage edible
treats.  Older relatives love receiving
cakes and cookies made especially for them by the younger generation.  In the summer months encourage your children
to email family members requesting their favorite holiday treats.  Then help your child make these delectable treats
for holiday gifts and package them in a reused tin.   

Shop online.  Online shopping is convenient and
practical.  The benefits of reducing air
pollution by not driving to a store outweigh the fact that you cannot touch the
gifts.

–         
Give gift certificates or
memberships to your local zoo or aquarium.

–         
Recycle and reuse wrapping paper,
bows, ribbons, gift bags, and boxes.  Set
aside a small area for packaging supplies and as your receive gifts throughout
the year add the packaging to this area.  
For a little packaging fun, use the comic section of the newspaper for
children’s gifts. 

UltimateMama loves a great deal.  As a matter of fact, UltimateMama craves discounts!  In these tough economic times who doesn't like buying something great for a lot less.  

Gymboree has a SWEET SALE going on right now!  I was in a store today and snapped up a few nice outfits for almost 80% off!  Whether you shop "brick and mortar" or online you can take an extra 20% off all sale items. 

A few shopping TIPS while perusing sale racks if I may:

– Try to buy complete outfits.  If a top looks cute then invest in the matching bottoms.  Buy that t-shirt to go with those cute shorts.  Don't cheap out.  You will be happy when you see you child on the playground in a matching outfit that looks like a million bucks but was acquired at a STEEP DISCOUNT.

– If you like something buy it in the next few sizes.  This is a great tip for parents of newborns.  If you love Carter's onesies then when you catch a sale buy them in a variety of sizes: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months. Buy them in a nice gender neutral color like basic white so you can reuse them if you plan on having more kids or hand them down!   UltimateMama is a big fan of Gap bathing suits and since my kids take swimming lessons 12 months a year I always stock up when the price falls below $10 per swimsuit. 

– Think ahead…seasonally speaking that is.  UltimateMama loves Hanna Andersson.  At the end of each winter I monitor their online sales to purchase jackets for the next winter.  After finding a gorgeous Journey's End Jacket at 50% off last winter I was completely bummed to discover the matching Winter Overalls were sold out.  Not to fret, quick thinking UltimateMama went straight to eBay and found the matching Winter Overalls "new with tags" at a nice discount.

– Buy next year's Halloween costumes RIGHT after Halloween.  This is a great tip for the first few years of your child's life when YOU are the costume decision-maker.  Pottery Barn Kids has beautiful Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating bags on sale right now in November! Remember, Halloween is only 11 months away.    

– Shop sample sales and trunk shows.

– Head into a thrift
store for clothing and accessories.  You would be surprised how many items that
can be found in thrift stores are new with the original tags attached.  Besides, many thrift stores have a charitable
element to them so your child is helping the environment (reduce, reuse and
recycle) and a charity at the
same time.  

– Ask your friends and
family members for hand-me-down clothing and buy new accessories to "jazz up outfits".  

– Shop online.  I constantly fall in love with expensive shoes and boots for my kids while perusing the shelves of local boutiques BUT I try to hold off on major purchases until I check for online deals. Free shipping and free returns at Zappos make it worth the wait!  Surprisingly, I have had incredible luck snatching up deals on ecco shoes as well as boots for the kids on Amazon! 

– Don't forget Old Navy for cute basics.  Each fall UltimateMama stocks up on Performance Fleece pants for the kids in a variety of colors.  UltimateMama even bought a few of the boys pants for her daughter because she liked the red color!

UltimateMama wants you and your child to enjoy activities.  However, UltimateMama belives that for your sanity, try to keep all classes that you wish you child to attend
with you or your childcare provider close to home.  Keep in mind the importance of showing up on time and
prepared as there is a cost/financial burden associated with most of these
classes. 

Make sure that your child is dressed appropriately and
comfortably for the activities that may take place during class.  If the child is working on messy art projects
it may be a good idea to dress him in older clothing topped off with an art apron
or smock.  Some classes are more
physically intense so the child will want to be dressed in clothing that allows
for movement but that does not have any zippers, buttons, or embellishments
that may get caught on certain gym equipment. 
Tell the your childcare provider if there is anything special she should wear to
class.  For instance, some kids clubs or centers require everyone check in their shoes at the front door so
make sure both your child and nanny wear socks to protect their feet.  

Additionally, if you are not present at the class have your nanny provide you with an overview or
report on the class, instructor, and activities.  Ask her if she believes the class to be worth
the time and money spent and if she thought the child seemed interested.  

One mother was surprised when her nanny returned from a
class and told her the instructor was not ideal.  She did not think he had much interest or
experience in dealing with children.  The
nanny thought that the environment was rather tense as opposed to relaxed and
joyful.  The nanny suggested she try a
different class with the child on a free trail basis.  The mother respected the nanny’s opinion and
enrolled the child in a different class with a different instructor.   

There are so many classes for children that it is often
difficult to decide which class to sign your child up for each season.  Ask your neighbors and friends for
suggestions regarding classes that their children may have taken in your
area.  Examples of children’s classes
include:
 

– music

– art

– gymnastics

– sign language

– foreign languages

– dance/movement

– cooking

– soccer, T-Ball, or other team sports

– religion

– theatrics

– yoga

– swimming

– day camps
 

You should ask your nanny if she is comfortable with the
specific class before you sign up your child. 
For instance, if your nanny is not comfortable in the water then do not
sign your child up for a swimming class that requires her participation with
your child in the pool.  Unless you can
get a private instructor for your child, save the swimming classes for a day
that you or your partner can participate. 
 

Be smart regarding what times you are scheduling your
child’s classes.  For instance, do not
schedule a class during naptime or mealtime. 
If the class is active, make sure your child had the proper amount of
time to digest his meal before partaking in the class.   

Do not over-schedule your child.  Most likely, you will have your child home
for almost 18 years so do not try to pack 18 years of classes in 1 year.  If you want your child to have variety, some
organizations offer combination classes such as:   

– art with music

– foreign language with music

– gymnastics with art 

UltimateMama feels that you should be straightforward when you provide a list (verbal or written) of the rules of your house.  But, try not to be self-righteous. 

You may never give your one year old ice-cream but of course you may eat it from time to time.  Evaluate what is important to you and communicate it with any visitors or childcare providers.

One mother does not drink soda but has no problem buying it for her nanny who really enjoys it.  Of course it is off-limit to her child but she wants her nanny to feel comfortable in her home. 

Some house rules may include:

PLEASE DO

– read to the child and try to keep her engaged in all activities

– interact with the child

– sing songs to the child or play the music we provide (such as classical, holiday, or children’s music)

– talk to the child even if it is as simple as describing what you are doing (it helps to build her vocabulary)

– play with the child in a gentle manner (age-appropriate play may include tummy time on an activity mat, tea parties with dolls, working on puzzles, playing dress-up, or creating buildings with blocks)

– engage the child in art projects with the supplies we provide (crayons, finger painting, play dough, etc.)

– use proper manners (please, thank you) and teach our child to do so as well

– do not wear shoes inside the home (slippers are fine)

– always wash your hands before handling the child

PLEASE DO NOT

– do not shake our child

– do not watch television when the child is awake

– do not use foul language

– do not shout or yell

– do not spank or hit our child (time outs or another agreed upon method can be used to reprimand the child for wrongdoings)

– do not talk constantly on the phone; please limit your phone usage for emergencies or calling us to check in

– do not wear super-strong perfume in our home (if your baby has allergies or sensitive skin)

– do not take the child swimming or near pools

– do not use blankets in our child’s crib (we prefer wearable options such as the Halo SleepSack or Blankeaze in a gender neutral color like yellow or green so you can use them for the next child or hand them down to a friend's child)

Also, if you do not use pacifiers for your child make this clear.