Top 12 Toys of the Summer

Though classics such as the Slip ‘N Slide or Hacky Sack will never lose their allure, Toy Wishes magazine has graciously put together a fabulous “Hot Dozen” list featuring this season’s snazziest buys.

Your kids are guaranteed to freak when you walk through the front door with one of these!

For children between the ages of 4 and 5:

Crayola 3-D Sidewalk Chalk - Take this artistic activity one step further with a pair of 3-D glasses, which are included, and see your sidewalk creations come to life. Crayola price: $5.99

Super Soaker Bottle Shot - Who doesn’t love a good water fight? Attach any typical screw-top bottle to this 20-foot range drenching machine. Goodbye ounces, hello liters! Hasbro price: $7.99

Hot Wheels ‘Speed Racer’ Sky Jump track set - The long-awaited film starring Emile Hirsch is now a Hot Wheels track that promises “all the jumps and stunts you want.” Mattel price: $49.99

Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist - Have a ball with this CD-ROM kit which allows one to hold a fashion show featuring Barbie and her gal pals. Be in charge of hairstyles and glamorous outfits. Mattel price: $39.99

For children between the ages of 6 and 7:

Nerf N-Strike Recon CS-6 - Construct your own wild dart shooter with the latest Nerf gun to hit the market. Since it comes with five interchangeable pieces, boredom is unlikely to occur! Hasbro price: $19.99

Bakugan Battle Brawlers - A game which is sure to bring about memories of the Pokémon heyday, battle friends by laying magnetic cards down on a flat surface, then toss oversized marbles at said cards and watch the marbles transform into action-figure warriors that fight for the future of the galaxy. Spin Master price: $2.99 to $29.99

Hannah Montana Surf Shop Hangout - Any devotee of the Disney channel show will immediately recognize this miniature carbon copy of Rico’s seaside shop. Think ‘Barbie’s Dream House’ but cooler! Play Along price: $29.99 (dolls, which are sold individually, range from $10.99 to $12.99)

‘High School Musical 2’ Sing Together dolls - Get your groove on with a karaoke inspired High School Musical game. In addition to receiving a nifty little microphone, the packages also contain one of three dolls - Troy, Gabriella or Sharpay - that can either croon alongside you or by themselves. Mattel price: $24.99

For Children 8 and Older:

Banzai Skimboard Surfer - According to Roanoke.com, this toy “…is what the original Slip ‘N Slide always wished it could be.” With a skimboard under your feet, sashay down a 26-foot soaked surface and envision yourself catching a wave. ToyQuest price: $49.99

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ building set - Fool around with LEGO versions of selected scenes from the action-packed adventure. LEGO price: $9.99 to $59.99

Tamagotchi Connection V5 - Virtual pets, which were incredibly popular in the late 90’s, are coming back in a big way. Not only can you create an entire family with this new breed of Tamagotchis, but you can connect yours up to a friend’s! Bandai price: $14.99

‘Rock Band’ for Wii - Wish you were a famous musician? On Sunday the celebrated video game known as Rock Band will be made available for owners of Nintendo Wii. Although it is rated T for Teen, the game is extremely mild. Skim through reviews written by parents here - http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/Rock-Band.html?show=adult . Harmonix Music Systems price: $169 (comes with drums, microphone and lead guitar.)

If interested in purchasing one of these wonderful gadgets, check your local toy store or shop online at sites such as Hasbro.com, eToys.com or Amazon.com.

~Carolyn French~

Collage Activity: How to Have Fun with Your Family Tree!

We all know how much little ones fancy showing off their creative talents, and with school being out their inventive juices are diminishing by the day. Fight off summer vacation sluggishness with this ornamental arts & crafts project!

What You Need:

· Family photos

· Sequins

· Glitter

· Assorted colors of construction paper

· Kid-friendly scissors

· White poster board

· Glue stick

Getting Started:

· Photocopy pictures of your family, either go for a theme or select random favorites

· Set your child up on a flat surface, such as the living floor or kitchen table

· Distribute the snapshots, paper, and the desired amount of decorations (glitter, sequins, etc.)

Since your youngster will be using safety scissors and a mess-free glue stick, adult supervision is optional.

~Carolyn French~

A Summer Filled with Good Memories: With a Few Simple Safeguards!

So summer is almost upon us and as Alice Cooper once told us, ‘school’s out for summer!’

But, although summer holidays should be a time of fun and enjoyment its always advisable to be sure just what your children are doing, where they are and if they are as safe as you can possibly make them.

Getting outside and enjoying some great activities is the goal, so with a little forethought and planning, every child will return to school in the autumn in tip top condition.

Common summer injuries include falls and fractures, burns, poisonings, and drownings. Here are some tips to help keep kids safe.

To prevent sunburn, wear a hat with a brim, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Re-apply sunscreen and sunscreen lip balm at least every two hours, more often if you have been swimming or sweating as the effectiveness wears off in water.

When taking time out to camp in wild its advisable to know that campfires should be doused with lots of water, never sand, after use. Sand can mask a fire and children might walk through a fire pit if they think it is a sand pit.

Barbecues are a fun time in the great outdoors but should never be operated by children. Treat the barbecue as you would an open flame, and keep children away from the hot metal until it is completely cooled.

Playground equipment taller than five feet should only be used by children age five or older. Never let you children jump off of a swing that is still moving or walk close to another swinging child as a hard smack in the mouth may result!

Trampolines, whether at home or in a playground should only be used by children older than six, by one child at a time and flips or other tricks should only be done while supervised by a qualified instructor.

Poisoning is a big cause of illness during the months when children are out exploring sheds, outhouses and derelict buildings, so just in case your child falls victim to poison keep the following number near your phone: Call the poison centre at 1-866-565-8161.

Children who can’t swim should wear a lifejacket when playing near or in the water.
Older children who are used to swimming in pools should use caution when swimming in open water such as the ocean, lakes, brooks and rivers. Under currents and invisible sand dune drop-offs may catch older children off guard.

Summer should be a time to make great memories. Keep these memories positive by keeping children safe from preventable injuries.

ABB

Do It Yourself - Ice Cream Recipe!

Searching for an enjoyable way to beat the heat? Watch your little one’s eyes light up with this homemade ice cream recipe that is oodles more fun than opening a carton.

Simply follow the step-by-step formula below to create a lip-smacking treat for the whole family!

Requirements:

· 1 tablespoon sugar

· ¼ teaspoon vanilla

· ½ cup milk

· 6 tablespoons rock salt

· 1 pint-size plastic baggie

· 1 gallon-size plastic baggie

· Ice cubes

What to Do:

· Fill up the large bag with ice, add the rock salt, and seal the bag.

· Deposit the milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, seal.

· Set the small bag inside of the larger one, and gently seal.

· Shake firmly until blend turns into ice cream, which should take around 5 minutes.

· Once properly mixed, open the pouch and dig in!

For a bigger batch, merely double the recipe.

~Carolyn French~

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