Pintastic! 10 Pinterest Users Every Mom Should Follow


Updated 05/17/12 2:10 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

If you're as Pin-happy as we are these days, you're probably always on the lookout for inspiring new users to follow. Lucky for you, we've already done the legwork, as we combed Pinterest for some of the very best and most active boards (and creators) on the site. From crafts to parties, cupcakes to home decor, check out these 10 Pinterest users that are likely to inspire every mom out there. Happy pinning!

View Slideshow ›

Growing Through Arts' Music Series: Kid-Friendly or Are You Kidding?


Updated 05/17/12 1:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

We're all about exposing kids to fine arts, but is opera asking a bit too much? Not according to Growing Through Arts, a company founded by former pro dancer and Harvard grad Aleksandra Efimova, which creates educational children's books and toys. The company just launched its second series of books (the first focused on ballet), breaking down some seriously highbrow stuff for kids ages 2 to 6. Growing Through Arts' philosophy: exposing kids to the arts early will help develop creativity and imagination, confidence, leadership, memory, abstract thinking, discipline, focus, and preacademic skills.

The three music series books — The Peter and the Wolf Symphony, The Snow Maiden Opera, and Twist, A Musical — each include beautiful illustrations, a modern take on the classic opera, symphony, and musical tales, and questions designed for parents to ask their children to teach them moral lessons. You'll also find a glossary of terms that will teach kids words that are used in music class, the opera, and the symphony.

So what do you think? Could you get your 2-year-old amped about opera? Psyched about the symphony? Weigh in below!

Need Inspiration For Designing Your Nursery?


Updated 05/17/12 3:00 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Designing a nursery can be tough — it's up to you to create an inspired space to spend time with your new baby, and that can be overwhelming. But not to worry! Check out this video for tips from Glidden® Paint about celebrating your baby and customizing your nursery space. Here's a hint — have fun!

While you're at it, be sure to enter the My Dream Nursery Giveaway. You'll have a chance to win a $2,500 Walmart gift card towards painting and furnishing a new room for the newest, littlest addition to your family.

Official Rules

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Takes Playtime to a Whole New Level


Updated 05/17/12 10:30 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

For 44 years, kids have been racing Hot Wheels cars around their homes, on the sidewalks in front of their houses, and, if they're my kids, down the slides on the playground. Playground play aside, most die-cast car play has been strictly horizontal since that time. Now Hot Wheels is shaking things up — really up! — and moving car play vertical! Hot Wheels Wall Tracks, the company's new line of wall-mounted race tracks, literally takes playtime off the floor and onto the walls. The company sent me the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set ($32), one of seven playsets in the collection, and I took it for a test run with my two car-obsessed kids. Here's what we thought!

Who is this product designed for? The manufacturer suggests that race tracks are for kids ages 4 to 8 years old, but my 2-year-old is having a very good time playing with it, too.

What sets it apart? For generations, car racing has been limited to floor play, where intricate tracks were laid on the ground to facilitate races, crashes, and general play. For the first time, that play moves up the wall, helping to clear the clutter of toys on the floor, but also creating a new play experience. Using 3M Command Strips (which are safe for painted and wallpapered walls — I tested it!), the track supports easily stick on the wall to create vertical, complex race tracks that eventually lead cars to the ground. The enclosed templates make setup a breeze — within 15 minutes of opening the box, we were ready to play!

What could be better? Unfortunately, the 3M Command Strips can lose their "stickiness" pretty easily, and if they do, the entire track falls down — quickly. This problem is easily remedied, though, by simply purchasing additional strips at an office supply store.

Keep reading to see how long the tracks entertain youngsters and for more views of the toy.