I am so excited! There are so many new things to choose from with Discovery Toys, and just announced . . . a new game that's all about money! If you've seen my previous posts, you'll know that my husband and I are trying to pay off our debts and begin to build wealth so we can give to others. So we are all about something that teaches our children how to deal with money.
To read all about this game for yourself, and to see all our other new products (just in time for Christmas!!!), please visit my website and/or contact me!
www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wow. Has it truly been two months since I've posted? How time does fly . . . especially once we are approaching this upcoming holiday season!
I got a big box on my doorstep today. A VERY BIG box. And it is filled with Discovery Toys!! Some are for friends, some are for customers I have met only once, and some are for my family to enjoy.
Here is the one I am most excited about this time:
Mosaic Mysteries!! Just look at those brightly colored blocks! And see all the patterns just begging to be arranged onto the tray? This is going to provide hours of entertainment . . . for my husband and me. The perfect pairing of coffee table games!
Have you ordered your Tricky Fingers or Mosaic Mysteries games for your living room yet?
If not, now is a good time. Discovery Toys is selling out of items such as these at a very quick rate this holiday season. They are simply the best, and word is spreading!
Order yours today at www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
I got a big box on my doorstep today. A VERY BIG box. And it is filled with Discovery Toys!! Some are for friends, some are for customers I have met only once, and some are for my family to enjoy.
Here is the one I am most excited about this time:
Have you ordered your Tricky Fingers or Mosaic Mysteries games for your living room yet?
If not, now is a good time. Discovery Toys is selling out of items such as these at a very quick rate this holiday season. They are simply the best, and word is spreading!
Order yours today at www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
Monday, September 19, 2011
Exploring Alzheimer's and Dementia
I worked a fair booth for a few days this past weekend and most of it was the usual crowd. I did, however, have the opportunity to talk with a man whose mom is suffering from Alzheimer's.
My ears perked up. Dementia is something with which I am quite familiar. My grandfather had this condition basically from the time I was born until he lost his battle with it in 2005, and since they lived in the same town as us, my sister and I spent a good portion of our childhood with he and my grandma.
The man with whom I visited was at first a bit ashamed that he was looking at toys for his mom. But the more we visited, the more excited both of us became at the prospect of stimulating his mother's brain and giving her something worthwhile to occupy her time.
My conclusion was that most anything Discovery Toys has to offer can potentially do both of these things; it really depends on where each individual lies in his or her mental and physical capacity at any given time.
A few of the suggestions I have, though, are as follows:
Giant Pegboard: especially great for someone who enjoys bright colors, stacking, and patterning
Caterpillar Shape Sorter: a puzzle with varying shapes, patterns, etc., this is rewarding and produces a finished product
Flip Flop Faces: very hands-on; bright colors; works on hand-eye coordination; may help one to express emotions if he or she is nonverbal.
Playful Patterns: varying levels of difficulty; requires some hand-eye coordination, and is just fun! Produces reward of a finished product.
Tricky Fingers: exercises the fingers - may help keep them limber (good for arthritis); patterning; problem solving as this is a puzzle.
Wiz Kidz: great for those adults who enjoy word puzzles. Exercises the brain by using word association such as "something in the garage".
Do you have a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer's? Do you know of a care facility that you think may benefit from one of our award-winning products? Contact me today! See my website www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
My ears perked up. Dementia is something with which I am quite familiar. My grandfather had this condition basically from the time I was born until he lost his battle with it in 2005, and since they lived in the same town as us, my sister and I spent a good portion of our childhood with he and my grandma.
The man with whom I visited was at first a bit ashamed that he was looking at toys for his mom. But the more we visited, the more excited both of us became at the prospect of stimulating his mother's brain and giving her something worthwhile to occupy her time.
My conclusion was that most anything Discovery Toys has to offer can potentially do both of these things; it really depends on where each individual lies in his or her mental and physical capacity at any given time.
A few of the suggestions I have, though, are as follows:
Giant Pegboard: especially great for someone who enjoys bright colors, stacking, and patterning
Caterpillar Shape Sorter: a puzzle with varying shapes, patterns, etc., this is rewarding and produces a finished product
Flip Flop Faces: very hands-on; bright colors; works on hand-eye coordination; may help one to express emotions if he or she is nonverbal.
Playful Patterns: varying levels of difficulty; requires some hand-eye coordination, and is just fun! Produces reward of a finished product.
Tricky Fingers: exercises the fingers - may help keep them limber (good for arthritis); patterning; problem solving as this is a puzzle.
Wiz Kidz: great for those adults who enjoy word puzzles. Exercises the brain by using word association such as "something in the garage".
Do you have a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer's? Do you know of a care facility that you think may benefit from one of our award-winning products? Contact me today! See my website www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
Saturday, August 27, 2011
A Debt-Free Christmas!
David and I have recently taken the course, "Financial Peace University", and are committed to getting out of debt and changing our future. Now, the purpose of this post is to discuss neither the financial course itself nor our debt, but that information serves as the background for the rest of what I have to say.
Because all of our extra income currently goes toward debt, I feel like we rarely get to enjoy the luxuries that I think we should have. I've found a different - and fun - way of getting those luxuries for free. It is through hosting parties and shows for other home businesses!
I've received jewelry, beauty products, and cleaning supplies that I never could have bought - at least not for a few more years. Yet my family and I get to enjoy these things as my gift for hosting and taking orders!
I know many people think that they can only host one or two times per year, or whatever given time frame they have in their minds. But this is not true! I do believe you need to be sensitive to friends and such, regarding the number of times you invite them. However, I've found that different products appeal to different people.
I have certain friends that I do invite to every show I host, and they understand that I do not expect them to drop everything to come; nor do I expect them to purchase items every single time. But others, I invite to select shows to prevent burnout. For instance, I invited all my co-workers to see the jewelry, I invited some recent high school grads and their moms to the beauty product show, and I invited a chiropractor friend and my neighbors to check out some new chemical-free cleaning supplies.
As far as snacks? I don't spend a fortune! I usually do something like a pan of brownies, or most recently, I bought a tub of yogurt to serve with berries and granola for parfaits (Saturday morning party!). It's a very small amount to spend when you consider the amount of products received for free!
I challenge you to think about your reason for hosting . . . or for not hosting! What might be holding you back from receiving free products from Discovery Toys? By inviting just a few of your friends and acquaintances to your home or even to a coffee shop, you can easily get a virtually free Christmas for your children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, etc. I also mentioned in my most recent newsletter that I am now offering an Express Show option that takes virtually 60 minutes or less!
You don't have to be on the fast track for getting out of debt like we are - it's a necessity for our family. But I imagine you have a million other places you could spend that money you usually spend on the children in your life. Give me a call today! I look forward to helping you enjoy your debt-free Christmas!
Because all of our extra income currently goes toward debt, I feel like we rarely get to enjoy the luxuries that I think we should have. I've found a different - and fun - way of getting those luxuries for free. It is through hosting parties and shows for other home businesses!
I've received jewelry, beauty products, and cleaning supplies that I never could have bought - at least not for a few more years. Yet my family and I get to enjoy these things as my gift for hosting and taking orders!
I know many people think that they can only host one or two times per year, or whatever given time frame they have in their minds. But this is not true! I do believe you need to be sensitive to friends and such, regarding the number of times you invite them. However, I've found that different products appeal to different people.
I have certain friends that I do invite to every show I host, and they understand that I do not expect them to drop everything to come; nor do I expect them to purchase items every single time. But others, I invite to select shows to prevent burnout. For instance, I invited all my co-workers to see the jewelry, I invited some recent high school grads and their moms to the beauty product show, and I invited a chiropractor friend and my neighbors to check out some new chemical-free cleaning supplies.
As far as snacks? I don't spend a fortune! I usually do something like a pan of brownies, or most recently, I bought a tub of yogurt to serve with berries and granola for parfaits (Saturday morning party!). It's a very small amount to spend when you consider the amount of products received for free!
I challenge you to think about your reason for hosting . . . or for not hosting! What might be holding you back from receiving free products from Discovery Toys? By inviting just a few of your friends and acquaintances to your home or even to a coffee shop, you can easily get a virtually free Christmas for your children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, etc. I also mentioned in my most recent newsletter that I am now offering an Express Show option that takes virtually 60 minutes or less!
You don't have to be on the fast track for getting out of debt like we are - it's a necessity for our family. But I imagine you have a million other places you could spend that money you usually spend on the children in your life. Give me a call today! I look forward to helping you enjoy your debt-free Christmas!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
It's My Job!
Driving across I-80, having bid my husband goodbye for the evening, I reflected upon the blessings in my life. One of the biggest as of late? I love my job!
I was driving down the interstate to attend a Discovery Toys meeting. We ate, we laughed, we played with toys . . . did I mention this was a meeting?
That got me thinking. What are those blessings that come with my job as an independent consultant?
What would you enjoy about being your own boss? About knowing you could help families grow and learn together? I am looking to expand, and would love to talk to you about becoming a part of the Discovery Toys team! Will you consider the blessings you could receive as well?!?
I was driving down the interstate to attend a Discovery Toys meeting. We ate, we laughed, we played with toys . . . did I mention this was a meeting?
That got me thinking. What are those blessings that come with my job as an independent consultant?
- I am my own boss! I set my hours around my family and never have to miss a moment. (I also get to enjoy the tax benefits of self-employment.)
- My job includes the following: toys & games, girls' nights, laughter, food, learning and educating, recognition, and the list goes on and on!
- I work 1-4 hours in any given day (and less if I'm just plain busy!). Most of that time is directly from my home, and when it's not, I'm able to make $30+ per hour.
- I have met sooo many new friends from all walks of life that I never would have met apart from Discovery Toys.
- Meetings and training days feel more like "hanging out with my girlfriends" days, yet I still come home feeling confident that I can help families through the knowledge I've gained.
- I get to be a stay-at-home mom while contributing to my family's financial well-being.
- I know that my children have the best of the best when it comes to their toys and games. Without my even realizing that he wasn't just playing around, my two-year-old learned how to recognize and match shapes and colors!
What would you enjoy about being your own boss? About knowing you could help families grow and learn together? I am looking to expand, and would love to talk to you about becoming a part of the Discovery Toys team! Will you consider the blessings you could receive as well?!?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tutoring Your Tot??
I was intrigued to find that this morning's CBS Early Show featured a segment on tutoring toddlers. Reporter Marysol Castro, who has a two- and five-year-old herself, visited a center in Stanford, CT, where parents take their children for private tutoring. This center focuses on children under the age of five.
Advocate for the center Anna Dabrowski-Radcke insisted that the earlier a child enters the classroom, the better off he or she is for life. Students at this particular center learn through the repetition of worksheets; they work on them with the tutors, and then again when they go home.
For me, this raises serious problems. As was pointed out by another professional in the CBS segment, the brain and the body are designed to develop at the same rate. By forcing a child into the classroom, a parent is asking him to accelerate the brain without stimulating the body. I believe, instead, that children are far better off to learn through experience.
This means that "a kid should be a kid" - and should be allowed and encouraged to explore the world around him. Why don't we as parents help our children to learn by playing? I know, I know, there's just so little time and so much to do! But let's just take some of that precious time to engage our children in play.
I've gone through just a small part of the current Discovery Toys catalog and come up with a list of favorites for encouraging learning. In the Early Show segment, they gave a figure of $3100 as the average annual cost of tutoring per child. I guarantee, these lifetime toys and games will not cost you anywhere near that, and they will develop a much more well-rounded child!
1. "Sounds Like Learning!" CD - includes soothing tunes that include everything from counting to language to manners. We play it during lunch and snack, and alongside activities such as coloring.
2. Giant Pegboard - an award-winning toy that focuses on colors, pre-math, and pre-reading. It comes with pattern cards to help direct activities using the board. Help your child stack and sort the pieces!
3. Measure Up! Cups, Pots, and Spoons - These can be used in the kitchen, on the floor, in the bathtub, etc. I stick the cups in the diaper bag so my children have a quiet activity wherever we go. Measure anything from rice to water - they are volumetrically correct to encourage understanding of math concepts.
4. Playful Patterns - Ask your child to sort them, and observe whether it is done by color, size, or shape. Work on shape names while making pictures in progressively more difficult pattern cards. Shapes can also be associated with letters of the alphabet.
5. Busy Learning Set (Bugs and/or Farm) - come with activity cards, but you can also sort by color and bug or animal type. These are pre-reading and pre-math without your child ever noticing how much he's learning!
6. Motor Works - building and taking apart 3 different vehicles encourage critical thinking and problem solving. The reward at the end is a vehicle that works!
As I said, these are just a few of the items you could use to encourage learning with your child while developing skills for play. If you are interested in these, or any other of our products, please let me know!
Advocate for the center Anna Dabrowski-Radcke insisted that the earlier a child enters the classroom, the better off he or she is for life. Students at this particular center learn through the repetition of worksheets; they work on them with the tutors, and then again when they go home.
For me, this raises serious problems. As was pointed out by another professional in the CBS segment, the brain and the body are designed to develop at the same rate. By forcing a child into the classroom, a parent is asking him to accelerate the brain without stimulating the body. I believe, instead, that children are far better off to learn through experience.
This means that "a kid should be a kid" - and should be allowed and encouraged to explore the world around him. Why don't we as parents help our children to learn by playing? I know, I know, there's just so little time and so much to do! But let's just take some of that precious time to engage our children in play.
I've gone through just a small part of the current Discovery Toys catalog and come up with a list of favorites for encouraging learning. In the Early Show segment, they gave a figure of $3100 as the average annual cost of tutoring per child. I guarantee, these lifetime toys and games will not cost you anywhere near that, and they will develop a much more well-rounded child!
1. "Sounds Like Learning!" CD - includes soothing tunes that include everything from counting to language to manners. We play it during lunch and snack, and alongside activities such as coloring.
2. Giant Pegboard - an award-winning toy that focuses on colors, pre-math, and pre-reading. It comes with pattern cards to help direct activities using the board. Help your child stack and sort the pieces!
3. Measure Up! Cups, Pots, and Spoons - These can be used in the kitchen, on the floor, in the bathtub, etc. I stick the cups in the diaper bag so my children have a quiet activity wherever we go. Measure anything from rice to water - they are volumetrically correct to encourage understanding of math concepts.
4. Playful Patterns - Ask your child to sort them, and observe whether it is done by color, size, or shape. Work on shape names while making pictures in progressively more difficult pattern cards. Shapes can also be associated with letters of the alphabet.
5. Busy Learning Set (Bugs and/or Farm) - come with activity cards, but you can also sort by color and bug or animal type. These are pre-reading and pre-math without your child ever noticing how much he's learning!
6. Motor Works - building and taking apart 3 different vehicles encourage critical thinking and problem solving. The reward at the end is a vehicle that works!
As I said, these are just a few of the items you could use to encourage learning with your child while developing skills for play. If you are interested in these, or any other of our products, please let me know!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
To Clean or Not to Clean
Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like messes. I especially detest messes in my kitchen.
Yesterday my mom and sister came for a visit. I had put the baby down for a nap and told Samuel he could play with the "work toys", which is the name he coined for Marbleworks.
My thought was that this would free me up to be able to clean up our breakfast before my family arrived, so that I could spend time with them right away. Samuel came out with the box of Marbleworks and asked me to play with him. "No, Samuel, I need to clean the kitchen," came out of my mouth without even thinking. "But Mommy," he said with tears welling up in his eyes, "You clean the kitchen everytime".
Wow. Reality check. I sat down with Samuel and we had so much fun putting all the pieces together and racing our marbles!
And my mom and sister were happy because after they took this picture I had them occupy the kids while I cleaned up breakfast!
*If you are interested in Marbleworks but concerned about the size of marbles, please consider our Castle Marbleworks, which has much larger pieces and balls.
Yesterday my mom and sister came for a visit. I had put the baby down for a nap and told Samuel he could play with the "work toys", which is the name he coined for Marbleworks.
My thought was that this would free me up to be able to clean up our breakfast before my family arrived, so that I could spend time with them right away. Samuel came out with the box of Marbleworks and asked me to play with him. "No, Samuel, I need to clean the kitchen," came out of my mouth without even thinking. "But Mommy," he said with tears welling up in his eyes, "You clean the kitchen everytime".
Wow. Reality check. I sat down with Samuel and we had so much fun putting all the pieces together and racing our marbles!
And my mom and sister were happy because after they took this picture I had them occupy the kids while I cleaned up breakfast!
*If you are interested in Marbleworks but concerned about the size of marbles, please consider our Castle Marbleworks, which has much larger pieces and balls.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Hot Sale Item!!
Okay, I know I just posted. But I couldn't resist one more!
Julia, my almost-one-year-old, has been offered our Ring Around teether off and on since she's been born. This teether had kind of made its way to the bottom of our toy basket for a while when, just yesterday, I couldn't find Julia.
Where do you think she was? Hidden behind our couch with the Ring Around teether!!
Just look at all those colors! There's a mirror on one side, and so many different textures to explore. It must have caught Julia's eye, and so it has again surfaced as one of the "top-of-the-basket" toys, even with my one- and two-year-olds. This is not just baby toy! What a great way to stimulate the senses of sight and touch!
The best part?? It's on sale this month!! Can you think of a few baby showers or dedications you may be going to in the next year? It's only $5 and only available through June 30th. So head on over to my website and order yourself one or two . . . or twelve!
www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
Julia, my almost-one-year-old, has been offered our Ring Around teether off and on since she's been born. This teether had kind of made its way to the bottom of our toy basket for a while when, just yesterday, I couldn't find Julia.
Where do you think she was? Hidden behind our couch with the Ring Around teether!!
The best part?? It's on sale this month!! Can you think of a few baby showers or dedications you may be going to in the next year? It's only $5 and only available through June 30th. So head on over to my website and order yourself one or two . . . or twelve!
www.discoverytoyslink.com/kidsarenumberone
The Beginning
Welcome to my very first post on my very first blog! Allow me to briefly introduce myself and the concept of this.
I have been wanting to start a blog for quite some time now . . . but I am far from tech-savvy, and am a bit nervous about getting myself into things like this. You see, I have this tendency to spend hours trying to do one task on the computer and I never finish because I get too frustrated.
But this is a new month, and a new week. And I am SO EXCITED about my new blog!! Why, you ask? Well, I am an educational consultant with Discovery Toys. And this month - June - we have an enormous sale going on that I want to share with everyone! So naturally, this seemed the appropriate time to begin.
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I know I will enjoy writing for it. Maybe I'll even become a little more knowledgeable about the whole technology thing in the process!
Please stay tuned as I update with new findings on education and the use of our toys and games. And by all means, if you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know!
I have been wanting to start a blog for quite some time now . . . but I am far from tech-savvy, and am a bit nervous about getting myself into things like this. You see, I have this tendency to spend hours trying to do one task on the computer and I never finish because I get too frustrated.
But this is a new month, and a new week. And I am SO EXCITED about my new blog!! Why, you ask? Well, I am an educational consultant with Discovery Toys. And this month - June - we have an enormous sale going on that I want to share with everyone! So naturally, this seemed the appropriate time to begin.
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I know I will enjoy writing for it. Maybe I'll even become a little more knowledgeable about the whole technology thing in the process!
Please stay tuned as I update with new findings on education and the use of our toys and games. And by all means, if you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know!
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