The Great Food Race

The Creative Toy Shop has come out this year with several games that would make wonderful additions to the classic games that many households have enjoyed for years. The Great Food Race, Recycle It! and Yummy Scrummy are a few of the wonderful games for younger children that educate and teach healthy food choices and important environmental lessons. The pieces of each game are made of thick sturdy cardboard which allow your preschooler or Kindergartener to easily grasp and put together on their own.

The Great Food race focuses on healthy food choices. You earn or loose points according to the physical exertion of activities and food choice segments you land upon. The player receives points in increments of five which allows children to practice simple addition. You will want to be the first to cross the finishline but watch out for potato crisps and the cookies. Recycle It! and Yummy Scrummy are also fantastic games for preschoolers that offer many learning opportunities. All of the games are created with colorful, vivid images that grab attention and excite the little ones. You can find these games and many others at http://creativetoyshop.com/. Readers will receive a 15% storewide discount from the Creative Toy Shop through December 31! Some exceptions apply. Enter Zoe15 as the coupon code. Please note shipment to Canada is not available.

The Holidays without Wrapping Paper? It's possible.

I find the holidays can be a bit overwhelming, the shopping, wrapping, cutting, taping. And then the terrific mess at the end. Did you know that Americans will dispose of 4 million tons of wrapping paper and shopping bags over the holidays? Most will not be recycle or reused. So, what can we do if we don't want to be part of the problem? If you are looking for something with a bit more class than paper bags and news paper to wrap those gifts, I have the perfect suggestions: Reusable wraps!

Bobo wraps are beautiful reuseable alternatives to paper. The concept of the wrapping scarves come mainly from Korea and Japan. Patricia Lee, founder and director of Bobo wraps, has evolved this concept into an artistic expression of elegance. There is no need for tape or sissors. It is so simple to use. Your holiday gifts could not look more beautiful. Our readers will receive 15% off orders by entering "zoeb15" as your coupon code at check out. Go to http://www.bobowrap.com/.



For a more modern twist on the reuseable wrapping try the Lyziwraps. These adjustable wraps conform to fit to a variety of shapes and packages. They are sporty, adjustable and washable, made of durable nylon fabrics that resist ripping. Simply slip your gift in and adjust the silk ties. Lyziwraps are also offering us 15% off orders by entering "zoe15" at checkout. Just go to Lyziwraps.com


It is possible to enjoy greener holidays and celebrate in eco-friendly style.

Green Your Halloween: CANDY!!!

Every year, if you ask my children what their favorite part of Halloween is, the resounding answer will be, CANDY!! Yes, after the costumes, face painting and decorating is done, it is the candy that we delight in. And not just the little ones. I have been known to nibble a bite or two (or three) from their hefty bag of treats. Truth be told, they never get half of it and not because their parents are eating it. I simply can not stomach the thought of all the artificial color, chemical and sugared concoctions traveling through their systems. So, I've been doing a little candy research and have complied a list of my favorite treats to offer for a healthier alternative.

The chocolate mini produced by Equal Exchange is a wonderful item to hand out for Halloween. These chocolates are organic, fairly traded and super yummy! You can get $5 dollars off a box of these delicious chocolates today through October 20. Just enter zoehalloween as the coupon code at the Equal Exchange Retail Store online at http://shop.equalexchange.com/.

Betty Lou's is a fantastic place to get new items to pass out on this spookie occasion. You can find just about every alternative snack you might be interested in all year long. They have a sweet fix for every diet. If you call 1 800 242 5205 and let them know that you heard about Betty Lou's from us you can save 15% on your order.

Endangered Species Bug Bites is a super sweet way to educate and celebrate. These tasty chocolate tidbits are available right now at Mothernature.com for 15% off.

Pure Fun Candies are on the top of this list as well. They offer organic, fairly traded, kosher and vegan candies that are delicious. Plus their website is highly entertaining. You can find their candies available at many stores including Amazon.com.

Happy Halloween!!!

Green Your Halloween: Costume Ideas

Every year for Halloween we always made our own costumes, sometimes it was our own creations and other times Mom got in there for detailed preparations. We could always take from what we had and come up with the most inventive costumes. I got one daughter through on homemade costumes but my sons are always struck with overwhelming desire for Spiderman, Power Rangers or something that I have not yet figured out how to make. I just have trouble stomaching the price of the costumes that will be worn once or twice and fall apart so easily.

As I began researching cool projects to intrigue my children, I ran across several great ideas, those "why didn't I think of that" kind of thing. Costume Swapping is among the best. You can check out registered locations at Green Halloween or even register your own swap. This site offers wonderful tips on how to organize your own neighborhood swap. National Costume Swap Day is schedule for this Saturday, October 9th. If you can't make it to a Costume Swap or just don't have time to get one pulled together don't forget good old Craigslist. It is always possible to find just what you need. Other awesome costume ideas can be gathered from Homemade Halloween Costumes. If you are looking for a clever book to sit and share with your children for Halloween and make believe any other time of the year Glue and Go Costume for Kids: Super Duper Designs with Everyday Materials is available at many bookstores. I am excited this year to see what we will come up with.