Seal Theme Still Going Strong

Well, we had my Munchkins 4th birthday party today!! I stuck strong to the seal theme as best as I could. What do you think of my Rocking Seal? 

I just used a couple of pieces of thin styrofoam and traced the shape of a seal on each. Then, I tried to spray paint it. It turns out, I am totally clueless when it comes to painting styrofoam. Did you guys know that it reacts to spray paint like THIS:

I went through a whole can of spray paint as I stubbornly refused to accept the fact that is was NOT going to work. I love the crater in the above picture....I think I thought if I just held it long enough, it would eventually work. It just dissolved away. But, I'm persistent. :-) Finally I gave up and painted them with some regular acrylic.

I attached them to the regular rocking horse with some thin wooden dowels (I just poked the dowels right through the foam) and I wrapped some mesh around the dowels to make them look a little bit more pretty. The seal rocker was a success at the party. And, I think we'll probably use the seals to adorn the Munchkins room later!!

Here are the Parties I Linked Up To (Check them out, you'll be INSPIRED!!)

Works For Me Wednesdays
Under $100 Linky Party
Thrifty Thursday
Frugalicious Friday 

Little Tikes School Bus Review

I was recently asked if I wanted to do a review for CSN Stores in exchange for a gift certificate. This is the ride-on toy I picked out as a present for a friend's baby.  Looks pretty fun, huh?

Here's What I Like:

• It's a Little Tikes Brand (known for their durability)
• Two modes of operation: Rocking on base and Scooting
• Ease of assembly
• Quick shipping from CSN!!
• Bright Colors
• Inspirational theme (you're 1 and ALREADY riding on the school bus?!?!) ;-)
• It's for ages 12-36 Months....but I think it could easily be used well beyond that

        Here's What I Don't Like:

• Not many interactive parts on the Bus, it's a simple design (which can be a GOOD thing)
• Limited rocking range

The child I gave this toy to just turned one year old, and this toy is something that he is *just about* developmentally ready for. I think this skewed the review a bit. If my munchkin had had a chance to play on it, I know it would have seen a LOT more use. This baby had also received a couple of other ride-on toys that had many more gadgets than the bus, and held his interest more. However, I think a lot can be said of simplicity; it leaves more to the imagination and doesn't overwhelm the senses as easily. Too many gadgets, in my mind, can be too much for little kiddos.

This toy would be perfect for those of you whose children like to be moving, those who are easily overwhelmed by too many gadgets, and those parents who are looking for a toy that's a little more quiet than others. :-) This is the type of toy that will be used diligently by toddlers, by riding/rocking on it, and even incorporating into their play.

If you're interested in buying the toy

Click Here!!!!