Three is such a sweet, simple age. Last month, when the kids were writing out their Christmas wish lists, the only thing that Sean put on his list was “pencils”. “There isn’t anything else that you would like?” we asked. “Nope. Just pencils.” I think that he became tired of us asking him the same question, so over the last few weeks, he has increased his list. I will write about a couple of the things…the beloved pencils and BIGFOOT by Fisher Price.

1. Since pencils are Sean’s greatest desire, we are focusing on getting him art supplies (and maybe even an art class) for Christmas. I love P’kolino for arts and crafts products. They have this new art supply line inspired by Romero Britto, so we plan on buying him the crayons, coloring book, finger paints, markers and (of course) the colored pencils.

2. Once we continued to ask him for gift ideas, Sean started to find inspiration in commercials. He really liked the commercial for the Fisher Price BIGFOOT. Honestly, I can rarely guess what will be a hit with the kids, but they seem to be drawn to this remote-controlled monster. He doesn’t speak that much and the looks leave a lot to be desired. I guess that it is all about the personality in this case!

Earlier this week, I was asked to help promote a Bigfoot Moods on Facebook sweepstakes. One person will win a BigFoot each week until it ends on December 15th. (You can also post your Bigfoot “mood” to your Facebook profile if you like.) Go ahead and enter on Facebook. If you happen to win, I know a little boy that would love to take your winnings off of your hands

What are some of the toys on your kid’s holiday wish lists?

Disclosure: I am being compensated by Big Fuel on behalf of Fisher Price for promoting the Bigfoot Moods promotion. Of course you can compensate me even more if you win by giving Sean the BIGFOOT…or not.

(Post images courtesy of Fisher Price and P’kolino)

Last Thursday, I attended the Time to Play Holiday Showcase which was hosted by TimetoPlayMag.com. While there, Time To Play announced it’s “Most Wanted” toys for the holiday season. In addition to their picks, a wide variety of toy companies were there to share their top choices for the season.

I had a great time. I’ll be sharing more about some of the toys in-depth in my November holiday toy guide. Meanwhile, I wanted to share two highlights from the event:

1. It was wonderful to see some of my favorite local moms who blog as well as others who traveled into town for this special event.

(Photo courtesy of Mommy Niri)

2. The Time To Play Holiday 2009 Most Wanted list had some great picks. You can see the images, read the full details and such at http://www.timetoplaymag.com/mostwanted/. Meanwhile, here are the picks:

-BARBIE FASHIONISTAS

-THE BEATLES ROCK BAND

Up to this point, my immediate family has not been negatively affected by the recession. I’m grateful for that and know that circumstances could change any day. As such, we are still trying to be careful with our finances. I know that I personally tend to spend a lot more money during the summer as I’m out and about with the kids, so I have to be aware of my purchases. (Besides, we have just spent thousands of dollars on our current move!)

That’s why I was happy to receive the following eight tips to make the best of your family’s “recessionary” summer. The information is from Marilyn Kagan, LCSW and Neil Einbund, Ph.D, marriage counselors and authors of Defenders of the Heart: Managing the Habits and Attitudes That Block You from a Richer, More Satisfying Life. They are based on their own family activities and conversations with parents in their Los Angeles private practice where parents have expressed concern about their kids this summer because the recession has taken away the opportunity for summer camp and/or family vacations. The instructions are aimed at instilling hope, creativity and family – making this the best summer yet!

1. Date night swap. Maybe you have enough funds for your weekly date night, but the babysitting fee is really breaking your budget. Don’t give up date night – your marriage needs it. Instead, arrange with your neighbors or other family friends to take turns watching each other’s children.

2. Skip the gym membership and get fit together. Set aside time during the week to hit the local park to play a sport together like softball or kickball. Gather the family and go for brisk walks after dinner. Wake up early on the weekend to cycle or hike on trails in your town.

3. Plant a garden. It teaches children about healthy eating and about positively contributing to Mother Earth. It also gives children something to care for each day.

4. Mentally prepare kids for the fall. In August, start to get your child’s mental power back on target by initiating one hour quiet time each day to fulfill back to school reading lists. Consider hiring a local high school or college student as a tutor to help your child get ahead in his or her weak subjects. Student tutors are usually more affordable and the work could benefit them too in their future career pursuits.

5. Flip your house. No DIY projects here. Instead, trade houses with a friend in another state that’s within driving distance. New places always lead to new, possibly great memories. It gives you and your family a chance to explore a new part of the country even if it’s only a few hours away.

6. Stay on top of local news. Whether it’s your weekly town paper, the city daily or a regional parenting publication, these media outlets will highlight a host of free and affordable activities during the week. If you’ve canceled all of your subscriptions to save a buck, then hit the internet and explore these publications online. You can also visit Craig’s List, Eventful, Zvents and CityGuide online for other nearby events and activities.

7. Join a cause together. Doing something good for others is one of the best feelings you can ever have. Families can contribute to the greater good by raising funds or providing time. Decide together those causes that are important to you, and how much you are willing to contribute.

8. Unplug. For one evening during the week, turn off the computers and television sets and host a night of good old time fun. Whether you take out the Monopoly board, spend hours on arts & crafts, or catch fireflies in the evening, teach your children the fun and inspiration in unplugged activities.

Discount
-Custom Made For Kids: If you use the code “summer2009”, you will receive 20% off personalized book orders placed by September 21, 2009.

Father’s Day
-Care.com: They are offering some cute FREE Father’s Day coupons that you can download at Coupons for Dad. (They are also offering a 15% promotional code to sign up for Care.com (simply enter “DAD15” and receive 15% off the cost of a Care.com membership.

-Outback Steakhouse: Every Dad who eats at their restaurant this Father’s Day weekend will receive a $10 gift certificate towards his next visit. (Restaurants will be open at 11AM that Sunday so you can take him for lunch or dinner.) Plus (if you’re especially budget-conscious), they are still running their 15 meals under $15 promotion.

Helpful Site
MomActive: This new site is geared towards supporting moms with fitness and healthy living. One of the co-founders lost over 100 lbs. after the birth of her son – how inspiring! (There is also a MomActive radio talk show.)

After sifting through almost 400 Father’s Day gift suggestions, I’m happy to see that Dads are being focused on after all. (My initial impression was that dads got the short end of the stick holiday-wise.)

Honestly, when it comes to getting gifts for the men in my life, I usually get them something that they have recently mentioned in casual conversation that they wanted or needed. If they haven’t mentioned anything lately, I just ask. (I started this practice after getting Kangols and Old Spice for my own dad year after year until he protested. Me: “You were the one who asked me for them. I thought that you liked them.” Him: “Yes, I did, but that was many years ago. I do like them…just not every year!” Point taken.) This year, I bought my dad a gift card to Macy’s. (He has very specific tastes in clothes – he’s a “Dapper Don”. So, if he doesn’t tell me specifically what he wants clothing-wise, I let him choose for himself!)

My husband mentioned that he needs some new pants, so I also bought him a gift card to Macy’s. I’m going to go shopping with him though as a part of his gift, because he’s one of those people who won’t ever use their gift cards! In addition, I’m creating a photo/video montage as a gift for him with the boys. I’m using One True Media to create it. They gave me a trial Premium Subscription to test out the site and it’s so easy to use! You simply upload your photos and video, add music and any other effects that you desire and you’re done. (I’m writing this on here, because my husband doesn’t read my blog without asking first!) I’m going to turn the montage into a gift DVD. (You can also e-mail it, post it on social media sites or send it to TiVo so it can be watched on TV.) Basic membership to One True Media is free (while premium membership is $3.99/month or $39.99/year) making this a great gift idea. I’ll post the montage on the blog after my husband sees it first.

Okay, so that’s it for the dads in my life, since my husband is getting his father’s gift. Below are two more tech gift ideas that I wanted to highlight. (I’ve seen them, but I don’t own them.)

1. Motorola TALKABOUT® MR350R Radios ($79.99 per pair): Active dads will enjoy these two-way radios that are best suited for outdoor use. That is where you will see the best range (they have a range of 35 miles). The radios also come with NOAA weather alerts, an Emergency alert button and many other features. (I’m thinking of some of my “outdoorsy” guy friends who would love this – especially since summer vacation camping/trips are right around the corner.)

2. Vue personal video network ($299.99): Earlier this year, I was able to see a preview of this system at an Editor’s Showcase. It is a wire-free video system that can be used on a daily basis. With it, dads will be able to see their families from practically anywhere. (When I initially saw it, I thought that it would be a great purchase for parents who are away from their families a lot for business or other reasons.) What I especially like about it is that it’s simple. You just set up the cameras, plug an Internet connection into the back of the Gateway and start viewing. There are no wires and no software to set up, so it’s easy to use no matter how tech savvy you are (or are not!). The Vue will be shipping soon, but you can pre-order now in order to be one of the first people to experience it.

Congrats to the winner: Karen E

Back in January, I reviewed and gave away some Jockey Women’s Activewear. The pieces were so comfortable that I’m still using them. That’s why I’m happy to introduce Jockey Euro Sport for the men in your life. For Father’s Day, Jockey is giving away a set of three products from this collection: a Euro Sport Trunk, Brief and Boxer Brief.

If you’re like me, then you usually end up buying your husband’s underclothes. The Jockey Euro Sport Collection is available in CoolMax® and Microfiber Mesh fabrics that are lightweight and quick drying. Priced at $12-$28, the products are a relatively inexpensive way to keep your guy cool while he’s out and about.

To win the three products, please share your favorite item from the Jockey Euro Sport Collection in the “Comments” section below by Sunday, June 21st at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter or friend me on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 21st.

Good luck!

(To see other contests & giveaways around the web, visit Contesting Monday or Contest Monday.)

I’m not really putting together a Father’s Day Gift Guide. Rather, I’m going to do two days of gift ideas (Books and Unique Gifts).

Books are some of my favorite things. Below are eight that I think will make wonderful Father’s Day gifts for a variety of dads:

1. Afterbirth: Stories You Won’t Read in a Parenting Magazine
“(It) is a new book offering compassion and hope for parents of any age and disciplinarian follower. (It) is not a sentimental love-fest about the joys of parenthood. Rather, it has more heart in its depictions about the shocking, wonderful, and terrible moments of being a parent, and embraces the complaints, brutally honest opinions, and parental failings about the most mystifying job in the world. Afterbirth is largely written by fathers, and not just any fathers, but some of the funniest dads today, most of whom are award-winning comedy and television writers.”

2. Always By My Side
”The National Sportscaster of the Year beautifully recounts his loving relationship with his own father, Jim Nantz Sr., who ultimately succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. Nantz discusses how his father shaped him as a person, and helped him become the man he is today.”

3. Crash Course for New Dads: Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets
“Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, has recently released his second book on fathering…which serves as a terrific “how to” guide for new fathers.”

*4. Dance Me, Daddy
” In her new children’s book, singer/songwriter and 2009 Dove Award Winner Cindy Morgan celebrates the bond between fathers and daughters everywhere. With lively illustrations by Philomena O’Neill, Dance Me, Daddy recalls the days when Daddy was the “King of the World.” The final copy of the book will include a CD with the song “King of the World” (written by Morgan and inspiration for the book) performed by Point of Grace, as well as a reading of the book by Morgan.” (I was sent this beautiful book. Since I don’t have a daughter, I’m going to give it to one of my mom friends that does have a little girl.)

5. Keel’s Simple Diary Volume One
“This unique mole-skin diary is TASCHEN’s first release primarily filled with text which TASCHEN describes as, “a book that provides us with a little comfort in difficult times.” Illuminating thought starters, queries and illustrations enable the reader/creator to explore, navigate and document the chaotic adventure that is life.”

6. LAMENTATIONS OF THE FATHER
“Celebrated humorist Ian Frazier’s (book is) a collection of The New Yorker contributor’s essays from the past fourteen years of his career. Stories included are “The Cursing Mommy Cookbook,” “Kid Court,” and “How to Operate the Shower Curtain.”

7. LIFE with Father
“Celebrate the joys of parenthood. Featuring celebrities—think Jackie and Caroline Kennedy—and everyday moms and dads; these books are the perfect gift to express the sentiments words cannot.”

8. Love Equals Sacrifice
“An emotional and moving autobiography chronicling the author’s experiences caring for a father with Alzheimer’s and his realization that true love does not come without sacrifice.”

On Thursday night, I went with a group of people to see Diane Birch perform at City Winery. (She did an amazing job and I’ll be sharing more about it next week.) Before the show began, I met several new, wonderful people. One of the more lively ones was John Andrews. He has this brilliant marketing mind and background, but the thing that attracted me the most was his obvious love for his wife and young daughter.

Anyway, someone mentioned to John that I might be doing a Father’s Day Guide this month. Immediately, he called me over and started raving about the Kroon jacket that he was wearing. (I can’t seem to find a website for Kroon, but if you google “Kroon Jacket”, you can see where to purchase them.) John loved his jacket so much that he thought that it would make a wonderful gift for any dad. (Since he doesn’t work for the company in any capacity and recently purchased two of the jackets himself, I was intrigued.) Since I had my Flip camera with me, I asked him if he would share about it on video. He happily obliged and the clip is below:

Congrats to the winner: Sarah Daniels.

What is it about guys and grills? We’re going to a barbecue tomorrow and my friend is telling me all about how excited her husband is to grill chicken and other meats on their new grill. Even my husband (who has a pretty laid-back personality) gets excited when he hears that we’re going to a barbecue. He also loves “manning the grill” at various outings. Practically every man that I know just loves to grill – it’s like they have an inner grill-master inside! It’s no wonder that grilling gadgets are such top Father’s Day gift items.

Unfortunately, there’s not always a lot of space for grills in small, urban apartments. That’s why I’m so excited that Breville gave me and is giving one lucky Mom in the City reader their Die Cast Indoor BBQ & Grill ($249.99).

Normally, my husband is not excited about the items that I review or give away on this site. However, he was really happy about this one! I let him know that he would have to work for it though by sharing his thoughts. Here are the 5 things that we like the most about the grill:

1. It is versatile. The height adjusts so you can grill a variety of foods from pancakes to thick cuts of meat.

2. It is compact. Although you have the option of opening it to grill, it can also fit on a countertop when closed. For me, it’s replacing my Crock-pot on the counter while the weather is warm. (I really don’t like a lot of stews/chili type foods when it’s warm outside.)

3. It gives real barbecue results. (Although honestly, it’s impossible for it to have that same charcoal smell and taste.)

4. It is easy to clean. Some women love cleaning. It makes them happy. I’m not one of those women. Since I clean when my husband cooks, the non-stick plates on the grill get a thumbs-up from me!

And

5. It is a healthy choice. You have the option of draining the fat into the included dip tray. (My husband doesn’t really care because he has a crazy metabolism. He can eat whatever he likes and not gain an ounce.)

To enter, please share your favorite feature of the grill in the “Comments” section below by Monday, June 15th at noon.

For additional entries:
1. Link to this giveaway post on your blog.
2. Follow me on twitter. (If you’re already following me, you can tweet about this giveaway.)
3. Leave a comment on any of my other (non- giveaway) posts until June 15th.

Good luck!