I subscribe to some google alerts for interesting news stories and blogs about toddlers and preschoolers.  It’s a great way to keep on top of things that might be of interest to you, the Parenting Zoo reader, and it keeps me in the know just … well cuz I like to be in the know!

I’ve been amazed over the last few weeks how many times there is a news story about a toddler falling out of a window - I mean almost daily there is a news story on my alert… in different towns (and countries - today’s was in China).

My friend Carrie over at Natural Moms Talk Radio is doing a quick blog carnival on quick healthy meals. You can check out her post HERE if you want to find out more.

One of our family’s all time favorite quick meals is Chicken Fajitas. We almost always have the ingredients needed in the fridge and pantry so it’s great for those nights when you realize you forgot to pull the roast out of the freezer or need to whip up something quick when another family stops by.

I often visit youtube and upload video there to share with others but I’m so tired of all the … for lack of a better word … crappy videos that show up on the sidebars, etc. I won’t let my kids click on ANYTHING in there and make sure they watch the one video I approve and then close it out.

So to say I’m thrilled about what I found today is an understatement. Check this out:

I subscribe to a great e-newsletter from Mary Hunt called the Everyday Cheapskate and today she sent off some interesting information on freebies and other things of interest specifically to kids.

One thing that caught my eye immediately was that you can get into some museums for FREE with your Bank of America credit, debit or ATM card. I don’t know about you but our museums around here (we’re in the Chicagoland area) are really pricey. They have free days for school kids occasionally but then it’s so crowded you don’t want to be there at all. This might be a nice option (at least until the word gets out - oops!).

No Domestic Goddess Here
©Lisa Barker

I was enjoying a cinnamon bun candle – one of my favorites. It looks and smells so real I couldn’t help myself and leaned in closer, taking a deep breath. Zzzt. Zzzt.

I didn’t know you could inhale a candle flame but apparently that’s what I did and now I have no hair in my left nostril. I know, because I checked, fascinated by my idiocy.

So if you start reading warning labels on candles that caution, “Inhaling flames can be hazardous to your health,” then you know who the fool was that did the unthinkable to warrant such a statement.

I love scrapbooking and it’s a great easy preschool craft for young kids too. Preschool arts and craft projects are great for little ones’ brains too as they have to follow steps, predict outcomes, etc, plus it’s great focused one on one time for the two of you! Kids crafts are wonderful for fine motor skills too which is essential and helpful for when your child is ready to do serious handwriting.

And this easy craft project is simple and chances are pretty good you have the items needed around the house.

You need:

©Lisa Barker

I love being a stay at home mom. I can go to the bathroom whenever I want, I can drink water whenever I want and I never have to say ‘excuse me’ unless the children hear.

I haven’t let myself go. I just don’t have to answer to anyone and that’s a definite drawback especially when you return to the workforce.

Once I held an office job after having spent the previous five years alone with three little ones. I hadn’t realized how I’d morphed from a shy person to one who speaks her mind until I was hired as an administrative assistant.

Survival of The Fittest Shopper
©Lisa Barker

It happens all the time.  People speed and chat on the phone while they eat lunch—all behind the wheel.  They have no problem multi-tasking in the car.  But put them behind a shopping cart at Walmart and these same people can’t walk and browse at the same time.

You can see the drool dangling off their chins and the vacant look in their eyes and you’re stuck behind them as they feebly try to figure out how to put one foot in front of the other.

Wow am I ever excited! My friend Christina over at WonderYearsRadio.com just put out a new resource for moms of elementary age kids chock full of ideas to keep your kids active and busy over the summer months (and not in front of the video games!) YAY! Although she’s geared it towards older kids, I know that her ideas and hints will be of great use to preschoolers and toddlers too as well as families with multiple aged kids!

We’ve just uploaded another great toddler and preschool story time story over at the Snuggles Podcast. Take a listen with your kids - the stories are really delightful for all ages. This is the last story in a series of stories about Purrkins and Pit-Pat those mischievous cats that belong to the Harrington family.

This week’s story centers on a chipmunk intruder and how our fabulous felines attempt to help the family rid the house of it. Always fun and delightful, you’ll love this week’s story.

CLICK HERE to take a listen and subscribe to the ITunes feed. Enjoy!