What to Watch: The Best TV Shows for Preschoolers

Allowing a little TV each day isn’t such a crime. In fact, if you choose the right shows your child can learn quite a bit. Children really shouldn’t watch more than two hours of TV a day and with so many cartoons and characters on different channels you may be wondering where to allot the tube time. We all know you can’t go wrong with a great, classic show like Sesame Street, but what about the other programs out there today? Here are our best picks:

Sid the Science Kid (PBS)

This show has been kid-tested at our house! Preschoolers are curious and Sid and his friends are a fun-loving bunch who are trying to figure out how the world around us works. Science skills are so important and often forgotten, so this program is a great way to instill an early “science start” with your child. Each week has a  theme such as weather, the human body, or growing mold, so if you want to do some extra projects at home to go along with the show planning activities would be simple! You can also take the show to another level and play games with Sid and his friends at PBSkids.org.

Yo Gabba Gabba (Nick Jr.)

Every episode begins when DJ Lance opens his magical boombox so that your child can explore Gabbaland with his colorful friends Muno, Foofa, Toodee, Brobee, and Plex. It’s a musically focused show that invites your child to get their groove on while they learn important life lessons like taking turns, having fun, and being a good friend. The show is jampacked and nonstop, full of music segments, cartoon clips, dance moves, and even a talent segment called “cool tricks” where kids (and even adults!) show off their best skills from bubble blowing to piano playing.

Olivia (Nick Jr.)

One of the literary world’s favorite book characters comes to life in her own show with her two brothers Ian and William-Oh, and her beloved dog, Perry. The show follows Olivia, a 6 year old spunky little pig who has a BIG imagination! In each episode she encounters many woes but finds they can all be resolved with a little imagination and a lot of heart. Her big dreams may take her away to far places, but she always returns home with a fresh outlook on the day and a solution to her problem.

Special Agent Oso (Disney Jr.)

We love this caring, quirky panda name Oso who comes to the aid of kids in need with everyday troubles like cleaning their room, making lemonade, or planning a special surprise for mommy. He can solve all these problems with the help of his high-tech gadgets like his trusty Paw Pilot. We think this show is great for preschoolers because is uses an interactive format that will allow your child to problem solve on their own and pick up some other great preschool skills along the way as well.

Super Why! (PBS)

When problems arise in Storybook Village it is up to the Super Readers to save the day. Each Reader-Red, Littlest Pig, Princess Pea, and Wyatt Beanstalk-all transform into superhero attire to leap into the pages of a book and solve the problem. Each character has a special reading based skill, such as spelling power. This show is one of our picks because it will encourage your preschooler to expand their early literacy skills through word games, spelling challenges, and interactive reading.

Tinga Tinga Tales (Disney Jr.)

We love this show because it is quality entertainment in small doses. Only 15 minutes for each show, Tinga Tinga Tales is a colorful, beautifully animated short story program that brings African folklore to life. Stories like “Why Tickbird Sits on Hippos Back” and “Why Lion Roars” will teach your child about sharing, being humble and kind, and having courage. There’s always a positive message and we guarantee you’ll have plenty to talk about once you turn the TV off!

RECALL ALERT: Kiddieland Lights and Sounds Scooters

Kiddieland Toys

RECALL SAFETY NOTICE

Laceration Hazard

Kiddieland Recalls “Lights & Sounds” Scooters

The steering column hinge button can be released by a child causing it to fall back on the platform, posing a pinching or laceration hazard.

Model #044255

Model #043174

For additional information, contact Kiddieland toll-free at : (800) 430-5307 anytime or visit the company’s web site at www.kiddieland.com

What We Love Right Now April 20, 2011: A Couple of our Favorite Finds for Earth Day

Earth Day is approaching and we LOVE that Marc Brown author and creator of the lovable book character Arthur has launched a new book, Arthur Turns Green. Teachers, children, and parents who are fans of his books and great show on PBS have probably been awaiting a new book for quite a while! In the book Arthur and his curious sister D.W. are at it again and of course it does not disappoint!

{photo credits}

There is a wonderful website full of information regarding this cute new book and there are also lots of good ideas and activities to help you and your family turn green with Arthur! Visit www.arthur-books/green.html

Interested in more Earth Day reads? Here are some more books your little ones might enjoy:

• Celebrating Earth Day: Circle the Year With Holidays, by Janet McDonnell
• Every Day Is Earth Day: A Craft Book, by Kathy Ross
• Keeper of the Swamp, by Ann Garrett
• Mr. Garbage, by William H. Hooks
• Gover’s 10 Terrific Ways to Help our Wonderful World, by Anna Ross
• Tanya’s Big Green Dream, written by Lida Glaser
• Pollution? No Problem!, by David Morichon
• For the Love of Our Earth, by P.K. Hallinan

Hey Mama’s! Need a pick-me-up on the way out the door on Earth Day? Celebrate Earth Day with Starbucks on Friday, April 22 and get a FREE brewed tea or coffee when you bring in a reusable mug or tumbler! LOVE IT!

Egg-cellent Egg Decorating with Chalkboard Paint

Home Made Simple has some great egg decorating ideas that are unique and different. We loved one in particular. All you need are some hard boiled eggs, chalkboard paint, and your favorite colored chalk. Paint the eggs and let your kids do the rest! They’ll have fun decorating and then redecorating their eggs over and over again! The eggs will make the perfect little centerpiece  for your Easter brunch table created by your very own Picaso’s!

photo courtesy of Home Made Simple

What We Love Right Now April 13, 2011: Creating a “Date Night” with Your Child

We just can’t help ourselves, we love the idea of having a special “date night” with your child. This works out so well if you have more than one child or if you just had a baby and introduced a new sibling into the home, so you can get that special one-on-one time with them. You can even wrangle your husband into the idea if he’s up for the challenge! This is something your child is sure to love. It gives them special time with mom (or dad!) and allows them to do something that interests them (remember, you want this to be fun for them and not seem like just another outing or errand with mom). Of course there are oodles of things you can do and you know your child best, but we have a few ideas for Kids Date Night…

1. Dinner and a Movie

This one is a no-brainer! Kids love going out to eat. You can let your child pick their favorite restaurant or make it fun and pick some place you’ve never been to before! There are always some great animated flicks playing at the theater, but if you’re out of luck check your local $1 theater to see if there is a movie playing that you might have missed during its original debut. Younger kids will love this! Teens will like hanging out with mom as a “friend” vs a parent for the evening. Maybe after the movie you can hit a few stores and shop if its not too late .

2. Visit a Book Store

Book Stores are pretty fun places. Little kids love the children’s section because usually they are very colorful, have special seating areas, reading corners, and lots and lots of books based on all their favorite characters. We guarantee you and your little one will have an hour or two of fun! For your tweens and teens, try heading out for brunch or lunch on a Saturday morning then going over to the book store and finding book that interests them. You can look it over together at the coffee bar or share a hot chocolate and make it a perfect lazy day outing!

3. Museum Trip

Kids of all ages like museums, but this is an especially great idea if your child is into history or art. Those are two interests that are hard to accommodate with daily activities so a special date to the museum would be an awesome treat!

4. Get Moving

If your child is active and loves sports or the outdoors there are countless things you can do together. Try to hit up the park for the afternoon and take your bikes, visit a National Park and hike a trail, visit a local gym and play a round of tennis or basketball. Ask your child what interests them and get active together!

5. Take Me Out to The Ball Game

Maybe not just a baseball, but depending on the season, you could take your child to a football, hockey, or basketball game. College sporting events have a fun atmosphere and if you’re near a college town that would be an idea. Depending on game time you could grab a bite to eat before hand or have a hotdog at the game!

School Bans Homemade Lunches

What would you do if you could no longer send in your child’s lunch from home? This might be a big deal for some of our children. Not only do most kids dislike what is on the school lunch menu, often times it is healthier and cheaper to send in a lunchbox with your child. This may not be quite a big deal for the older children and teens in your home. We found this article from TODAYMoms and it seemed to spark quite an interest on the web and social media sites.

Would this bother you? Follow the link below to read up on a Chicago school that has banned lunches from home.

http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/04/12/6455349-cafeteria-chaos-school-bans-lunches-from-home-

What We Love Right Now March 23, 2011: Top 10 Best Movies for Families

Hosting a Sleepover? A night with your best friend’s family? Pop in one of these great movies for a night of movie watching that everyone will enjoy.

1. Goonies, Rated PG

It’s action and fantasy rolled into one! We think it’s one of the best little movies of the ’80s. The Goonies have that great friendship that all kids can relate to. We think this movie is best suitable for schoolage kids ages 8 and up.

2. Mary Poppins, Rated G

A classic Walt Disney film, this movie is great for all ages. In fact it’s supercalafragalisticexpialadicious!

3. Cheaper by the Dozen, Rated PG

Lots of kids and lots of fun, a family with 12 kids adjusts to life in the city after moving from a small town. Kids will enjoy the pranks and antics of the siblings and parents will appreciate the message of family unity.

4. Babe, Rated G

A talking pig is sure to win over the heart of any child in the room. It’s a very funny movie that will entertain the whole family.

5. School of Rock, Rated PG-13

We’re big Jack Black fans! This movie is probably suitable for the tween and teens in your house who can really appreciate the Jack Black humor, but given the kids in the film are elementary age, you could probably let your schoolage children watch it as well. This movie is a must see!

6. The Original Parent Trap, Rated G

Another classic film, twin sisters separated at birth are reunited at summer camp. This one is sure to become a favorite!

7. The Sandlot, Rated PG

Summertime fun meets at the ballpark as the new boy in the neighborhood makes friends through his love of baseball. The boys in the house will be able to relate to this flick.

8. Father of the Bride, Rated PG

Frank will have everyone laughing and the relationship between the father and daughter is pretty great. This movie is funny, heart warming, and one that will become a family favorite! A perfect watch if you have older children.

9. Land Before Time, Rated G

A great story of a group of dino friends who would do anything for each other. A wonderful show for the young viewers in your house.

10. Finding Nemo, Rated G

An overprotective dad loses his son and has to go a long way to get him back. Disney packs enough adult humor into this film for the whole family to enjoy it! Find Nemo with Marlin and Dory over and over again!

Tired of boring popcorn? Mix in some dried fruit or m&m’s to give it some added flavor!

10 Must-Do Manners for Kids

As moms we all want the most polite kids on the block. Sometimes it may seem their attitude may not be the best of the bunch. We’ve got a list of the top ten manners parents should instill in their kids and you’ll be raising cordial kids for years to come!

1. “Please”~ It’s the age old “magic word”. When asking for something you should always start with “Please…”.
2. “Thank You”~ When you receive something-a gift, a compliment, or help with holding a door open-reply with “thank you”.
3. Try not to interrupt adult who are speaking to each other unless there is an emergency. If you have to interrupt conversation, say “excuse me…”.
4. Do not speak of how others look, unless it is a compliment .
5. When you’ve been to a friend’s house for a play date or overnight stay don’t forget to thank their parents for having you over and for the wonderful time you had.
6. Always knock on closed doors. You never know if bathroom is occupied or not just by judging on a closed door. Knock first and wait of response.
7. If you come across a neighbor, teacher, or one of your parents working on something ask if you can help. If they invite you to join, you should. You might learn something new!
8. Don’t reach for things at the dinner table. You might knock something over. Always ask for things to be passed to you if they are out of reach.
9. If a play, siblings recital, or any kind of program you attend seems boring act interested anyway. Smile and try to enjoy the event. Remember, the people involved worked hard to put it all together.
10. Do not make fun of anyone is any way. Teasing others is no way to be a friend and only makes you look like an unkind person.

Recipe for Snow Cream

How to Make Snow Cream

If you have freshly fallen snow outside your door snow cream will make a yummy treat for you and your kids. If you’ve never made it before, here is what you’ll need:

1. 1 gallon freshly fallen snow
2. 1 cup white sugar
3. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4. 2 cups milk

Ideally you’ll want to place a bowl out to collect the snow as it falls, but if you don’t do this you want to collect some good top layer snow in a bowl. Stir in vanilla and sugar as directed or to taste. Then add enough milk to get desired consistency. Last enjoy your snow cream! Yum, yum!

What We Love Right Now December 15, 2010: Simple Snowmen Donuts

Snowmen Donuts

As a mom I am always looking for “easy” projects to do with the kids. I am not much of  a baker, but I recently found a picture of these cute snowmen donuts and thought they were too easy not to share! All kids, and most adults, love donuts and you can add your favorite candies or use the ones we suggest to decorate your snowman’s face.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Face: Small Powdered Donuts

Nose: Candy Corn or Orange Gum Drops

Eyes: Regular Sized Chocolate Chips or Black Icing

Mouth: Mini Chocolate Chips or Black Icing

Too keep all the pieces of candy in place use white frosting or icing. It just doesn’t get any simpler! These are great to munch on at home or to take to a holiday party or even your child’s class party at school. Do you have a great holiday treat that is easy and festive? We’d love for you to share your ideas with us!

New Mom Must-Have Items

If you’re experiencing pregnancy for the first time, you’re probably going through a lot of “first” moments-first bouts of morning sickness, feeling those first kicks, and soon being a mom for the first time. As the time draws closer to your due date, you might be wondering if you are truly prepared for baby. There are millions of gadgets and baby gear items to chose from when you register for the first time and it can be very overwhelming. What are the things you can’t do without? We’ve got a list of must-have items to make sure you are ready for your bundle of joy!

1. Boppy Pillow

If you are going to be breastfeeding, a Boppy Pillow is a must! It offers comfort for baby and support for you so your back isn’t aching for days. It comes in one standard size and a variety of patterned slip covers are available. Not to mention the Boppy makes a great little support seat for baby once he/she starts sitting up or a pillow you can use with baby during tummy time.

2. Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair

There are oodles of high chairs on the market and all of them are equally bulky. If you are low on space or if you just want to save some room in general the Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair is the one for you. It attaches securely to your kitchen chair, the cover is removable for easy cleaning, and the tray is dishwasher safe. Need we say more?

3. Graco Snug Ride Carseat

The Graco Sung Ride is a great, lightweight carseat. Again, it is offered in a variety of colors. It fits baby up to 32 lbs. so your child can stay rear-facing past their first birthday

4. Born Free Bottles

There is are lots of major reason we love these bottles! They are easy to clean, don’t have too many parts, and really do help reduce gas.  They come in two sizes, 5 oz. and 9 oz., so you won’t be changing bottles sizes too much. Born Free also offers all kinds of nipple sizes so your little one will always get just the right flow.

5. Snack Trap

While you baby won’t use these right away, we suggest registering for them anyway. The Snack Trap will save you from lots of spills once your little one can self feed. They are easy for little hands to handle and come with lids so snack won’t go stale.

6. Jeep Universal Car Seat Carrier Stroller

This is a great stroller for the price ($69.99) and it is compatible with many carseats. Here is a list of seats that will work with this stroller:

• Cosco Designer 22 Series
• Cosco First Ride DX
• Evenflo Discovery
• Graco Safe Seat
• Graco Snug Ride Series
• Maxi-Cosi Mico
• Peg Prego Primo Viaggio SIP
• Safety 1st Designer 22
• Safety 1st Starter

We love this stroller because it is an affordable option when compared to the “combo systems”. You can easily put this on your baby registry and, since it is at an affordable price point, someone will most likely purchase the item. Later, you can decide on a better lightweight stroller for when your little one is sitting up a bit better.

7. Fisher Price Space Saver Swing and Seat – Luv U Zoo

This is a NEW baby gear item that just debuted this month. We love the pattern because it is great for boys and girls. Best of all this is a swing and seat all in one! As mentioned in the description on the Babies R Us website, “The Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Space Saver Swing & Seat is the smallest size swing in the market offers two great formats in one space saving product. The swing includes a stationary positioner for easy and secure conversion to an infant seat. Additionally, convenient parent handles provide easy portability for mom. The product includes a machine washable pad, vibration and a removable toy bar. Music and sfx can be used in both modes and the swing offers five variable speeds. This swing comes with a sweet momma and baby rhino mobile and new Luv U Zoo styling in both the soft pad and the music.”

What’s not to like?!

8. HALO SleepSack Swaddle

We really like the HALO SleepSack Swaddle because it is another great two-in-one product. If want to swaddle your baby great but, if you don’t, you can simply detach the swaddle wrap feature and you will be left with just the zip-up sleepsack. You’ll be swaddling baby quite a bit and receiving blankets are great for swaddling but the HALO Velcros and is very secure, so baby will be less likely to unswaddle on their own.

All products can be found on Babiesrus.com or any Babies R Us location. All images courtesy of Babies R Us.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

Today this great little show celebrates 41 years! No matter how young or old you are, this show and its characters have probably made their way into your home and heart somehow. Maybe you watched it as a child or you might have watched it with your own children. This show has had some great segments through the years. We love all the characters, especially the earlier ones that started the show: Big Bird, Grover, Snuffy. I think I still get a good feeling when I catch a glimpse of the show on TV. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

Send Your Child a Letter from Santa!

We blog very often about one of our favorite party favor sites, Birthday in a Box. We’ve been checking their products frequently for cute party additions and ran across this: Letters from Santa. As mentioned on their site, “Surprise your kids this Christmas by sending them personalized Letters From Santa in 1 of 5 styles. All letters are personalized with the child’s name and location and come with a special surprise from Santa!”. What a cute idea!

In order to receive your letter on time, you must place your Santa Letter order by December 16th. All orders will be mailed between November 27th and December 17th to make it to your house by Christmas Eve.

To order your Santa Letter {$5.99ea + S+H and Tax} CLICK HERE.

**Please note that Birthday in a Box did not ask us to promote their products. We simply just love their items and hope you will too!

Recall Alert: Graco Stroller Recall

Graco has issued a stroller recall on many Quattro Tour and Metrolite Strollers.

According to the recall posted on Graco’s site, “Entrapment and strangulation can occur, especially to infants younger than 12 months of age, when a child is not harnessed. An infant can pass through the opening between the stroller tray and seat bottom, but his/her head and neck can become entrapped by the tray.  Infants who become entrapped at the neck are at risk of strangulation.”

The models affected are as follows:

35735, 35759, 7111ASB, 7111BKW, 7111CLN, 7111CUN, 7111DIA, 7111HEA, 7111HIG, 7111LAG, 7111KSH, 7112CNP, 7112MTR, 7113CJR, 7113CMR, 7113COT, 7119GGG, 7119WSR, 7121MAY, 7125QST, 7126RNS, 7127LEG, 7132RXY, 7134SMB, 7138RNS, 35760, 7411ATR, 7411BGN, 7411BGN2, 7411BLB, 7411KBK, 7411KBK2, 7411LV, 7411MCH, 7411MCH2, 7411MLY, 7411MLY2, 7419LIM, 7419LIM2, 7419OWD2, 7B00BDA, 7B00DRB, 7B00KAS, 7B01MNS, 7B03CST2, 7B03LTC2, 7B03TFE2, 1104, 1240, 6110DW, 6110F3, 6110S7, 6110TS7, 6111FKB, 6111VIN, 6113SCR, 6114HAV, 6114JAM, 6114LAG, 6114NGS, 6116NRF, 6120SHL, 6121CJG, 6121CNP, 6121GGG, 6121MTR, 6123EME, 6124LRD, 6125SMB, 6J01DAI, 6J01HRL, 6J03RIT, 6J04JEN, 6J05MIN, 1070, 7000KSB, 7308DEL, 7308DEL2, 7308DEL4, 7308TYR, 7308TYR2, 7406PLT, 7408MRT, 7409GRG, 7410CON, 7413CML, 7413MRN, C7413CML

To recieve your repair kit contact Graco toll-free at (877) 828-4046 anytime.

What We Love Right Now: October 6, 2010 Cute Halloween Costumes for Kids

It’s getting closer to one of the biggest holidays with kids: Halloween! Some Moms have probably had a costume idea in mind for a few months, but others may still be searching for the perfect get-up. This week What We Love Right Now are cute Halloween costumes for kids!

For babies we love this Hotdog costume. It’s cute and easy to find, plus it’s good for both genders!

How cute is this? Your little boy can be a little Tom Cruise. All you need is a white shirt and cheap pair of black sunglasses-VOILA! Risky Business!

Grapes: It’s an easy, homemade costume- ‘nuf said.

These flower fairy costumes are all over the stores (or can be homemade) and are a super cute costume idea for sisters or a group of friends.

Some costume ideas for your perfect little pairs…

Super Mario Brothers

SuperHeros

Other dynamic duos: Thing 1 and Thing 2, Mickey and Minnie, Monkey and Banana, Hotdog and Hamburger, or a Pirate and Parrot.

Best Pets for Kids

We can’t all be dog lovers, right? If you are, they make a super family pet (see below), but if you aren’t we’ve got a few other suggestions. Here’s our list of the best pets for kids.

1. Goldfish-They may involve some upkeep and clean up but they are great for a first pet (and can easily be replaced if the need be-can anyone recall that beloved episode of The Cosby Show when Rudy’s pet goldfish dies? Classic!). If taken care of properly goldfish can live for several years. Just be sure not to over feed!

2. Cat-Cats can be a great pet, but should not be considered if you want your child to have a permanent sidekick. Cats tend to stray off and like their alone time so be sure your child is OK with being ignored sometimes. Keep in mind, while cats are very playful, they do scratch while they play!

3. Hamster-A cute, fuzzy, little ball that is perfect for a family who may not be ready for a large, fuzzy playmate like a dog. Just remember, rodent urine tends to smell so clean the cage our regularly.

4. Dog-If you’re looking for a pet to last a lifetime a dog is the way to go. Dogs can live for years and will give your child a special bond between a pet and its owner. Remember, vet bills are pricey and dogs require lots of maintenance like walking, feeding, and grooming.

5. Hermit Crabs-These cute little creatures make great pets. They are low maintenance and require a cage, food, and water. They can be playful and your child will love seeing their crab move into its new shell (about once every 18 months).

What’s in a Name? Top Baby Names of 2009 and More!

Searching for that perfect baby name? Maybe you’ve already found it. Check out these lists and see if your baby name made the cut.

Top Baby Names of 2009

Female
1. Isabella
2. Emma
3. Olivia
4. Sophia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Madison
8. Abigail
9. Chloe
10. Mia

Male
1. Jacob
2. Ethan
3. Michael
4. Alexander
5. William
6. Joshua
7. Daniel
8. Jayden
9. Noah
10. Anthony

Celebrity Baby Names

Some of them are unusual and some are not. Regardless, these might give you some ideas for naming your new little one.

Apple – Daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin

Audio Science (not even I can make this stuff up!) – Son of Shannyn Sossamon and Dallas Clayton

Coco Riley – Daughter or Courtney Cox Arquette and David Arquette

Emme Jenna – Daughter of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

Free (which babies are not!) – Son of Barbara Hershey and David Carradine

Harlow Winter Kate – Daughter of Nicole Richie and Joel Madden

Keelee Breeze - Daughter of Robert Van Winkle (AKA “Vanilla Ice”) and Laura Giarritta

Maddox Chivan – Son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Moon Unit – Daughter of Frank Zappa and Gail Zappa

Moxie Crimefighter (seriously!) – Daughter of Penn Jillette and Emily Jillette

Poppy Honey – Daughter of Jamie Oliver and Jools Oliver

Rumer Glenn – Daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore

Ryder Russell – Son of Kate Hudson and Chris Robinson

Sage Moonblood - Daughter of Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack

Sailor – Daughter of Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook

Sosie Ruth – Daughter of Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon

Spec Wildhorse (no foolin!) – Son of John Cougar Mellencamp and Elaine Irwin

Suri – Daughter of Tom and Katie Cruise

Teddy Jo – Daughter of John Cougar Mellencamp and Vicky Granucci

See how your names have ranked through the years. CLICK HERE

RECALL ALERT: Fisher Price Recalls Millions of Toys

One our favorite toy makers, Fisher Price is recalling millions of toys and highchairs due to all kinds of safety issues. Here’s the scoop:

- 3 brands of Fisher-Price high chairs

-Fisher-Price trikes and Tough Trikes

-Infant toys including Baby Playzone Crawl & Cruise Playground, Baby Playzone Crawl & Slide Arcade, Baby Gymnastics Play Wall, Ocean Wonders Kick & Crawl Aquarium

This is in addition to yesterday’s recall of Little People Wheelies Stand n Play Rampway and several other toys.

If you have any of these toys, please put them away ASAP and contact the manufacturer for a refund or credit.
To learn more check the CPSC website or call the CSPC Recall Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Cooking with Your Kids: Pizza in a Snap!

We love the idea of cooking with your kids. It is a great way to get them involved in the process and creating a family tradition at the same time. Most everyone we know loves pizza and it a wonderful meal idea because everyone can make their own personalized pizza, if you so choose. This “family pizza night” can be as fun as you want it to be! You can always keep it simple with Pillsbury Pizza Dough that is ready to bake, pizza sauce from a jar, and all your topping bought from your local grocer and chopped by you and your kids. We are all about making it easy! But if you want to take a more unique approach,  here are some great recipe ideas for pizza makin’ masterpieces.

Basic Pizza Pie Dough

{Please Note: Recipe makes 4 mini pizza crusts}

What You’ll Need:

1. In a large bowl, mix 1-3/4 cups flour with yeast and salt; add warm water and oil. Beat with a whisk for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in another 1-1/4 cups flour, or enough so mixture holds together. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead in 1/4 to 1/2 cup more flour- stop once it’s lump-free. Wrap half the dough in plastic and freeze for later use; cover remainder and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

2. Heat oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 4 portions and roll each into a 6-inch circle. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Build up edges slightly; prick bottom of crusts. Bake about 8 minutes. Spread sauce and toppings onto crust and bake for another 8 minutes.

Super Easy Pizza Sauce

What You’ll Need:

• 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon ground oregano
• 1 1/5 teaspoon dry minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

Make it Fast:

1. In a medium bowl, Mix together tomato sauce and tomato paste until smooth. Stir in oregano, garlic and paprika.

Oh So Sweet Pepper Pizza

What You’ll Need:

• 1 jar(12 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers packed in water
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Toppings:
• Small broccoli florets
• Sliced mushrooms
• Black olives (optional)
• Crumbled or Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Make it Fast:

1. To make your sauce, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, honey, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.

2. Spread the sauce and add toppings on 4 mini pizza crusts and bake for 8 minutes at 425°F.

Easy Cheesy Pizza

What You’ll Need:

• For sauce, use our Super Easy Pizza Sauce Recipe
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Make it Fast:

1. Spread pizza sauce over 4 mini pizza crusts.

2. Top with shredded mozzarella, then parmasan cheese, and last goat cheese.

3. Bake at 475 degrees for 10-15 (check crust for desired crispiness).

Pesto Veggie Pizza

What You’ll Need:

• 1 prebaked 12-inch thin pizza crust
• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 3/4 cup packed fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 large portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 medium sweet yellow pepper, julienned
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and sliced
• 1/3 cup packed fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Make it Fast:

1. Place mini crusts on an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan or cookie sheet (or use dough to make 12 in pie crust). Rub cut side of garlic cloves over crust; discard garlic. Spread crust with pesto. Top with the spinach, mushrooms, yellow pepper, tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with cheeses and oregano.

2. Bake at 450° for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Meaty Meatlovers Pizza

What You’ll Need

• For sauce you our Super Easy Pizza Sauce recipe
• 16 slices of pepperoni
• 6 slices of bacon, shredded
• 1/2 cup cubed ham
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Make it Fast:

1. Spread sauce over 4 mini pie crusts.

2. Layer cheese, pepperoni, bacon, and ham.

3. Bake at 425 for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check cheese for bubbling so the cheese does not burn.

Recall Alert: Chuck E. Cheese Light Up Ring and Star Glasses

Chuck E. Cheese’s is voluntarily recalling its Light-Up Ring and Star Glasses. The ring comes in blue, green, purple, yellow, and pink colors, and the glasses come in a red color. The Light-Up Ring was either sold as part of a promotional treasure chest cup from August 2009 through June 25, 2010 or distributed, at no cost, during several Parent-Teacher Association conventions in April 2009, July 2009 and March 2010 through May 2010. The Star Glasses were distributed as part of our Birthday Star package beginning April 2010 through August 2010.

The items can break open exposing small parts and batteries. If you have one of these products, please bring it to your local Chuck E. Cheese’s, where you may choose to receive: for the Light-Up Ring either a refund of $1.00 plus 4 Chuck E. Cheese’s tokens or a Soccer promo-cup plus 4 Chuck E. Cheese’s tokens, or for the Star Glasses either a refund of $4.99 or our Flashing Hands prize product.

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