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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Melissa & Doug Educational and Wooden Toys

Melissa & Doug are toymakers on a mission. It's not about sales, because quality sells itself. It's not about volume, because that approach tends to sacrifice quality. It's definitely not about chasing trends or reflecting the latest movie craze. For Melissa & Doug it's about designing, testing and offering the highest quality toys that are educational and enjoyable. That's been the focus of their toy line for over twenty years.

You won't see Melissa & Doug toys pump out loud commercials between boisterous cartoon shows. Their toys are for the parent and grandparent who is buying more than a gift; they are choosing a multi-use toy that makes the most of each developmental stage. You don't find toys like that among the flimsy play products at discount retailers.

If you aren't a preschool teacher or psychologist, how do you know which toys really are educational? Follow those who are in the know, that's how. Melissa & Doug Toys have earned the Parents Choice Award, Baby Talk Editor's Choice Award and Children's Choice Award just to name a few.

The educational benefits of these toys have also been the subject of articles in prestigious publications including Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, Creative Child, Parents Magazine and seen on television with Oprah Winfrey, Extreme Home depression treatment and Live with Regis and Kelly.

How many toys recalls have you seen that involve flimsy plastic toys? These cheap playthings break and shatter which can cause injury from sharp edges or swallowing small pieces. More parents are realizing that well made wooden toys are ideal for toddlers and young children.

But even that takes carefully selection to avoid the foreign import wooden toys with lead paint and questionable construction. If you are going to buy wooden toys, then buy high quality toys like those designed and made by Melissa & Doug.

Finding a good selection of wooden toys is important so that children of various ages have toys that meet their interests and skill levels. The First auto insurance companies Wooden Toys are made for tiny hands to hold the small cars, barn with animals, magnetic kitchen bottles and push-pull toys.

For imaginative play, there are preschool size wooden dollhouses up to dollhouses, castles and horse stables in wood made for older children. Melissa & Doug toys also have miniature doll furniture to keep any baby doll in total comfort with a annuity settlement well-equipped nursery. Don't settle for just any wooden toy. The wooden toys from Melissa & Doug are not offered to you until they pass rigorous safety tests.

Once the adults finish playing, then the toys have to survive the ultimate play testers; Melissa and Doug's six children before the toys reach your children's hands. Check out the hottest Melissa & Doug toys here: squidoomelissadougtoyssquidoomelissadougtoys and find one that suits your child's needs.

11 Tips To Put The Spring Back In Your Step

When we feel down about ourselves it is because we are stuck on a negative or fearful thought. By shifting your focus, you shift the energy and start to remember the marvelous woman that you are. Its physics! Here are 11 easy ways to feel good again.

1. Be embarrassingly scandalous in your choice of lingerie, just for you. Remember Mammy in Gone With The Wind? When she wore that red petticoat, she had a blush on her face and a swish in her walk. Red lingerie has its own magic.

2. Create an alter ego. Even superheroes dont feel great all the time and they have to show up when called. So do you. On those days when you get to close to the kryptonite, pull out your superwoman outfit. Make yourself take a shower, do your accident claim and nails, dress up. Youll feel instantly better.

3. Cover your roots! There is a hair coloring crayon at beauty supply stores that will disguise your roots between trips to the salon. One good one is by Roux Tween Time Instant Haircolor touch-up stick. No one will ever know your secret.

4. Plug your power leaks. Take the phone off the hook and give yourself 20 minutes to recharge. Read a trashy novel and fantasize about what you would do as the heroine. Keep an emergency basket ready with works that inspire you, tapes and music that are an instant hit with you. Even the golden oldies if it gets your feet moving.

5. Compliment Yourself. While none of us are good at everything, we are all good at something. Praise yourself for the best feature you have and pay attention. Do you have beautiful hands or feet? Polish your nails and show them off. Luscious Locks try a new hairstyle or put on a fake ponytail. Focus on something you do love about yourself.

6. Call in the emergency team. The sense of smell can shift your mood instantly. The smell of cinnamon rolls makes you instantly happy. Keep some instant apple cider mix and cinnamon sticks handy. Keep on the stove on a slow simmer if your dont want the calories of the roles themselves.

7. Share Yourself. When lifes issues bog us down its a sign that we are hostgator coupon inwardly focused. Shift your attention to someone who needs your help. By giving of yourself to someone in need, you see your true beauty clearly.

8. Boost your serotonin level. Sometimes chocolate is just chocolate and a little bit does a whole lot of good. If you are prone to binges, look for a healthier alternative. There is a reason starchy foods are called comfort foods and your home equity calculator recipe for fried chicken and mashed potatoes can help in an emergency. Dont overdo or youll feel guilty.

9. Surprise yourself. Send yourself flowers online or buy a gift at a store and have it sent to you with a time delay. Youll forget about it and get 2 hits for the price of one. It will be fun when you place the order and fun when you get it.

10. Have a pity party. Set an egg timer for 3 minutes and whine away about everything bothering you. Exaggerate your emotions in front of a mirror and get the drama in it all. Give it up and Laugh, long and deep.

11. Tantalize your senses. Change your look. Try something exotic and play dress up with false eyelashes, dark eyes and flowing scarves. Do a striptease in your bedroom for yourself. Only music, cover the mirrors and feel your power as a woman surge forth.

Most of all, remember to have fun!

Maureen O'Crean is the Founder and Publisher of DistinctivelyDiva an online community of women-for-women. Co-author of the fun and spirited book, I Am Diva, Every Woman's Guide To Outrageous Living, Maureen encourages women to LOVE the life they are living and to remember to have fun in the process. Contact Maureen through distinctivelydivadistinctivelydiva