Thomas, A Train that Inspires

My son is obsessed with Thomas the Train like other little boys. When I first watched an episode, I thought it seemed a little mundane. But I began to wonder what makes these trains and the island of Sodor so popular?

Kai can’t go through a day without saying “Choo Choo” about a dozen times and smiles so bright when he stumbles upon his little blue and red trains that have been hiding out in a toy box.

According to Wikipedia, the show is based on a series of books written by Reverend W. V. Awdry which he wrote to cheer up his son who suffered from measles.

The TV series has hosted celebrity storytellers such as Ringo Starr and Alec Baldwin. The show is also broadcasted across 20 different countries which means little boys all around the world share the love for Thomas the Tank Engine and James the Red Engine.

When Kai wakes up in the morning, he heads straight for his “Choo Choos” and pieces together all the wooden railroad tracks. I have to give Awrdy’s creation some credit for inspiring Kai to use his imagination.

Maybe it’s the face of Thomas and friends that really resonate with little children. According to The Guardian UK, autistic children feel a very strong connection with Thomas more so than other animated characters. The faces and their expressions are simple and the storytellers voice is calm and soothing.

This proves that there are a few good things to be discovered on TV. Thomas is definitely one of them.

Upcoming Toy Giveaway and Review

The big holiday is three weeks away, and you’re probably wondering what to buy your kids. If you’re turned off by malls like me, why not check out online toys? Not only do you save on gas and avoid confrontations in the packed parking lots, there is a larger selection online.

The week of December 15th, Kai and I will be reviewing the Edushape/Educolor Toy Block Set from Toys and Games Online. For our readers, you’ll also have a chance to win the Toy Block set too. In the meantime, browse around and let us know if there are other fun learning toys you recommend. Cheers!

Salad Spinner Turned Pull Toy

The holidays are coming up and kids may be screaming for toys. With the economy the way it is, money is tight for many of us. Remember kids can be creative with what you already have.

Like this one:





The salad spinner is easily found at Ross or TJ Maxx for under $6.00.

Mr.Rubiks--A new toy

I made it through my first solo trip just fine. By the fourth day, Kai woke up crying calling for “mommy”. He probably thought I was never coming back! When they picked me up from the airport, I hopped in the backseat and Kai touched my face. I think he wanted to make sure I was really there.

I think I made it all up to him with a special gift from New York. We call him Mr. Rubiks. He is like a Rubik’s Cube because every piece of him moves around. Mr. Rubik can do the splits, breakdance, and even hold your business cards.

It was a find from Corduroy Kid in Park Slope. The store clerk said he was hand painted in Upstate New York with non-toxic paints.

DIY:CARDBOARD PlAyBoX

Don't ditch those big boxes from all your on-line shopping.

Do a quick upgrade and viola! you've created a fun box. All you need are sharp scissors, old stickers, yarn, and finger puppets. You could leave the box as-is but this is much more fun. Cut out windows and hang things with short strips of yarn to add dimension.



Shown Above: Puppet penguin and monkey trapezing across the way.


Honestly your kid and pet will end up snoozing in there. Enjoy!

Here's a link to more advanced cardboard toy making too.

DIY Flashback: Pregnancy Photos

Must Have for Baby Cruisers: Giant Fitness Ball

Baby Kai started to crawl last weekend! At eight months, he’s got the curiosity of a five year old and cruises around every where. One of the best distractions for him has been our giant blue fitness ball. We started using the ball when he was a newborn to bounce him to sleep. Now this giant object has grown into the best toy around the house.


Kai giggles like crazy chasing the ball, drums his hands against the rubber surface to make music, and practices soccer kicks while dad holds him up. Plus it’s great for playing peek-a-boo too. The bigger the better as babies will be obsessed with the brightly colored rolling ball. Baby safe for sure since the material is burst resistant. Kudos to another multi-functional object that’s good for baby and parents.

Other must have baby gear and goods: sit n stroll, sweet lullabies, and baby mum-mum.

Oh No, Wooden Toys Might Be Going Away

With all the craziness of deciphering what toys are toxic or not, there is a new Consumer Product Safety Act mandating third party testing for all toys sold in the US. It's a good thing right? In some ways, but the process is highly costly making it impossible for smaller eco friendly and mom & pop companies to keep up. It may be so long to the handmade cute and safe wooden toys and hello to a toy market that is open to only the big players.

Read more about the impact of this new law at the Handmade Toy Alliance.