Relaxation In a Bottle

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or both, you know that caring for children is rewarding, but tiring. That is why I know you will appreciate Lost River Naturals.

Lost River Naturals is a company dedicated to making natural and organic bath and body products for the whole family. Their products are a labor of love...safe and gentle on you and the earth. They do not include harsh ingredients, preservatives, colorants, artificial fragrances or other synthetic chemicals. Nature has provided everything for the making of these delightful, nourishing products.

The company is owned and operated by Connie, a licensed massage therapist, and WAHM to 3 children. Her children are her inspiration for these beautiful products. They also inspire Connie to find healthier ways of living each and every day.

I am happy to say that I can personally recommend Lost River Naturals products because my family and I have been using them. I love the Lavender~Lemon Organic Sugar Scrub. Not only does it smell luxurious, it also makes your skin as smooth as a baby's bottom. Connie made my children some Aromatic Flaxseed Pillows and they have slept with them every night since. We have also tried her Storytime Tea and Tranquil Moon Tea. Both are delicious!

For this giveaway Connie is offering $25 in products. So, go visit her site and look around. Then, come back and tell me what you will choose if you win. The winner will be selected and announced here on Monday, October 6.

Until later...

Read Inch by Inch!

Cutest Graphics Ever!

I am excited to announce that today's giveaway is for a bronze membership or $35 dollars in products from my very favorite graphic designer, Ashely, at Thistle Girl Designs. At her site, you will find free and purchaseware graphics and clipart to decorate your websites, scrapbooks, blogs and crafting projects - you will even find free coloring pages and wallpapers. Most clipart is designed for teachers and schools, but will also appeal to childcare providers and anyone looking for child-friendly, colorful graphics and clipart.

Not only are her graphics absolutely adorable, but Ashley is a great person with which to work. She is friendly and professional. So click on over and visit her site. Then, come back and tell us what you will choose if you win the giveaway. Don't forget to check out her free printables, as well.

*Giveaway does not include Cafe Press Merchandise.

Good Luck!

Read Inch by Inch!

It Arrived!

As I checked the mailbox today I was expecting to see the "usual" (bills, coupon packs for things I don't use and places I don't go, and lots of JUNK). However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the new Pottery Barn Kids catalog. From once glance at the cover, I knew it would be dangerous for me to open it.

Needless to say, the Halloween stuff is adorable! I especially like the hot dog and hamburger costumes. They are the perfect set for siblings or best friends. The decorations are cute, as well. I may have to order the Halloween treat basket. My kids have the treat bags (thanks Aunt Margie!) and they are perfect. They are cute, of course, but they are also the perfect size and made extremely well. We have had them for several years and they have held up beautifully. By the way, Halloween costumes and decor are now 20% off. In addition, there is no shipping on costumes.

They also have some great sales right now - CHRISTMAS! The sock animals are all 50% off. I just love those! The eclectic plush animals are also on sale for only $12.99. They are silly and funky. They would be great for a variety of ages.
Oh well, off to cook some dinner!

Read Inch by Inch!

Discovery Toys... Where life and learning play together

Discovery Toys Giveaway Sponsored by Kristi Frick, Discovery Toys Educational Consultant

Play is the single most important tool a child has to explore and make sense of the world. Therefore, it is necessary for parents and teachers to choose the very best for their children. Children's toys, books, games, and software should be developmentally appropriate, creative, and fun. Discovery Toys can help you choose the best for your children. As the company states, "Every one of our products delivers tons of fun and builds up the foundation for future learning success and achievement. Children that grow up with Discovery Toys products are independent thinkers, good problem solvers, imaginative, self-confident, strong learners, and adventurous!"

Kristi Frick, a DT Educational Consultant, is sponsoring this giveaway for a free product (with a value up to $25). To enter, simply visit Kristi's site and look around at all of the great products DT has to offer. Then come back and leave me a comment about which product you will choose if you win. It's that easy! The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, October 3 and announced right here. We will also contact the winner via email.

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Paper Towel Tubes, Construction Paper, and a Little Imagination

My oldest daughter, Sam, is completely, 100% obsessed with horses. She likes to ride them, read books about them, draw them, and dream about them. This obsession began when she was 4 years old. We thought that it would fade with time, and she would find something else to "love". However, we were completely wrong. In fact, her love has only grown stronger.

Lately, she has been playing with 2 small stuffed horses. She walks them, feeds them, and grooms them. A couple of days ago, she decided that they needed a stable, food, etc. So, using her imagination, paper towel tubes, construction paper, and glue Sam created them. I have to say, as a mother and teacher, I was quite proud. Her creation was so inventive and all her own. This project has inspired me to start a "Recycle Box" for things that can be used for arts and crafts. I plan to collect things
like:

• toilet paper and paper towel tubes
• scrap paper
• lids from yogurt and butter containers
• cereal boxes
• junk mail and store circulars
• promotional or scratched CDs
• lids to water and soda bottles
• water bottles
• egg cartons

This is just a small sample of ideas. The list is endless! Check out these sites for some good "Trash to Treasure" ideas.

• Martha Stewart for Kids
• Trash to Treasure, Creative Re-use Center
• Artists Helping Children

Just think, not only will you be inviting your children to be creative, you will also be teaching them an important lesson about recycling. So, go get a box and start collecting. Once your children have created something unique send me your photos and I will display them next to "Thunderbolt's Stable". If you have any fun ideas incorporating recyclables leave them for us in the comments section.

Until next time, remember:

Read Inch by Inch!

Welcome to Raising Itty-Bitty Bookworms

First of all, I want to thank Jo-Lynne of DCR Design. She designed this adorable blog, and I love it!

Now, you may be wondering what this blog is going to be about and why you should read it. Well, here's a little description of my plan. I will be using this blog to write about varying early childhood topics, my own children, and children's literature. I will also host giveaways, review children's books, offer ideas for early childhood teachers and homeschooling families, and provide free early childhood printables. Therefore, if you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, preschool director, Sunday school teacher, etc. you will find lots of fun ideas, products, and printables for your little one.

If you have any ideas of things you would like to see, leave me a comment and tell me about it.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope it is only the first of many visits.

Read Inch by Inch!