Luckily, I have been having Stefanie fill in for me on the blog, and she has had some great ideas the past couple weeks! Also, I have added little things here and there. No, I did not post the rest of the Princess Party How To, but I will have that up by tomorrow sometime and also a new party idea up by the end of the weekend.

However, it has not been all bad. My husband is still home, so he has helped hold down the fort. I have gotten to do my favorite illness pastime: Super Mario RPG! I haven’t gotten all the way through it yet, but I have had fun playing it. AND I have gotten to wear jammies all day long without guilt! That there is a little slice of heaven.

I hope all of my readers are staying healthy! What do you do to keep your immune system rockin’ during the winter, and what do you do when you are really sick (besides sleep)? I can’t be the only one that plays Super Mario RPG or any one of the Paper Mario games when sick, can I?

by Stefanie Slater, Bear Haven Mama Contributor

When I was in grade school I remember the teacher always asked for parents to send in generic brand shaving cream. It did not need to be the fancy kind at all. So what was the reason for it? It was to learn how to write our numbers and letters but in a much cooler and fun way. The only reason I’m reminiscing about old times in school suing shaving cream is because I have heard a few people chatting about how they are using shaving cream at home on a sheet pan to let their child practice writing their numbers and letters.

I remember the benefit of using the shaving cream at school was that it also did make for a very clean and brand new looking desk! It did work wonders….but in the end we were all LEARNING! It is a simple way for your child to learn and they will not get bored with playing in shaving cream. They will ask to do it all the time, and when you have them practice on a sheet tray, you simply throw it in the sink and the mess is gone!

Plus, you can bring out your inner child and take part of the shaving cream festivities! Get creative when teaching your child. Simply writing on a piece of paper may not grab your child’s attention and can result in frustration from not only your child but possibly you as a parent. So head to the store, grab the cheapest shaving cream you can find and make learning fun for your child!

However, I did find a cartoon from my hero Strong Bad that sums up my feelings on the matter and includes a warning for my desktop! Computer, I hope you are watching!

Compy 386???

By Stefanie Slater, Bear Haven Mama Contributor

Now is the time that everyone is looking ahead. They are either working out and committing to exercise routines and diets. Or people are planning out their work and social life to stay more organized. Then there are people who are planning ahead for holidays. Yes…more days to pamper your loved one or yourself. Next up is a day that always has so many mixed emotions. For one, people who are in a relationship or in love do favor Valentine’s Day. Then again there are a few people who may have had a falling out and cannot stand the look of anything shaped like a heart.

So if you are for or against Valentine’s Day, who cares! You can make this a day about your loved one, your friend, whoever is closet to your heart. Valentine’s Day is a day that you can show someone how much you love or care for them. Whether it is your husband, your friend, mother, father, or your child; take this day to show them how much you appreciate them.

What to do? Start thinking now about what you could buy for them. Instead of just searching for the hottest item on the market, think about what they actually want or in need of. Even better, get something for them that they would not expect. On Valentine’s Day you should surprise them! Have you started thinking about what your plans are for Valentine’s Day? If you need some suggestions for some original gifts, check out Bear Haven Boutique’s Valentine’s Day section for gifts like Stuffable Bears with recordable sound chips!

He says that he is going to take it to a repairman. Do you know how scary that is for me??!!?? This is my baby! (Ok, not really, but I love my desktop. It is old, but it is mine, and it has all my stuff on it, and we have history together and stuff!!!)

Secretly, I think it knew that I am in the process of upgrading next week. However, I wasn’t getting rid of my old friend. I was just going to use it for something different.

Until then, I am using my hubby’s old lappy. I secretly think it hates me. It is all quirky and stuff. Who needs it anyways? … Oh wait… I do… for now. (sigh).

I am going to go stare at my precious desktop for just a little while with a wistful longing. Yup, I may be a geek and love her tech stuff, but deep down, I am a sentimental sap. Don’t believe me? You should check out my attic sometime!

photo by National Geographic

The weather we are having on the east coast right now is kind of crazy. In January we usually are not able to walk outside without our coats. Either we would be hit with a bitter chill that made your entire spine shake, or the snow would be falling down on you and one drop would make you shiver.

There are so many mixed reviews on hoping for more sun and warm weather or snow. Which would you choose? I do like to have a little of both and that is why I do live in Maryland. Being able to get a little of everything is always a plus for me. I’m sure we will be having snow flurries in our future though. Just the other day snow was coming down and my little ones were jumping up and down with joy. However 10 minutes later, the snow stopped and nothing stuck on the ground.

How many of you love the snow? Yes, some people may think that is can complicate their travel, or their plans for the day and cause school closings. However, this is a time when you can be with your family and have fun! Don’t we all deserve to have that every now and then?

My son’s number one thing he wanted for Christmas was train tracks. There were other items on his list, but he kept saying over and over he needed more train tracks. When he says train tracks of course he means the trains as well. He has a train table in the basement that flips into a Lego table as well. Being that those are two hobbies he really enjoys, we thought that table would suit him. However, lately he has been seeing larger train tables and has been staring at them in awe.

Even though his birthday is in March, I already think I may have an idea of what type of party to throw for him. Unless his interests change within a few months, I’m loving the idea of a train party! Now, this could end up being a party on a budget or a very expensive party.

There are always train rides you can rent out to have a birthday party. Depending on how many kids and other adults you are inviting, than this may be doable. On the other hand, you could ask all of the kids who are invited to dress as a train conductor! Then find a train Engineer Party with crafts like Bear Haven Boutique has in stock. Sometimes it is a lot more fun for you to find kits like this that can create the ultimate party for your son or daughter and friends.

   The weather dropping to 12 degrees the other day was not my choice of weather. After living on the east coast in Maryland my entire life, I do look forward to the seasons changing. However, I do prefer Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter is a fun time though, especially when we get snow. However, there is a mild winter and then there are the days that just get downright bitter cold. Those days started off this week, and all I can say is brrrrr!

The usual routine after my picking up my daughter from school would be to let them burn off some of their energy and play outside. When it is below 20 degrees and having a hat, gloves, and a scarf on with a coat is not keeping you warm…..it is time to head inside. This is one of those day to come up with something fun to do inside.

When I was a child, we put our heads together and would come up with the coolest fort ever! You know what I mean. The couch was involved as well as the closest chair or recliner. After throwing the blanket over the chair and pulling across to stuff between the cushions of the couch, you have a fort. So, a fort is what we make in the living room, and the kids “camp out” eating snacks and watching television. Who said we cannot camp out indoors? We are all for it, well at least the kids are. By the time you put the fort up it is nearly impossible for me to fit under the blanket because of how low it is.

So next time you are out of ideas for indoor play time, get creative and make a fort. Eventually the little ones will get creative on their own and probably make a fort 100 times better than I ever did. Until then, I will stick to my usual layout and hope it stays up!

How many of you are still having trouble getting back into the daily routine? After the holidays and the craziness of shopping, and going out and spending time with the family and friends…do you feel kind of drained? Don’t worry; you are not the only one!

I have heard it over and over on Twitter. “I’m not motivated.” “This coffee is not doing its job.” Is the work day over yet?” Don’t worry ladies and gentleman! You are not alone. This is the first workweek of everyone getting back into the swing of things, so if you are having a bit of a tough time getting used to reality again, you are not alone!

So how do we all get out of this funk? Music tends to help me stay motivated, so what helps you get motivated?

To check out our collection so far, check out www.mybearhaven.net. They start shipping next week, but you can order yours this week AND get 30% off this week only using code: onebigsale

Pink Embossed Bear

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Love Bear