My new favorite snack for my children is Soy Joy bars. Did you know that foods rich in soy protein serve as a good alternative to meat, poultry and other animal-based products? I didn’t until I researched it, but this is a win-win situation since Soy Joy is both delicious and healthy! I love to [...]

A few weeks ago I spent what seemed like a small fortune on razor blades. Actually, I picked up a combo pack that included a Gillette Venus Breeze razor and about 18 refill cartridges that I hoped would last several months. I’d used several versions of the Venus razor before and been satisfied. They seem [...]

Hot tea is often overlooked for coffee in a popularity contest. Given the choice I would always choose tea as long as someone else is preparing and serving it. I love the tea pot, the lumps of sugar and all the girlie aspects of hot tea. Plus it is more drama than a cup of [...]

I have no plans to hold my child to gender specific toys. Bird (my baby boy) can have a kitchen set and a dump truck for Christmas. I have Baby Legs that are worn with the cute handmade onesies even if his daddy protests. However, I recently forgot that Care Bears are for girls. Since [...]

Clearly trying to compete with the more expensive, heavy moisturizing body washes, Suave has launched a line with “exotic” scents such as sandalwood and cinnamon. For less than half the price of similar products on the shelf at the big box store, Suave boasts that it provides the same sort of benefits as body washes [...]

From a woman who uses generic whenever possible, this advice comes as high praise – skip the generic brands and go for the good stuff. The first dishwashing detergent that I tested was the Cascade Complete, which advertises, “Cleans so well….no need to pre-wash.” I’ll go along with that claim. It completely cleaned dried up [...]

I’m pleasantly surprised after reviewing the new Robeez 2008 Fall Collection of soft-soled shoes! Honestly, I’ve always stayed away from purchasing the Robeez brand because of the price and instead went for other types of soft-soled shoes. However, now that I’ve actually used them and compared them; I realize just how different the Robeez are. [...]

It’s that time of year again when you see mom’s in department stores with piles of clothes and kids whining about having to try on things. By the time you factor in all the school supplies and clothing costs, it adds up to a hefty amount! Kohl’s is one of my favorite places to shop [...]

Kit Kittredge is a young girl facing hard times during the Great Depression. First her mother’s friend and her sickly son move in with her family, then her father loses his business and has to leave home to search for work. To make ends meet, the family takes in boarders. The movie Kit Kittredge: An [...]

Let me just start by saying that the book Fairy Foals has some of the most beautiful illustrations I have ever seen in a children’s book. Not bright, “in your face” illustrations that are so common in a child’s book, but rather subtle artistry that might be seen on a canvas. There are many pencil [...]

If you’ve never heard of Nina & Tom the makers of family fashion, then it is about time you learn. I was recently introduced to them and even tried out a couple of the ultra cool t-shirts on my family. Yes, they have extremely witty and cute shirts for the whole family from infants and [...]

I used to do a lot of scrapbooking in the old days. You know, before I had four kids under the age of nine. Now if I get to the end of the day and the house hasn’t burned down and no one had to go to the emergency room, I’m happy. Bonus points for [...]

Whether your travel plans include planes, trains or automobiles this summer, I’m sure you are busy assembling things to keep your children entertained. In our house we’re preparing for a cross country flight with a toddler and preschooler. Here are some of the essentials that I’m bringing along to keep my 2 children entertained and [...]

Props and Pans is taking a summer vacation this week. We’re all off at some deserted island sipping cool drinks with tiny umbrella’s and trying to think of what great reviews we can write for you. Really we are in our dreams, but truth is it’s time for a much needed hiatus. So please check [...]

Recently, the Props and Pans team was asked to review an all natural product developed by Eco-Kids called Eco-Dough. Their goal is to provide kids with non-toxic, non-staining and easily washable art supplies. Continue reading below to see what each of the reviewers has to say about using Eco-Dough with their children. What’s so great [...]