Review – Green Toys, Made From Recycled Material, Tools Chest

In elementary school a big blue garbage can marked with a circle of arrows showed up at my parents house. We talked about the importance of recycling and doing your part to reduce, reuse, and recycle. While I’ve been a recycler for as long as I can remember (sometimes to a chagrin of my husband who doesn’t want to waste time cleaning out a peanut butter jar if we are essentially just going to throw away) I started caring about it so much more since my kids came along.
I suspect many of us get that way. We’ll do what’s right because we’re supposed to, but we don’t really think or care about the broader picture until we’ve got someone who is really going to benefit or suffer from our actions. Anyway, there is my pitch for recycling. It’s a good thing, and you should do it.
So, after the hundreds of cans and bottles I’ve cleaned out and sent off I was very pleased to be able to see this recycled stuff come full circle (in a more interesting way that a paper box) with a company called Green Toys.

A company that takes recycled stuff and turns it into toys.  How fun is that, and what a great way to motivate your own kids to recycle.  I’m thinking a toddler would happily make sure a milk carton made it into the recycling if they knew it could become a tool set. Then I found exactly that.  A tool set made from recycled milk cartons made by a company called Green Toys. 

They take recycled material and refashion it into toys! I think it’s a great idea and a perfect way to encourage kids to recycle.  “If you put this milk carton in the recycling it can become a toy car,” seem pretty persuasive to me.   
Green Toys has some fun toys on their website that include play food, trucks, tools sets, play flowers, outside games and more. All of them are made out of 100% recycled material, and even the cartons holding the products are 100% recycled and recyclable. I love it! Plus all the products are from stuff that has been recycled and refashioned in the USA, saving on extra fuel emissions and what not. Bottom line, this is a fun way to play and a fun way to help save the earth.
Okay, so I was really excited to find a brand of toys that I could feel so great about promoting but I was curious about what the actual toys were like.
First they were packaged in a cardboard box (recycled of course) and there were no twisty ties or plastic bits to claw my way through, also as soon as I had my toys removed I could drop all the packaging right back into the recycle.
Green Toys tool chest made from recycled milk cartons

Green Toys tool chest made from recycled milk cartons

The tool set itself was great. The pieces have a rough texture like a milk carton, but it’s clear that that is by design. The toys were solid and well made. My son had a blast trying to screw the pieces into the side of the tool chest and hauling the whole thing around the house. It was the perfect size for his little hands and while the tools were solid they weren’t so heavy that I was afraid of him causing real damage by hammering things other than the provided nails. He probably spent 15 putting both the screws, nails and screw drivers in the little holes around the tool chest, and he had a great time playing with it.
Green Toys tool chest made from recycled milk cartons

Green Toys tool chest made from recycled milk cartons

Green Toys Pros: 

  • Environmentally Friendly
  • Solid and Well Built 
  • Hassle Free Packaging 
  • Multiple Color Options (the tool chest, dump trucks and trains also come in pink)


Green Toy Cons:

  • Fairly Simplistic Toys
  • Not a Huge Variety 
  • Fairly Expensive (the tool chest will run you a cool $28)

There are so many toys are made out of plastic these days, if you want to have plastic toys you feel good about check out Green Toys.

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What are some of the best ways you’ve tried to encourage your children to recycle? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section.

Touring Boston – Free Fun Fridays – Tons of Great, Budget Friendly, Ideas to Tour Boston During the Summer

Every year during the summer Boston does this thing called “Free Fun Fridays.” Each week they have a handful of museums and historic type things open for free for the day and it changes every week all summer long.  This is the perfect chance to explore some of the museums and attractions that your interested in that might otherwise seem too expensive.

Touring Boston - Free Fun Fridays - Tons of Great, Budget Friendly, Ideas to Tour Boston During the Summer

We were lucky enough to go on Freedom Trail day.   When my husband and I came to visit Boston before moving we had a brief exposure to the historic waking tours while we were touring one of the cemeteries. The actor leading the group was telling some really funny stories and we were intrigued, but didn’t end up going on a full tour ourselves.

Freedom Trail Tour Boston Capitol Building

Now that it was free we made the extra effort to check it out and we loved it!  If you come to Boston I would highly recommend the historic tour.

I had to laugh at human nature when we were bought to the historic state house.  We were told that about 50 years ago the city was going to tear down the building because they needed to widen the road.  A bunch of people got together to try to raise money to save the building but in the ended didn’t raise enough so the city was going to demolish it.  However, they were approached by some county in Illinois that was all for the widening of the road, but wanted to buy the state house and reassemble it brick by brick in Illinois.  To which the city of Boston immediately replied with something along the lines of “You can’t have our historic state house!  This is Boston history!” and the state house still stands in the middle of the city.

Freedom Trail Tour Boston Historic State House

In any case Free Fun Fridays are everything the name suggests and you should really make an effort to check out some of the events.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

<Post 2016 Events>

Freedom Trail Tour guide dressed up actor

Freedom Trail Tour

Freedom Trail Tour guide dressed up actor

Toddler A-Z – Objects That Start with the Letter “K”

Big list of objects that start with letter K

 

A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on.  I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “K” letter objects them on hand.  If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “K” objects.

 

  1. Kabob: A dish consisting of pieces of meat and/or vegetables that are skewered and grilled.

  2. Kale: A leafy green vegetable that is rich in nutrients and often used in salads or cooked dishes.

  3. Kale chips: Thin, crispy chips made from kale leaves that have been baked or dehydrated.

  4. Kale plant: The plant from which kale leaves are harvested.

  5. Kale salad: A salad made primarily with kale leaves and various toppings or dressings.

  6. Kale smoothie: A blended beverage made with kale, often combined with other fruits or vegetables.

  7. Kale soup: A soup made with kale as one of the main ingredients.

  8. Kaleidoscope: A tube-shaped optical instrument that contains mirrors and colored pieces of glass or other objects, creating colorful and symmetrical patterns when viewed.

  9. Kangaroo: A large marsupial native to Australia known for its powerful hind legs and ability to hop.

  10. Kangaroo jumper: A type of sweater or sweatshirt with a kangaroo pouch pocket in the front.

  11. Kangaroo paw flower: A unique flower native to Australia that resembles the paw of a kangaroo.

  12. Kangaroo pouch: A pocket-like pouch located on the front of a kangaroo’s body where the young offspring are carried and protected.

  13. Kangaroo Rat: A small rodent native to North America that is known for its ability to survive in arid desert environments.

  14. Karaoke machine: A device that allows individuals to sing along to recorded music, typically with a microphone and a display for lyrics.

  15. Karate Belt: A colored belt worn as a ranking symbol in karate, indicating the level of skill and knowledge.

  16. Karate Uniform: A traditional attire worn in karate practice and competitions, usually consisting of a white jacket and pants.

  17. Kayak: A small, narrow boat primarily designed for one person to paddle with a double-bladed paddle.

  18. Kayak paddle: The double-bladed paddle used to propel a kayak through the water..

  19. Kazakhstan flag: The national flag of Kazakhstan consists of a sky-blue field with a golden sun and eagle design in the center.

  20. Kazoo: A simple musical instrument consisting of a hollow pipe with a membrane that creates a buzzing sound when played.

  21. Kebab skewers: Thin metal or wooden sticks used to thread and grill pieces of meat, vegetables, or other ingredients in kebab dishes.

  22. Kelp: A type of large, seaweed-like algae that grows in underwater forests and is rich in nutrients.

  23. Kerchief: A small square or triangular cloth used as a head covering or accessory.

  24. Kernels: Referring to multiple individual seeds or grains of corn or other grain crops.

  25. Kerosene lamp: A lamp that burns kerosene as fuel to produce light.

  26. Ketchup: A thick, tomato-based condiment often used as a topping or dip.

  27. Kettle: A container with a handle and spout used for boiling water or other liquids.

  28. Kettle grill: A type of grill that uses charcoal or wood to generate heat and has a dome-shaped lid with a venting system.

  29. Kettlebell: A type of weightlifting equipment shaped like a ball with a handle, used for strength and conditioning exercises.

  30. Kettledrums: A percussion instrument consisting of a large metal pot with a skin stretched over the top, played with mallets or drumsticks.
  31. Kevlar vest: A bulletproof vest made from a strong synthetic fiber called Kevlar, designed to protect the wearer from projectiles or stab attacks.
  32. Key: A small piece of metal or plastic used to open or close locks.
  33. Key lime pie: A sweet and tangy dessert made with key lime juice, eggs, condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
  34. Keyboard: A set of buttons or keys used to input data or commands into a computer or electronic device.
  35. Keyboard stand: A support or platform used to hold a keyboard instrument in an elevated position for playing.
  36. Keypad: A set of buttons or keys arranged in a specific configuration for inputting numbers, letters, or commands.
  37. Khaki: A light brownish-yellow color or a fabric of this color, typically used for military uniforms or casual clothing.
  38. Kickstand: A retractable device attached to a bicycle, motorcycle, or other similar vehicles that supports it in an upright position when not in motion.
  39. Kid: A young human being, typically referring to a child or young person.
  40. Kidney: One of the two organs located in the lower back responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine.
  41. Kidney Bean: A type of large, reddish-brown bean that is shaped like a kidney and commonly used in various cuisines.
  42. Kilim rug: A flat-woven rug or carpet made in the traditional style of Turkish, Persian, or Central Asian kilims.
  43. Killer Whale: Also known as an orca, a large and powerful marine mammal belonging to the dolphin family and known for its predatory behavior.
  44. Kiln: A thermally insulated chamber or oven used for baking, drying, or firing clay, pottery, ceramics, or other materials.
  45. Kilt: A knee-length pleated skirt, traditionally worn by men in Scotland as part of their national dress.
  46. Kimchi: A traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage, along with various seasonings.
  47. Kimono: A traditional Japanese garment, typically made of silk and characterized by its loose-fit, wide sleeves, and wrap-around style.
  48. Kindle: An electronic device used for reading e-books, featuring a digital screen that mimics the appearance of printed paper.
  49. King: The male ruler of a kingdom or the highest-ranking piece in chess.
  50. King Snake: A non-venomous snake species belonging to the Colubridae family, known for its bold and contrasting color patterns.
  51. Kingfisher: A colorful bird species found near rivers and lakes, known for its ability to dive from a perch and catch fish.
  52. Kiosk: A small structure or booth, often found in public places, where goods, information, or services are sold or provided.
  53. Kiss: A physical gesture of affection or greeting, typically involving pressing one’s lips against another person or object.
  54. Kit: A set of items or tools assembled together for a specific purpose.
  55. Kitchen: A room or area in a house or restaurant where food is prepared and cooked.
  56. Kitchen utensils: Tools or implements used in the kitchen for cooking, baking, or food preparation.
  57. Kite: A lightweight object with a tether or string attached that is flown in the air for recreation or sport.
  58. Kite surfing board: A specialized board used for kite surfing, a water sport in which a rider is propelled by a kite.
  59. Kitten: A young domestic cat, typically under one year old.
  60. Kiwi: A flightless bird native to New Zealand or a fuzzy-skinned fruit with green flesh originating from China.
  61. Kiwi fruit: A small, oval fruit with brown fuzzy skin and bright green flesh, often referred to as simply “kiwi.”
  62. Kleenex: A brand of disposable facial tissues commonly used for blowing one’s nose or wiping the face.
  63. Klondike Bar: A brand of ice cream treat consisting of a square ice cream bar coated with chocolate or other flavors.
  64. Knee: The joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg in the human body.
  65. Knee brace: A supportive garment or brace worn around the knee to provide stability, compression, or protection.
  66. Knee pads: Protective gear worn on the knees to cushion impact or prevent injury, commonly used in sports or construction work.
  67. Knee-high boots: Footwear that reaches up to the knee.
  68. Knee-high socks: Socks that extend up to the knee.
  69. Knee-length dress: A dress that falls to the knee or just above.
  70. Kneeling bench: A small bench or stool designed for kneeling on.
  71. Knife: A tool or utensil with a sharp blade, used for cutting or stabbing.
  72. Knight: A historical military rank and title, often associated with chivalry.
  73. Knight’s helmet: A protective headgear worn by knights in medieval times.
  74. Knit: a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles or a knitting machine.
  75. Knob: A round handle or projection used for opening or closing something.
  76. Knocker: A device on a door used for knocking or announcing one’s presence.
  77. Knot: A fastening made by tying one or more pieces of rope or string together.
  78. Knotted rope: A rope with one or more knots tied in it.
  79. Knuckle: The bony joint between the finger and the hand.
  80. Koala: A small, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia.
  81. Koi fish: A colorful freshwater fish often kept in ornamental ponds or gardens.
  82. Koi pond: A pond specifically designed for housing and displaying koi fish.
  83. Koi pond bridge: A bridge that spans across a koi pond, providing a pathway over the water.
  84. Kombucha: A fermented tea beverage known for its probiotic properties.
  85. Kong dog toy: A durable, rubber toy for dogs manufactured by the brand Kong.
  86. Kool-Aid: A powdered drink mix flavored with fruit and usually sweetened with sugar.
  87. Korean barbecue grill: A grill used in Korean cuisine to cook various types of marinated meat.
  88. Kraft paper: A sturdy, brown paper often used for packaging or crafts.
  89. Kraken: A legendary sea monster from Scandinavian folklore, often depicted as a giant squid or octopus.
  90. Kremlin: A fortified complex in Moscow, Russia, which includes palaces, cathedrals, and governmental buildings.
  91. Krill: Small, shrimp-like marine crustaceans that serve as a major food source for various sea animals.
  92. Kudu: A large African antelope species known for its long, twisted horns.
  93. Kumquat tree: A fruit-bearing tree that produces small, citrus fruits called kumquats.
  94. Kumara (sweet potato): A root vegetable that is sweet and often used in cooking.

  95. Kumato Tomatoes: A variety of tomato that is dark brown in color and has a sweet flavor.

  96. Kumquat: A small citrus fruit that is similar to an orange but has a tangy taste and can be eaten whole.

  97. Kung Pao Chicken: A Chinese dish made with diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce.

  98. Kung Pao Noodles: A dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and a spicy sauce similar to Kung Pao Chicken.

  99. Kung Pao Sauce: A spicy sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine, typically made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.

  100. Kurrat: A herbaceous plant with long, slender leaves that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.

  101. Kwark (Dutch type of yogurt): A type of yogurt that is popular in the Netherlands, known for its creamy and thick consistency.

  102. K’nex: A construction toy consisting of interlocking plastic rods and connectors for building various structures.

Preschooler Letters – “L” is for “Leaf” Craft

 

Letter L Craft - Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft L is for Leaf with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Supplies Needed:

  • Colored Craft Paper
  • Letter “L” Cutout
  • Glue
  • Markers
  • Plastic Wrap

Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft L is for Leaf with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

 

Set Up:

We started this craft by going outside and picking up a bunch of colorful fall leaves from the ground, which was a lot of fun in and of itself.  Then we took our gathered leaves and glued them down to our letter “L”.  When we had glued down all of our leaves we put a small piece of plastic over the top of our letter and put a book on top of that so that our leaves would be glued flat to our “L” (the plastic was so we wouldn’t get glue all over our books).  When the glue was dry we glued our “L” down to our craft paper.

We finished by talking about different seasons and how some trees change during different times of the year.

Toddler/Preshooler letter of the week craft L is for Leaf with related craft, tracing sheets and fruits/vegetables.

Tracing Letters:

Have you made this craft?  What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

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Touring Boston – What to Know About Visiting the Frog Pond Summer Splash Pad and Wading Pool

One of my absolute favorite summer activities is visiting the Boston Frog Pond! The Frog Pond is a giant pond in the middle of Boston common with water that’s 6-8 inches deep.  There is also a huge geyser of water that fountains out of the middle and this pond that is meant to be splashed in.  (Posted life guards and everything!)

I took my son and he loved every minute of it.  He loved being there to play in the water, he loved having friends to play with and he loved following the other kids and trying new things like laying in the water on his belly and his back.

Touring Boston - What to Know About Visiting the Frog Pond Summer Splash Pad and Wading Pool

It was a really hot day and I was glad I came in my swimsuit because I was right there next to him sitting in the water to cool off.  We had a great time and were so glad we had friends to join us.

Things to Note:

1) Price
Free, free, free.  Just show up and start splashing.

2) Location & Amenities
Right in the heart of Boston, part of Boston Common.  The Red Line on the “T” stops pretty much at the park so you can get there without even having to bring a stroller. There is a bathroom located right next to the Frog Pond that has lockers you can use for the day.  There is also a snack bar attached to it if you need burgers and fries to get you through a busy day at the park.  Life guards are posted around the pond.  There is a carousel next to the pond ($3/ride) and an enclosed playground, not to mention plenty of trees and shade.

Frog Pond Splash Pad

3) Hours
The Frog Pond opens in late June and seems like it usually open until about Labor Day.  Hours vary, and it’s closed if the weather is bad.  Generally its open 11am – 6pm.

4) Other Seasons
Even when the pond is closed there are all sort of events generally going on around the pond.  In the winter you can ice skate on it, in the fall they have pumpkin floating festivals and more.  All in all it’s a really fun place to visit.

Summary & Rating ★★★★★

Five stars.  I think the Boston Frog Pond is a blast and my son has adored it since the first time we let him put his toes in it about a 1.5 years old.  This past summer when he was 2.5 it was amazing to be able to sit on the side of the pond and let him run around in the water.  The water is shallow enough that I didn’t feel like I needed to shadow his every movement and he had so much fun playing with the other kids in the pond and splashing around.  This is one of our most favorite summer activities and if you’re around for the summer it’s something you shouldn’t leave Boston without trying.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Boston Common Frog Pond
Boston Common
Boston, MA 02116

Phone: (617)635-2121
Website: http://bostonfrogpond.com/