Friday, November 28, 2008

Have Wooden Toys Had Their Time?

Nowadays, parents tend to buy toys made of plastic or other materials to their children because most of the time, these toys are more interesting compared to the much simpler wooden toys. Modern toys can do so many things because most often than not, they are battery-operated. However, there are still some specialty toy shops that still sell wooden toys because of their unique characteristics and features.

There are many advantages in using wooden toys. Wooden toys are generally simpler and quieter than modern toys. Modern toys usually produce noise and usually do some acrobatics that some kids might find chaotic and might make them confused. Wooden toys on the other hand, give them a chance to be creative and to do things on their own using their free hands and their imagination because of its generally simple design.

Wooden toys are also safer than other toys made with other materials. Wood is non-toxic and they usually are not very complicated toys which make it easier for children to manipulate or play with, without fear of your children getting hurt. Also, most toys made from wood are not operated with battery.

These toys are also considered to be more educational than plastic toys. Toys made from wood are very simple which children can touch and explore with their bare hands. This helps a lot in their development.

These old-fashioned toys can also stand the test of time. You will still probably see your Dad's wooden rocking horse in your attic or your Mom's wooden toy dishes. This can make you save more money than buying plastic toys. Moreover, when a plastic toy breaks, it could even be dangerous to your child. Plastic toys also have negative effects on the environment. And we don't need that especially now.

Because wooden toys are simple, they are also easier to clean and maintain. They do not have so many nooks and crannies that you might overlook when cleaning. These are also great gifts since most wooden toys are considered rare finds. Plastic toys will lose their value after being used for many times, but not toys made from wood. You can keep your wooden toys for now and after so many years, they can be considered as collectibles.

So you might ask yourself again, have wooden toys had its time even if they have so many benefits?

Probably yes. Because of the increasing popularity of plastic and electronic toys, toys made from wood are now being left behind, despite the aforementioned advantages. Children now prefer toys that can do many things. They do not want very simple toys anymore. And some wooden toys are more expensive than their plastic counterparts probably because they are considered to be collectibles and very unique and hard to find. Moreover, you can almost hardly see wooden toys in the leading toy shops these days.

To sum things up, the answer to your question 'have wooden toys had its time' is almost. There are only a few of them now. Before these toys went out of the market completely, buy some for your children for them to experience the advantages of playing with wooden toys.

Sam is the owner of online Educational Toys store v-tech. You can find more information on Vtech toys on Sam's website.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

American Flag Charms

1 American Flag Italian Charm
1 American Flag Italian Charm
USA Heart Italian Charm
USA Heart Italian Charm
American Flag Black Laser Charm
American Flag Statue of Liberty Italian Charm
American Flag Star Italian Charm
American Flag Star Italian Charm
American Flag and Statue of Liberty Italian Charm
American Flag and Statue of Liberty Italian Charm
American Flag Black Laser Charm
American Flag Black Laser Charm
USA Flag Ribbon Italian Charm
USA Flag Ribbon Italian Charm
Waving American Flag
Waving American Flag
America Italian Charm
America Italian Charm
American Flag Peace Sign Italian Charm
American Flag Peace Sign Italian Charm
American Flag State
American Flag State
American Flag with Yellow Ribbon
American Flag with Yellow Ribbon
God Bless America Italian Charm
God Bless America Italian Charm
Stars and Stripes Photo Charm
Stars and Stripes Photo Charm
American Flag with Yellow Ribbon
USA Laser Italian Charm

More American Flag Italian Charms and other Italian Charms

Monday, June 23, 2008

Doing it Alone?

I've had some interesting discussions with many people recently in relation to the recent publishing of my new book "Worth More Than Rubies" which grew out of a blog. And I've also read several blog posts about the same subject.

So many see the role of a Proverbs 31 Woman as daunting and impossible to reach, and perhaps in some ways it is. But many overlook verse 15 which states, "She gets up whilst it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls."

When there are others involved in assisting with anything at all, the load is lightened. We don't have 'servant girls' these days for the most part, but we do have family members and friends and in a day and age of very busy lives, it is good to pull the family together to share in household chores and activities. It is not harmful for the children to learn at a young age to help around the household or even when you're out somewhere else. To do simple things like picking up after themselves at home and elsewhere, help carry things to and fro the car or house, and to ask you if you need help when they see you are busy.

If there are no other family members and simply a couple, then sharing the load between the two as much as possible should definitely help. But there are other things you can do that might assist and I share some of them here.

I run a full time business at home and whilst the girls were growing up I didn't have time to do everything around the house. But I was able to engage help and this was something my husband and I discussed and agreed upon. For as long as I can remember I've had someone come and pick up the ironing fortnightly and drop it back off again a couple of days later. I have another lady come on the alternate weeks and clean the house. We pick up everything and put things away (the girls had to throw everything on their beds when they were home, so the floors were clear) and the cleaner washes, wipes and vacuums. It is really nice to walk through our home after she's gone and just smell the freshness and cleanness throughout the house. Once a month I have a man come and mow the lawns and do other odds and ends for us as needed.

Both my husband and I feel that investing the money to pay these three people a worthwhile thing to do - it gives me peace of mind and allows me to concentrate on what I do well without worrying about the house and garden, and it also assists three people to run their own businesses and contribute to their household incomes. In doing that, I am actually helping to provide 'portions for my helpers' as well as provide for my family.


Kathie M. Thomas is an Author, Blogger, Speaker and Virtual Assistant Coach & Trainer. She began her business 'A Clayton's Secretary' in 1994 to be home full time for her 5 daughters. Today she runs a global business via the internet and is an avid blogger. She also contributes to printed and online publications and has published several books. Her passion is about helping women return home to work, using skills they developed in the workforce, so they can be home full time for their families. Her latest book "Worth More Than Rubies: The Value of a Work At Home Mom" was recently made available at Amazon.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathie_Thomas

Saturday, June 14, 2008

13mm Italian Charms

Bee Italian Charm 13mm
Bee Italian Charm 13mm
Really amazing and beautiful charm for your bracelet. Gorgeous and cute Bee Italian Charm is made from best quality stainless steel that makes perfect shiny background for charm. This funny bee is painted in pretty and colorful enamel.

Big Ladybug Italian Charm 13mm
Big Ladybug Italian Charm 13mm
Ladybug, Ladybug, where have you been? Make your wish and get this Big Ladybug Italian Charm. Red ladybug with black pots is painted in colorful and pretty enamel. This charm makes great gift to your darlings.

Big Heart Italian Charm 13mm
Big Heart Italian Charm 13mm
Stop wearing your heart in your chest. This Big Heart Italian Charm deserves to join your Italian charms bracelet. The heart is painted in red enamel and edged with gold enamel trim, that makes perfect and sparkling contrast with stainless steel.

Double Heart Italian Charm 13mm
Double Heart Italian Charm 13mm
Double your love with this Double Heart Italian Charm. Two big hearts are painted in red- wine color on premium stainless steel. Your special someone in your life deserves to have this charm on a bracelet.

I Heart You 13mm
I Heart You 13mm
Give your love and this charm to your very special person. Wonderful I Heart You Italian Charm is made especially for the 13 mm charms bracelet. Big heart and letters "I" and "U" are painted in black enamel over a passionate red background. Chic combination of red and black colors makes this charm look stylish and expressive.

Palm Tree Italian Charm 13mm
Palm Tree Italian Charm 13mm
Gorgeous Palm Tree Italian Charm goes with any style bracelet. This charm is painted in colorful enamel on a finest stainless steel base. Keep the piece of your vacation in your heart and on your bracelet.

View more 13mm Italian Charms at Italian Charms Store - ItalianCharmsMarket.com