Five Reasons Outdoor Play is Beneficial for Your Children

Guest post by baby toys store, The Travelling Souk

All multiples need lots of room to run and play, and the confines of most homes don’t allow your children enough space to open up and play full throttle. The ideal playground for your child is outdoors for many reasons, and here are five of those reasons to consider:

1) Your TwiceToddlers Need Somewhere to Move Freely Together

Have you ever tried to fit a trampoline into your living room? What a ridiculous notion, but it does make a point. Most outdoor activities involve equipment that cannot be safely played with indoors. Balls are a great example.

Space to play safely is relatively limitless outdoors and allows your twins the freedom to run faster, jump higher and get as much out of playtime that they can without breaking something or running into each other or a stationary object.

2) Your TwiceToddlers Need to Develop Coordination with Each Other


I wish my twins' hand/eye coordination skills came from more than a game box. The sad fact is that many children spend way too much time in front of a television or computer screen playing games when they should be outdoors developing their hand/eye coordination skills in a more physical way.

Getting them to go out and play a simple game of catch will not only strengthen these skills, but give their underworked bodies a chance to grow stronger in a much more healthy way.

3) The Outdoors Helps TwiceToddlers Absorb Vitamin D


Drinking milk rich in vitamin D is great, but exposure to sunshine is the vital key to healthy teeth and bones. Most parents don’t realize that vitamin D is created by the body when it is exposed to sunshine. A healthy dose of sunshine every day ensures that your child’s body is getting the right amount of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium which leads to strong teeth and bones.

4) Sunlight Improves the Mental Disposition of Our TwiceBabies

Mom, why didn’t God make a fluorescent sun? As adults, we know the difference between artificial lighting and natural lighting, but do we really think about the benefits that our children receive by playing outdoors? Natural sunlight has been proven to lift spirits and balance out a child’s mental disposition. No wonder so many children draw smiley faces on their sunshine pictures.

5) Outdoors and Fresh Air Make for Happier TwiceToddlers



Don’t just open a window, open up the world. Allowing your multiples to spend a lot of time indoors robs them of getting plenty of fresh air, which is vital to your child’s overall development. Just as with artificial lighting, nothing can take the place of a healthy breath of fresh air.

TwiceToddlers on the Computer

My twins see Mommy working on the computer every now and then. Mommy also talks to her family and friends on the computer. But, Mommy has yet to show her twins how to use the computer, until this summer. Recently, I did this survey online and they asked about certain learning questions and children. I was chosen to do this beta test for this learning company and was sent a their website for young children. This is an amazing website. When I open the website, log in and choose the user ID)Me or my twins)for learning, the website looks like a classroom. The classroom has a fish tank, a chalkboard, children playing on a learning carpet, a teacher with students and all these learning buttons at the top of the website.

As far as I am concerned, this is THE very best website for primary school children log onto and learn without advertisements and propaganda. Here are my twins learning to use the mouse. Yes, this website even teaches your child to use the mouse before ever using their website.

The website I am raving about is called ABCMouse, but it is still in the beta testing stage.

Quality Air Purifiers for Better Health

We all want better, even excellent health. Nobody wants even the sniffles,if at all possible. In fact, sniffles or constant sneezing can be the underlying cause of allergies. Sometimes, what one might think is a cold, might actually be allergies from dust or pet dander in the home. If you do not already have an IQAir Air Purifier, it is time you get one. This air purifier was created over 40 years ago with purification technologies available back then, and today. In fact, IQAir, was the first company to introduce a residential air purifier to homeowners seeking fresh and pure air to breath.

Air purifiers are in such great demand today. The IQAir HealthPro is built with advanced air purification technologies. The HealthPro will remove pollutants in the air and particles 100 times smaller than HEPA filtration removes. One of the best things about the HealthPro is, it will not release ozone or any other harmful chemicals.

This IQAir HealthPro has been designed, tested and certified to filter particles as small as 0.0003 microns (the world's smallest particle) and larger. With IQAir's HyperHEPA technology, the HealthPro effectively removes these ultra-small particles. The Allergen Reduction removed from this HealthPro is such harmful things as Mold spores, Pet dander (cat, dog, etc.), House dust mite allergens and Pollen. Along with removing allergens, it controls complex air pollution like general indoor air pollution, light tobacco smoke and fireplace smoke.

Along with the HealthPro, there are the IQAir MultiGas . This model is also able to control allergens and odors, along with helping those who suffer from MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). The IQAir MultiGas filter cartridges are reusable. Now, these air purifiers do not have a true HEPA filter. Even though there is not HEPA filter, it still filters 97% of particles at 0.3 microns.

Just like the HealthPro, the IQAir MultiGas has Allergen Control and removes Mold spores, Pet dander control (cat, dog, etc.), House dust mite allergen control, Pollen control. This MultiGas purifier as has Molecular control of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) control, Molecular (gaseous chemical) control and Odor control of things such as Pet odors, Musty odors, Cooking odors, Paint odors and finally removes Complex air pollution like General indoor air pollution, Tobacco smoke and
smoke from indoor fireplaces.

Whichever model you look at and purchase, you will amazed at how clean and fresh your home smells and how much better you are able to breath.

TwiceToddlers Singing "Hey Soul Sister"

My twins, I love them so much. Now, as much as I love them, they love sining and performing. Two days ago, they were singing "Hey Soul Sister" in the my kitchen/computer room. They could sing and perform all day long if I allowed it.

Right here in this video, they are singing Hey Soul Sister and kissing each other. I think I have one more video of them playing their guitar and singing Hey Soul Sister too.

Now is the Time to Plan Your Memphis Trip

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Memphis Travel. All opinions are 100% mine.

Right now, it is not only beautiful, it is warm and refreshing in Memphis. So, now is the time to plan your Memphis vacation. When you think of Memphis, like me, I bet you think of Elvis and Graceland, horse drawn carriage rides, the nightlife, fine dining and so much more. If you have yet to find your way to Memphis, it is time you visit the Memphis-savvy travel guide. This amazing travel guide will give you awesome ideas such as 2 night, 3 night and 4 night vacation stays in the heart of Memphis.

Whether you decide two, three or four nights in Memphis, you can add any of these activities to your itenerary. There is the Memphis Zoo, Children's Museum of Memphis, Golf & Game Family Park, Carriage Rides and much more.

For an outdoor activity itinerary, for three days, you can add Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Main Street Folley Attaction, Memphis Botanic Garden, Beale Street Entertainment District and so much more to do and or see.

If you make four day travel plans, dedicated to seeing the Music and Memphis History, you might want to see the Memphis Rock n' Soul Museum, Graceland, Center for Southern Folklore, Sun Studio, The Orpheum Theatre and many other music related places to add to your itenerary.

Now, if I were going to stay in Memphis for two or three days, I would want to see the music history, especially Graceland and The Orpheum Theatre. Along with visting the music history of Memphis, I want to eat at places like Memphis BBQ and the Beale Street Entertainment District.



Finally, once you have your vacation itenerary for Memphis set, you have to enter to win a trip package. Now, if I were to win one of these amazing trip packages, I would like to win the Memphis Zoo package since I have twin girls and they love the zoo. Once my family and I arrived in Memphis, the thing I would do is go on a Carriage Ride, visit the Pink Palace and have Dinner for 4 at Rendezvous. Yeah, this would all be done on our first day too. This sounds like an amazing family trip.

TwiceToddlers Baking Bread with Mommy

The one thing I have found is, my twins love baking anything with Mommy. If they see me in the kitchen cooking or baking, they want in on the action. My twins are real go-getter's and do not like to sit still. Along with not sitting still, if they see Mommy doing something, they want to do it as well. Now, I am not sure if they are learning this behavior from watching me around the home or from watching their cartoons such as Little Bear and such.

Ever since my twins learned to walk at twelve months old, they have wanted to do everything on their own. I think all that time on their backs and crawling as infants made them determined to "do it on their own" once they could talk and walk.

So, here are my twins helping Mommy make homemade zucchini bread at home.

Wearing the Right Work Gloves is Important

When working outdoors, either on the job or at home, it is very important you wear the right work gloves. If you think you do not need protective gloves, you are mistaken. These gloves, being ever so thick and protective will prevent your hands or fingers from being injured by any machine, especially a table saw or any cutting instrument.

If on the other hand you clean your home, especially floors and toilets, you will want the rubber gloves which protect your fingers and hands from any chemical based product which could cause your hands harm.

There are coated gloves, cut resistant gloves, knit work gloves, leather gloves, textile gloves and so many more. Protecting your fingers and hands are very important as they are not easily replaced.

TwiceToddlers and Mommy on another Nature Walk

When the weather is acceptable to Mommy, that is anything between 78 and 89, we will go on a walk. This day, we went for a walk on our same route, but I took these photos. My twins love being outside, but Mommy will only allow them to go outside when I am able to be outdoors. I mean, if the weather is making myself or my twins sweat or in much need of water, it is best we stay indoors.

On this day, it was actually in the morning, the weather just perfect. It was not too hot or too cold. I love morning like that. The one thing about being an adult is, you certainly know what type of weather is suitable and to your liking.

I think when you are a kid, you could really care less if it is hot or cold outside, you just want to be outdoors....

Here are my twins on one of our many walks or nature walks..

TwiceToddlers Cleaninng Sliding Glass Door

My twins love helping Mommy or Daddy do anything around the home. That includes cleaning our sliding glass door. As it turns, I had not cleaned the fake snow off our sliding glass door after Christmas. It gets really, I mean really, cold in my city between the months of October thru April. So, I was reluctant to go outdoors and clean the fake snow off the sliding glass door.

It was not until two months ago that I finally decided to clean the fake snow off. When my twins saw the cleaning products I had outside for cleaning the door, they were more than happy to clean the door themselves. So, far be it from me to stop them. Here are my twins, from the back, cleaning all the fake snow off the glass door.

The New Way to Give Gift Cards is with FriendGiftr

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of FriendGiftr. All opinions are 100% mine.

Giving family, friends and associates gifts these days has just gotten easier. Sometimes, I wish I would have sent my family or friends a gift card. For me, there was the hassle of driving to the grocery store or actual place I wanted to get the gift card. Now, it is as easy and clicking on the FriendGiftr website. Now, there is no reason to leave your home, especially on cold or rainy days.

It is now possible for any online user to buy and send real digital and/or physical gift cards to their friends, family, and associates at anytime of the year. This is especially true for the holidays, birthdays, other special occasions. The buyers of FriendGiftr gift cards can select from over 120 of their favorite retail and restaurant gift cards. The denominations range in the prices of $10, $20, $25, $35, $50, $75, and $100 gift cards. That is just amazing. There is no longer having to purchase a gift card for a price you do not want or can not afford.

What’s really amazing about Friendgiftr is that end receivers can now purchase what they really want or they can exchange the gift card given to them from their friends or family for any of the 120 merchants Friendgiftr offers for no additional cost and without the buyer knowing. This certainly is one amazing gift card company. In fact, the end receivers of the gift card can split the gift card across more than one merchant, allowing for ultimate control from the card user.

This is one of my favorite stores to shop at for myself, my home and of course my twins. Kohl's seems to have just about everything. Now, if I want to send a Kohl's gift card to one of my family member's or friends, all I have to do is purchase one, at any price, through FriendGiftr.com.

Finally, if you really like Facebook, use a Blackberry, iPhone or Android, now you can purchase a FriendGiftr gift card right from any one of these locations. Now that is not only easy, but convenient and fun too.

TwiceToddlers in Old Pool

Before we purchased the Costco pool, we had this pool my twins are playing in. It too was long, but instead of peanut shaped, it was rectangular and boring. This pool probably lasted us two weeks. Now, years ago, my hubby and I used to have a pool like this one, but there was a built-in seating area with, if I am not mistaken, two cup holders too.

This pool you see my twins playing in is just long and boring. Maybe this is why it did not last too long. So, here are some photos of my twins getting wet in this pool with their goggles on, they are inside a ring and have some other water toys, I think, in these photos.

TwiceToddlers Playing in Backyard Pool

Wow, it certainly gets hot in my city. I remember the first time I moved here. It was in mid-July and the temperture reading outside this one bank was 116 degrees. I do not think I had ever been in heat that hot growin up in Southern California.

Anyway, so far this year, it has not reached even close to 116 degree's. So far, this year, the hottest it has reached is 101 degree's. That is not too hot and I can still handle it. It is a good thing I have a backyard patio with an awning overhang and fan. This does allow me to stay outside with my twins as they have fun in this cool, new pool we purchased from Costco two weeks ago.

The pool, like Twin "B" says, is shaped like a peanut, has a mini slide and sprinklers on both sides for an easy slide. There is also a seat at one end of the pool with two cup holders.

Here are photos of my twins playing in the new pool.

TwiceToddlers Making Cinnabon Muffins with Mom

My twins love learning new things. When they see me baking, more than cooking, they want in on the action. Twin "B" always goes to the bathroom to get the step stool and brings it to the kitchen counter. In fact, Twin "B" takes the step stool all over the home when she wants to see something.

So, when it comes to baking, I bring out all the ingredients, measure them and let my twins pour them into the bowl(s). This is my twins here pouring all the ingredients into the for Cinnabon Muffins.

I really baking with my twins, maybe they will be future baker's or not. That is for them to decide.

TwiceToddlers in Their Cap and Gown

After my twins graduated from Preschool, I had them put their cap and gowns back on. I have a lovely backyard and that is where I take almost all the photos of my twins. This is my twins, loving the photo time, under our large tree.

Their graduation day was just so sweet too. It is amazing how fast they have already grown up. I love hearing this speak in complete sentences and using vocabulary words they learn from Mommy, Daddy and probably their cartoons.

TwiceToddlers Love Making Peanut Butter Sandwiches

My twins love doing things for themselves. In fact, they really do not like me, or Daddy, doing anything for them at 4 going on 5. If they had it their way, they would make their own this and their own that. In fact! Here are my twins making their favorite dish, a Peanut Butter Sandwich.

That's right, no jelly, just Peanut Butter. They would eat these for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I allowed it.

Doing anything and all things is exactly what my twins love doing. They feel like they are in control and they want Mommy to know they can do it...all by themselves. I love seeing them doing anything all on their own. It is sad though because I know my little girls are growing up.