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About Cleverly Changing
Hi, I'm Elle Owner of CleverlyChanging. My blog seeks to encourage, empower, & inspire others to live cleverly, changing when necessary. Perfect parenting, doesn't exist, but informed and attentive parenting does. I desire to regularly share savings tips, wisdom, and experiences I gain from everyday life as a wife and mother of twins with others so we can empower each other to become better parents and better people in general.
Toys Archive
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Toys: Does Race Matter?
Posted on December 11, 2012 | 2 CommentsJingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way… the sound of “Jingle Bells always puts me in the mindset of being a child during the Christmas season. Now that I am a mom, with children of my own, I like to explore the same familiar tunes I once enjoyed. Together we search catalogs for toy interests and visit stores to find what types of toys they like most. Although, I allow my children to pick out their own toys, unlike some parents, I find that it gives me a keen opportunity to learn more about their personalities and personal interests.... -
Christmas is near & Walmart has some fantastic toy deals #WalmartGifts
Posted on December 6, 2012 | 10 CommentsBe sure to enter my $25 Walmart Gift Card giveaway at the bottom of this post. Presently, there are only two presents under our Christmas tree. We’ve never had a huge Christmas in the past so, I am actually ahead of the game this year. However, yesterday, I found myself writing a list for my girls. I jotted down toys that I would like them to have, here are some of my top items. Educational Video Games for their Wii: Smarty Pants Happy Feet Two (Wii) Hasbro Family Game Night 4: The Game Show (Wii) Inexpensive Kid Friendly Tablet VTech Brilliant... -
Toys That Teach: Blankz Review and Giveaway
Posted on July 13, 2012 | 12 CommentsPablo Picasso once said, “To draw, you must close your eyes and sing.” This week’s toys that teach focus will be on Blankz. Blankz toys give your child a chance to sing with creativity. Blankz are stuffed animals that you can decorate with markers wash and redecorate. I have several reviews on my site about toys that teach and I have added Blankz to this category. Why? Blankz are toys, which teach exploration, confidence, and decision making. Allowing children an open area to be creative will help them think on their own. When children are allowed to be creative... -
Toys That Teach: Oregon Scientific Barbie Touch N Teach Learning Globe
Posted on May 24, 2012 | No CommentsThe Touch N Teach Learning Globe encourages young children between the ages of 3-6 to learn more about Geography and the world we live in. The overviews and information provided is general but will keep your child interested. According to Immanuel Kant “All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.” While children are young they must learn by stimulating their brain by actively using their senses, as they grow older they then take that information and learn how to make sense of it. By learning how... -
Toys That Teach: GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope and Microscope
Posted on May 20, 2012 | 2 CommentsMy eyes are always peeled for toys that teach. I want my daughters to have fun playing and learning at the same time. Several months ago, I purchased the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope and the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope. My daughters enjoy learning about bugs, the solar system, rocks, and other facts about nature so I thought the telescope and the microscope would increase their interest in science and it has. Here is what I like about the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope Easy for children to use. Intriguing to younger children because it talks. Shares interesting facts and increases their... -
Review: 4 Vtech Innotab Apps
Posted on March 20, 2012 | 2 CommentsI finally got over the fact that I never received any Vcoins and purchased a gift card to buy Innotab Apps. I wanted apps that were not too flashy and engaging for my 3 year-olds. I started searching by the cheapest e-books and games. How long have we played these apps: 3 or 4 weeks Were they easy to download to the device? Yes Did you need anything special to download the apps? Only Vtech’s Learning Lodge Navigator and a memory card. Does Vtech offer Free apps for the Innotab? On Vtech’s site it says ” Select a platform listed... -
Guest Post Review: Leap Frog Leapster 2
Posted on December 30, 2011 | No CommentsThis Christmas I purchased a Leap Frog Leapster 2 for my 4 year old daughter. I wasn’t sure of the difference between the original Leapster and the Leapster 2, and as I perused the Leap Frog/VTech aisle, I noticed that there was also a Leap Frog Explorer. They all looked the same to me, but I picked the Leapster 2 because it came in different colors ($50 at Wal-Mart). I only bought the game system, opting to suggest game cartridges as gift ideas for the other would-be-Santas. When she opened it, she seemed really excited and even more so when... -
How to set up Music and Photos on your child’s Vtech Innotab
Posted on December 26, 2011 | 75 CommentsWhen I did a review on the Vtech Innotab, one of my readers wanted me to explain exactly how to set up music on the Innotab. Here are the step-by-step instructions. 1.Install the SD card on the back of the Innotab, near where the batteries are located. You will see a small card icon and a slot where the card goes. (note: if you are not using a new SD card you may want to transfer the existing files to your computer or an external hard drive.) 2. Plug your cord into your Innotab, and then plug the other side... -
Review: The Skinny on the Vtech’s Innotab Just in Time for the Holidays
Posted on December 20, 2011 | 49 CommentsI was so excited when my children received their Innotab. I could not wait for them to use their own tablets because I was ready to get my iPad back. If you are considering an Innotab for your child, I want to share with you how it works and what we think of it. As of today, we have had the Innotab for about 2 1/2 months. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section of this review. WHAT I LIKE 1. 5″ Screen. At first the size sounded small, but it is the perfect size for... -
Parenting Green: Fun Green Toys that Teach Children Sustainability
Posted on November 22, 2011 | 2 CommentsWith parents and adults concentrating on sustainability and going green, teaching our children is important to preserving our actions. When we want to teach them something new, it is sometimes hard to gain the attention of our children. However, the toy companies have geared toward sustainability, recycling and renewing our natural resources. This makes teaching our children about sustainability not only easy, but enjoyable. So when choosing this year’s Christmas gifts, consider these toys that teach sustainability, recycling, and our responsibility to conserve our planet. Here are a few CleverlyChanging’s top green picks Green Toys Tool Set: What child doesn’t... -
Review: LeapFrog Tag Pen and Books
Posted on July 26, 2011 | No CommentsThis is not a sponsored review. I really enjoy reviewing educational toys for children. I get a thrill learning about the new tech gadgets it only takes children seconds to figure out. Well, back in December I decided my girls needed to have the LeapFrog Tag pen (Tag). My girls had just turned 2 years old in Oct (however the manufacturers recommended age is 4-8 years old), but they knew how to correctly hold a pencil (which was the prerequisite) and they loved to read. After I introduced it to them on Christmas day, it was an activity that we... -
Review: Step2 All-Star Sports Climber
Posted on September 22, 2010 | No CommentsFrom the moment my girls realized they could walk they have tried climbing on things. I really did not want them to get hurt on our furniture so I purchased the Step 2 All-Star Sports Climber. We use the climber indoors so they can climb and slide all throughout the day. I have listed my likes and dislikes about the climber for your review. -
Review: Edu Shape Foam Letters – Nontoxic
Posted on September 13, 2010 | No CommentsIt is scary when you think you have a toy that is recalled. When I heard the news about foam mats in Europe being recalled. I searched for information to calm my fears, and I am happy to report positive news. When my girls were a couple of months old. I purchased Edu Shape Foam Letters for them. I wanted the letters to cover our hardwood floors in their room and introduce them to their letters. Below I will let you know my likes and dislikes about the foam letters. -
Review: Fisher-Price Go Baby Go: Stride to Ride Lion
Posted on July 2, 2010 | 3 CommentsWe purchased this toy used, when my children were about 11 months old. We were at a thrift shop and my children fell in love with it instantly. The batteries were already in it so it was a buzz from the start. All it needed was to be cleaned for my sanity.
