Reading Apps for Little Ones

threelittlepigs.jpg We all know our kids love to play with our iPads… most four year olds can navigate them like pros. Angry birds and games are fun, but how about some good old fashioned children’s stories? We recently were given the opportunity to sample a new app for kids from Nosy Crow, an independent company that publishes children’s books and apps. The new app, called The Three Little Pigs is an interactive story that boys and girls ages three to eight will love, and it’s in 3-D!
On the home page you have three choices… You can have the story read to you and a little bell will go off when it’s time to click the arrow to go to the next page. You can read the story yourself, great for the older kids who are learning to read! And there is a Read and Play option where there are blue dots on the characters that the kids can touch for them to say things along with the story, it’s adorable! There is also original music playing along that is cute and catchy.
Kids will have a ball when they flick the pigs to make them jump and spin, tilt the device to see more of the scene, tap the pigs to help them build their houses and so much more! There are lots of hidden surprises like spiders and a sweet little rabbit who wants to be friends with the pigs. You can download this app for $7.99 and keep your little techno-savvy munchkins entertained as they become immersed in this classic tale for the digital generation.
Disclosure: We were provided with a free promotional code to review this app.

Five Home Office Decorating Ideas

The Organized Mom shares more great tips on how to decorate your hom office in style…

iStock_000002002250XSmall.jpgIn my last blog post I talked about organizing your home office with style and functionality. Here are five more tips that I’m dying to share with you.
1. Meeting area – Place a small lounge chair and table in your office. This creates a multipurpose area for a business meeting or as a place to take a break for a glass of tea or a power nap.
2. Wall color – Office walls do not have to be boring white. Use an off white color such as Khaki to add sophistication while keeping the space clean, light, and calming during those busy times of deadlines and phone calls. Add accessories in bold colors that make you feel productive.
3. Greenery – Plants always warm up a room. If your decorating skills are limited, place at least two types of fake ivy in a decorative vase, weaving them together for a natural look. If you want real plants that do not require a green thumb, try English ivy. This plant tolerates indoor lighting and temperatures, and all it needs is a little water. Pick a nice pot in your favorite accent color and protect the surface of your desk or table from water spills.
4. Timer – If you have a hard time managing the clutter on your desk, use a timer to spend 15 minutes each morning returning items to their appropriate places. Do this again at the end of the day.
5. Special greetings – A great space saver for your office is SendOutCards. Instead of having a box of cards and stamps that you can’t seem to find when you need them, use this online service to send greetings to your clients. Create the card with just the right message and the company prints, stuffs, stamps, and mails the card for you.
I love style and I love function and with these great tips your office will now have both. Until my next post, get those home offices organized.
IMG_3957_retouched.jpgLorraine Brock is a professional organizer, family coach, speaker, and founder and owner of “Get Organized!” “Get Organized!” is a professional organizing company in the Dallas, Texas area. “Get Organized!” specializes in organizing and de-cluttering homes as well as implementing systems in the home for better family management.
A popular media guest, Lorraine has appeared on Dallas’ two top morning television shows: Good Morning Texas and Good Day Fox, and has been featured on various radio outlets. She has been hallmarked in many local, regional, and national print and online magazines, such as the Dallas Morning News, The North Texas Kids Magazine, SheKnows.com, and Daily Candy Kids. To get more helpful advice from Lorraine, visit her blog Get Organized.!