Choosing the right toys for your child

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The best toys for kids
Toys can be a great way to kickstart your child’s play and support your child’s development. But your child might not need as many toys as you think.
The best toys for children are ‘open-ended’. These are the toys that your child can use in lots of different ways. They encourage your child to use her imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Open-ended toys include:

• blocks – one day your child uses them to build a tower, and the next day he might bring the block up to his ear and pretend it’s a phone

• balls – they’re great to bounce, look at, roll, hold and throw

• cardboard boxes – your child can pretend these are shop counters, ovens, cars, boats, doll houses and more

• dress-ups – with some hand-me-down clothes and bits of fabric, your child can become anything or anyone he likes

• crafty bits and pieces – coloured paper, stickers, crayons and washable markers can get your child started on a masterpiece.

You don’t always have to buy toys. Everyday household items like pots and pans, plastic containers, pegs, clothes baskets and blankets often make great open-ended toys. Just make sure that any household items your child plays with are safe, so avoid sharp objects or small objects that could cause your child to choke.
Choosing toys for kids
Many toys have age-range information on their packaging. This can be useful, but in terms of play, it’s only a guide. Your child’s interests and stage of development will probably give you a better idea of what to choose.
Age-range information can be important for safety, however – for example, when toys contain small parts that a baby could swallow. In these cases, it’s wise to follow the recommended age-range information.
For your baby, the best ‘toy’ is you, a carer or other close family member. Your baby will delight in watching your face, listening to your voice and simply being with you. Even play activities like looking at a brightly coloured mobile, listening to a wind-up musical toy and learning to reach for a rattle are more fun when you and your baby do them together.
Toddlers love to play with boxes, and often have more fun with the wrapping a present comes in than the present itself. Other good choices for toddlers include construction toys like building blocks (for example, Duplo) and clothing for dress-ups. Toddlers also enjoy simple musical instruments that they can shake and bang – a drum made from an upside down pot and a wooden spoon can be just as much fun as a purpose-built toy.
Older children often like to solve problems and use their imagination. Puzzles or games that get your child playing with others are also good choices.
You don’t need to spend lots of money on toys – toy libraries are a great way to keep surprising your child with new toys. Most toy libraries charge a membership fee, but then you can borrow toys for free. You might also like to read more about homemade toys and free activities for kids.
Toys and your family values
You’re the person who decides what toys are OK for your child to play with in your home.
If you have strong feelings about certain toys, it can be a good idea to talk to your child, especially as he grows older. You could mention your family values. For example, ‘Guns can scare and hurt people very much. No-one in our family has a gun’.
But drawing too much attention to toys – for, example by banning them or refusing to buy them – can actually make your child want them more.
It might work better to try linking your family values with the way your child plays and uses toys in daily life.
For example, say your child wants a new plastic toy, but environmental values are important to you. Instead of buying the toy, you could help your child make toys from things around the house – and you could also talk with your child about how this is an example of recycling. Or if your child wants a tablet device or gaming console, you could try making more time to get outside to play together – and you could talk about how physical activity is better for your child’s body than screen time.
And whatever family values you decide to share with your child, it’s a good idea to be consistent. For example, children might get confused if they’re allowed to watch violent TV shows or play violent video games but aren’t allowed to play with toy guns.
If you don’t want other grown-ups to give your child certain toys as presents, a short, calm explanation of your feelings should do the trick. In the end, it’s your decision.
Toy weapons and ‘sexy’ dolls
Some families find that particular types of toys don’t sit well with their family values – for example, toy weapons and dolls with a very grown-up body shape or clothing style.
Toy weapons
If your child plays with or makes toy weapons and you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to look at how your child is playing with the toy. For example, your child might be using the toy weapon as a prop in a make-believe game of cops and robbers. You might think that’s fine.
But if your child is using the toy weapon aggressively towards other children, it’s not good for his social and friendship skills. That’s because it can scare other children, who might not want to play with your child. It might help to guide your child towards friendlier ways to play – for example, ‘Why don’t you and May-Ling be on the same team and pretend you’re both fighting the bad guys?’ The weapon itself might not be the issue.
It’s pretty common for children to make toy guns out of everyday objects like sticks, celery or toast. This might not be something you want to encourage, but a gun made of toast doesn’t have the same power as a toy gun. A toast gun is a symbol, and is less likely to be used to scare others.
Sexy-looking dollsPlaying with dolls can be great fun for your child, but some dolls have a grown-up, ‘sexy’ look – for example, some female dolls come with sexy clothing like microskirts, fishnet stockings and very high heels.
This might seem fun and innocent, but it can also create an image of women that you might not be comfortable with or want your child to copy. For example, these types of dolls can give children, especially girls, the message that the most important thing about them is the way they look, and that the best way to look is ‘sexy’.
Again, it’s worth watching to see how your child plays with dolls. If you’re concerned, you might want to offer dolls with more child-like features so your child is exposed to dolls of all styles and body shapes.

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5 Ways to Decorate Your Living Room Console Table

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Decorating Ideas for Console Tables

Get More Living Room Design Ideas at Bassett

The best part of decorating the console table in your living room is that you can change the way it looks as often as you'd like. It can be a place to hold food during parties, set presents down for birthdays, decorate for each holiday, set out pictures of loved ones, and so much more! 

Check out these tips for ways you can spice up your console table and wow your friends!

There are a million ways to decorate the console table in your living room — which will you choose?

Go symmetrical or asymmetrical! For both the orderly and the eccentric, you can choose to add two of each decorative pieces, or jazz it up with decor of every size. 

Create a focal piece. Choose a dominant piece to feature on your console, whether it be a mirror, artwork, vase, basket, or whatever! You can have it centered or spotlight it on the side. The choice is yours!

Don't be afraid of white space. There is such a thing as too much decor; so let your console table speak for itself by minimizing what you put on it. After all, the console table alone can be a decoration all by itself. 

Add pops of color. Even if your living room has a cohesive color scheme, don't be afraid to go bold with the color of your decor. For instance, if your room is largely decorated with neutrals and blues, add a pop of orange or yellow for an exciting contrast of color.

Put a lamp on it. Have a favorite lamp but don't know where to put it? A console is a great location, as it can help light up a part of your living room that your regular lighting wouldn't have reached. You can also go wild and use a lamp that might not necessarily fit with the rest of your decor.

For more ideas on how you can decorate the console table in your living room, visit your nearest Bassett showroom or browseour collection of console tables online. 

Walmart coupons: Choosing safety baby products

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All toys you select for your baby should meet safety standards. The tips below can help you find safe toys for your little one. Once the toys are at home, check them often for loose or broken parts.

What to look for:

• Always follow all manufacturers' age recommendations. Some toys have small parts that can cause choking, so heed all warnings on a toy's packaging.
• Toys should be large enough — at least 1¼" (3 centimeters) in diameter and 2¼" (6 centimeters) in length — so that they can't be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. A small-parts tester, or choke tube, can determine if a toy is too small. These tubes are designed to be about the same diameter as a child's windpipe. If an object fits inside the tube, then it's too small for a young child. If you can't find one of these products, a toilet paper roll can be used for the same purpose.
• Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters) in diameter or less because they can become lodged in the throat above the windpipe and restrict breathing.
• Battery-operated toys should have battery cases that secure with screws so that kids cannot pry them open. Batteries and battery fluid pose serious risks, including choking, internal bleeding, and chemical burns.
• When checking a toy for safety, make sure it's unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing. Also, make sure it doesn't have:
  • sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose
  • small ends that can extend into the back of a baby's mouth
  • strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters)
  • parts that could become pinch points for small fingers
• Most riding toys can be used once a child is able to sit up well while unsupported — but check the manufacturer's recommendations. Riding toys like rocking horses and wagons should come with safety harnesses or straps and be stable and secure enough to prevent tipping.
• Hand-me-down and homemade toys should be carefully evaluated. They may not have undergone testing for safety. Do not give your infant painted toys made before 1978, as they might have paint that contains lead.
• Stuffed animals and other toys that are sold or given away at carnivals and fairs are not required to meet safety standards. Check carnival toys carefully for loose parts and sharp edges before giving them to your infant.

Check to see if a toy has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) by browsing their recall page, here. You also can join a mailing list to receive news about the most up-to-date toy recalls.

SAFETY NOTES:

• Never give balloons or latex gloves to kids younger than 8 years old. A child who is blowing up or chewing on a balloon or gloves can choke by inhaling them. Inflated balloons pose a risk because they can pop without warning and be inhaled.
• Never give your baby vending machine toys, which often contain small parts.
• Keep older siblings' toys out of the reach of infants.

Top 5 Best Small Kitchen Appliances for Foodies

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If you are a foodie, you cannot miss these top 5 best small kitchen appliances. You can pick up one of these counter-top or stove-top appliances because they can appeal to any foodie on at all events. If you want to choose one, check out the reviews and compare prices.

1. FoodSaver Vacuum Food Sealer

If you need a home vacuum-sealer, this FoodSaver V2840 is the best choice, because the FoodSaver is always a leader in home vacuum-sealers. It has all bells and whistles and it will not make you disappointed. It has 2 vacuum speeds and can seal and shut automatically. It features CrushFress instant steel and extra-wide nonstick sealing strip. This best vacuum food sealer will be your helper in the kitchen.

2. Crock-Pot Slow Cooker

This Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS is not your grandmother’s slow cooker. The touchscreen control panel allows you to control it easily without any static clings. You can program the cooking time and make it always keep warm for you. It has a polished stainless steel exterior, which is very easy to clean. The metal side handles have silicon stay-cool warps, so it is very safe to hold. The crock and glass lid is dishwasher-safe. What’s more, a bonus cookbook is included. If you need a slow cooker, you cannot miss this best slow cooker.

3. Nesco Roaster Oven

This 18-Quart Roaster Oven is a countertop stand-along oven. It seems a standard range oven but with a temperature dial. Unlike a slow cooker, such a roaster oven allows you to regulate the temperature according to your recipe. And this Nesco roaster oven allows you to adjust the thermostat 425 degrees. Compared with a standard range oven, it uses less power and you don’t worry that it can heat up your kitchen. It deserves a try.

4. T-fal Deep Fryer

This best deep fryer can hold 3-2/7 liters of oil and 2-2/3 pounds of food. It can automatically drain and filter oil and stored the oil in the integrated oil container for future use. It also features adjustable thermostat, temperature-ready light, permanent odor filter and external basket handle. If you like fry foods, this Stainless Steel Immersion Deep Fryer is the best option.

5. Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler

This 5-in-1countertop unit is really a versatile helper for you. It can be a contact grill, full grill, full griddle, half grill/griddle and Panini press. It has dual temperature controls and indicator lights which make it easy to use. There are so many people who have purchased it. The average rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars. As the bestselling one, it can satisfy all your requirements.

As a foodie, it is a good ideal to share the delicacy with our family and friends and these top 5 best small home kitchen appliances can help us create delicious home-cooked meals for loved ones.

5 Fab Alternatives to Stainless Steel Appliances in the Kitchen

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Last month, Curbed launched a debate about whether stainless steel mania has peaked, as the look has long been invading kitchens old and new, and of various styles. A corresponding poll that asked readers how they felt about stainless steel drew nearly 2,000 votes and though a whole lot of people vouched for the shiny, "industrial-chic" material as the modern standard, the greatest number of votes (849) went to "Open to other options." So, here now, are five groovy stainless steel alternatives worthy of considering, many drawn from readers' wisdom left in the comments section. Is brown the new black? Is "colored" stainless steel a strong new contender? Take a look.

1. "Colored" stainless

Samsung's new black stainless steel suite—Photo via Samsung

Samsung, LG, and KitchenAid all very recently launched "black stainless" collections, which essentially offer the same ol' stainless steel appliances with a smooth, black-hued coating. In a similar vein, Whirlpool has been working on a new kitchen suite featuring a "sunset bronze" look, though purchasing information has yet to be made available. Blue Star, which specializes in commercial-style appliances for residential use, has a "Precious Metals" collection that includes finishes like "Infused Copper", "Statuary Bronze," and "Enchanted Sand."

The "Sunset Bronze" series from Whirlpool has yet to go on sale—Image via Whirlpool

2. Glossy Black, Brown, Slate

"Truffle brown" ovens from Miele—Photo via Miele

Major appliance-makers like Samsung, GE, and Miele all sell fridges and ranges in glossy black and white finishes. Miele even has it in a groovy "truffle brown."

3. Matte Black or Slate

The Slate series from GE—Image via GE

Not a fan of gloss or shine? GE also offers a selection of its kitchen products in a matte slate finish. The aforementioned "Precious Metals" line from Blue Star also includes a matte black option.

4. Modern Color

A bright red range from Bertazzoni—Photo via Bertazzoni

Brands like Viking, Bertazzoni, and Blue Star offer commercial-style modern appliances in colors like red, blue, orange, and yellow (Blue Star actually offers ranges in 750+ different colors.)The Big Chill's "Pro" line delivers modern without the professional-grade look; the clean-lined fridges and ranges come in 12 colors, including green, cream, and cabernet.

5. Retro Color

Colorful appliances with a groovy throwback look can be had with products from brands like Smeg, which offer fridges in dreamy pastel blue, green, pink, orange, and more (They also offer ranges in black and red), as well as The Big Chill, which sells retro fridges, stoves, and ovens in eight (also mostly pastel) shades.

5 BEST SMALL FOOD PROCESSOR REVIEWS 2016 – MINI FOOD PROCESSORS

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What the best small food processor for 2016?

Looking for a small food processor that can help you make a huge variety of foods and beverages?

The Cuisinart DLC-2ABC is the overwhelming consumer choice for 2016. It balances efficiency with cost-effectiveness, and has over 1,500 positive consumer reviews on Amazon.com.

>> You can get a great deal on the Cuisinart DLC-2ABC here <<

The Basics

A mini food processor is a great option because it takes up very little space and offers you the capacity you need to cook for yourself or a few other people.

When shopping for the best small food processor, you will notice there is a lot of variety out there in terms of price and capabilities. Make sure that you note the size of the feed tube, and not just the capacity of the machine.

Also be aware that quieter food processors and better kneaders will generally cost you more. We decided to take a look at small food processor reviews on Amazon.com. Here are some of the most exciting options we discovered!

1. Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor Reviews

Is this the best small food processor? It may well be, with more than 2,190 ratings on Amazon.com and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Cuisinart DLC-2ABC has a low cost too; you can purchase this machine for just $35 to $75.

It runs on 250 watts and includes a 3-cup plastic work bowl, and you can get it in any color you like (there are more than half a dozen colors to choose from). A simple control panel makes it easy to use, and it includes a reversible stainless-steel blade that is easy to clean and chops and grinds to your satisfaction. The bowl and lid are dishwasher safe, and the unit comes with a spatula. In their mini food processor reviews for this model, customers say that the Cuisinart DLC-2ABC is great for soft foods and is very easy to use.

>> You can get a great deal on the Cuisinart DLC-2ABC here <<

2. Black & Decker HC306 1-1/2-Cup One-Touch Electric Chopper Reviews

What is the best mini food processor for very small chopping tasks? Without a doubt, the Black & Decker HC306. This little machine is as simple and straightforward as you can get, and is ideal for very minor chopping tasks where you do not need a lot of capacity or complexity. More than 1,260 customers have rated it on Amazon.com with an average of 4 out of 5 stars. You can buy it for $15 to $26 and operate it with the touch of a button. This 70-watt machine is the best mini food processor for chopping, dicing, mincing, and more.

>> You can get a great deal on the Black & Decker HC306 here <<

3. Hamilton Beach 58149 Blender and Chopper Reviews

This 3-cup mini food processor has more than 600 ratings with an average of 4 out of 5 stars. We were very impressed with the small food processor reviews for this machine, as well as the low price ($35-$40). Features include stainless steel blades, 2 speeds plus pulse, and a mess-free spout. It is actually a blender + chopper, so it has extra versatility!

>> You can get a great deal on the Hamilton Beach 58149 here <<

4. Ninja Master Prep Professional (QB1004) Reviews

Also worth having a look at is the Ninja Master Prep Professional, which is the #1 Best Seller in Food Processors. More than 4,160 customers have rated it with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars and left glowing mini food processor reviews.

It sells for $45 to $70; its versatility may make it the best small food processor. It comes with 3 conveniently sized containers (2 cups, 5 cups, and 6 cups), and can handle chopping, frozen blending, crushing, and many other tasks.

>> You can get a great deal on the Ninja Master Prep Professional here <<

5. Black & Decker FP1600B 8-Cup Food Processor Reviews

This one is little bigger, but still is worth considering as the best mini food processor. It has more than 1,520 ratings and has garnered 4 stars out of 5. It only costs $30 to $50, and gives you a continuous flow feed chute, a safety interlock system, suction cup feet to prevent “wandering,” and other amazing features. The mini food processor reviews for this process really impressed us. Customers say it is perfect to chop veggies, grind chicken, knead dough, and everything.

>> You can get a great deal on the BLack & Decker FP1600B here << So what is the overall best small food processor? It is tough to pick just one; as you can see, it really depends on what tasks you need to complete and what capacity you need. Take a look at the small food processor reviews for these models, though, and you are sure to find something perfect for your kitchen!

Top 5 Must-Have Kitchen Appliances

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I have always wanted a kitchen that was spacious and had everything imaginable to prepare awesome, heartwarming, fun dishes.

I am happy to open my cabinet doors to pull out some of the greatest kitchen devices designed yet.  No home is complete without at least the top 5 most useful, must-have kitchen appliances.

Knowing which ones to buy can prove difficult.  It’s just so many brands to choose from and the price can range anywhere from $40 to as high as $5,000 or more!

The craftsmanship that goes into making the latest technology in appliances will knock you off your feet.  Who would have thought that a refrigerator could tell you when things expire?  Not me!  They are beautiful appliances as well as smart.  As a bonus, they are even more energy efficient.

If you are thinking about upgrading your kitchen, you should consider taking a look at the top 5 most useful, must-have kitchen appliances before you buy.

The Top 5 Kitchen Appliances

These appliances are useful and you must have them to take the fuss out of preparing meals.  They are the kitchen tools that have brain and beauty.  In addition, they are built to be reliable and extremely energy efficient.  What a combination of benefits, eh?

1) The Creative Chef’s Food Processor

You can’t ignore it.  It’s a significant part of the modern day kitchen.  It’s sure is handy if you need to spend a lot of time in your kitchen, chopping, mixing and blending.  These tasks could take a long time to complete if you didn’t have the glorious food processor.  You can cut your time in more than half with the right processor.

Use the food processor to convert a variety of fruits into a delicious treat or a fresh fruit salad.  The processing unit can grind coffee beans and a mixture of meat for a spicy combination and literally so much more.  For me, it is the most valued appliance on the shelf.

2) The Refrigerator with Magical French Doors and Bottom Freezer

The refrigerator is a must-have if we are to preserve our leftovers, fresh groceries and vintage wines.  This kitchen appliance tends to last a long time so you should pick out one that will serve you the most good for years to come.  Aside from being the largest and busiest centerpiece in your kitchen, it is an investment in your lifestyle.

3) The Incredible Dish Washing Machine

In a life that is fast paced, having a dishwasher saves us time and effort.  After having one heck of a day, who wants to cook AND wash the dishes?  Ummm… no one!  Thank goodness you can load your dishes, pots and pans into the washer and press a button for cleaning action.  In no time at all, your kitchen looks as spotless as ever making everyone a happy camper.  Most have sophisticated settings to save energy and water.

4) The Mighty Microwave Oven To The Rescue

When you don’t have much time, the microwave can be a life saver. You can just pop something in, set it to defrost, heat or cook and come back to it when you hear the buzzer.  No kitchen should be without one.

5) The Underrated Counter Top Convection Oven

The convection is one counter top appliance that is not used to it full capacity.  It’s a terrific oven that saves time and energy.  It can be used for baking, toasting breads up to six slices.  Additionally, it broils, keeps the food warm and defrost foods.

Final Thoughts

Well, there it is… the top 5 most useful, must-have kitchen appliances in my house.  They assist in making my life in the kitchen a total joy.  What are your top 5?  Drop me a line and let me know your choices and why. If you enjoyed reading this article, why not share it with your favorite social media source?  I’d love it if you did.