MeckMom.com » links

Lovin’ These Links

MeckMom — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:13:03 +0000

Wow, it’s been a busy few weeks. It’s amazing how house hunting, valentine parties and a few graphic design projects can get in the way of regular blog posts. Here a are a few of the sites featured on my facebook page in the last few weeks. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. If you do, don’t forget to leave comments for these incredibly talented, hard-working bloggers. We live for comments here in the blogosphere so share the love when you stop by these sites. (Remember to click the blog titles – not the pictures – to follow the link)

The Dating Divas

Valentines is nearly here. If you’re in need of a little romantic inspiration peruse the pages of this great site. Style advice, date ideas, even marriage-survival tips…it’s a great resource for all things romancy.

IKEA Hackers

Are you an IKEA lover too? Check out the ingenious, cheap hacks on this cool site.

Hello, Good Gravy!

After reading only a few posts, I had to add this hilarious mom blog to my feed reader. Anyone who shamelessly announces her love of horrible-for-you foods to the world like this has real blogging potential in my book.

Swappin it Up – Easy Toddler Games

MeckMom — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:22:08 +0000

Today I’m guest posting at Or So She Says. A great blog dedicated to offering easy solutions to women. You can find everything from parenting tips to makeover ideas, it’s a great resource. If you haven’t seen it yet, hop on over and check it out.

Luckily, today I’ve got a guest poster for you to fill in in my absence – and she’s a doll. Her name is Meagan and she contacted me last week asking to do a guest post on easy baby entertainment. Since I spend the vast majority of the daylight hours entertaining a couple of little guys myself, I was all for it! Here goes…I hope you enjoy it.

7 Games You Can Play with Your Toddler to Help Him Learn

I am a SAHM of two little boys ages 1 and 3, and I’m trying to grow a small business. Sometimes it can be

difficult trying to balance the two…work and family. They are both important to me, but at the heart of

everything I know that my family comes first.

Image: Little Alouette on Etsy

My infant is just starting to be more interactive although he does well entertaining himself. My 3 year

old on the other hand is becoming more and more energetic, and he wants me to entertain him all the

time. Sad to say his ideal form of entertainment is to sit in front of the television and watch Blue’s Clues

all day. Some days when I’m really busy trying to work on my business I’m tempted to allow that, but

then I remember that my first priority is the wellbeing of my kids. So for me, that doesn’t mean letting

them watch cartoons all day or for them to play by themselves for long periods of time. Yes, they need

to learn to entertain themselves, but they need to spend quality time with me too. In our house there’s

a time for work and a time for play. Work for me usually happens when the boys are napping or when

they’re playing with Daddy, but when they’re both awake and Daddy’s at work I don’t want them to sit

around with nothing to do, being board, and getting into mischief. So I play games with them.

Now how do I go about spending time with my toddler and keeping him entertained? First I want him

to spend some quality time with me, second I want him to be active, and third I’d like for him to learn

something as we play. Sometimes we play with his toys, go visit Daddy at work, play outside, go on play-

dates, or play learning games. So today I want to share some fun games with you that will help your

toddler develop some skills they need to learn, and will allow you to spend some quality time with your

little one.

Image: Evgie on Etsy

1. Play Catch – {hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills}

Since most toddlers can throw a ball before they can catch one, this is a great game to

play to help them learn to catch! Use a big ball, like a beach ball, and start by sitting 3-4

feet apart. Roll the ball back and forth until he has the hang of it. Next deflate the ball a bit

so that it’s easier to catch. Start by asking him to throw the ball to you showing him how

to catch then let him have a try. Once he has the hang of it you can increase the distance

between you and he little by little.

2. Balancing Act – {balance, eye-foot coordination, spatial awareness}

Trying to balance on narrow walkways is a natural activity for little ones so you probably

won’t have to work too hard to play this game. Find something for your toddler to walk

on that’s low to the ground, straight and narrow. Railroad ties and balance beams at the

local park work great. Hold his hand and walk him across. Make sure to praise him once he

reaches the other side, and if he falls off encourage him to try again. Eventually you won’t

need to hold his hand any longer!

3. Playtime with Puppets – {imagination, language development}

If you’re really in a creative mood you can start with an art project and make your own sock

puppets, but if not than using stuffed animals works great. Rig up some sort of stage where

you aren’t seen but the puppets are. Behind the sofa works well. Ask your kiddo questions

with the puppets, and encourage him to talk back. Sing songs that he knows. Use different

voices for each puppet.

4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes – {body awareness, listening skills, visual memory}

You know the fun children’s song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”. Sing that song while

you demonstrate where your hands go each time. If your toddler is having trouble getting

the hang of it, use his hands and put them where they go as you sing. After your little guy

has got the hang of it, have a bit of fun and speed up the song each time you sing it. By the

end you’ll both be jumbled up and laughing together.

5. Fluttering Scarves – {eye-foot & eye-hand coordination, gross motor skills}

In this game you’ll need to find some brightly colored, lightweight or sheer scarves. You can

also use tissues if you can’t find any scarves. Scrunch up a few and toss them high in the air.

Have your toddler try to catch them as they float down. Next ask her to throw them up for

you to catch. After a while increase the difficulty level by having her spin around once or

clap her hands before trying to catch them.

6. Phone Calls – {creative expression, language development, social skills}

Toddlers are drawn to telephones like bees to flowers! Find an old phone or use a play

phone if you have one. You can even use your own phone if you don’t mind. Have your

toddler hold the phone up to her ear, and ask questions to the imaginary person on the

other end. You can even slip around the corner and pretend she’s talking to you!

7. Bottle Bowling – {balance, cause & effect, hand-eye coordination}

Little ones LOVE to throw things so this game will be perfect for them. Start by gathering up

plastic cups, bottles, or empty cans and placing them together on the floor. Find a soft ball

or plush animal, have a seat about 4 feet away, and demonstrate how throwing the item at

the bottles knocks them down. Take turns setting the bottles up and knocking them down.

Make sure to let your little one help set the bottles back up! You can move your toddler

closer or further from the bottles to change the game a bit, and when he has that down

have him stand up and play the game.

So what are you waiting for? Go grab your little guy or gal and spend 30 minutes here and there playing

some of these quick and easy games!

Meagan Visser is the owner of Baby Swank, an online shop for trendy and eco-friendly

items for babies and toddlers. She is a SAHM to two perfect little boys, and a wife to

the love of her life. She lives in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee,

and is working toward growing her business and helping other moms pursue their

dreams of running a business while having a family.

Lovin’ These Links

MeckMom — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:49:58 +0000

As you may have noticed, I’ve got a new category up in the navigation dedicated to Links I Love. You can find all the links from the last couple of years under that tab. Although I adore the new gallery style view of the posts, only the featured link pops up in the preview window. I want to make sure all the links I love get equal attention, so I’m shifting things on the site from now on. Rather than post all the links from the week in one recap post, I’ll be posting them individually throughout the week. I’ll still link up to the posts on facebook and twitter to give you social-networking-fans easy access to all the Links I Love.

Here we go (for the last time), time for a recap of a few fabulous ideas from around the web. All of these sites were featured on my Facebook fan page in the last week so, if you haven’t had a chance, you should check them out. If you liked them as much as I did, take a minute and let the content authors know. Bloggers love comments; so share the love when you stop by their sites.

Centsational Girl

Who needs a formal dining room anyway? Check out the fabulous way Centsational Girl utilized this oft-wasted space by creating a cool play/create/study space for her kids.

How About Orange

Is your house lacking in Valentinesy charm? Check out this simple fabric garland tutorial from How About Orange.

Eighteen25

I can always count on eighteen25 for fabulous printables and tons of family fun ideas. The valentine collection they posted today has a wealth of inexpensive, creative ideas that won’t break the bank.

Remember, if you’d like instant access to the links I love and a few other tips and tricks, you can sign up to be a follower on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page, joining the like group at the bottom of my sidebar or by following this link and then clicking the ‘like’ button.

Lovin’ These Links

MeckMom — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:55:57 +0000

Happy Monday, guys. I kicked my week off in true Eckersley style by waking up late and dropping my kids at the school doors well after the tardy bell. At least is was for a good cause (and by good I mean completely self-serving). I was up late into the night working on an all new version MeckMom.com. I can’t wait to show it to you. My handsome husband and I are still working out the kinks but it should be up soon. It better be, I’m not sure how many more tardies my kids can take.

So it’s that time again. Time for a recap of a few fabulous ideas from around the web. All of these sites were featured on my Facebook fan page in the last week so, if you haven’t had a chance, you should check them out. If you liked them as much as I did, take a minute and let the content authors know. Bloggers love comments; so share the love when you stop by their sites.

Birthday Girl

I love the vintage cowboy look of this birthday party idea. Wouldn’t it be perfect for school fundraiser or a Primary pioneer day activity?

Dittle Dattle

Everyone needs closet organization – teenage boys are no exception. Check out this cool DIY closet tutorial. I thought the mirror was a particularly smart touch.

I Heart Organizing

I’m a sucker for a great organizing make-over. The laundry nook-turned-office area at the end of this post really wowed me.

Another Lunch

The incredibly cute, cold lunches on this site put my kids’ lunches to shame. Who could resist nibbling on that chubby cheese chicken?

Lovin’ These Links – Monday’s Facebook Recap

MeckMom — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:20:36 +0000

It’s Monday again. Time for a recap of a few fabulous ideas from around the web. All of these sites were featured on my Facebook fan page last week so, if you haven’t had a chance, you should check them out. If you liked them as much as I did, take a minute and let the content authors know. Bloggers love comments; so share the love when you stop by their sites.

Remember, if you’d like instant access to the links I love and a few other tips and tricks, you can sign up to be a follower on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page or by following this link. Here are the links from last week…

The Meanest Mom

Need a good laugh today? Take a few minutes to catch up on the day-to-day ramblings of The Meanest Mom Blog. It’s one of my favorites!

Target Coupons

Planning a trip to Target this weekend? Don’t go without checking this page first. It’s loaded with printable coupons for all kinds of great Target products.

Gourmet Mom On-The-Go

Do you have picky eaters in your house? Try this cool Mom’s simple trick for adding a little fun to her kids’ food.

Lovin’ These Links – Monday’s Facebook Recap

MeckMom — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:27:28 +0000

So how are you feeling about the mini-posts? I’m kinda liking them. Short, sweet, and to the point. I may do a few more of those in the future. I’ve got one more laundry post for you and then, I promise, I’ll stop talking about the wash for awhile.

It’s Monday again. Time for a recap of a few fabulous ideas from around the web. All of these sites were featured on my Facebook fan page last week so, if you haven’t had a chance yet, you should definitely check them out. If you liked them as much as I did you should take a minute and let the content authors know! Bloggers love comments – so share the love when you stop by their sites.

Remember, if you’d like instant access to the links I love and a few other tips and tricks, you can sign up to be a follower on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page or by following this link. Here are the links from last week…

Somewhat Simple

Take bubble blowing to a whole new level with this cheap and easy idea. 5 minutes of prep + supplies you have lying around the house = hours of outdoor fun.

I’m A Lazy Mom

Motherhood is rough. Sometimes you need to cut a few corners to survive. If you’ve had a tough day like me you’ll love reading the ‘lazy’ mothering confessions and tips on this site.

MADE

Our finished basement/kid-hangout-spot has a tv and wii but no real furniture. These cozy rollie pollie chairs would be the perfect addition. If I didn’t have an infant in my arms all day I’d buy the $6 pattern and whip up one for each of my kids.

Lovin’ These Links – Monday’s Facebook Recap

MeckMom — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:38:08 +0000

Remember, if you’d like instant access to the links I love and a few other tips and tricks, you can sign up to be a follower on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page or by following this link. Here are the links from last week…

Fancy Pants Prints

Want to add a little love to your kid’s lunch box? Try adding one of the sweet notes from this free printable.

Scrumdilly-Do!

My kids love to crack eggs. This idea for making smashable confetti bombs out of real Easter eggs would be a big hit at our house.

Make It and Love It

Spring is on the horizon so it’s time to ditch the winter gear. Hooray! If you’ve got an old scarf to spare you should give this easy craft a try.

Cookies and Cups

Looking for a fun twist on a classic Easter cupcake? Try the fabulous, ice cream-inspired confections on this great site.

Lovin’ These Links – Monday’s Facebook Recap

MeckMom — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:42:11 +0000

Welcome to the new week, everyone. It’s my first full week with five kids (gulp) and no Mom backup. Wish me luck – I’m going to need it! Since it’s Monday, it’s time for a recap of a few fabulous ideas from around the web. All of these sites were featured on my Facebook fan page last week so, if you haven’t had a chance yet, you should definitely check them out. If you liked them as much as I did you should take a minute and let the content authors know! Bloggers love comments – so share the love when you stop by their sites.

Remember, if you’d like instant access to the links I love and a few other tips and tricks, you can sign up to be a follower on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page or by following this link. Here are the links from last week…

A Whole Lotta Nothing

My iPhone is loaded with apps to keep my 4 kids entertained. If you’ve got a iPhone or iPod Touch you should check out this helpful post of recommended kid apps. There are several recommendations both in the post and in the comments area that I’m anxious to try.

MamaBargains

If you’re a fan of ‘deal-of-the-day’ sites like Woot.com you’ll want to add this site to your favorites list. Its steal-of-a-deal offers are catered to specifically to moms like us.

CraftStylish

There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a cozy throw this time of year. I thought this easy-to-make argyle version had a fun, preppy feel.

How About Orange

I love this clever idea. It’s such a cheap and easy way to add a splash of color to a kid’s room. I’m thinking of trying it with my girls’ initials – now I just need to find time to make it to the fabric store.

Lovin’ These Links – Monday’s Facebook Recap

MeckMom — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:57:24 +0000

Happy Monday, everyone – time for a recap of a few fabulous ideas from around the web. All of these sites were featured on my Facebook fan page last week so, if you haven’t had a chance yet, you should definitely check them out. If you liked them as much as I did you should take a minute and let the content authors know! Bloggers love comments – so share the love when you stop by their sites.

Remember, if you’d like instant access to the links I love and a few other tips and tricks, you can sign up to be a follower on Facebook by clicking the Facebook icon at the top of the page or by following this link. Here are the links from last week…

The Old White Cottage

Looking for a simple way to dress up your front door now that Valentine’s is over? Try this simple and understated pussy willow bundle. It’s a perfect way to transition from winter to spring.

Love, Actually

There are loads of blogs devoted to being a fun and creative mom. This clever site is devoted to being a fun and creative wife as well. Check out this fun and flirty idea for leaving love notes in the shower.

Knock Off Wood

If you love the look of Pottery Barn furniture as much as I do, you should peruse this awesome site. This ingenious Mom blogger lays out simple DIY plans to create tons of my favorite PB pieces

MeckMom Gets a Much-Needed Update

MeckMom — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:12:48 +0000

It’s kind of crazy to think that as of this month, MeckMom has been around for a whopping 4 years. And, like anything else that’s been hanging around for that long, it was in desperate need of a little sprucing up. This weekend my handsome, tech-savvy husband and I have done a little spring cleaning on the site and made a few much-needed updates. Here’s the down-low on the things we’ve changed.

All New Sponsor Area

Over the years I’ve considered adding advertising several times to help offset the cost of running MeckMom. I’ve always resisted because I had this fear my site would be inundated with ugly, animated banner ads and random links. Thankfully we’ve come up with a great alternative. It’s a dedicated sponsor spot that’s perfect for small businesses with small advertising budgets.

Becoming a MeckMom sponsor earns you prime ad space next to the most recent blog posts, a feature on the blog, and a product spotlight on my ever-growing facebook fan page – all for less than $10/month. It’s a great opportunity for you to build your customer base and for me to keep the free downloads and simple solutions at MeckMom going strong. If you’re interested (or know of someone who might be) please check out my new Advertising page for site statistics and pricing details.
Updated Links Page
So I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that my Favorite Links page was totally outdated. I don’t think I had updated it in almost 3 years. I went through my very old list and found that several of the site I reference didn’t even exist anymore. Sorry, guys. I spent some time last night purging the old sites and adding a few new ones that I’ve come to love lately. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas and fun blogs, you’ll definitely want to check out the new list on my Favorite Links page.

So Long, Archive Spotlight
For the last two years I’ve been featuring old MeckMom posts in the archive spotlight at the top of the page. In order to make room for the new sponsor area and make it easier for new readers to find the latest post, I’ve opted to ditch the rotating spotlight idea. However, I’ll still be providing shortcuts to key posts in box in sidebar on the right, just below the sponsor area. The ‘Featured Posts’ tab will be updated monthly and show a dozen or so posts from the archives that I think are worth pointing out. If you ever need a quick MeckMom fix, this will be a great place to turn to.

MeckMom Mobile is Here!!

I’ve been saving this one for last because I think it’s so much fun. MeckMom.com is now mobile. Once again, my clever husband has pushed my site to the next level by creating a mobile site that’s perfect for smart phone viewing. Now you can get the latest posts, add comments, see my favorite links, and access all 4 years of the archives quickly and easily. The clean interface loads incredibly fast and is really easy to navigate. If you’ve got a smart phone handy you should definitely check it out.

To acccess the new mobile site just navigate to MeckMom.com in your phone’s browser. The mobile site will load automatically for you. If you’d like to go back to the standard site view you can do that too. Just scroll down to the bottom of the mobile home page and turn off the mobile theme.

That’s it for now guys. I’ll be making more fun changes and updates soon. Thanks again for your continued support. If you have any other suggestions for how I can improve MeckMom or make it more user-friendly for you, please let me know. You’re feedback is always appreciated. It’s been a great four years and I look forward to many more. Just thought I’d pass it on.