Putamayo at Gymboree

Gymboree is having a relocation sale at our Newlands site. We are taking the time to highlight some products and point parents in the direction of a great product write up.
One of me all time favorites offerings at Gymboree is our range of Putamayo Kids Music CD's. Internationally, the Gymboree Play and Music brand is license to use their music in formulating their play program so its pretty great from that perspective. As a mom, I am always needing some great music for the car that is easy listening but really engaging for my little ones.

Putamayo have two categories of kids CD's: playgrounds (for playtime) and dreamland (for more relaxation time). Most of the selections are a mix of languages, cultural influences and instruments making it a real auditory joy for developing minds.
These normally retail for R130 but we are selling them this week for just R90.
Definately pop in and stock up. They are a pleasant change from the kiddies sing-a-longs that I have been subjected to from time to time! Discovering their website has been helpful as they have downloadable colouring pages, suggested activities and background info on artists etc that can really enhance music appreciation time at home with your little one.

For more info, call us on (021) 671 2338 we deliver for FREE in the Cape Town area.

A mobile with all the features..

This week is all about pregnancy and reaching out to pregnant mommies. As I am sure many of you know I am really skeptical of a lot of the advertising directed at parents. So much of it leaves me feeling inadequate and guilty about not buying the latest 'this' or the most pediatrically approved 'that'. So what is in store for mommies with a bump this year? The barrage of goodies available to parents is astounding if you can afford the trolley loads of things you need. There is such freedom in understanding what is age appropriate in order to wade through the shopping list.

Initially you are you child's best toy. Mobiles are quite a waste of money in my opinion, especially if they are musical, they can cost a fortune. I know it seems a little Martha Stuart, but I encourage Mommies to make one or better yet get everyone to club together for the baby shower party and contribute an objet. The jury seems to be out on whether black and white contrasts are to be strictly adhered to - try and match it to your baby room decor. You'll be spending a lot of time in there. Make it your happy place. Whichever way you go, look at it from your babies perspective. I am astounded how many mobiles are completely thematically irrelevant when you are under them as opposed to looking at it as a parent next to the crib! This is a good start to your parenting journey - making sure you see the world through your babies eyes before they see the world through yours.


 Here's an example:
I have always loved the ocean theme! A great craft for grannies or craft-wise friends to help with.

As we blog we will be testing the best products out there and posting about them, helping you to make sense of this minefield of demands on your wallet and your time.  If you have suggestions, Please let me know.

Our first Sunday morning playgym time was awesome! I am so encouraged by how many dads were here too.
Thanks for all your encouraging words, mommies :)

Gymboree Goes Mobile

From March 2011 Gymboree Play and Music will no longer be operating classes from our Newlands location.

We are relocating :) We havent found our new site yet but are hopeful that it will be even more fabulous that our current home.

If it all seems quite sudden, that is because it is. We were presented with a very small window of opportunity by our current landlords in which to make a decision to either radically compromise or vacate. Time will tell whether this is the right direction to go..
Compromise of quality is just against our core values of giving every parent and child the ablsolute best educational experience possible. We are hopeful that a better location will present itself. Once I have honed my blogging skills I'll do a post on the before and after of our current site. It was a nightclub!

Until then these posts are our virtual environment. We'll be posting great play ideas, some childhood developmental info to bolster your understanding of your little one's journey and of course there will be loads of encouragement to go around!

So excited to continue this journey with you!

Kirsten