Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Dallas, TX

great book gifts

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

Chicka Chicka Boom BoomA classic in every way - and if you are lucky enough to see and hear the Scholastic version - you'll be stocking up on these. The catchy tune will have you singing about a coconut tree being invaded by letters. This is THE book to start every alphabet beginner! We're Going on a Bear HuntI can't help but read this book to my tots with a little melody in my voice as I turn ... Read more >

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the holidays = family time

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

"It's Christmas time," my two-year tells me this morning. I smile knowingly that she has plugged in the Christmas tree lights all by herself - again. We go over the rules and hazards, and then run off to dress up Mrs. Potato head - for the third time. Donning a Christmas tree in our family room has been a longtime tradition of ours, bouncing back and forth between real and fake ... Read more >

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Favorite Local Holiday Traditions

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

As a new parent, starting, continuing and creating family traditions have all turned into a blur. There is so much to think through, that I still wonder... how did Mom do it all? The most important thing, is that I can't remember what I got for Christmas each year... but I do remember the time spent together. For me, the holidays are synonymous with family traditions. I think of my ... Read more >

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Toy wish list...ideas to get you started

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

ColorformsWhen I was a child, I played with Colorforms for hours. So when I saw this in a toy store while I was pregnant, I bought it right away. This cherished game continues to be a favorite in our household. The kids adore the countless ways to stick shapes together to create a character or scenery. Whether on boards or on windows - Colorforms is the classic game to spend hours of ... Read more >

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Dallas: Did you miss these? Looking back at November

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

What a month! With the new season falling upon us, and the Thanksgiving holiday rush over - it's a wonder how we've been able to keep up with it all [or so I'd like to think].In case you missed it, here are some great things we covered in November:Creating a lending library starts with creating terrific bookplates to insert into our favorite books. These not only commemorate the event or reason ... Read more >

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relax and stock up on energy - you'll need it by friday

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

As we gear up for Turkey day, we can't help but think about what's coming around the corner. Already neighbors' homes are adorned with lights, and store shelves are filled with too many wonderful gift ideas. But let's not forget our Turkey day and Thanksgiving celebration.. where we join family and friends and count our blessings. So that we have the energy and strength to get through the ... Read more >

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my savvy books for holiday gift giving

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

The holidays are coming around the corner - and books are the ideal gifts that keep on giving. Whether they get passed down to siblings, or reinvented through your child's imagination in the years following - a great book is irreplaceable, and one of the most humbling gifts to ever give - or receive.Some quick suggestions come from Savvy's extensive list of great read or own. Here's a handful of ... Read more >

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share your home library - but first, add a bookplate

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

There's no doubt in my mind that the reason why we actually buy books instead of borrowing them from the library is because we can't afford late fees. There are simply too many favorites to read now and then... and also, everyday. If we had to give these back, our hearts would ache. The cost of books however isn't cheap. If we're lucky, we score our classics at used bookstores - or receive them ... Read more >

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heat up the weekend with these fun family ideas

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

As we drift closer to the end of fall... and near the chilly nights of winter... our time spent outdoors will begin to narrow. Which is why it's so helpful to start planning ahead [including finding our mis-matched gloves] so that we can still get out on the weekends and brave the shivers for some family fun. SaturdayFall Wreath Craft at Lakeshore Learning store. Children and their parents can ... Read more >

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because a great book... has great illustrations

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

Who says you can't judge a book by it's cover? Great illustrations is what reels me in for the simple fact that they are just too great to pass up. And 10 out of 10 times, a great story always follows because they author the book too. With the thousands of books that are available at the tip of our fingers at our library and bookstores, it's the catchy, beautiful, mesmerizing ones that draw ... Read more >

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