Dad of Divas

Clever Kids Accessories That Double As Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:06:00 +0000

I was recently given the opportunity to try out a fun new product with my eldest, Diva-J. The Wallaroo Hat Company’s Art Hat offers kids a practical wearable, washable, crushable hat that your child can design.

Every Art Hat kit contains an adjustable white microfiber bucket hat with contrasting color under the 2 ¼” brim, six nontoxic fabric paints and a paint brush.

The hat itself comes in a small unassuming package that makes you wonder what you have received, but once you unpack everything, you will soon notice that there is a lot of fun in store for your budding artist.

When I showed Diva-J what we were going to do, she was quite excited! One of the nice things about the Art Hat is that it comes with all of the supplies that you will need to complete your project, including hat, paint & brushes. The contrasting colors that the hat comes in allows a little diva to truly stand out and her artwork makes it even more the case. I also like the fact that the hat itself can be mashed up in a billion different ways and it still remains wearable. As any of you with kids know, this is a must!

The Art Hat gives children a way to express themselves in their own creativity and then share with the world their talents. While our hat is currently under construction, I know that when it is done that Diva-J will wear it with pride.

Outside of the Arthat, I spent some time looking at the other products that they offer, and was excited to see that they have some very cool men's hats. I particularly liked the Hobart Hat in Beige & Navy. Not only does this hat have protection to the extent of UPF 50+, but it also is sturdy and I can tell it would last a long time! So maybe some day I will be able to get myself a hat such as this to protect my ever thining hair!

There are many other hats such as this that are very diverse in nature. I am sure that you will be able to find something that interests you or someone in your family!

So if you are looking for a hat that stands out and pushes your child to practice their creativity, this is a great product for you and your family.

For more information about the Wallaroo art hat or other hats and accessories, visit http://www.wallaroohats.com/.

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Project 365 (350/365) - Down a Winding Road

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Book Review - 5 Cities That Ruled The World

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:27:00 +0000

Are you interested in both history and theology? Are you the type of person that enjoys a quick read that doesn't let you down? If you said yes to both of these questions, then this book is the right one for you.

I was given the chance to review this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing and, as I always enjoy learning more about history, I was excited to read this book. The book itself examines, as the title implies, 5 cities that ruled the world: Jerusalem; Athens, Rome, London & New York.

While a true history could probably take volumes to write on each of these cities, the author, Douglas Wilson condenses the pertinent information down to a mere200 pages of jam-packed information on the cities themselves.

I was amazed at how deftly the author examined the main points in history so that the non-historian could get a picture of the world through both a theological and historical lens while keeping the material simple and easy to understand.

I learned a lot in this book, and now am looking for more titles form the same author! I would recommend this book to all!

If this book sounds like something that would interest you, you can read a few pages by clicking here. If you have decided that this book is a must have it can be found on the Thomas Nelson website or at Amazon.com.

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I need your help!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:28:00 +0000

Over the past month I have been doing a number of reviews over on my Dad of Divas Review site. I have been struggling on whether I should continue having both a review site as well as this site or if both should be one. In the survey that I asked everyone to fill out, I heard from a few of you and it was about 50/50 in regards to whether I should remove reviews altogether from Dad of Divas.

So now I am asking all of you for your help in shaping what Dad of Divas becomes in the future. What are your thoughts on combining the two sites?

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Product Review - Dyson DC31

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:59:00 +0000

I recently was given the opportunity from Dyson to examine their newest invention on the market the DC31. As you can probably guess, as a father and a guy who loves technology I was extremely excited about the opportunity to try this out!

Some details about the product itself

The DC 31 houses the Dyson digital motor, DDM – the fastest, most power-efficient motor ever developed for a handheld vacuum. Spinning up to 104,000rpm.
DDM is five times faster than a Formula 1 race car engine.
Uses patented Root Cyclone™ technology to separate dirt, fine dust and debris from the air.
Dual power mode with 38 or 65 Air Watts
22.2V lithium ion battery

The Motor
The motor assembly that Dyson uses for the DC31 is unique in that it is four times as fast and twice as powerful as the conventional motor. DDM uses digital pulse technology making over 3000 adjustments a second, and spinning at up to 104,000 times a minute. That’s five times faster than a Formula 1 car engine. And no carbon brushes mean it won’t wear out, for a longer working life.

About Dyson
Research, Design and Development is at the core of Dyson. One third of people at Dyson are engineers and scientists. Their expertise in fluid, mechanical, electrical, EMC, thermal, chemical, acoustic and software engineering allows them to design new products as well as challenge and improve existing technologies. Dyson has over 1,200 patents and patent applications for over 250 different inventions (May 2008). Dyson’s RDD investment has quadrupled over the last 5 years. The total number of Dyson vacuum cleaners sold worldwide since 1993 is over 24.5 million (2007) – and still counting. 10 million of these were sold in the last 3 years.

My Thoughts on the DC31
I have been in awe of the Dyson products (from afar) for many years. I have talked to people that have owned them and used them and all have had very good things to say, though I had never had the chance to try it out myself, that was until now.

In receiving the DC31, I was amazed at how compact the packaging was. I was expecting a larger bulky box, especially when I had thought of other hand vacuums that I have owned in the past. The DC31 is very small in size (about the size of a large drill without the additional tools added on). The construction of the product is sound and the instructions for easy start up were simple to follow.

One of the initial things that I was amazed at was the length of time that the instructions states that a charge lasts. On its highest most powerful setting it states that the DC31 will last about six minutes and ten minutes on the lowest (regular) setting. This surprised me and made me wonder whether it was in fact the case as it also stated that it would take 3.5 hours to bring the DC31 back up to full charge. The other thing that I noticed was how light weight it was and how much it truly reminded me of a drill.

So I charged up the DC31 so that I could prepare for its inaugural test drive.

After using the DC31 I can say that it lived up to my expectations. The suction power that the product had was amazing and while there were some pet hair issues at first, once I figured out how to best use the extensions, the hair seemed to get sucked up without a problem. I also liked the way that the vacuum is emptied. With a simple release lever, it was easy to get rid of all things that I had sucked up.

The charge itself did last about what the company said it would. Yet, in saying this, seeing that I did not have to use the vacuum for long periods of time it lasted multiple days without recharge.

I have had other hand vacuums like this in the past, but none have had the suction power (or RPM's) that the Dyson has. If you are looking for a hand vacuum with amazing power, look no further than Dyson.

Beginning September 2009, DC31 and DC31 Animal are available at most major retailers
and Dyson.com at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $219.99 and $269.99,
respectively. Both are covered under a 2 year warranty for parts and labor. For more
information, please visit www.dyson.com.

Project 365 (349/365) - Disney Rocking Road Show!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:31:00 +0000

J-Mom won tickets to see the Disney Rockin' Road Show and she and Diva-J went off for a fun time!

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Project 365 (348/365) - Ride 'Em Cowgirl

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:44:00 +0000

Project 365 (347/365) - Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Book Review - The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Parenting

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:02:00 +0000

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Parenting is one of a series of the Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbooks by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Sarah Jordon.

I was excited to be given a copy of this book by the authors. This book is filled with both interesting and funny ideas about how you as a parent can get yourself out of the craziest of situations. From making emergency toys to disciplining an imaginary friend the book starts at birth and examines scenarios through the teenage years. I even loved the appendix on understanding IM lingo. I found myself laughing and amazed at the different angles that the authors took to come up with creative solutions to everyday problems. It truly made me wonder how many of the authors had children themselves, as well whether they had tried these techn iques on their own children and if they worked...

The book is an easy and entertaining read and one that any new or old parent can benefit from. While not everyone will find the tips helpful, everyone will find them entertaining and conversation starters for sure.

I recommend this book to anyone who has or will have kids, as it does look at parenting through a fun lens and allows us (as parents) to not take ourselves or the situations that we encounter too seriously.

If this books sounds like one that you would be interested in, it can be purchased through Amazon. Check it out today!

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Project 365 (346/365) - Silly Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:54:00 +0000

You have to love it when kids just act like kids!

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Project 365 (345/365) - Trick or Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:12:00 +0000

We had the girls try on their costumes and do a mini parade... looks like it will be a fun night tomorrow!

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Project 365 (344/365) - Can't A Panda Have Some Space?

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:10:00 +0000

Some precursor pictures getting ready for Halloween tomorrow!

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Project 365 (343/365) - Say Ahhhhhhhhh!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:22:00 +0000

At our local science museum!

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Project 365 (342/365) - Happy Belated Birthday J-Mom!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Books to use when moving with kids

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:45:00 +0000

Moving with children is not always an easy thing to do. I have written about this in the past in a three part post about what to do before, during, and after the move. Seeing that I went through a multi-state move with 2 your girls, I can empathize with those of you who have recently or will soon be moving.

Moving is often an emotional and stressful period for the whole family. For children, it can be nerve racking and just plain confusing. Leaving behind friends, changing schools and having to get used to a new home can be really difficult. I have found that books can be an invaluable resource in helping to explain to kids that just because you move doesn’t mean you forget your old home or friends. FlateRate Moving, a nationwide leader in moving and storage, suggests these books to help children have a smooth transition during and after a move.

Moving Day by Meg Cabot - This book comes from Cabot’s series for younger girls, Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls. Known for her entrancing stories in The Princess Diaries series, Cabot takes readers through Allie Finkle’s reaction and reality when her family decides to move across town. Filled with worries and concerns, Finkle has to go to a new school as a new kid and find new friends. But what about her old best friend?
The Moving Book: A Kids’ Survival Guide by Gabriel Davis - Turn moving into an adventure for your tween. This fits somewhere between moving scrapbook and guide to moving. It includes advice on packing, discovering the new house and neighborhood and also getting valuable information from the old neighbors so that they aren’t forgotten in the move.
We’re Moving by Heather Maisner - When kids move, they aren’t just leaving behind their house. They are also moving away from the special things they did with their family there - like plant a garden, play tag in the yard or have an Easter egg hunt. This story for young elementary school kids addresses that, and how you can make new memories like those in your new home too.
The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan Berenstain - The Berenstain Bears are moving to a new tree house and Brother isn’t sure he’s going to like it — or make friends. This is perfect for talking to your preschooler about a move, since the Bears are very vocal with their relatable concerns.
Who Will Be My Friends? by Syd Hoff - This is a great book to give your child just before or after a move or if a new family has moved into the neighborhood. Freddy teaches us what it is like to be new and discovers that meeting new people and new friends is not as difficult as he first thought.

So good luck to all of you that are looking into moving for the first or umpteenth time, and know that there are many resources out there to aid your kids in their transitions!

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Project 365 (341/365) - Aren't You Supposed to Be Sitting...

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:22:00 +0000

Diva-PJ decided to get into a bit of mischief... not being willing to sit in her chair like she knows she should...

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Project 365 (340/365) - Time For A Little Rock 'N Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:22:00 +0000

We had some fun at the Michigan Historical Museum... who would have guessed so many great things happened here in Michigan!

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Project 365 (339/365) - Water...Water... Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:19:00 +0000

Had some fun playing in the water table at the local science museum!

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Project 365 (338/365) - What a bubble!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:10:00 +0000

We were able to take Diva-J to the local Science museum for some fun. Notice the huge bubble that she was able to blow out of this!

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Project 365 (337/365) - You have to love clowns!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:24:00 +0000

Dad of Divas Reader Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:19:00 +0000

I am currently doing a quick survey of my readership to better know who is reading, but also what you are looking for in this blog (what you like, do not like). I look forward to reading and growing from your responses. The survey should only take a few minutes.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PoAPs80J393PAiBgrg0ufw_3d_3d

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Project 365 (336/365) - Now That's A Wheel!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:55:00 +0000

Project 365 (335/365) - Crawling Through the Rainbow

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:59:00 +0000

Project 365 (334/365) - Having Some Fall Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:08:00 +0000

Had fun at a local Harvest Festival and found a very talented artist doing face painting. You can't see all of the intricacy here, but this took a good 5-10 minutes to complete. Now it took much less time to mess if up...but that is another story.

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Project 365 (333/365) - We can Do It!

noreply@blogger.com (Dad of Divas) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:53:00 +0000