SensoryEdge

Fitness for Special Needs Children

2012-02-09T08:01:00.001-08:00

Special needs children, such aschildren dealing with autism, face many challenges when it comes to fitness andexercising. We already know that exercising is challenging on its own; however,special needs children have specific motor pattern challenges that make itdifficult for them to coordinate movements.

Physical activities for specialneeds children can incorporate rhythmic sessions that engage large muscles.Such exercises may include running, walking, and cycling. However, determiningthe type of exercise routine that fits special needs children highly depends onthe children’s initial fitness level, as well as their ability to cope withexercise programs in general. Just keep in mind that even when cognitive abilitiesseem delayed in a child dealing with autism for instance, that child can stillsuccessfully and enthusiastically engage in regular exercise.

Children with special needs canbenefit greatly from exercising. Whether you have special needs or not, exercisinghas many advantages. Not only does exercising help increase strength,endurance, and balance, it also helps decrease stress level, blood sugar,cholesterol, and blood pressure. As a result, everyone can benefit fromfitness; not just the average person, but also people with special needs.

Example of an exercise session designed for special needs children

One way of getting special needschildren to take interest in exercising, is to make the exercises fun andrelaxing at the same time. To achieve this goal, try incorporating movement,music, and yoga in the children’s fitness routines. These activities can helpspecial needs children reduce stress and energy level, lower anxiety, andimprove their attention and social skills.

Segment the exercise routine intotwo major sessions. The first half of the session (which can last 15-20minutes), may include music and movement. Play a song that captivates theirattention, and encourage them to engage in sequences of snapping fingers,patting their belly and clapping their hands. You can also include obstaclecourses and running in this session, but make sure they are easily achievable.

Once the 20 minutes are over,slowly transition the children into the yoga portion of the exercise routine. Yogadoesn’t have to deal with complex posturing or any flexibility pre-requisites.During the yoga session, the children will do traditional postures such as cow,cat, dog, cobra. Yoga will help them improve body awareness, strengthening, andself-esteem. Moreover, yoga will improve their attention and get them ready tolearn textbook materials.

Social benefits of exercising

Getting special needs children toexercise in a group setting, is an excellent way to develop and increase theirsocial skills. Connecting these children with others who have similar needs,helps all of them foster their own support network. Regardless of who you are,or what your limitations are, exercising regularly is the building block tobetter health and long life; special needs children are no different in thatrespect.

Author Bio: Kodjo Hounnake is a home fitnessenthusiast who believes the average person can get and remain in great shaperight at home. You do not need expensive gym equipment to achieve the body ofyour dreams. Your body weight is sufficient enough. See the hundreds of homeworkout videos and healthy homemade recipes on his home fitness blog.

College Mascot Area Rugs

2012-01-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

Although we're more known for selling commercial quality classroom rugs, we were intrigued to find that Joy Carpets recently released a line of college mascot area rugs. Some of the featured schools include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky and 11 more. Each rug is available in four sizes and features the name of the college and a picture of the schools mascot.

We're a little jealous as there are no West Coast teams.

This collection is great for dorm rooms, offices throughout the University, tailgate parties and at home. Joy Carpets uses state of the art, high resolution injection dyeing to create carpeting with vibrant colors. These are high quality rugs that will last season after season.

The college mascot rugs feature:

10 Year Wear Warranty
Lifetime Antistatic Protection
Lifetime Antimicrobial Protection
Lifetime Soil and Stain Protection
100% High Twist Premium Nylon
2-Ply Heat Set Yarn
Tufted Cut Pile Construction
Indoor Air Quality Certified
High Fiber Density
Residential and Commercial Traffic
Class I Flammability Rating
Colorseal Permanent Bleach Protection

Whether it's a classroom rug or college mascot rug, SensoryEdge has you covered. And all rugs have free shipping.

Hanging With Your Children... It Can be Fun (Can't it?)

2011-12-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Children seem to have an endless supply of engergy. No matter how they use, they seem to recuperate fast. There are times that we cannot or don't want to catch up as other things in life get in the way. Be glad that your kids have activities and a social life because having a life in front of the computer, tv or hand held device does not serve them well during the early informative years (later on ok, but not so much as toddlers). Supporting their activities plays an important part in the overall development of your child mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

It does not mean that you have to follow your kid’s every move because that's a bit much, but the thought that you support them is enough to keep them going.Yes we should leave our kids alone sometimes, especially if they are determined to do the activities they want but as a parent, we them to be safe right? We should suggest different activities that are safe. The good news is that there are many activities worth trying. If you have time, it will be memorable for your kids if you can join them. Making time for your child is important if you want to stay close to them.

Activities that will strengthen your bond are the best. In line with this, you can consider the following fun activities:

1. If your kid is a music enthusiast, you should send him/her to music classes or encourage them to join the school chorus. If they have live performances, attend and give her flowers or give him a cool rock t shirt. Music schools can be pricey, but learning an instrument or being able to carry a tune is well worth the cost.

2. If your kid loves dancing, you should send him/her to dance classes. When they have performances, get grammy and gramps to attend. Boys will try to avoid this but it'll pay off during middle and high school.

3. If your child likes to go out for outland adventure, hiking, walks on the beach (if you're close) or riding around the nearest park is great exercise and fun.

4. If your kid likes to explore the world, a subway, bus or train ride is a great start. Old subway stations have mostly been fixed up as more people use mass transit but most designers have kept some of the original buildings to remember the past. Take pictures and video... digital cameras are one of the best investments and storing these memories is free.

5. If your kids just want to stay in the house, cook together play board games. These are family bonding experiences that strengthen your clan. Have a movie night and let kids pick the show half the time. Make sure you choose some of the awesome nature shows that have been produced like The Earth by the BBC.

Kids should know that you support them no matter what activities they choose. If it is dangerous, talk them through and tell them you don’t want to see them in pain. If you feel that what they are doing is safe, provide whatever they need.

Find educational toys, kids area rugs and more at SensoryEdge.

Why I Discourage My Kids From Buying Gift Cards

2011-12-07T13:27:00.001-08:00

It's quite possible I'm hardcore about gifts and gifting, but as a Dad, I think it's really important to share my values with my children, and one of them is the importance of a gift being a demonstration of your love and awareness of the recipient.

It's rather a game I play, actually: when someone I know has a birthday or Hanukah / Christmas is coming up, or, in the case of a partner, Valentine's Day, the challenge of figuring out the perfect present begins.

You pay close attention to them, listen to what they talk about wanting, take note of the things they gravitate towards in stores, at the Mall, or even in product catalogs or newspaper fliers. You obliquely ask them about specific kinds of products. You see what they are coveting of yours (or a friend), and you keep track.

When it's time to purchase the gift, a bit of research on a site like Amazon.com, with its extraordinary database of product reviews and comments, can quickly reveal the best in class or the limitations and problems associated with a given potential gift.

In the end, a perfect gift is a terrific gesture of love, an obvious sign that your affection for them isn't just associated with a cash value but that you pay attention to them. That you see them, hear them, and think about them.

How can a gift card compare to that?

Dave Taylor writes a parenting blog at GoFatherhood.com and is a single dad to three children, 15, 11, and 8.

4 Ways To Create Fabulous & Unique Kids’ Rooms With Wall Decals

2011-11-30T16:12:00.001-08:00

Wall decals are a fun way to decorate kids’ rooms. You can create a look and a sense of style without a big commitment since you can always change out the decals. This is especially helpful in kids’ rooms since they grow and change so quickly.
We also love how wall decals personalize a space. You can pick the decals that bring out the uniqueness of your child and make his or her room one of a kind.
Here are 4 designer secrets about how to use wall decals like a decorating pro:

Interior designers and decorators like to anchor decals by placing them above or around larger furniture pieces. Decals look better this way than just floating on a wall.
Try spelling out your kid’s name above his or her bed. Designers also love creating monograms with a person’s initials. Another idea is to spell out an inspirational word or saying. Again, try to connect the letters to furniture or an architectural element in the room so that they are not just floating on the wall.
Limit yourself to one or two decal styles with coordinating colors. Bigger decals are better than smaller ones. Less is definitely more when it comes to mixing different decals or lots of decals.
Create an emphasis wall and group decals for maximum impact. You could paint this wall a darker color to make the decals stand out. If you are artistic, try creating a faux stage with paint on one wall.

Whether you are artistic or not, you can create a unique, one of a kind room for your child with wall decals. Give it a try. You won’t be let down.

Nancy Del Santo helps homeowners create beautiful, family friendly homes. Get your decorating questions answered and learn about designer trade secrets and stylish resources by subscribing to her website http://askDECOR.com .

You can also connect with Nancy on Twitter @askDECOR.

How technology is impacting the way we learn

2011-11-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Future of Higher Education

How technology is impacting the way we learn—for the better!

There is no doubt that online technology is changing the way we learn. As the transfer of knowledge moves from traditional lectures in the classroom to the digital realms of online colleges that deliver courses to the comfort of you home, many educators are apprehensive about some of the ways that technology is impacting the way we learn.

Important questions are being raised, like:

Are online tools, such as mobile devices, making us lazy learners?
Is technology corrupting education by making it too easy to earn a college degree?
How can we expect learning be consistent if it’s being taught in social networks?

Technology making us lazy! We say rubbish! And with this article, we plan to show you that as we adapt the way we learn to meet 21st Century needs; e- learning is actually increasing education opportunities for everyone around the world.

Mobile learning

Web-based portable learning, or mobile learning, is a trend that’s based on society and their heavy use of mobile tools, such as wireless smart phones, iPods, laptops, tablets, iPads and personal media players. Not only is mobile learning in demand by graduating high school students and competitive companies around the world, it also has several advantages, like:

It reduces the time spent on learning, for example, the need to go out and purchase a textbook
It increases retention because it can be referred to multiple times, for free
Mobile learning delivers on-demand college course material, meaning it’s available when you need it, not the other way around
It allows for self-paced learning
Mobile learning increases one-on-one opportunities for students and professors
It increases confidence, hard work and discipline (because no one is looking over your shoulder)
It accommodates varied learning styles—auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners

Social networks

Web 2.0 tools are driving the way we engage with each other as we collaborate and share knowledge. As we become more tech savvy, we’re turning more often to free social media tools to support our learning and seeking knowledge from people who might be normally out of reach. Learning via social networks has the following benefits:

The ability to learn from the experts
Gives us the opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with colleagues located in other parts of the world
The ability to stay current with the latest trends in a certain industry or career field
Offers us the ability to create a presence in a career field outside of our own geographical location

Do-it-yourself learning

The final role technology offers with technology is do-it-yourself (or DIY) learning opportunities. DIY learning opportunities allow us to improve our careers, skills and personal lives using an informal network of colleagues, professionals and experts. DIY learning uses technology to immediately find new information. It’s especially beneficial for people without the time or financial resources to access formal learning. Learning via a DIY style offers the following advantages:

DIY learning is available in any format, anytime, anywhere on the web
DIY learning is customizable to meet the needs of everyone
User created content lets us access the latest facts created by experts
It’s available through open content resources (meaning it’s completely free)

Bio: Kathy F. Porter left her extremely uninspiring job as a Marketing Director at a large Georgia-based company and she decided it was ample time to do something she loved. The thought of going back-to-school was very intimidating until she discovered you could earn a degree online from a reputable university—without quitting her job or moving to another city. Kathy now works as a freelance writer and is very passionate about learning. You can contact Kathy at KathyFPorte@gmail.com.

Sensory Edge Adds Foamnasium Soft Play Furniture

2011-11-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Earlierthis year we went to an industry trade show and meet the team from Foamnasium.They were super nice and had some fun products that can be used at home, schoolor in waiting areas.

Foamnasiumtoys and furniture provide easy to clean, high-quality soft play toys thatexpand young imaginations. They're tough and durable enough for energeticplay and offer a myriad of educational activities. The products stimulate thekids senses, aids in the development of gross motor skills and allow childrento use their imaginations for exciting play. The soft play toys and furnitureare strong enough to withstand rough play, yet soft to ensure children play insafety.

Foamnasium soft shred pillows for children of all ages are for lounging at home or for use in preschools. The accordion mat can be used as a mat, fence or seat to lean against a wall. Fold it and easily move it into another room or area. All Foamnasium products are flame retardant and contain anti-microbial and anti-bacterial protection.

There'sa wide variety of vinyl covered foam chairs, video loungers, child-sizesofas, bleacher benches, wedges and triangles so kids can sit quietly or read.The soft, child-sized furniture is ideal for child waiting rooms, playrooms andany location where children may have to wait for any length of time. The kidswaiting room furniture allows children to play without fear of injury.

There'salso an assortment of foam blocks in different sizes that children can sit on,use as a table or stack for hours of fun. The play mailbox features a curvedsurface for improved balancing skills and can be coordinated with other piecesto form a soft, safe playground. The circle in a circle toy can be used as partof an obstacle course or seat.

Toddlerslove to climb, and with the Toddler Soft Step, small children can reach lowplaced toys for themselves or climb on the couch with parents withoutassistance. It provides children with a way to gain confidence, learn balancingskills and independence.

5 Easy Ways to Brighten a Child's Bedroom with Furniture

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Childhood is a magical timewhich is full of vivid colours, great adventures and a real sense ofimagination. It's a time when everything seems a little easier, and when thenumber one concern should always be how to have the most fun. If you're aparent or carer of children, you'll know just how important it is to keep kidsstimulated, both mentally and from a health point of view.

There is lots of talk aboutfitness and staying active, but what about when your children are at home? Whatis there in your home to keep kids engaged, interested, and having fun? Well,if you're unsure where to start, you could always begin with their bedroom.It's here that many of their great adventures begin, and where they spend a lotof their time. So why shouldn't it be comfy and cosy or bright and vivid?

Whatever your taste, there'supholstered furniture available that can really bring a child's bedroom tolife. Let's look at five very easy ways that you can brighten up your kids'rooms with some furniture.

Rocking Chairs

You might associate these with older members of our community, but rocking chairs are actually a lot of fun for kids. You can find upholsteredrocking chairs in a wide range of colours and designs to suit every child'sroom. Plus, kids' rocking chairs aren't just available as the more traditionalwooden chair; you can also find them in comfy cushioned form which any childwill just love. Children tend to really enjoy things that are a little bitdifferent and interesting - and if you've ever seen children playing on arocking chair you'll already know how much of a difference an upholsteredrocking chair can make to a child's room.

Recliner seats

You'd be forgiven for thinking that recliner seats are designed only for menwho want to sit back, drink beer, and watch TV. That's the reputation they'vepicked up through popular culture, but recliner seats are great for everyone -and what better way to bring a child's bedroom to life than with a miniaturerecliner? Kids love to imitate adults, and an upholstered recliner is afantastic way to let them do it. It really will bring a touch of class to anybedroom, and give the impression of a fully sized recliner without taking uptoo much space in the bedroom!

Bean bags

An all time favourite for kids and adults alike, bean bags are a fantastic wayto brighten a bedroom. They're available in all sorts of colours, designs, andmaterials - plus they're great fun to sit on. Bean bags are really versatile,so they can be used in almost any child's bedroom in almost any corner. Brightand vivid or a little more understated - the choice is yours (or your child's,of course). Just make sure that you let the kids play with it now and again!

Sofas for kids

Why let the adults have all the fun on the sofa? Ideal for chilling out on orto spend time with friends, a fully upholstered sofa is a brilliant addition toa child's bedroom. Plus, because they're quite small compared to their biggerbrothers, you don't have to worry too much about space requirements. Plus yourkids will love having a catnappersofa to kick back and relax on whenever they like! And don't forget,one upholstered kid’s sofa is enough for multiple kids - so you'll only need tobuy one!

Sleeper chairs

Relaxing in the bedroom can be tiresome work for kids - so thank goodness thereare sleeper chairs to help out! These nifty seatsliterally transform from seat into bed, muchto the amazement of children watching. Not only are they comfy, they're also alot of fun. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours, anupholstered child's sleeper chair can be a fantastic way to bring a bedroom tolife. And you won't need to worry of they tire themselves out because you'llhave the answer right there in the bedroom! You could even move the upholsteredchild's sleeper chair to the living room for those nights when you're allwatching a family movie. It's really versatile and will bring joy and fun toany kid's bedroom.

Pretend Play: Getting Them Ready for School

2011-10-25T14:39:00.001-07:00

When it comes to school, we all want our kids to be at the top of the class and that means giving them a head start before they ever meet their teacher. From letters and numbers to shapes and colors there's a lot they can learn while they're still at home. But let's face it, no parent wants to be a drill sergeant! The more positive learning experiences the better. A child who is used to being curious will have a much easier time staying ahead in school. Thankfully, there are some great toys that will entertain your child so much, he won't even realize he's learning! Let's take a look at some different types of toys that can put your kid on the right track.

If you've got a toddler in the house, don't forget the classics! Some of the best educational toys have also been around the longest. These toys have lasting power because they have universal appeal and will help introduce you kid to some foundational ideas. Blocks are a smart option for any kid that's at least one and a half years old. You can find them with all kinds of basic shapes, numbers and letters. Don't worry if your child is too young to understand them right away; blocks are good for motor skills and hand-eye coordination too. This means your little tot can get years of playtime with these handy little stackers.

Now if you like the sound of wooden toys but you need a little more variety, try a stacking board or some basic puzzles. You can find boards with all the basic shapes and in vibrant colors. Puzzles are another fun way to sharpen these skills and you can find some tailor-made for toddlers. These are just thick and safe just like blocks but they can also teach kids about environments. A farm animal themed puzzle is an easy way to introduce your kid to concept in an enjoyable way. You can even find puzzles that make sounds! This does require more hand-eye coordination because each shape must be fitted onto a peg or into, but that extra challenge can be more entertaining. That being said, You might want to wait until your child is a little older before you introduce this toy.

Plush toys are another great way to make learning fun. Nowadays, there are so many plush items that are adorable and educational. Melissa and Doug is a toy company that makes a wonderful line of educational plush toys just for tots. You can act out a classic fable with the Three Little pigs play set or start teaching your child about money with the Fill and spill wallet. All of these play sets are large and cushy; perfect for that age when everything ends up in his mouth! And the company has made each piece colorful and friendly looking.

There are so many toymakers dedicated to helping children during those first five years of learning. And with a few of the right toys, your toddler will be well on the way to having a great education. So keep an eye out for these toys which are sure to be so much fun, your child won't even know she's learning!

SensoryEdge at Anatex Photo Shoot: Sneak Peak 2

2011-10-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

I promised you more of our sneak peak at the new Anatex waiting room collection but I thought I'd share my thoughts about a couple of last years products. I have been looking through the pictures and video Itook at the photo shoot. I am so excited about the new products and even thenew pictures of some of our old favorites. For example, although they debutedlast year I had not seen the Anatex Fire Engine or Submarine Activity Centersin action. My son Jack could not decide which activity toy he liked better. Inbetween set changes he kept walking off the set to play with both of them. Atfirst I thought the Fire Engine Activity Center had stolen the show. He spentat least half an hour spinning the steering wheel, pretending to honk the horn,and shifting the gears. He loved the pathfinder vehicle maze and gears on the sidewith the colorful fire engine graphics.

Anatex Submarine

When the set designer put the vehiclethemed toys away to roll out the under the sea waiting room toys I thought Jackwas going to go off the set to keep playing with the Fire Engine. Although hestarted to follow it as it was removed from the set he ran right back when hesaw the Submarine Activity Center take its place. I know the eye-catchinggraphics drew him in but the innovative design kept him playing for a longtime. He could not get enough of the working periscope. He kept looking intothe viewfinder amazed that he could see up and out the other side. Then hewould pretend to drive the submarine around using the steering wheel and wouldshift the gears. Next he played with the boats on the pathfinder toy and thenthe gears. He absolutely loved this activity center. It was so much fun to seehow much he loved this activity center. It makes me feel so good to know thatour customers at SensoryEdge are getting such a good value for their waitingareas and classrooms.

Anatex Fire Engine

Part 3 will reveal a few of the new items that should be available before the holiday season starts.

SensoryEdge at Anatex Photo Shoot Part 1

2011-10-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Before we launched the SensoryEdge website it was just akernel of an idea. A dream my husband and I shared to create a store that wouldcater to people like us – parents of special kids who loved to play with toys.To get started our first order of business was to decide what we wanted to sellon our website. Having never been in the toy and furniture business before Iresorted to the some advice I once got from a professor. You see I was once anaspiring writer and the best advice I ever got was to write about what I knowand what interests me.

I figured that advise worked for sales too so I went into myoldest child’s room and found his favorite toy to find out who made it. It wasthe Original Rollercoaster bead maze toy by Anatex. The next day Anatex was thefirst call I made and their toys were the first thing we purchased to sell inour store at SensoryEdge.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhu6yvyQzSA

Anatex and their waiting room toys have been with us from the very beginning. It wasespecially sweet and flattering when they asked two of our children toparticipate in a photo shoot for their latest catalog. My kids had so much funand I got a sneak peak at their newest line of products.

Over the next few weeks we willbe debuting some of Anatex’s new waiting room toys and furniture. We will besharing with you some of my personal video from behind the scenes of the photoshoot. We’re excited to give you an early look at these awesome wall toys,waiting room toys, waiting room furniture, & educational toys in action.Stay tuned to see what Anatex has to offer.

Pretend Play Kitchens - Bonding Time With Mom

2011-09-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Do you remember playing house or pretend when you were little and doing what you saw mom and dad doing? It's safe for any adult to say that kids love to mimic mom and dad. They watch everything we do and say. One of the things that kids love to do is help mom and dad in the kitchen. That's why toy kitchens are a great investment for you as your kids will play with a pretend play kitchen for years. Watching kids play is something parents love to do. We marvel at their little imagination and some of the stuff they say when they're in a pretend play environment. Sometimes it'll even give you some time to relax, because they'll be so busy pretending to cook that they wont want to bother you.

Kids love to play pretend and mimic everything that they see their parents doing. They can pretend that they are an adult themselves and cook imaginary dinners. It's always cute to see two little ones cooking with toy food and then bringing it up to you to eat. Toy kitchens are not only oriented for little girls but little boys as well. They are great ways to entertain your kids for hours. Sometimes you can even play games with children like pretending to be a customer at a restaurant. Practice spelling and counting with them as they learn and have a great time with you. All to be sure that you're child is entertained and using their imagination as well as they can.

You can make toy kitchens even more educational by having kids name off different foods and their colors. Teach your children what will be hot on mommy and daddy's stove and what kinds of foods are cooked on the stove. You can also show them what foods fit in what pot or pan and how they are normally cooked. Toy kitchens are great for little kids who love to use their imagination pretending to be mom and dad. It can help younger children enhance their gross motor skills, cooperative play and other skills that they are developing at that point in time.

Things in School You Can Try at Home

2011-09-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Many kids do not like change. How about incorporating some of the things they do in school in their own home? this is especially true when it comes to homework. A few tweaks can help your child endure studying with less complaining. The techniques are not hard to do and can fit into your budget. Your child will appreciate this because you they know you are doing this for them. Here are some of the things from school that you can try out in your home:

You can try painting your child’s room a bright color. If you notice in most schools nowadays, almost all of the classrooms are painted in bright colors. That’s because they know that when you do this, children can respond better when they study if the walls are lively and inviting. If you painted darker colors, it can be boring to them. Try painting your child’s room to any type of bright color out there.

Invest in books and other educational items. Children can learn more and build up their vocabulary if they read more. You can increase their love of books if you buy them some reading materials they like. It doesn't matter what kind of genre those books are as long as they read them. Children nowadays are too reliant on computer games to fill time. Replace the DS with Harry Potter, substitute the Wii for the Wimpy Kid, and replace TV with The Mysterious Benedict Society. You can also buy some educational toys that they can enjoy playing. These are great because they can have fun and learn something at the same time.

Design your child’s bedroom or playroom so that it looks like a fun classroom. You can do that by buying similar items that you can find in an ordinary classroom such as chairs, desk, peel & stick decals and classroom rugs. There are many kids rugs available today that can look like the one they use in classrooms. This is a great idea because when you do this, your child can have more fun studying in their rooms because it is more comfortable and more relax.

Schedule your child’s study time. This is a technique that most schools use because they know that it can be hard for a child to learn everything at the same time. When you have a specific schedule to different subjects, it can be great because it can cover all the subjects in school. You don’t have to be stuck in one subject alone because you can cover all of the subjects in school when you know how to schedule it all well.

Take a break when you are studying. Do you know why there is a recess? It is an important part of a child’s day because this is the time where they can relax and play in the middle of their school day. You can also do this during your child’s study hour so that they can take a break even for a few minutes.

Soft Play Keeps Them Busy While Waiting

2011-08-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Filling a waiting room with items that can occupy kids can be difficult, but the good news is that there are plenty of choices available. You may have bought books, standard toys, and wall hangings to make the area appeal to kids, but another option is considering soft play activity centers. This type of product can act as both furniture and something for children to do.

Examples of Soft Play Furniture

If you need seating other than simple chairs or couches, you have plenty of options. Some kids might arrive at the waiting area perfectly relaxed and ready to read a few books. If so, it is easy to make the child feel comfortable by offering soft seating. Some soft play activity centers are perfect for children to sit or lie on while reading a book or playing quietly with a toy. They may even feel like moving around the foam blocks to create their own unique seating. Either way, most kids will be interested in such soft play activity centers while feeling comfortable enough to relax.

Many kids have constant energy, so why not provide a fun, safe area for them to let it out while their parents supervise? Soft play activity centers allow kids to climb on blocks, build them into different structures, and even roll them around the room. Few other toys offer such activities without posing risks to children while they play. Some centers come with tunnels for kids to crawl through, while others offer slides, bridges, and steps for children to climb. Additionally, some soft play activity centers come in the shape of animals that children can use to rock back and forth. Most centers available can occupy anywhere from one child to several at once, which means that your waiting room can become the favorite play place of children who visit.

Foam Furniture Expert Foamnasium

Whether you choose to acquire soft play activity centers that are already put together in a particular shape, or prefer to purchase several foam blocks that kids can use to build, these structures are often considered beneficial for waiting areas. Parents will remember which business was able to keep their children busy while they waited, and most kids will likely plead to be able to go back to your business. The fact that soft play activity centers are safe for kids of nearly any age should also appeal to business owners looking for new toys and furniture for their waiting area.

Learning to Ride a Tricycle Builds Skills

2011-07-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Watching your child grow and learn is one of life’s greatestpleasures. I was at my son’s school the other day watching him ridetricycles with his friends. After talking to a Mom who commented she had notthought to teach her child to ride, I realized that one skill that is oftenoverlooked by first time parents is the ability to pedal and ride a bike.Pedaling is an important motor skill for young kids for a variety of reasons.It increases muscle strength, improves bi-lateral coordination, increasespostural stability, and gives a child confidence in their physical abilities. Ofcourse kids love it because it's fun and the sense of accomplishment they feelwhen they pedal for the first time is awesome for their self esteem.

Silver Rider Pusher Trike

The best way for young children to learn this skill is tostart with a small toddler size push trike and then progress to a biggertricycle as they grow. Quality preschools understand that when it comes totricycles one size does not fit all. Having a variety of trikes in differentsizes and styles is the best way to ensure that kids progress in adevelopmentally appropriate way. Although some toddlers don’t mind sitting on atrike that is too big and pushing with their feet, the pedals often get intheir way. This might lead them to avoid trying to push it which could delaythem mastering this important skill. Preschool programs should always have somepush trikes without pedals so that the younger toddlers can feel a measure ofsuccess.

Once the push trike is mastered having a tricycle that isthe right size is the next step. Just like children, trikes come in differentsizes. When deciding on a preschool, parents should talk to the director make sure the school has agood assortment of products for children of different sizes and skills. One size does not fit all when it comes to rides on for learning and safety reasons.

Angeles Silver Rider Tandem Trike

When a group of children ride their tricyles around theplayground they are practicing steering skills, engaging in cooperative play,learning to coordinate their upper and lower body at the same time, increasingmuscle tone and flexibility and getting a cardiovascular workout. Teachers loveto see their students get lots of physical exercise because it is good for themand helps get the wiggles out. This of course makes learning easier becausekids are more focused after physical activity. When parents see theseplayground games they see happy, confident children playing with their friends.Tricycles are well worth the investment. They bring a lifelong love of activeplay and memories for preschoolers that are priceless.

Angles Tricycles

Biggies Stickies... Fun Decals and Wall Decor for the Whole Family!

2011-07-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

We recently added a wonderful line of wall murals, wall stickers, & wall decals. Biggies Stickies which, while they sound a little strange, are a rather useful, innovative and reasonably priced decorating solution. They certainly have “the Edge” because their products help out with tricky decorating dilemmas and save money.

If you have more than one kid, then you have more than one favorite theme. And if each child has their own room, they'll want to stamp their individuality on their respective rooms. Biggies are great because as their tastes change, you'll be able to remove the decals without damaging walls.

Decal Link: Biggies Giant Planets Wall Decals

The best part about these wall murals, wall decals and Biggies Stickies is they can be used as permanent or temporary decorations. This works out brilliantly for children because their passions and interests seem to change almost seasonally and that can painting and papering can get messy and expensive. Kids will love adding the different elements themselves or helping mom and dad with the larger stickers.

Decal Link: Biggies Giant Flower Decals

The stickers are great for desks, lockers, windows & mirrors. The decals are bigger and they look great on walls. My son choose the Biggies Planets Wall Stickies to create an impression of the sky and planets on his room ceiling. Now he can lie in bed, gaze up at the ceiling and imagine he was an astronaut! He had a hard time selecting a wall mural because there was so much to choose from. He liked the Asteroid Belt Giant Wall Mural, the Earth Satellite Giant Wall Mural, the Hubble Repair Giant Wall Mural and the Moon Walk Giant Wall Mural. It was fun to watch talk about his favorites.

My 9 year old daughter likes all things around her to be gentle and pretty. She could not resist the flowers and butterflies wall decals and giant wall murals. These are easy to apply and easy to remove without damaging the wall. What more could I ask for? If she changed her mind, the mural comes off without having to repaint.

Seeing your child;s creative efforts and the results they achieved is very satisying for a parent. When you think of Biggies, don't think about the cheap party favor stickers you get. This is the newest in decal technology and they really are great.

Decal Link: Coral Garen Swing Off Dry Erase Calendar

I just added the Coral Garden Swipe Off Dry Erase Calendar in our hallway. It's big enough to add multiple to do's and upcoming events. The big calendars use a velcro like system to stay on the wall. If you want to move it, simply take off the hook and fasteners and place in another spot. Unlike painting or wall-papering (which is semi-permanent) we can easily change the look by simply switching to a different item or modifying it with co-ordinating and complementary wall stickers or Biggies Stickies if we change our mind later on. It is great fun using these clever decorating concepts. Wall decals turn your home walls into a creative canvas that allow you to be as wild and creative as you wish. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

Summer Activities: Keeping Kids Busy

2011-06-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

As the school year comes to a close it is time for us Moms to think about all the fun we are going to have with our kids this summer. Whether or not a vacation is on your summer agenda there are plenty of days to plan fun things for the kids to do. Having fun with your children this summer does not have to be expensive. There are plenty of activities you can do all summer long right in your own backyard. My kids love playing in the sand and of course they want to enjoy water activities almost every day.

The challenge is keeping it fresh and fun. I like to use sand and water tables as part of our activities. We fill them up with sand and create pathways through the sand for the water to flow through. They love finding sticks and natural fibers in the yard to figure out the best way to create a “river”. This is a great way to teach about dams and how different things can redirect water flow. It is like a science experiment without the structure of a classroom. We also use sand and water tables to create fun underwater worlds for their figurines and water toys and of course to just splash around in. If you are really adventurous you can fill the tubs with shaving cream, beans, or anything that is fun to run your fingers through for different sensory experiences.

Childbrite Sand & Water Tables

Another fun must have for summer is a sand box. Of course it is great to get your kids to the beach or the park but it is really nice to have access to a sand box right in your own backyard. Today there are some really enjoyable choices. There is the traditional square sandbox but there are also some that have shade built right in so you don’t have to worry about your kids getting too much sun. My favorite is the Pirate Sand Boat because my kids love pretend play and the boat adds just the right spark for their imagination. Whatever your plans this summer make sure you take the time to just hang out at home and play. It is the perfect time to rest and enjoy having your kids around for fun in the sun.

KidKraft Outdoor Furniture

Sproutz Eco Friendly Classroom Furniture

2011-04-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

SensoryEdge is proud to announce the addition of the Sproutz Classroom Furniture line by Jonti-Craft. American made and eco friendly. All Sproutz® products are GREENGUARD Children & Schools* indoor air quality certified. Sproutz products are made in the USA and have a 5 year warranty. Created using a medium density fiberboard panel manufactured from recycled wood fiber. Sproutz construction features:

KYDZ Strong: Construction employs the dowel pin technique. This leaves the thickness of the material intact where most of the stress occurs. Increases the already noteworthy strength of the piece by 30% or more
KYDZ Safe edges: All edges, front, back and base are fully rounded to create KYDZSafe edges. The recessed backs enhance the strength and appearance
KYDZ TUFF finish: Finish is as tough as the coating used on gym floors. Resists stains, won't yellow and is easy to clean

In addition, Sproutz has potential LEED® v3 credit support: MRc4, 5, 7 & IEQc4.4 Formaldehyde-free adhesive system, is CHPS compliant - California section 01350 approved, and CPSIA Compliant and material meets CARB ATCM Phase 2 emission limits - CARB NAF Exempt.

About Jonti-Craft - As a leading provider of quality furniture for the early learning market, Jonti-Craft offers a wide selection of creatively designed products. All Jonti-Craft products are packed with features that make them safe, functional and affordable. Every single corner and edge are rounded for safety. To top it off, Jonti-Craft products are built using the strongest construction techniques available to ensure that your furniture purchase will last a lifetime!

*The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program offers stricter indoor air quality certification criteria for products intended for use in schools, daycares or other environments where children spend significant periods of time.

Moving to a New Home. Will it Affect Your Children?

2011-04-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

How Does Home Moving Affect Children?

In all the hustle and bustle of a big move, parents can lose sight on what kind of impact such a large change has on their children. While a move across the country will have a bigger impact than a move across town, any kind of large change in their life is bound to effect them.

Possible Impact On Children

Leaving Their Life Behind - For children, the thought of leaving behind what may be the only home they've known can be incredibly difficult. Even if a child has moved before, another move can still be seen as a major upheaval. Familiar locations such as a school or church will be left behind. More importantly, the many friends that your child may have cultivated will no longer be an integral part of your child's life, and leaving behind all the familiarity of their old home can be very difficult to accept for a young one.
An Unfamiliar Place - It may take some time for a new home to really sink in as "home" to a child. The sites and sounds will be different, they likely won't know anyone, and they may experience feelings of loneliness and disconnect.
Your Stress Is Their Stress - Children often mimic adult behavior, and if they see their parents becoming overly stressed due to all the details and difficulties inherent in a move like planning ahead, getting the house organized, and dealing with companies that provide moving services, they may begin to emulate that behavior.

What You Can Do To Help

Even the most well-adjusted child is going to go through some anxiety in a move. As a parent, there are some things you can do to help your child adjust to their new home and situation.

Social Media - Thanks to services like Facebook, it is very easy to keep up with friends and family that live far away, which may help alleviate some of the disconnect your children may feel. Depending on your children's age and maturity this may be a way to keep up with some of their friends. You can take advantage of other modes of communication such as phone calls or video chat to keep in touch with the people they left behind.
Social Interaction - While you don't want your kids to forget about their old friends, it is important to get them out into the community to make new ones. School is the most obvious way to do this, but there are other avenues to take as well. If you are a church going family, then various church functions provide a great way for your kids to meet other children. Communities often have programs that can get kids together like sports or library reading groups.
Setting Up Their New Room - Kids need to establish a sense of identity and ownership in their new surroundings, and letting them take charge in setting up their new room can help them establish some roots.
Exploring the Town - A new location can be scary and unfamiliar to a child. Take some time to explore your town, either by walking around town or by visiting various shops and attractions in the area. The more your child learns about their new home, the more comfortable they should be living in it.

Above all else, you have to be there to listen to your child if they do have trouble adjusting to your move. Listen to what they say and offer an encouraging voice to help them through the transition. They depend on you to be their point of stability through everything, so don't let them down!

April is Autism Awareness Month

2011-04-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

Having a special needs child is difficult. Until you walk in those shoes you can never really understand what parents of a special needs child go through. April is Autism Awareness month and we thought we'd provide you with a few links to help you better get to know the people who face this disorder.

Robert MacNeil of PBS has an Autistic grandson. Please take a few minutes to watch Nick's story.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june11/autism_04-18.html

One of the most important statements the story says is, "Researchers now believe there is no simple genetic cause, that autism may involve multiple genetic pathways, and toxic materials in the environment may trigger the symptoms of autism. Autism once was considered only a brain disorder. Now, more doctors say it often involves serious physical illness."

There is still a ton of research that needs to be done. Is Autism affecting more children or have doctors widened their net when diagnosing kids with Autism? There is no simple answer and Autistic children are not all alike. Some can function like their friends and siblings (high functioning), others are like the Dustin Hoffman character in Rainman (more towards mid to low) and some Autistic kids need around the clock care with a brain that can function but a body that won't listen to commands.

Carly's Voice is another touching piece from ABC news. This is an amazing story that we hope with today's technology will help Autistic children communicate with the outside world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1uPf5O-on0

Do you have a link to a special story? Let us know by responding to this post. Autism is not going away. Let’s help teach adults with typical kids that special needs does not mean weird or dumb. If they teach their children to reach out and help special needs kids, then they’ll feel great about themselves.

Some other useful links:

http://www.hollyrod.org/

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com/blog/

The Western Toy & Hobby Show 2011

2011-03-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Every year since 2004, SensoryEdge has attended the Western Toy & Hobby Show. We enjoy meeting our suppliers in person and getting to know the products we sell. We feel the ability to actually touch & play with the products and talk to the manufacturers about the features and benefits of their items gives us an advantage over many of our competitors. Attending trade shows is also a great way to pass on suggestions and criticisms that we've heard from our customers. Making an item is one thing, but using it is a completely different experience.

The 2011 Western Toy & Hobby Show was held in Long Beach California. With the best intentions of going to the show, we awoke to a torrential downpour. The weatherman said it would last all day and the trip would take two hours in low visibility. We were also supposed to meet up with one of our customer service reps so she could get to know some of our vendors in person. After much debate and a plea from our babysitter (grandmother) not to go because it would be too dangerous, we decided not to make the trip. Lisa, our rep was a different story. She was like the USPS, "Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor gloom of night" was going to stop her from attending!

Here's Lisa's recap:

On Sunday, March 20^th, I went to the WesternStates Toy & Hobby Show at the Long Beach Convention Center in SouthernCalifornia. This was my first toy trade show and I decided to brave the crazy Southern California rain. I felt going to this event would be agreat opportunity for me to see new items and meet the people I've spoken to on the phone with. Plus I was on the lookout for new vendors who were interested in having their items sold by SensoryEdge.

Since this was my first show. It was a little overwhelming to see rows and rows of toys. Surely not like the bigger toy show in New York but still a little scary. Also, most of the people who knew SensoryEdge were used to seeing Alycia and Ed. I was interested to see their response when a "new" person was representing the company. After a few minutes, I was totally at ease. As you would expect people who sell toys and other kids products are generally happy go lucky and fun. We laughed at the rain and at how people in California have no idea what really bad weather is!

It was great to see Guidecraft, Pacific Play Tents, and Roomates Peel & Stick Décor there. The Guidecraft items look so cute inperson. There is a dimensional aspect totheir carved wooden pieces that cannot be fully captured in photos.

I was especially impressed with their newHideaway Play Kitchens, which collapse to about 6” when not in use. When you open them up, they look like greatwooden kitchens that kids will love, and adults won’t believe that they can beclosed up and stored so easily. Greatfor those of us with limited space! Pacific Play Tents was excited to debut their new Dinosaur Trainlicensed tents and tunnels, and they have great canvas teepees that boys andgirls alike with love.

In the RoommatesPeel & Stick Décor booth, I checked out the gems that go on their walldecals to add a bit of sparkle and a nice dimensional effect. My daughter will LOVE having these on herwall. There are so many licensedcharacters and different designs available, that they truly offer something foreveryone. And since they arerepositional, removable, and affordable, you and your kids can have fundecorating without worrying about damaging your walls or making a long-termcommitment to wall paper! Anatex wasthere, with their classic beadmazes and activity tables. We also saw some great items from newsuppliers that you may see on our site soon. At SensoryEdge, our goal is to offer the best, high quality, innovative,and affordable products for kids that we can find. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue tovisit toy shows and manufacturers across the country!

Kindergarten Readiness - Fine Motor Made Fun

2011-03-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

There is a lot more to Kindergarten than learning the ABCs and 123s. Children are expected to write their name, cut paper accurately, and manipulate small objects for art projects and counting. These tasks all require fine motor skills. Learning all of these skills is a lot easier if fine motor skills are developed prior to starting Kindergarten. Parents and educators know that the best way for kids to learn is through play. They suggest providing a variety of fun learning toys so your child can use their imaginations while gaining the skills they will need later on.

For example, blocks are a simple way to get kids building and using the small muscles in their fingers and hands. They need to grasp the blocks, stack them, steady them so they don’t fall over, and they can use their imagination as they build. Make sure to get blocks of different sizes and textures so that it keeps their interests. The variety will also stimulate the muscle groups in different ways. Make sure you get a set of 1 inch blocks. The small size is perfect for teaching kids a pincher grasp which is needed later for holding a pencil. I also like having larger unit blocks that need to be manipulated with the whole hand to strengthen the larger muscles. Keep it fun and interesting by adding add foam block, textured blocks and large cardboard blocks to your collection. The best part of blocks is that kids love them so they will be used over and over again. You will know they are building fine motor skills as they play but all they know is they are having a great time.

Building Blocks

Two other toys that help build hand and finger dexterity are lacing toys and puzzles. Lacing toys require children to pinch the string to successfully push it through a hole. This activity teaches a pincher grasp, increases finger dexterity, and has the added bonus of improving hand eye coordination. Likewise, puzzles also improve the same set of skills. Different types of puzzles work different parts of the hand so make sure you have a range of puzzles types for your child to explore. Peg puzzles require kids to pinch the small peg between their fingers. This skill building toy works the small muscles of the fingers and promotes a pincher grasp. Knob and chunky puzzles guide children to use a more claw-like gesture building strength in the whole hand. The claw-like action also teaches kids to coordinate all their fingers so they work together. As kids play with puzzles and lacing toys they are having fun while building the essential strength and skills they will need when they pick up a pencil or scissors later on.

Early Learning Motor Skill Toys

There a lot of activities that kids do every day that are paving the way for their life in school later on. Like most things, learning through experience is the best way for kids to improve their fine motor skills. Small toys are not the only tools you can provide to accomplish this. To keep things fun and interesting you can use sensory and activity tables as well. I like filling a sensory table with beans, dried corn, or bird seed and hiding small objects for kids to find. They love the feeling of searching through the material to find the hidden object. When they find it they will use their hand and fingers to grasp and manipulate what they found. The activity itself also helps develop problem solving skills as they figure out the best way to find the item; it also helps tactile discrimination skills as they learn to discriminate between different textures, shapes, and sizes. All of these skills will make learning to write and cut an easier task. When your child walks into their first kindergarten class you will be worried and excited for them no matter how much you prepare. If you give your child a lot of experience with fine motor activities you will have one less thing to worry about and your child will be more confident as they tackle this new challenge with pride.

Preschool Rugs

Getting Creative with Disney Wall Decals and Stickers

2011-02-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

Like most moms I love seeing my daughter's eyes light up when I give her the perfect gift. To get that reaction every morning I decided to make sure she saw her favorite things when she opens her eyes in the morning. How did I accomplish this without breaking the bank? It was easy - I applied her favorite Disney characters to her bedroom walls with peel & stick wall decals. I was thinking about having an artist paint murals on her walls until I got my first quote and after a little research I found that I could get larger than life Disney Wall decals for a fraction of the cost.

Decal Link: Mickey Chalkboard Peel & Stick Wall Decal

The biggest problem I had was deciding which stickers to get. I wanted to surprise her so I choose not to have her pick them out with me. Instead, I had her friends and cousins take a look at the selection and let me know what they thought. Disney Princesses each have their own character and the color scheme in the wall stickers was something we had to think about also. I love Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. My niece reminded me that Tiana and Rapunzel are new favorites that I should also consider. After Looking at them all we finally decided. Now when she wakes up in the morning she sees a beautiful castle, a princess carriage, Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty. The smile she gives me says it all. She is especially happy as a play princess with all her favorite Disney characters surrounding her on every wall.

Decal Link: Lightning McQueen Giant Wall Decal

Funnily enough, my daughter loved her new Disney wall decals so much she wanted to add some to the play area also. This time she got to help choose the wall décor. We added Tinker Bell and her fairy friends to one wall and then combined Toy Story Woody & Buzz Stickers to the other walls so her brothers would feel at home too. It was so easy to do and so adorable I added a whole Winnie the Pooh theme to the nursery and my son loves his new Cars themed room. Lightening McQueen is his favorite. It goes to show that with a little creativity and some easy to apply wall stickerss you can create a Disney themed room that really does make your dreams come true. Well at the very least it will make your child's decorating dreams come true and you will love the light that shines from their eyes each day. The best gift of all.

Wall Paper with Ears. Do Rooms Hear Better?

2011-02-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

Disney is one of the mostrecognized brands on the planet. It's right behind Coca Cola when it comes tobeing recognized. I remember the excitement when we sat around the televisionwhen the Wonderful World of Disney was a weekly show. An even better feelingwas walking into Disneyland and a day filledwith the wonders of the world's greatest theme park. Those memories stickforever but unfortunately we can't go to Disneylandeveryday or watch Disney shows all day long. Besides creating thosespecial feelings, Disney has done a great job at merchandising and our newestfind will help bring smiles to the whole family.

With much delight we presentan incredible line of Disney Wallpaper and Wall Borders from our friends atRoommates Peel & Stick Wall Decor. The collection includes amazing oldstyle Mickey sketches, Mouse ears, Winnie the Pooh, and scenes inspired byTron, Cars, Toy Story, and Wizards of Waverly Place. We love the paisley and glitterscroll designs that are simply beautiful and if you have a chair rail, a littleimagination will create an incredible scene that will draw awe from anyone whowalks into your wonderland!

When some people hear theword wall paper their brains immediately freeze and go into another direction,however with the next generation of wallpaper, installation is easy. Simplydip each prepasted section into a bit of warm water, then bring it to the wallto apply. The water activates the paste, so there's no fuss and no mess. Ofcourse it does take a bit of practice and our the most important piece ofadvise is to take your time when hanging wall paper. That extra time getting itright will save you time and replacement costs when you rush to get it done.

Roommates has provided uswith some helpful hints that we'll share with you hear when you're ready todecorate with Mickey, Princesses, the gang from Cars and other Disney friends.

Repeat Patterns: Awallpaper's “repeat” determines both how often the pattern repeats itselfhorizontally, and how each panel of wallpaper will line up with each other.

Drop Match: The most common type of repeat in our collection, a drop match repeats itself in every other panel. Every other strip of wallpaper installed will have the same design at the ceiling line. This forms a diagonal pattern sequence, rather than the horizontal pattern sequence created by a straight match.

Straight Match: Every panel of wallpaper hung will look exactly the same. The wallpaper will match on adjoining strips, creating a horizontal pattern sequence.

Random: Wallpaper with a random match has a pattern sequence that will match no matter how the adjoining strips are positioned on the wall.

Why do I need to “prime” my walls before hangingwallpaper?

Primer is a sealant forwalls that prevents paste from being absorbed into the drywall or sheetrock. Italso allows wallpaper paste to “grip” otherwise slick surfaces. Primer isimportant to use prior to application, as it makes removing wallpaper mucheasier, and also ensures that your paper will stick properly without curling orfalling.

Where in my room should I start hanging thewallpaper?

Don't start right in themiddle of the wall! The first panel you hang may not completely match otherpanels on the left and right side. So, the best place to start is in the leastvisible corner of your room. This would be by the entryway (if you are paperingan entire room), or in the corner (if you are papering an accent wall).

Why is it important to allow for waste?

It's important to rememberthat, save “random” match patterns, your wallpaper will not perfectly repeatacross each applied panel without you manually lining things up. Because youmay need to trim several inches from the top of a roll to match panel one topanel two, you should have a comfortable amount of extra wallpaper in yourorder.

Generally, the larger therepeat, the more waste you should expect (because you will need to be moreprecise when you line up these patterns). You should never order only exactlyas much as you need—always order extra.

Can I apply walldecals to my wallpaper?

Yes, but use caution! Wedon't recommend applying wall decals or peel & stick borders to wallpaperuntil it has had time to “settle.” Much like applying decals to fresh paint, wesuggest waiting approximately two weeks before sticking decals to newly papered surfaces. Applying decalsbefore the paper has settled could cause damage to the wallpaper and thedecals.

Decorating with Wall Decals – A Fun Family Project

2011-02-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

It has never been easier to spruce up a room without a lot of fuss or expense. I have always loved the look of wall murals. When I go to certain restaurants and I see the walls painted with designs or I see a kid’s room in magazines with painted murals I always think I wish I could afford to do that in my children’s rooms. I would love a tree with flowers and animals or a whole wall with Thomas the Train and his friends. I even called a few artists that advertise in our local kid’s magazine but the price was just way more than I could afford.

Today you no longer have to sacrifice the room of your dreams because it is too much money. You can get the look you want for less with wall decals and murals for a fraction of the cost of painting. There are so many designs to choose from for both kids and adults. I started experimenting in my room to make sure it was easy and that it would look right. The tree and cherry blossoms we added to our décor look amazing. They add a new dimension to the space and the great part is if I decide to change my room they peel right off without ruining the paint underneath.

Now that I know how easy they are the next step is sprucing up the kids’ rooms. The easiest choice is for my youngest. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine and dinosaurs so I need to decide between those two themes. I found a giant wall mural by Roomates that has a picture of the Island of Sodor. It is so beautiful and has so many elements that it’s hard to pass up. It has Thomas, James, Harold the Helicopter, and Bertie the Bus and more. It is wall paper so it will be a little trickier to apply than the peel and stick but I think it will be worth it. It was hard to choose between that and all the great dinosaur wall décor . There is a dinosaur wall border and matching wall decals or my favorite the Baby Dinosaur Wall Graphics by Fathead. They are so adorable.

So far decorating with wall stickers has been a lot of fun. It was also a great way to get my kids into doing something creative and spending time together as a family. My older kids loved looking through the great selection and designing their own rooms. My son has had a hard time deciding on a theme. He has so many favorites and they are all available in peel n stick wall decals. He has finally narrowed it down between Harry Potter, Star Wars the Clone wars, Yu Ghi Oh, Super Heroes, or a Space theme. He still has not decided but once he finally makes a decision at 12 year old he can help put them up and feel like he created and designed his own room.

Doing this with my daughter was so much fun. She decided on a combination of stickers to create an eclectic design. She got Peace Sign Wall Stickers by Roomates to match her peace sign pillow cases and the Giant Daisy Peel & Stick for an extra pop of color. She also wanted the Peace Dry Erase Wall Decal so she could make notes and keep herself organized. At 10 years old she definitely has her own ideas about how her room should look. It was fun to watch her plan and create. Of course, the best part was spending time with her while she chose her designs and then as we put them up together we saw her creation come to life. Considering each set she chose was less than $20.00 we completely changed the look of her room, spent time together on a fun project, and didn’t break the bank in the process.