Since 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has supported the work of artisans in over 30 countries including Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  The company has grown to over 145 retail stores.  They continually strive to improve the lives of artisans in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade.  Most of its artisan partners use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources, and recycled materials for their products.

I was able to try out the Handmade Caterpillar and Butterfly Puzzle. Now, this is a tad too old for Will (who is 18 months old), but Madison (my 4 year old) seems to handle it pretty well. You can definitely tell this is a hand painted puzzle. It has the detail that you don’t normally see.  The butterfly puzzle has more pieces, but the bottom of the tray is also painted with a butterfly, so it makes it easier to figure out where the pieces go.  The catepillar is less pieces, so it is a tad easier to do.  As for materials,  this is painted albizia wood (and the paint is nontoxic).

Ten Thousand Villages has many other items to pick from also.  I focussed on the toys, but you there is really something for everyone there.  I found gifts for women, men, and even teachers!  If you are a looking for a one of a kind gift this Christmas, Ten Thousand Villages is your answer.

Even wonder how the studios make animated movies? If you do The Alchemy of Animation is a book you should read. This book explores the role of the directors, story artists, songwriters, and animators who each play role in the final product that we all see at the theater.  We get too see the digital techniques of filmmaking and behind-the-scenes work from many of the current Disney films.  We get to see scenes from Chicken Little, Meet the Robinsons, and Bolt.  We even get to see the stop-motion animation of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach.  I knew that a lot of work went in behind the scenes to make these movies as great as they are, but until now, I really never understood HOW much work.  There is just so much stuff that goes on behind the scenes until now.  If you are interested in animation or how these blockbuster cartoons are done, then you need to check out The Alchemy of Animation.  It is definitely a great book to look at and read.

Smart Boy’s Toy Club & Smart Girl’s Party Game are the only games for preschoolers (age 3-6) on Nintendo DS.  These are “first-time games for first-time gamers.”  Included on these games are 18 skill based games that help develop the memory, and they encourage creativity through activities like interactive coloring books.  They also teach basic skills and work on hand eye coordination.

SingStar is making an encore performance with SingStar Vol. 2 which has 30 new chart-topping tracks from top artists including The Bravery, Spoon, Paramore, Radiohead and many more.  You are able to access hundreds of downloadable songs via the PS3 online Singstore.  You also are able to share your SingStar experience with friends and the online My SingStar community!  You can even get  SingStar ABBA for either the PlayStation 2 or the PlayStation 3.  SingStar ABBA features over 20 chart-topping singles from ABBA’s hit album, ‘Gold’ including ‘Mamma Mia,’ ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme,’ ‘Waterloo’ and ‘Dancing Queen’.

I recently came across a ton of items that I can definitely use in my kitchen, and I know you can too!  These are all made my Weiman Products and should be every kitchen!

First, the Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes work great and work on pretty much every stainless steal product you may own.  They clean, shine, polish, and protect.  It leaves a greaseless streak free shine.  It also repels fingerprints (which is a huge thing for me with two little ones who like to touch everything), watermarks, dirt, and dust.  I love that you can use it both indoor and outdoors.  You can find them at Ace Hardware, Expo Design Center, Kmart, Target, True Value, and Walmart.

Next, I tried out the Weiman Granite Wipes.  I don’t have granite counter countertops in my kitchen.  However, these worked excellent on my laminate countertop.  However, I do have a granite sink in my bathroom, so I have been using these there.  The granite wipes easily removed grease, grime, dirt, and toothpaste.  This workds well on Corian, cermanic, chrome, and fiberglass.  It is also certifited Kosher.  These can be found at Target, Walmart, True Value, Kroger, and Publix.

One of my all time favorites is the Weiman CookTop Quick Wipes.  I hate cleaning my stovetop off and having a ton of streaks!  Now, these wipes are the nation’s top rated brand for glass cook top wipes according to IRI and ACNielsen.  They clean, shine, and protect with just one wipe (which is exactly what us busy moms need!).  This won’t scratch and actually helps prevent food from sticking.  This is also certified Kosher.  These are available at Target, Walmart, Ace Hardware, True Value, Expo Design Center, Kroger, and Publix.

My other most favorite product of theirs has to be the Weiman CookTop Scrubbing Pads.  Since my stove is fairly new, I had to use anything that might even scratch it.  However, no matter how careful you are, stuff gets spilled on your stove.  It just happens.   The scrubbing pads are guaranteed not to scrach and are safe for all smooth top range.  These also reduct clean up time by up to 50%!  I use these in conjuction with the Cook Top Cleaner, and you don’t have to use a lot of elbow grease to get the food up. These can be found at Ace Hardware, True Value, and Walmart.

I always feel that if you find a brand that works, you should stick to it.  This is a brand that works, and it works great!

I always have to laugh when I read about everyone else besides me who hates doing laundry.  Actually, it isn’t the “doing” of the laundry we hate — it is the folding and putting away.  What I tend to do, and yes I know better, is leave everything in the baskets way to long, and it ends up looking like I didn’t even wash it.  The other thing that happens (and that I hate) is when you wear a pair of dress pants once (and they are dry clean only), and they look horribly wrinkly after.  The Refresh’n Dryer Towel is one of those items you wonder how you lived without.  It works really easy.  All you do is pick up the clothes that you want to unwrinkle, through them in your dryer, get the towel wet, and put it in.  You then start the dryer and dry for around 10 – 15 minutes.  That is it!  Your clothes will come out great and unwrinkled!  You can use this on jeans, slacks, shorts, dresses, sweaters, etc.  Honestly, this will save you a lot on dry cleaning costs when you are just taking your stuff in to get the wrinkles out (am I the only one who does that?)

Here’s what I love about the Refresh’n Dryer Towel.  It is easy to use.  With two little ones, I can’t have intricate directions.  There are no chemicals involved, so I don’t have to worry about my kids getting into it.  The towel is able to kill bacteria and odor (with the steam) and also traps lint, dust and dirt.  I will be saving on dry cleaning costs.  In this economy, if I can save on anything, I’ll happily take it.  I also love that you can save approximately 700 gallons of water and 90 kwh of electricity when used on wash and wear clothing.  Lastly, I love it, because it really does work!