Tuesday Trend - Mama's in the kitchen cookin' rice...

I've made it my sole mission in life to raise boys who can cook, clean and take care of themselves. I want no future daughter-in-law to point a finger at me and cry "Why can't he take care of himself? Is he allergic to the kitchen? Does he not know how to operate a washing machine? YOU did this!!!" So ladies, it's ok to let your boys play with a kitchen and have play food, and a fake ironing board. Men, you are not raising a generation of "girly men" if they want to put on an apron and imitate their moms in the kitchen. Hey, why aren't the dad in the kitchen anyways? Shout outs to my friend K, who not only cooks, but it's his profession (and he has a hot wife and 3 kids, so there!!)

Anyhoos, my boys received Target's Play Wonder kitchen for Christmas a few years ago, and alas, they are no longer making this kitchen. They and all their friends play in it every day. Trust me, they are wailing on each other with light sabers afterwards. So in the spirit, today's post is all about the world of educational play.

Target's great line Play Wonder includes a coffeemaker and a cleaning trolley(!). Heaven help me, I don't even have a real cleaning trolley. How cute are their sandwiches? We also have the apron set pictured with the kitchen and some other pieces that are no longer in production...boo. Since I like the series, they must be phasing it out. Just because I like them.

My other favorite people are Melissa & Doug. We have the birthday cake, and I couldn't live without our calendar. I love the sushi and if I had the space, we would so have the puppet theatre.

Couldn't forget Land of Nod, we love that place. They have great stuff, including this Shop 'Til You Drop market. They also have felt food, which with all the toys that go into kids' mouths, never really could get into felt.







Speaking of felt food, loving the Lilly Bean line at Mahar Dry Goods. Feast your eyes on a few of their gems....