Today's Kool Idea: Nickelodeon Family Suites, a.k.a. Nick Hotel

The Daily Kool family has just returned from our little Labor Day getaway in Orlando, Florida. Our son really really wanted to go in lieu of his eighth birthday party, but we always have trouble justifying a trip out there this time of year. As much as we love Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, it is much too hot to walk around the amusement parks. Yeah yeah...Mickey's okay too, but even the lure of Disney World is not enough to spend our mornings passing out from the stifling heat and the afternoons drowning in Florida's typical afternoon storms. We've even tried heading for Orlando just for the water park adventures...Wet & Wild might be the best one out there, but boy is does the ground burn our poor feet...we need a vat of ointment just for the blisters!

A friend of ours had recently enjoyed a week-long stay at the Nickelodeon Family Suites, otherwise known as the Nick Hotel in Orlando. After hearing her enthusiastic reviews and high recommendations, we just had to check it out for our son's family birthday celebration weekend. Seriously, folks...the Nick Hotel has to be one of the most amazing places you can take your kids. We were lucky enough to get a very reasonable rate, and once we saw how much there was to do, our vacation was set. Who needs those pesky theme parks, anyway? We were gonna get slimed!

Imagine our kids' faces when we drove up to the massive Nick Hotel, complete with their favorite Nickelodeon characters pictured right on the outer walls. There's Dora & Boots, Diego, the Wonder Pets, Backyardigans and the Rugrats...just to name a few. Oh, and let's not forget the quirky and colorful SpongeBob SquarePants...he's all over this place. That's okay, we're big fans...though some of us admittedly root for Plankton. We were given a room in the Jimmy Neutron building after refusing to cave in on the $25 per day up-charge for a Dora or SpongeBob themed room. The kids got over it quickly though, when they checked out the bunk beds in their own room...we appreciated the king-sized bed in ours. They were kinda bummed that the PlayStation wasn't hooked up (apparently the hotel is phasing them out), but once we told them about the two full-sized pools equipped with water slides, they were eager to head right outside.

The rest of our weekend was spent enjoying the included amenities, like the Nick Live shows at night and at the pool, the daily mass slimings and character meetings. Unfortunately, Ming Ming (from the Wonder Pets) got her schedule mixed up with Aang the Avatar, but other than that slight disappointment for our youngest son, our stay at the Nick Hotel went without a hitch. We even splurged on many of the extras...the kids tie-dyed their own Nickelodeon shirts by the pool, partied with Dora, Diego and Boots, did the limbo with SpongeBob and Patrick, and even had a 4-D movie marathon with all eight showings. Our days were so full, we never had to leave the resort...plus, there were plenty of activities we didn't participate in!

The Nick Hotel gave us a perfect family vacation, and one we hope to repeat sometime in the near future. What an amazing place to take the kids! When it was sunny and warm, we stayed "kool" by the pool (sorry, couldn't resist the rhyme), and when it rained, we still had plenty to do indoors. We did venture out one night to go NBA City at Universal's City Walk for dinner as a special birthday treat for our son...but that's a kool idea for another post. In the meantime, if you're ready for a break from the traditional Orlando vacation, just shout, "Aye aye, Captain" and head out to see SpongBob at the Nick Hotel. It's definitely worth the trip.

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Today's Kool Idea: Personalized Hometown Map Jigsaw Puzzle

The Daily Kool family is going through a puzzle phase, thanks to our children. If you have been reading our blog, you probably already know about our obsession with technology-free family time. Puzzles are not only a great excuse to bond with your kids, but it also is a great way to encourage concentration, increase problem-solving skills and demonstrate the reward of project completion. We haven't seen our kitchen table cleaned in about a year...it's always covered with a puzzle we're working on together. So, when our son mentioned that he wanted us to find an unusual puzzle for his birthday (that and a new bicycle), we set out to find one that he would really enjoy doing.

Our older son has always been fascinated with geography, particularly maps...he just loves reading them. When he first showed an interest, we purchased a local area map to keep in the car so he could follow our path to wherever we were going. What an inspired idea, if we do say so ourselves! Finally, we have someone in the family with a good sense of direction. So, when we came across this personalized hometown map jigsaw puzzle, we knew he would be thrilled.

The personalized hometown map jigsaw puzzle features your own home as the centerpiece. Made from a United States geological survey map, this 400-piece puzzle shows named main roads, contour lines, transport infrastructure, water features, vegetation and notable buildings and structures...all centered around your address! Seriously, how "kool" is that? The personalized hometown map jigsaw puzzle covers six miles East-to-West and four miles North-to-South, with a house-shaped piece (yours) right in the middle. When completed, it measures 18 1/4" x 12 1/4". We really love the beautiful presentation box that comes with this amazing puzzle. There's even a space on the box lid to write a special message.

A personalized hometown map jigsaw puzzle is a truly exciting and unique gift idea for any puzzle aficionado. What a fun way to teach kids more about their neighborhood. Once finished, we're going to frame this one with the others and add it to our wall of puzzle fame. It will be interesting to compare it to a local map of the area 20-30 years down the road. If giving as a gift, just be very careful to get the address exactly right, including the zip code. Someone in our household keeps forgetting that we live on ## Place and not ## Street (for the past eight years)...we won't mention names, but it caused quite a stir with the Fedex guys last week when they delivered our parents' anniversary present to the wrong house. Nope, we're never letting him live that one down! The personalized hometown map puzzle, though a bit pricey at around $40, will certainly make our son's birthday one to remember for years to come..especially when we spend time as a family putting it together. Now that is the very best gift we could ever give him.

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Today's Kool Idea: Highlights Educational Magazine for Children

When we were growing up, nothing (and we mean nothing) was more exciting than getting mail. Okay, we realize that many kids get email these days, but quite frankly, it just doesn't have the same appeal as the real thing. Last year, our youngest son was obsessed with the character Iceman from "SpiderMan and His Amazing Friends" (a classic 80's cartoon series). After helping him write and mail a letter asking Iceman to come babysit him sometime, imagine our son's delight when he started receiving mail and gifts personally from him...Iceman might have been swamped fighting crime with Firestar and SpiderMan, but he still took some time every once in a while to write to his biggest fan...what a hero!

Getting mail addressed to them makes kids feel special and grown up. Keeping it consistent and age-appropriate is often the challenge. Thank goodness for the classic Highlights educational magazine for children. Our parents treated us to this wonderful subscription when we were younger, and we were truly blessed to be able to carry on the tradition in our family. Launched in 1946, Highlights is the most widely read children's magazine in the world..and with good reason. Recognizing that kids are the world's most important people, Highlights feeds their natural curiosity and love of learning with stories, brain teasers, riddles, crafts and other activities in this wonderfully wholesome and fun publication.

There are so many things to love about the Highlights educational magazine for children. Our kids' all-time favorite feature is, of course, the ever-popular Hidden Pictures activity. Illustrated by award-winning artists, these puzzles enhance attention to detail and increase word knowledge...plus, they're just darn good fun! Add in some exciting science experiments, creative craft ideas, entertaining stories stories and humorous jokes and riddles in every edition. Highlights is packed with all the good stuff to foster kids curiosity, creativity and confidence. What more could a parent ask for?

Though Highlights educational magazine for children is designed for ages 6-12, The Daily Kool was thrilled with the latest series that caters to younger siblings. Highlights High Five celebrates the earlier years of childhood with developmentally appropriate activity ideas and stories for kids 2-6. Intended to be enjoyed with an adult, this magazine helps stimulate social and emotional growth, reasoning and creative ability and acquisition of language skills. A big hit with our four-year old, this is another offering that the editors of Highlights

Highlights educational magazine for children makes a terrific gift for a nephew or niece, child or grandchild. The $30 price tag does put it out of our birthday gift budget for our kids' friends, unfortunately. Since we are overloaded with birthdays, we honestly tend to stick within more of a $10 range per child. Don't get us wrong...Highlights is definitely worth the price, and is a great consideration for those who may not be quite as thrifty as we are.

Highlights clearly states its mission...to help "kids develop positive self worth by using their creativity and imagination, reading thinking and reasoning skills, and learning how to treat others with respect kindness and sensitivity." Whether you select the new Highlights High Five or the original Highlights classic, this "kool" magazine subscription is a must have for any family with children. Our boys eagerly anticipate receiving their Highlights magazine each month, and are thrilled when it finally arrives. But the most important aspect of this amazing educational children's magazine is how it encourages parents to create and spend quality time with their children. This, our beloved readers, is truly priceless.

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Today's Kool Idea: Personalized Deck of Playing Cards

Do you remember learning your first card game? Ours was Go Fish, of course. A deck of cards is the simplest and perhaps the most versatile form of entertainment for the entire family. Seriously, can you think of another object that can provide anywhere near as many different activities for less than $2? So many wonderful memories from our childhood are centered around card games. We spent hours playing games like Spit, Slap Jack and War with our brother...in fact, it was practically the only time we got a long. Gin Rummy really helped us bond with our grandparents., even through those difficult teenage years. And who could forget all of the drinking games from the college years...um, maybe we shouldn't go there.

With so many different card games that appeal to young and old, it's a wonder why families don't spend more time playing. Sure, everyone agrees that a deck of cards is a "must have" for vacations, but what about creating a nightly routine before bedtime? Just think about the educational, strategy and social skills you could be teaching your children. We started our kids as young as three with classics such as Old Maid and Concentration (Memory). Their current favorite is Rummy...Grandma would be so proud!

We at The Daily Kool want to make sure that we continue to foster our children's love for card games, even in today's technology-driven world. So, for about $20 each, we decided to treat our kids to their very own personalized deck of playing cards this year. We found a terrific site called YourPlayingCards.com, where we were able to help each of them design their very own deck. Check out the one we did for our precious poodle, Pepper...isn't he gorgeous? It was so easy...we selected our layout, downloaded the picture of our choice and inserted some text...that was it!

Don't get us wrong...we know a personalized deck of playing cards is not exactly a necessary item for kids to have. But who cares? Our kids thought it was the "koolest" thing to create their own customized cards on YourPlayingCards.com, and are expecting to be the envy of all their friends. You'd be amazed how quickly kids abandon their handheld electronic games in favor of playing a round of Crazy Eights with their friends. Plus, these personalized decks of playing cards will make great holiday gifts for our poker buddies. If we really want to get fancy, we can even splurge for a customized deck of photo playing cards with a different picture on the face of every card at the MakeADeck.com site (owned by the same people) for about $50. What a great gift idea for our parents to have for their weekly Canasta game!

Here's the bottom line. Playing card games with others is a great way to slow down from the craziness of today's hectic lives. Opportunities to spend some quality time with friends and family in our fast-paced world are few and far between...a deck of cards just naturally brings everyone together, regardless of whether they are young or old. If you haven't already done so, it is definitely time to pass on the love of playing cards to your children, and a personalized deck from sites such as YourPlayingCards.com and MakeADeck.com will undoubtedly add to the fun. What could be "kooler" than that?

Here are just a few traditional single deck card game ideas:

• Go Fish
• Old Maid
• Rummy
• Gin Rummy
• Casino (we loved this one as kids!)
• War
• Spit
• Slap Jack
• Whist
• Concentration/Memory
• Snap
• 21
• Crazy Eights
• 52 Card PickUp (the perrenial favorite way to torture siblings)
  
• Poker
• Solitaire
  

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Today's Kool Idea: Skechers Shape Ups Fitness Shoes

Okay, so we are quite a few weeks into summer vacation, and we've noticed that we're filling out our bathing suits much more than we expected. Somehow, our plans for getting into better shape have fallen by the wayside. What's going on here? Well, though we are not ones to make excuses (yeah, who are we kidding?), we do have several explanations. The kids are home, so we're finding ourselves parked at fast food restaurants more often than not (hey, we're on vacation too). It's been hotter than...well, you know. And, if we're not suffering in the blistering heat, we're getting drenched in the rain and chased by a flock of mosquitoes. Who wants to exercise outside in that? Of course, the heat naturally brings on our cravings for the sweet stuff, so the kids are eating ice cream almost every day...we can't let them eat alone now, can we? Wouldn't it be nice if we had a way to get into shape without the extra effort?

We've been hearing a lot the new Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes and decided to check them out at our local mall. Skechers have been promoting their new line as a way of toning muscles and promoting weight loss, without setting a foot in a gym. Getting fit while walking, working and shopping? Sneakers that improve posture, strengthen the back and reduce stress on knee and ankle joints? Seriously, folks...who could resist these claims?

Here's the deal...every day, we typically walk on hard surfaces, placing stress on our knee joints and lower back. Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes turn hard surfaces into more comfortable ground with a dynamic rolling bottom, soft foam insert under the heal and a dual-density mid-sole...all designed within the framework of the sneaker itself. The three elements work together to give the feeling of walking on a softer, uneven surface, simulating muscles that aren't usually used when walking on hard ground with standard walking shoes. Added benefits are increased circulation, blood flow and reduced impact on joints and lower back.

Okay, Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes sound like a dream come true, but do they really work? In a word...yes! We've been wearing ours every day for about a week now. We don't have the back and joint pain that we typically feel after a day of running around with the kids. Plus, we absolutely feel the difference in our calves, thighs, buttocks and stomachs when we walk in them...provided we are doing it correctly. Because of the natural instability, we have to concentrate a little more on our steps or our ankles automatically roll inward. We have taken to chanting "sink (heel), roll, push (toes)" as we walk. Interestingly, the brisker we walk, the easier it is to keep our movements smooth and fluid. We wouldn't recommend running in these babies, though.

Our Skechers Shape Ups are honestly one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes we now own, and we feel great walking in them. We love that they come in a variety of styles and are available for both men and women. Though we haven't found the men's style online, they are in our local Sketchers store. The boat-like sole makes them all look fairly clunky, but the lift certainly makes us feel and look taller...we can use all the help we can get in that area anyway. The bigger soles are supposedly right in fashion...well, maybe for teenagers, but they look pretty silly on us. That's okay, though. The benefits are worth being a source of endless amusement to our friends.

Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes have certainly changed the way we walk, and are one of the "koolest" investments we've made this summer. They are so comfortable, the fitness benefits are just an added bonus. Check out their video for more information. Skechers Shape Ups just may be the answer to getting in shape by simply standing and walking. Now, if we could just lay off the ice cream...

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Today's Kool Idea: Summer Reading Programs at Your Local Library

The summer has been a unique challenge to finding ways to entertain the kids, especially since they are not participating in camp this year. Yes folks, The Daily Kool is doing their own family camp this time around...you'd be amazed at how many things you can do with your kids this summer without breaking the bank. From free/$1 movies (check out Regal and AMC) to bowling (www.kidsbowlfree.com), parks to pools, there really are plenty of things to do on a budget. Summertime will be over before we know it though, and our children are already experiencing the "summer slide" syndrome...when school starts up again, many kids will be backpedaling to recapture the 3 months of learning that they have lost from the previous year. How do we encourage our children to keep their minds active during the summer?

Believe it or not, the best answer is at your local library...it is absolutely the best bargain in town! We were astounded at how many terrific programs the library offers over the summer to help motivate kids to keep up with their reading. This is not just bluster either...there have been many studies proving that children who participate in summer reading activities have a significant advantage when school starts again in the fall. Most libraries have state-sponsored summer events which include storytelling, music, creative arts and other performances. We have attended some terrific puppet shows and our oldest son even learned a few tricks from a yo-yo profession who performed last week. How "kool" is that?

You should have seen our four year old at the library last week. He now has his very own library card (just like big brother), personally and painstakingly signed by him...he's so proud! Grandma Marie, one of the senior citizen volunteers, gave both kids their own reading journals...every time they read a book, they just write down the title and color in one of the spaces. When the journal is filled, they get a prize...so simple, yet so exciting for them. There are also fabulous summer programs for teens and adults...the library truly has something for everyone.

The long, hot days of summer provide lots of time to read. Summer reading programs at your local library are a great way to help foster your children's love of books. They also create a wonderful opportunity to bond with your kids...no matter how adept they become at independent reading, our children still love being read to as well. Take the time to see what your local library is offering this summer...it might just surprise you. Relaxing and reading with our children has definitely become The Daily Kool's favorite summertime activity.

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Today's Kool Idea: BirdieBall Limited Distance Golf Practice Ball

Golf is one of those sports that has earned much respect in The Daily Kool household over the years. There is just something about the mental and physical challenge, combined with getting out in the fresh air on a beautiful grassy course, that is both relaxing and stimulating. We admit it, though...our original motives for playing golf were not entirely pure. Yep, we used golf as a front to establish potential (and often profitable) business connections...we're so ashamed! There was only one problem...we didn't account for how hard it is to stick to the green. Oh, that darn Tiger Woods...he makes it look so easy!

We received a BirdieBall limited distance golf practice ball at a marketing convention we attended last year. We were intrigued by the idea of a limited flight (about 40 yards) practice golf ball with a long hang time, true-feel trajectory. Okay, we know it looks weird...but honestly, the BirdieBall is the best golf training aid we have ever owned. Because of the limited distance, we can create an impromptu driving range in our backyard or even at the park without worry. BirdieBalls are much safer than hitting real golf balls, with far better performance than you would ever get from a perforated practice ball or wiffleball. We love how the BirdieBall spins and flies exactly like a regular golf ball...just far enough to show ball flight, but short enough that you can hit and retrieve it with minimal effort. Plus, there is nothing quite as satisfying as the turbine hum that results from a perfectly executed swing.

The BirdieBall limited distance golf practice ball really performs just like a regular golf ball...hook, slice, chip and yes, even a worm burner (sigh). Regardless of whether your are giving a full swing or are in the chipping realm, you can count on the BirdieBall to behave appropriately. Experiencing the "true feel" and seeing the "true flight" of the amazing BirdieBall has dramatically improved our ability to control a real golf ball with only 15 minutes of practice per day. Not that the practice is a hardship anyway...BirdieBalls are amazingly addicting and have never failed to offer us a pleasurable, challenging and rewarding experience. Regardless of handicap or experience, this is quite possibly the "koolest" gift for any golf lover.

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Today's Kool Idea: Disney Pixar Movie 'Up'

Here in Florida, we have been experiencing consistent afternoon thunderstorms for the past couple of weeks, wreaking havoc on otherwise perfect temperatures for swimming...yep, it's summer all right. It's not easy keeping kids entertained in lousy weather, especially when you are trying to conserve costs in today's economy. After hours of playing family games, dancing to music and baking brownies, we decided to bite the bullet and splurge for a family outing at the movies. You guessed it...we took our children to see the new Disney Pixar movie Up.

The Daily Kool is a huge fan of Pixar, though no one in our family can ever agree on which is the absolute best of their movies...yes, they're all that good. Up is another brilliantly artistic film that certainly lives up to Pixar's reputation. Pixar has, without a doubt, found the secret formula for success, creating near masterpieces that encompass the perfect blend of heart and humor in a way that caters to children and adults alike.

The story of Up opens with the introduction of a young Carl Fredricksen who meets his soul mate (Ellie) and shares his love for exciting tales of adventure. Pixar sends us on Carl and Ellie's life journey in a wordless montage that is stunning and heartbreaking in its elegant reflection of love, joy and tragedy. Carl and Ellie dream of exploration to South America's Paradise Falls but, as often is the case, life gets in the way of their plans. After Ellie passes away and Carl finds himself a lonely widower, he pays tribute to her by tying hundreds of balloons to their little house to finally fulfill his lifelong dream of adventure. But, after discovering an eight-year old stowaway named Russell, the unlikely pair soon find themselves on a hilarious journey filled with danger and surprises.

As one critic aptly described, Up is "more about ideas and themes rather than action," and deals with adult ideas in a way that is acceptable to children, with an endearing depiction of how disappointment can sometimes reveal hidden opportunities for happiness. Admittedly, our kids could have done without the heaviness of the first third of the movie...however, as adults, we appreciated the insight provided by Pixar's carefully thought out character development. Plus, the Pixar team more than makes it up to the children with the always moving and optimistic Boy Scout wonder Russell, a whimsical and magical female bird named Kevin and the delightful talking dog Dug, who clearly stole the show for our little ones.

Up was absolutely worth the indulgence for our family. Though the rich color and lovely effects of the movie were no doubt enhanced in the 3-D version, a truly spectacular movie such as Up does not lose a thing on the regular screen. In fact, we suspect that the latest obsession Disney has with making their movies 3-D is more of a marketing ploy to justify a higher ticket price...3-D doesn't tell the story which is the backbone of any quality film. Up tells a wonderful tale, regardless of the number of dimensions used and is a definite "must see" for every family. Just remember that Up is rated PG for some peril and mild violence when taking very small children...our four year old found his way onto our laps for comfort toward the end). Dug, with his direct expression of doggie thoughts ("I just met you and I love you"), is worth the price of admission alone. Squirrel!

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Today's Kool Idea: No Stress Chess

Our four year old loves to play chess. Yes, you heard us right...four. Is he some kind of prodigy? Nope. Don't get us wrong...our son is definitely very bright, and we claim our bragging rights as often as we can (doesn't every parent?). But, we don't think that Mensa is quite ready to extend an invitation to him yet. We do, however, give the folks at Winning Moves complete credit for our son's love of the classic strategic game with their wonderful edition of No Stress Chess.

Researchers have been studying the benefits of chess on children's reading, math and general cognitive skills for the past 30+ years. Children who play chess consistently outperform others in critical thinking, memory retention and verbal reasoning. In fact, the benefits are so significant, nearly 30 countries (such as Russia and Iceland) incorporate chess as part of public school curricula. We at The Daily Kool certainly think it should be a requirement (not a mere enrichment) here in America. When we were searching for a chess program for our older son a year ago (his school didn't offer it), we had difficulty finding one that was convenient and affordable. So, we decided to try to teach him at home...enter the No Stress Chess game.


The 52 action cards make No Stress Chess a unique approach to an often intimidating game. These cards provide instruction to help players learn the pieces and how they move...a perfect way to help a beginner get comfortable with the powers of each piece. Players are required to move their pieces based upon which card they draw...this really changes the game, and winning is mostly about luck...at least at the first level. The next card playing variation has each player drawing three cards at a time, so they can begin incorporating more strategy into their game. After these two levels are mastered, you can create even more, increasing the number of cards drawn for each (we went as high as seven)...until, your children are ready to take on regular play. The illustrated two-sided board that comes with the No Stress Chess game is another great feature. The starter side instructs players on piece placement, while the other is a traditional board. The pieces are pretty sturdy...the fact that they have survived our children so far says a lot.

There are so many great things to say about No Stress Chess, and for the $15 price tag, it is definitely worth the purchase. The innovative approach to a traditional favorite has been able to hold our children's interest in this classic game more than we ever would have expected. We were amazed at how quickly both of our children were able to graduate to regular play...now, chess has become a staple in The Daily Kool household, and No Stress Chess a popular birthday gift idea for our children's friends.

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Today's Kool Idea: Travel Yahtzee Game

A couple of months ago on a rainy day, The Daily Kool family took on an insidious task...we decided to clean out one of our overflowing "junk" drawers. You wouldn't believe how much...well, junk...we had accumulated in one relatively little space. Oh, yes...we were lucky to get out alive. So here we were, arguing over whether we should toss out a key chain version of a shrilling chicken, when our children picked up a set of dice and began rolling away. We looked at each other and, expert procrastinators that we are, immediately said, "Break time!" Our children were about to learn an old classic...Yahtzee.

Why it never occurred to us to buy a Yahtzee set before is a mystery...but as parents, we are masters at improvisation. We just went on the computer to print out a free Yahtzee score card, made sure we had five dice and we were ready to go. The kids had an absolute blast...as did we! It's easy to understand why Yahtzee is the world's most popular commercial dice game. To play this addictive classic, you roll five dice (three times per hand) in an effort to make different combinations for the most points. Shoot for a three-of-a-kind, a full house, a straight and more. Get five of the same number and you've gotten a "Yahtzee" for 50 points. The "rolls" are based on standard poker hands, with a few extra bonuses thrown in. Don't worry, we're not training our children for the World Poker Tour just yet...but Yahtzee is certainly a great prelude to other card games, including Gin Rummy. It's also a terrific way to practice math and introduce the concept of probability to children.

Though we were certainly able to come up with a quick makeshift version of a family Yahtzee game, our kids love it so much, we just had to find a portable version to take with us on the go. Travel Yahtzee became a terrific solution for long waits at restaurants, doctors' offices and even on an airplane. There were a few options for us to choose from, but we ultimately selected the Folio edition of the travel Yahtzee game. It comes with everything we needed to enjoy a quick family game on the go. The felt-lined play area keeps the roll confined...very important, especially with over-exuberant children. The dice rolling cup is also lined with felt, perfect for keeping the noise down in places that require quieter play. The special compartments keep the dice in place during the game and prevents them from rolling around when put away. Complete with a soft side-zippered case, deluxe dice, scorepad and pencil, the Folio edition is a great way to shake up some Yahtzee wherever we go.

If you'd rather, there are several Yahtzee Jr. editions that are ideal for preschoolers and other younger children. These greatly simplified versions of the original use character pictures instead of numbers, and the scorecard uses tiles to keep track of hands. Yahtzee Jr. is a great introduction to the game...we were given a Mr. Potato Head one (we think it's discontinued), and have found several others, including Disney Princess and Pokemon. Don't underestimate your younger ones, though...regular Yahtzee may not have the engaging characters, but it does provide a better learning experience, more player options and is more ideal for children of varied ages. We tend to use our Yahtzee Jr. edition when we are playing alone with our own preschooler, and regular dice or our Folio travel Yahtzee game when our older children join in.

Our Folio edition of the travel Yahtzee game is one of the best ways to keep the entire family entertained on the go. Quick play, simple rules, educational and just plain fun, Yahtzee is one of The Daily Kool's favorite games. After more than 50 years, Yahtzee is still a very "kool" idea.

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Today's Kool Idea: Caramel Apples for National Teacher Day

Tomorrow is National Teacher Day, and is part of a week-long celebration honoring our teachers. It is our children's opportunity to thank the special teachers in their lives for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Few professionals impact our lives as teachers do...each of us has undoubtedly had at least one teacher who profoundly affected and inspired us as children (and adults). Though we believe that teachers should be recognized every day, National Teacher Day is indeed an ideal time to join together with other communities and acknowledge how much we value and respect their contributions to our children's future.

National Teacher Day is met with much anticipation in The Daily Kool household. Our kids aren't satisfied unless they give presents to all of their teachers...homemade, of course. So, every year, we grab a bunch of extra-large Granny Smiths and make a perennial favorite...caramel apples. One of these delectable creations in a gift bag complete with ribbon and a handmade tag makes a perfect token for National Teacher Day. Trite? Perhaps, but seriously...these are incredibly well received by every teacher our kids have given them to. Plus, making caramel apples is a great way to bond with our children in the kitchen.

Caramel apples can be a fickle business...they are definitely not for the faint of heart. The biggest obstacle that most of us face is keeping that $@%&! caramel from sliding off the apple. Trust us...we empathize. After all, we have certainly had our share of unsuccessful caramel apple attempts. That's why The Daily Kool is here to help you create this delicious treat with minimal glitches and optimum success. Be aware, though...they won't necessarily be picture perfect...if you're unwilling to settle for anything less and are willing to pay a premium, feel free to leave it to the professionals at your local gourmet chocolate establishment, Mrs. Prindables or Amy's (award winning and our personal favorite). Don't worry...we won't judge.

The key to preventing the caramel slide is in the preparation of your apple. We use room-temperature apples only, washed thoroughly and then dried completely. This is extremely important...if your apple is not dry, it will not hold your caramel. Another trick is to make sure that there is no waxy residue on your apple. A quick scrub with a veggie brush has always worked for us, but you can always dip the apple in boiling water first...be careful to do this very quickly, though...otherwise it will be disastrous.

Once you get over the caramel hurdle, it is really incredibly easy to create scrumptious caramel apples. We have put the recipe we use below...don't expect homemade caramel from The Daily Kool here, though...remember, we are doing this with the kids, so we stick to the basics...and Kraft wrapped caramels, of course. Making caramel apples is a fun and rewarding activity to do with the kids. It is just a small way of expressing our gratitude for the difference teachers make in our lives every day. So, please take a moment to thank your teachers on National Teacher Day for bringing passion and a commitment to educating, inspiring and empowering our children. They deserve it!


Slow Cooker Caramel Apples

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (14oz each) Kraft wrapped caramels
• 1/4 cup water (or milk)
  
• 6-8 medium (or 3-4 large) apples (we like Granny Smith, but McIntosh, Gala, or Fuji work fine also)
  
• sticks for apples (we prefer craft picks with a pointed edge for better insertion)

Directions:

1. Prepare apples as described above. Insert pick (or stick) into stem end of each apple and set aside.
   
2. In slow cooker, combine caramels and water. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, or until melted, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. When melted, switch setting to LOW.
   
3. Line a baking pan with parchment paper...butter or spray with Pam.
4. Dip apple into hot caramel, turning to coat entire surface, spooning caramel over apples if necessary...please supervise your children carefully if they are helping with this step...the crock pot will be hot and caramel can scald.
5. Holding the apple above the pot, allow excess caramel to drip off, then scrape bottoms of apples and place on prepared pan.
6. Put the pan of coated apples in the refrigerator at least one hour to set thoroughly.

Note: Though we prefer to use a slow cooker for our caramel apples, you can also get great results with a large saucepan on medium low.

Another Note: We sometimes get more creative with this recipe by rolling the bottom of each freshly dipped apple (before refrigeration) into one of the following: crushed Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini M&Ms, etc. We wear latex-type gloves for this step to help firmly press the toppings. We have also drizzled dipped apples with melted milk, white and/or dark chocolate. The possibilities are endless!

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Today's Kool Idea: Wikki Stix

About once a week, The Daily Kool indulges in a family night out, which includes a restaurant dinner, usually followed by dessert at Dairy Queen or Carvel. Restaurant night is a special treat and an extra opportunity for us parents to bond with our kids at the dinner table...if only we could pry those darned Nintendo DS systems from their grubby little hands. We can't tell you how many times we've been tempted to toss the little buggers (the games, not the kids) out the window. So, we at The Daily Kool have established a strict rule of no technology at the dinner table, including cell phones and BlackBerrys (much to our husbands' dismay). There's only one problem...how do we entertain our techno-obsessed kids while waiting for dinner to arrive?

We came across Wikki Stix at our local educational supply store and thought they would be great for restaurant entertainment. Wikki Stix are craft sticks made from acrylic hand-knitting yarn covered in a food-grade, microcrystalline wax...completely non-toxic and non-allergenic. Wikki Stix are flexible, bendable and reusable, and can be maneuvered into an infinite number of imaginative creations. They will stick to any surface with finger pressure (we now have a "giant" on our wall, courtesy of our four-year old), and can even be fashioned into a three-dimensional piece of artwork. Bugs were the theme of choice at tonight's restaurant trip...we made butterflies, beetles, flies and even ladybugs. Everyone participated, had fun and most importantly, we all enjoyed each other's company.

We love that the Wikki Stix website gives so many creative ideas for their product. Check them out for craft ideas, as well as educational uses for this multi-purpose toy. Wikki Stix has won several parenting awards for their innovative invention...all well-deserved, in our opinion. Our kids absolutely love playing with them...as do we. We have used them for simple connect-the-dot projects, and have created characters that bring our kids' favorite storybooks to life. Our older son has already told us that he wants to make a map of the United States at next week's restaurant night, and our younger son wants to make a puppy dog named Lava (we have no idea). A little birdie told us that the men are secretly designing Wikki Stix PSPs and iPhones just to mess with us.

Please note...we have seen countless commercials for Bendaroos for the last several months. We are not sure what the difference is between Wikki Stix and Bendaroos, but Wikki Stix has definitely earned The Daily Kool's trust with their "made in the U.S." label. In our research, we have read several conflicting reports on the ethical behavior of the Bendaroos group, but keep in mind that we are not talking from personal experience. Bendaroos do seem to be a little less expensive than Wikki Stix, so do your research to decide which company is more suited to you and your family.

Wikki Stix are a terrific way to play with your children at restaurants, on the road or at home. While we don't expect them to replace the techno toys in our kids' hearts, they are still wonderful and fun way to inspire creativity and learning for all ages. Definitely a "kool" idea!

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Today's Kool Idea: Blokus

We at The Daily Kool are always looking for terrific family games that encourage creativity, challenge the mind and can keep the attention of both our children. Believe us, this is no easy task! Our children are three years apart, and it is especially difficult to find a board game that can engage both of them without being too easy or overwhelming for one.

A family member gave us Blokus as a holiday gift. Of all the presents we received, this is by far our favorite! It is not surprising that this game by Educational Insights has been deemed the most awarded one of the 21st century. The object of Blokus is simple...place as many of your pieces on the board as possible. The trick? When placing one of the odd-shaped pieces, it may not lie adjacent to the player's other pieces, but must be placed touching at least one corner of their pieces already on the board. The strategy comes in planning future pieces and blocking your opponents.

Easy to understand by the youngest player (ages 5 and up), yet complex enough to challenge adults, Blokus has become our family's number one choice for game night. Our children are developing logic and spatial perception while learning tactical play. And they are have so much fun doing it! When we see our children laughing and complementing each other on a particularly brilliant move, we are reminded just how much game night encourages relaxation, healthy brain activity and just plain family togetherness. Blokus is brilliant in its simplicity, and quite possibly, the "koolest" game around.

Today's Kool Idea: MindWare Coloring Books

It is almost impossible to live without any stress. We admit that sometimes stress can make life more exciting. In fact, Americans actually seem to have become addicted to the kind of over-scheduled, hurried and tense lifestyle that is so common amongst us. However, if we allow stress to get out of control, it can harm our relationships, enjoyment of life, and especially our health.

Unfortunately, we are passing our stress-addictions onto our children. How many of our kids are over-scheduled with after-school activities and obscene amounts of homework? What ever happened to the days of lazy summers, and simple neighborhood play? We overheard a child in our son's elementary school complain the other day that he just wanted to go to sleep early that night...no doubt about it, our children are as stressed out as we are.

It is important for us to teach our children the necessity of taking a time out for rest and relaxation...and no, we don't mean sticking them in front of the television. Odds are, with the shows that our kids watch, they still won't be able to wind down from their day. Would you believe that good old-fashioned coloring is a proven stress reliever?

Our older son came home from school today upset about a science quiz he took today. To be honest, it was a tough day at work for us parents also. So, after dinner, we sat down at the table with our two children and some Mindware Coloring Books. We have to tell you...these books are amazing! What a terrific outlet for creative expression, and it worked well for the whole family. Yes, the designs are pretty intricate for younger ones, but we were able to pick a simpler one even our four-year-old could do. We had so much fun; this was a perfect opportunity to keep us relaxed while sharing the more difficult parts of our days. Mindware Coloring Books are definitely addictive (our children didn't want to stop), and we all felt better as we admired each other's artwork. Colored pencils and thin magic markers were the tools of choice for our artwork (as opposed to crayons and thicker markers).

It is our jobs as parents to set a good example for our children. A relaxed family is a happier one...you and your children deserve to take some time for more calming and pleasurable activities. We at The Daily Kool think this is so important, we will continue to feature family activities that encourage conversation, relaxation and just plain togetherness. Mindware Coloring Books are equally "kool" for adults and children.

Here's an idea: If your Mindware Coloring Books are too complex for your younger one, make a simplified design just for him. We took a regular piece of construction paper (light color) and several objects around the house. For example, for a circle motif, just take a cup (Dixie or other), and trace slightly overlapping circles on the paper. Get as creative as you want (Lego's for rectangles, post-it pads for squares). Your younger child will love the feeling that comes with doing the same project as the rest of the family!