Toy camping set review

One of Annie's new favorite pastimes is camping. She's actually never been camping, but she LOVES to pretend she is camping. So a few weeks ago when I was offered the chance to review a toy camping set, I jumped at the chance - I knew Annie would have a blast! She could camp inside all she wants (and I don't actually have to sleep in a tent outside - extra bonus!!)

The set is the Learning Resources Camp Set available here from toysandgamesonline.com. I've shopped with csnstores.com a few times before, and as always, I was impressed with their huge selection and fast shipping.

The first thing I noticed about the set is that it seems to be very high quality. I am often afraid when ordering plastic toys that they will be cheap and flimsy, but this set is made with very sturdy, heavy plastic.

The set comes with a canteen, a mini stove, a pot, a lantern, a utensil set, a camp shovel, a compass, and a first aid kit. I love that so many areas of camping are included - Annie has been cooking, playing first aid, digging a fire pit, and using her compass - she is getting the full camping experience (without me actually having to go camping - yay!)

Annie's favorite piece (and mine, too) is the lantern. It actually lights up (with 2 AA batteries), and it works great! Just tonight, Annie asked us not to turn on any lights so we could use the lantern and pretend we were camping while she changed into her PJs and got ready for bed.
One of my favorite features of the set is that it truly encourages imagination. Besides the light on the lantern and camp stove, there are no loud sounds or other gimmicks to these toys. Annie needs to use her mind to create a camp site in her head and uses the toys to enhance her scene. She stills need to create an imaginary fire pit, cook with imaginary food, and use imaginary band-aids to treat her imaginary owies. She can have fun with this set and still explore on her own.

One of the only complaints I have about the set is the compass - Annie loves the idea of using a compass, and this is one of the main reasons I was excited about this set. Unfortunately, the compass doesn't actually work. The needle does move, but it doesn't point North. To me, I would think this would be a great learning tool for our kids, and I think it is a shame that details was overlooked.
Annie has been enjoying her new set for the last several days - unlike some toys that kids play with for a few minutes and then forget, this set has so many different pieces that I know it will keep her interest now, and I know she will be able to grow into it as well. I actually look forward to many more days of camping with Annie! (as long as the bugs stay away!)

New zipper pouches in my shop!

I have been busy working on a fun new addition to my shop ... zipper pouches!

I love the mix of prints and mix of colors. I hope you do, too!

Zipper pouches available here.

It's official!

As of yesterday, we are officially on the waiting list for our new baby girl from Ethiopia!

Our new tent

What have I been up to, lately? Renovating my entire house (almost done, but the kitchen is still gutted), sewing (of course), and .... playing in our new tent. I was recently contacted by CSNstores.com and they sent me the Tee Pee playhouse from Pacific Play Tents. We have been loving it! Annie has so much fun with it, and I'm happy that she's so happy with it. She's been really into the idea of camping, lately, so this was perfect for her (and a great way to deflect the idea of actual camping ... yuck!!).



Here are some of its best features:
-It was super easy to put together. Maybe 5 minutes! That's a definite plus when there's a two-year-old (im)patiently waiting to play in her new tent.
-Once it's together, it's very sturdy. The poles are inset into each other so that they can't come apart easily and collapse. It has a wide base so it can't tip.
-It's a nice size to play in. Annie fits perfectly, and she has plenty of room to grow. I think the tent will be even more fun when her new sister will be able to join her in a few more years.
-Instead of the traditional one-door entry into the tent, there is main door and also a side door. Annie loves going in one and "surprising' me by coming out the other. Endless hours of entertainment.

The only drawback of the tent is that because it is so roomy, it does take up quite a bit of space. If we had a playroom, this wouldn't be an issue, of course, but we have a small, quaint house, so the tent is now the main feature of our living room. I knew this would be the case when I ordered the tent, though, and I was willing to sacrifice my floor space for Annie's enjoyment. I was happy to see how easy the tent is to assemble and un-assemble, so I can easily take it down when I need a break from it. And really, is my floor space really so important when I see how much Annie loves her own, private little nook? Take a look at this face and you'll see what the answer is!

Competition!

I am in the Etsy competition again this week! Yay! Please stop by and vote for my "Handbag with Bicycles in Blue" here.

I just found out that my "Summer in Marrakech" purse is in the Etsy "Colors you Beautiful" contest this week. Please stop by here and take a minute to vote! Thanks so much for your support! (I really appreciate it!)

Sew, Mama, Sew board member!

I have been working on it for the last few weeks, but my first post has finally just been published. For the next few months, I am the newest board member at Sew, Mama, Sew. Coming up for February: fat quarter month. Lots of great projects, lots of great resources, and a tutorial from me in a few weeks.

Click here to read my introductory post.

And be sure to check out the Sew, Mama, Sew blog!