Monday, December 17, 2007

BEST OF 2007: THE TOP 51 FAMILY FRIENDLY AND KID AWESOME SITES



Welcome to my list of the 51 best of Family Friendly and Kid Awesome sites. It is 51 just for good measure. These are some of my families favorite sites. With the holidays upon us, you will want to save, Digg, Delicious, Stumble, or whatever you need to do to save this post. All these sites are fantastic family fun!


  1. ag Kid Zone--Care Bears, Holly Hobbie, Strawberry Shortcake, Sushi Pack.

  2. Bubble Box
    --A ton of flash games but--REMEMBER--some of these games are for older kids so parents may want to check out first. But there are still alot of awesome games for kids of all ages.

  3. Foster's Home for Imaginary Friend's Big, Fat, Awesome House Party
    --Come and join the fun. You can make your own imaginary monster and explore the house. This is months of fun.

  4. Postopia
    --And you thought cereal was just for breakfast.

  5. Build-a-Bear Workshop
    --If you don't have a store near by, come and make a digital friend, play at the playground, and make a room for your new friend.

  6. cbc.ca/kids
    --I don't know how my son found this site, but it is fantastic. It has so much for kids to explore.

  7. Big Money Arcade
    --Another flash game site--REMEMBER--some of the games are for older kids so parents may want to check out first.

  8. Gamez Hero
    --Flash video game site. It has alot of kids games--REMEMBER--there are some games for the older kids so parents may want to check it out first.

  9. Net Games
    --More flash games that are fun to play--REMEMBER--some of the games are for older kids so parents may want to check out first.

  10. Gamesmais
    --This is a flash video site for Spanish Speakers. There is a Scooby Doo game on there my son loves to play and he doesn't know Spanish. REMEMBER--some of the games are for older kids so parents may want to check it out first.

  11. Apple Jack
    --Yea...the cereal. It is awesome.
  12. Kewlopolis
    --It is the CBS cartoons that are showing on the weekends.
  13. Lego
    --All about Legos.
  14. Monkey Bar, Jr
    .--My Little Pony, Tonka, Candyland, Play0Doh, oh my.
  15. Monkey Bar TV
    --For the older kids--Spiderman, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Monopoly. These Monkey bar and Monkey bar Jr. are Hasbro sites. They are alot of fun.
  16. NOGGIN
    --For the preschooler in all of us.
  17. Nick
    --Yep, the channel---come for the games--stay for the activities and shows.
  18. Nick, Jr
    --For the little brothers and sisters.
  19. PBS KIDS
    --All of your favorite Public Television shows, games, activities, etc.
  20. PBS KIDS Sprout
    --More PBS fun--Check it out!
  21. Playhouse Disney
    --All of your disney friends want to play.
  22. Qubo
    --These shows and games are wholesome for the whole family. They have a more Christian slant but are fantastic...who doesn't love Bob the Tomatoe!
  23. Ezone
    --More flash games but they are origional--REMEMBER--some of these games are for the older kids so parents may want to check it out first.
  24. Miniclips
    --This includes video flash games, e-cards, short cartoons, and tons of fun. REMEMBER--some of these games are for the older kids so parents may want to check it out first.
  25. Nitrome
    --More flash games but are aimed at the younger player. Also has a links page to even more flash video game sites.
  26. Poptarts
    --Ya gotta love breakfast!
  27. Fun Flash Games
    --Yes...it is another flash game site. But still cool. REMEMBER--some of the games are for older kids so parents may want to check it out first.
  28. bEQUAL
    --This is a site that sells games. But they do have alot of demo games you can play...Shrek, Over The Hedge, Santa Trivia, Bible quiz game.
  29. Viva Pinata--These Pinata's need your help...to have fun.
  30. Shrek
    --Everything Shrek!
  31. Cartoon Network
    --The whole channel is here.
  32. Millsberry
    --From General Mills...let your kids explore.
  33. Lucky Charms
    --Help Lucky get his marshmellows.
  34. Eggo Waffles
    --Check out this site to "disguise" your eggos.
  35. Scratch
    --SO COOL! This is kind of a social network for kids where they can not only play video games but also create them themselves. You just have to check it out!!!!
  36. Goldfish
    ---Yes...the goldfish cracker has it's own kid's website. Come on in...the water is fine.
  37. Bob The Builder
    --Can you do it? Yes you can!
  38. American Girl
    ---Come and meet the doll on the internet. Finally, good fun just for girls.
  39. Rescue Heros & Planet Heros
    --Find a real hero for your kids.
  40. Fisher Price View Finder
    ---You remember the View Finder...now here is one on the Web.
  41. Kids Com
    --This is a site where you kids can create a virtual self and make friends in a virtual world.
  42. Seussville
    --The Dr. Seuss Cat comes to life and wants to play.
  43. Sesame Street Workshop
    ---Ya know you want to visit this neighborhood.
  44. Zoo
    --This is a search engine webpage for kids safe web surfing and searching.
  45. The Kidz Page
    --All sorts of fun for the family---REMEMBER--although this site is awesome, sometimes their ads are aimed for the older kid.
  46. Scholastic
    --Yep...all the book and internet fun you could have.
  47. The Official J.K. Rowling Site
    ---and yes...there is a link to harry potter...but it is really a very cool site.
  48. 4Kids
    --All sorts of kids and parent fun.
  49. Science Bob
    ---Science Fun Galore!
  50. Fun Brain
    --There are all sorts of games here to exercise your child's brain.
  51. The Space Place
    --A site by NASA for kids. Now they can learn about space and they can understand it...it is far out.




CALLING ALL READERS...CALLING ALL READERS...


I am getting my blogging butt out of my chair and am re-vamping my blogs. I will still be on them but not really blogging on them very often.I need your input. I have 6 blogs (I know, can you believe it) and I am doing an audit of all of them. I would like all my readers...and anyone who just comes across my blogs in the next few weeks to give me your:





  • comments


  • questions


  • concerns


  • advice

Just click on the picture below to be taken to a list of my blogs.



Any and all comments you have to improve on my blogs are welcome. I have had them going for almost 6 months now and with the new year, I am going to be doing more with my blogging.



I am also looking for other bloggers/website owners:





  • Mommy bloggers


  • Iowa bloggers


  • Family Friendly bloggers


  • Arts, crafts, food, scrapbooking, sewing, etc. bloggers


  • Plus sized men & women bloggers


  • Multiple birth parents/bloggers


  • Freelance writing & problogging bloggers


  • Family Friendly websites


I am interested in any bloggers/website owners who would be interested in getting some free advertising for their blogs/websites. I am looking for people to guest post on my blogs, to interview in their chosen field, and anyone who would be willing to donate or give me a large discount on products for upcoming give-a-way contests I will be holding beginning the first of the year. Again, this is a great way for you to get free advertising for your blogs, websites, and products.



I am also looking for budget friendly graphic artists & blogger and wordpress template creators and designers. I am looking for someone to help me change the look of my blogs. I am looking for something fun, family friendly, and fantastic.



If you are interested in free advertising and helping me take my blogs to the next level, please comment on this post or e-mail me at cathicollins (at) gmail (dot) com.
I can't wait to hear from you.



Sunday, December 16, 2007

Have an Elfish Holiday


So you can make your self into an elf...and talk too.

Click here to see my elf and make your own!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Some Fun Christmas links


Here are some fun Christmas links...have fun!

So check them out. They are free, funny, and fantastic.

gAMER tHURSDAY



Tis the season for fun in the snow. Here are some games you and yours can play on those cold winter days.

Games at Miniclip.com - Snow Day
Snow Day

Keep it snowing to close the schools.

Play this free game now!!




Games at Miniclip.com - Snow Line
Snow Line

Help Santa Claus collect the presents.

Play this free game now!!

And alittle something from our friends at Foster's Home of Imaginary Friends.

Have a great week and hope you enjoy the games.




Ask Santa to write to a Child today


It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas--


So while I was out and about on the blogosphere, I found Santa's Blog. It isn't fancy, but I don't thing he has the time to be blinging his blog. But you must check it out. It is sssssssssooooooo cute! Now go and check out everyone else and their christmas!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Thursday Thirteen--my first

So I was coloring with my daughter when I came up with this one.

13 Crayola crayon colors I want in my kitchen--but the real things:

  1. Bittersweet (chocolate that is)
  2. Wild Strawberry
  3. Gold
  4. Melon
  5. Orchid
  6. Cornflower
  7. Apricot
  8. Plum
  9. Peach
  10. Mahogany
  11. Salmon
  12. Dandelion (it says dandelion)
  13. Chestnut

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

All My Hard Work Is Finally Paying Off


I have been blogging for about 4 months now, give or take. I started blogging, at first, as something to keep me busy. But the more I blogged, the more I realized that I could make some money at it. Now, after all this time and research, it is paying off.
I discovered the Pay Per Post people about a week into blogging. I signed up but they have a waiting period of 90 days from your first post. At first, I didn't understand it. But now that I have several blogs and blogging resources, I completely understand. These past 3 months I have spent getting better at blogging and practicing my writing skills. Now that I have some blogging under my belt, I am able to make some decent money with Pay Per Post.
I have just qualified to work for Pay Per Post with their blog advertising and I have already made enough money to fill my gas tank. That isn't bad for one days work. I can't wait to see what other opportunities they can find for me.

I am planning on having a long and financially blog-o-riffic relationship with Pay Per Post. Why don't you come and join me?!


Monday, December 10, 2007

Tis The Season To Spread Some Joy...


Christmas is the time of year to reach out to your fellow man...to do alittle good...to be friendly to both strangers and family. The best way to do this (with your computer, that is) is to network.


No matter what time of year, I love to network. With some of the networks, I just have a basic profile. With a select few, I am quite involved, or I try my hardest to be. Through all this networking and reaching out to my fellow man, I have found my favorite network platform.


It could be myspace. Maybe facebook. How about friendster. Nope, none of those.

My all time favorite is Ning. This is a fantastic site. Not only can you visit Ning and find a group on anything, you can go there and start your own group. I, myself, am the member of 8 groups and 3 waiting approval. I have even started a group about having multiple births to go along with my blog about the same.

Let us try some terms and find out what we come up with, shall we...

Check out any of those groups, or you can do a custom search for the group you are looking for. This is also a great way for families to keep in touch, share pictures, and have it totally private. You can make the group by invite and approval only. So no peeky-peeky by anyone not wanted.

And if you are into networking, like me, then this networking platform is a one-stop shop. You can join several groups, from working moms, to stay at home business, to marketing, to gaming, to scrapbooking, and only have to stop by one place. And you can invite your friends and family so you can just go to the one network to find everyone you ever wanted to network and reach out to.

So, go and spread some christmas cheer...and you will never guess...christmas has some networks too.



Family Fun Times Reminder


OK, everyone. This is a reminder about my Family Fun Time Meme (or my attempt at one) post coming up. So click here to read the post and I will be posting on Friday. The assignment is Holly Hobbie. Hope to see ya Friday!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Gingerbread house decorating--internet style

My shewhoblogs buddy bleeding espresso had a gingerbread house posted on her blog. So I checked it out and it took me to this wonderful artist who had several activities for kids and just fantastic work...so, of course, I just had to post about her.


Jenny B. Harris is just a fantastic artist. Click on her name to go to her main page and then go from there to learn more about her, find examples of her work, and even her blog...i love the blog...love bloggers in general. I just love the site.

Click on the gingerbread house to get to the activities page and go nuts. I did do a gingerbread house, but I was so excited about the site, I forgot to save it. Oh well...that just gives me another reason to go back. I hope to see you all there!





Ask Santa to write to a Child today


Thursday, December 6, 2007

GAMER THURSDAY


Alrighty ladies and gents...welcome to another fantastic Gamer Thurday.
First of all, I will start out with an Elmo game. This is, of course, for those little ones in the house. This is a keyboarding game. So get your pre-schooler and enjoy!
Next is this Christmas Present Getting Game...Click Here to play the Christmas Present game...My son really likes this game...and nothing is better than getting presents!






Ask Santa to write to a Child today

Monday, December 3, 2007

Recalled Toys...again

Well, moms and dads, here are some more recalled toys. I got this list from About.com. There is alot of lead problems...which makes me mad. But check the list out for your self. And be careful of your little ones and their toys.

Tis The Season...


Tis the season...for commercials...for keeping up with the Christmas Joneses...for getting that oh so special toy that every other kid is getting...for getting overwhelmed due to family...aaaahhhhhh...Christmas.
I love Christmas. I love the lights, the presents, the thought of giving presents, decorating the tree, sending cards, all the cute little knick-knacks...everything. But what I don't like is how commercial this time of year has become.
When I was shopping for Halloween candy, I saw Christmas lights out. WHAT?! Even before Halloween...are you kidding me! Tis the season for giving, not for getting every penny out of us consumers. And besides, Christmas is not supposed to be for consuming...it is for giving. It is to remember that Baby Jesus was born and died for our sins. It is to remember that family down the road that doesn't have heat or enough food. It is to remember that little 'ol lady that just wants someone to have a cup of tea with her.
I feel for the Christmas season. It is slowly but surely turning into something ugly. I wish I could see giving instead of selfishness. I miss spending it with family instead of competing with thy neighbor. I wish I could see what Jesus would really do instead of how short people can be in rush hour.
Tis the season...I wish. I love the Christmas season. I hope that people can remember what Tis The Season means and get back to the traditions that made this time of year great.


Thursday, November 29, 2007

GAMER THURSDAY


Alright everyone. This first game is one of my son's favorites...it is the fancy pants adventure. It is cool looking and a fun game for kids and their parents!



Free Ezone.com Game: The Fancy Pants Adventure


This next one is a slime flinging game for ages 4 and up. My son and daughter love it. It may look alittle gross cause the slime looks like...well...slime...but still fun.

Free Ezone.com Game: Sling Junior

So play some games and have fun! See ya next week!


Ask Santa to write to a Child today


Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Family Fun Time




So maybe some of you have noticed the Family Fun Friday as disappeared. It is still around but I had a brain storm about it. Then we kept getting sick and it kind of took a back seat.


I have so much fun doing the activities with my kids that I thought that maybe I would try to start a Meme about having Family Fun Time with stuff found on the internet.


There is so much on the internet, that most of the time, a person doesn't really know where to go for kid friendly and fun stuff. So every week or 2, I am going to give out Family Fun Time assignments, so to speak. I will give a few web sites concerneing the subject matter at hand. Then we all will go and do our Family Fun Time. Then you can comment that you want to play. I can link to you and then give out another great assignment.

Feel free to take any banners I post. I will make more later and post them.


Our first Family Fun Time is Holly Hobbie. You can click here or go anywhere on the web and find family fun stuff concerning Holly Hobbie. Maybe you want to make paper dolls and play with them with your kids. Maybe you want to buy a Holly Hobbie movie and watch it with your kids. Maybe you want to make a day of Holly Hobbie with your kids. What ever you want to do....have fun with it.




















Bored...? Here you go then!






BtbtMicroBar_88x31

Thursday, November 22, 2007

HAPPY THANKSGIVING


Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Free Holiday Printables

So Thanksgiving is just around the corner and family is coming and you don't have cards, menus, you forgot who is bringing what, place setting cards, shopping lists...well...you need some help. You need some free and cool help. I have put together some sites that provide free printables--thanksgiving crafts, cards, lists, all sorts of stuff. So check them out and I hope they help during this holiday season.

  • Custom Cards--you can make and print out your own holiday cards...could be used for place setting cards.
  • Chart Jungle--this is one of my favorite sites. You can find all sorts of stuff here--calenders, charts, holiday lists, coloring pages to keep kids busy, etc.
  • Family Shopping Bag--this site has alittle bit of everything--cards, place settings, recipe cards, you name it.
  • Holiday Printables--this site is a fantastic resourse for free holiday printables...be sure you have some time to get lost in the crafting and holiday coolness!
  • Mom's Break--this place is great when you want some cool idea in a hurry...you can even find a Thanksgiving banner here!
  • Creativity Portal--EVERYTHING!
  • Solutions--this site is great for meal checklists, present planners, inventory, and even helps you plan your holiday party.

Well, I hope these sites can help you to have a less stressful Thanksgiving day. Now I must go and stress about how to cook a turkey!




Ask Santa to write to a Child today


Friday, November 16, 2007

DO GOOD ONE BLOG AT A TIME

Everyone needs to do alittle good. There are so many in the world that have nothing. We, as a blogging community, need to use our resources and freedoms to bring to light problems and solutions. So please check out the following fantastic causes!





Thursday, November 15, 2007

GAMER THURSDAY


My family and I have been sick for what seems like forever. But I am back and hopefully stronger than ever--yes, I know how cheesy thats sounds. But now for the games.

I am posting a few oldies but goodies. They are games that I played when I was a kid and they just keep staying cool.

The first one is Tetris. Yea, I know you remember Tetris. This is the classic goodie.




The second is Super Mario Brothers. I loved this game as a kid!






Games at FunFlashGames.com - Super Mario World Revived
Super Mario World Revived

Help Mario defeat Bowser.

Play this free game now!!





Ask Santa to write to a Child today