Grasshopper New Media Presents...

Like so many of you, I’ve been fully immersed in holiday preparations for what seems like years. I guess it’s only been weeks, but it sure seems longer. Now that we are approaching the 11th hour, I am excited to celebrate with my family. To see the Punks pass out the gifts […]

This most wonderful time of the year can be stressful for those of us with children, as we try and cram work, friends, shopping, cooking, and fun all into what seem to be shorter and shorter days.
It’s hard on us. But think how hard it is on kids! Just tonight, shopping at 8pm, I heard […]

In our neighborhood, as the weather gets colder, I see my neighbors less and less. We pass each other while driving through the neighborhood or in the local grocery store, but not like during the summer.
During the summer, parents watch the kids as they ride their bikes and scooters up and down the driveways, […]

I did it again. I bought too many toys.
Each year I start buying toys for my DS for Christmas. Each year I make a list, calculate the cost to ensure I’m staying in budget and start buying. This seems like it would be an analytical and thoughtful process but, it isn’t.
Each year I start […]

As Christmas slowly (yeah, right!) approaches, my thoughts often turn to the kitchen.
I don’t feel rushed or pressured when it comes to food. Rather, it relaxes me and forces me to take time out from the bustle of the holiday season to do something I really enjoy.
Our kitchen is my favourite place in the world […]

I almost missed out on Santa Claus as a kid. But my parents, who were game enough to incorporate Anglo (or rather, “American”) traditions into our decidedly un-American home, were good sports and combined the traditions of their homeland (Cuba) with the traditions of their adopted land, so that we have this really fun mix […]

Santa’s in a bit of a conundrum this year. Lucy (my 3 year old daughter) saw Dora Saves the Mermaids a few weeks ago and she’s obsessed. Ever since then she has said that Santa is going to bring her the Dora Mermaid. And Clementines to keep in her bedroom (which I […]

Since I’ve been covering toys, toy recalls and toy safety in great detail this year (haven’t we all) I was interested to see this article from News Inferno .
Lead levels once considered safe could be putting some children at risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), says a new study. The research, conducted by […]

My kids often get overwhelmed at Christmas with all the gifts. After a day of opening presents showered upon them by loving family members, and they tend to get mighty cranky. Then the novelty addiction kicks in, and suddenly everything they have must be new new new or it’s no fun at all. […]

December 1st: Realize that it is in fact December, and you’ve done nothing whatsoever to prepare for Christmas.
December 2nd: Frantically sift through the year’s photos to see if there’s one of all of your kids together that might be a candidate for use in your Christmas card. Sigh when you discover that […]