Kids Trends Weekly

v 2 issue 25: It's Fun Being Green

2009-07-05T19:26:00.001-04:00

Make the world more beautiful with the gift of green living. This issue is packed with all things Eco.

Cover by Allison Cottrill

1 Great. Great. Great. "Reduce your forkprint" with reusable bamboo utensils & chopsticks. Each set of RePEaT utensils comes in a storage case made of recycled PET plastic bottles. But, that's not it! To-Go Ware also has the most fabulous stainless steel food carrier. Works with both hot and cold foods. The 2 tier system is fashioned after a lunch box system used in India. Use just the top, stack them up, &/or store dressing/sauces in the sidekick tiffin. Stupendous!

2 Neela certainly has a nifty way of toting all your reusable bags into the grocery store. Each market pack stores 5 fold-up market totes in a carrying case which can double as a lunch pack. Great washable designs have gusseted bottoms, 1" wide shoulder straps, and are made of durably soft polypropylene. Enter code: NEELAFF for 20% your total purchase thru 7/19.

3 Made of 100% combed organic Cotton this tiger organic Tee by Kipendo is perfect for delicate skin. The pattern is bold and the fabric is super organic soft. Available @ rocknsprouts in sizes 2T-12. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your total purchase.

4 Go Popsi! Popsi is the daughter of Mother Nature. By being made into a doll, she saves 20 minutes of electricity and five P.E.T. bottles from going into the landfill. Read her story and check out all the fun @ gopopsi.com. By purchasing the book, doll, & bag combination, you'll definitely contribute to "Giving the Earth a Helping Hand".

5 Eco-ditty has 100% organic reusable snack & sandwich bags which go by the names of snack-ditty & wich-ditty. Now, even lunch can enjoy the benefits of being green by losing the plastic and dipping into organic cotton. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 Nothing says green like a good 'ole frog...unless of course he is peacefully positioned on a 100% organic woman's tee with a scoop neck and 3/4 length sleeves. Live with Love offers people & planet friendly apparel for Mom, kids, & babies. Enter code: KTW10 for 10% off your purchases thru 8/1/09.

This week’s mom GREEN Tips:
Green Cleaning Supplies:
How green are your green cleaning supplies? Manufacturers of commercial cleaning products are not required to list all of the ingredients used. So, while the new green products may be less toxic, that does not mean they are non toxic. In order to find the greenest and least toxic of the commercial cleaners available, read the labels. Learn what the warning labels mean. Don't assume that all of the environmental and health claims made by these products are true. Check the ingredients list. You can also check out the Eco Label center at GreenerChoices.org to see how a particular product rates.

We recently had the opportunity to try out some Eco Mist Solutions products and absolutely love their Kitchen cleaner. It is totally unscented, non toxic and made with plant based ingredients. Now that is a cleaner you can trust!

Shopping for Organic Food on a Budget Tips:
Focus on high-pesticide count foods first. The most common conventional fruits and veggies that contain harmful chemicals and pesticides include apples, potatoes, nectarines, and spinach. Plan on spending a little more than usual on these items, and cut back on others to balance your budget.

Which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are okay if organics are not available? Check out this guide to fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides @ foodnews.org

Become a bulk buyer. This is especially useful when you're buying whole grains and lentils that can be stored easily for a few months. Bulk buying programs are also available at many coops and natural food stores, so don't be afraid to ask about discounts. This is a great way to incorporate healthy whole grains in your diet if you're not already eating them.

Choose natural or generic over premium brands. This is easier to do at supermarkets such as Trader Joe's and even Whole Foods in some cases. Look for the store's brand over the premium for savings, and take advantage of manufacturer coupons whenever possible.

Teaching Kids to Respect the Environment
One of the best ways to get your kids to respect the environment is to show them the impact of their actions on the world around them. Our children have key role to play in protecting the future of our planet. As we teach our children about the world we need to teach them about their role as stewards of the earth. Kids appreciate that kind of information especially when they feature prominently in the information being presented.

One example of how we can start teaching children to respect the environment in simple and tangible ways is to examine the way we dispose of our garbage. Garbage disposal is a chore many kids are given because it is simple to do – carry the garbage out to the curb. Why not introduce your kids to the whole concept of what we do with garbage so that they might think twice about how they discard items, especially recyclable ones.

Kids should be informed that our garbage can hurt us. Certain chemicals if disposed of incorrectly can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibility the food we eat. Examples are thermostats that contain mercury, oil paints and pesticides. Examine with your child the household items around your house that may be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of correctly. If unsure about some products, talk to the retailer or read product labels carefully to find out if safe disposal methods are recommended.

Encourage your kids to recycle paper and all other recyclable items around the house (look for the recycling symbol that is on many items, like plastic containers).

Discuss the fact that the country is running out of landfills and scientists are still trying to find safer and more affordable ways to burn garbage. Our best strategy is to reduce what we throw away and reuse or recycle as much as possible.

Teach your kids about the products that pollute our environment like our cars and get into the habit of walking or riding a bike to destinations, whenever possible. The next time you decide to buy a car think about the eco-friendly hybrid car (powered by gas and electricity) and involve your kids in the research process for your next eco-friendly vehicle.

When you are outside with your children take the time to highlight the distinct beauty of nature. Point out to your children the picture perfect blueness of the sky on a clear, bright day. In early spring find where lilacs or other pungent and lovely spring flowers are growing, and encourage the kids to sniff the unique scents of these spring treats. Cultivate a love for nature by awakening in your children an appreciation for the natural world.

With these tips, your children will learn to not only embrace nature but will grow into adults that will respect the environment because they know, understand and appreciate what is at stake. Your kids will develop an appreciation of their responsibility not just as conscious inhabitants of earth but as caring stewards who respect the grandeur and balance of Nature.

v 2 issue 24: Girl Power

2009-06-21T17:19:00.004-04:00

This issue is just for girls (and mom's!). Our picks for girls and mom's this summer. While this issue is geared towards girls, many products have styles for boys as well.

Cover by Michelle Huesgen

1 Shazam! EM Tanner has done it again. No girl can soar without these fabulous Me 2 a TEE products. Customize your girlness down to the color, length, and style of your hair. Then, make it even better by picking out colors for the eyes, the background and add embellishments. Holy choices! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

2 Super dolls in more ways than one. Customize eye color, hair color, and clothes. Each Bamboletta Doll is uniquely spectacular and made of all natural fibers...including assorted yarns, cotton fibers, and exquisite fabric choices. Love and pride is crafted into all companion dolls, baby dolls, and little buddies making each the cream of the crop. Enter code: TOTTREND10 for 10% off your purchase.

3 Swavorski crystals line up to swaddle the neck of you or your favorite sidekick. Brag about your kids or sport your favorite phrase, the sky's the limit at Hip Fusion Designs. The bars are manually stamped and the beads are hand strung for top notch quality that comes with a lifetime guarantee. We adore the great front toggle clasp and gorgeous personality. TTW for 10% off a total purchase through July 21st.

4 Express your individualism with a super cool Yourcouturekid footstool like this bed of roses footstool decorated with many layers of tulle and adorned with ballet slippers on each leg. Each stool is custom made and full of personality and style! Enter code: TotsTrend20 for 20% your a footstool thru 8/1/09.

5 Soft feel and Chic look - this is what you can expect with this stylish cap sleeve destroyed tee with fun flirty wording AMA LA VIDA VIVA LA VIDA in shimmering pink imprint. Talk about girl power to the fullest! kclosangeles.com. Enter code: SUMMER for 20% your total purchase.

6 Any girl would feel special in this tutti frutti punch tata skirt from Miss Sugar Pops. It is made with fabulously fluffy chiffon and vintage denim that is frayed at the top for a unique flair. Each skirt is an individual creation that is hand sewn or stitched by this busy shop owner and Mom. Custom Orders accepted! Enter code: trendy for 15% off your total purchase.

7 For any little girl, the Camille skirt is a perfect addition for her summer wardrobe. It is made of light-weight cotton with a fun flare and gathered waist. Visit sweetfunkyvintage and check out their hip, stylish, boutique clothing for babies and girls up to size 12. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% your total purchase.

8 All right girls, having great skin is all about taking care of it the right way and having a beauty program that is simple and easy to follow. The skin care products at Good For You Girls are made especially for young skin without toxic chemicals. Pick up the the complete skin care kit for $24.99.

Finding the perfect sitter for your children
Do you know enough about your babysitter to entrust them with your children?

We all want to be sure our children are in good hands. We need to know more than just the hourly rate when hiring a sitter.

A babysitter can be a big help, as long as you hire someone who is mature, experienced, capable, and who cares about the welfare of your children. Deciding on a childcare solution that's suitable for your child shouldn't be left solely to price or the opinions of co-workers, friends, and relatives - despite how easy that remedy may be. Rather, with quality research, you can confidently make a decision to hire the babysitter best suited to your family's needs.

Finding the perfect sitter for your children:
1. Find out if the sitter has any first aid, CPR, and babysitting training.
2. Ask how he or she would handle an emergency situation, and get examples.
3. Question the sitter about how he or she would deal with behavior issues.
4. Write down a list of requirements that are important for you and your family.
5. Have every potential babysitter provide references from your local area and call each reference with a list of questions from your list.
6. When interviewing the sitter, meet with the sitter in person at your house. Watch how the sitter interacts with your child.
7. If you decide to hire the sitter, call home frequently while you are out and continue this practice until you have established a solid relationship with the sitter.
8. Consider choosing a secondary service to perform a background check on any sitter you intend to hire.

Allow adequate lead-time in order to be selective when finding a sitter. The worst thing is to search for a last minute sitter. It makes it easy to overlook some important details about the person you’ve entrusted your child to. Start the search early enough to allow time for a personal interview.

Showcase: Mia Carina

Mia Carina is a custom designed fashion line created especially with little girls in mind. Each and every piece of clothing that is manufactured by Mia Carina is carefully designed, hand-sewn, and inspected to assure the highest of quality for your little girl.

Our passion is designing outfits that excite a little girl; there is nothing better than seeing a little girl twirl around in her gorgeous new outfit from MiaCarina.com; and knowing that we put that smile on her face. We spend hours designing new and exciting outfits each season to ensure you will always be able to find exactly what you are looking for when you visit MiaCarina.com.

Our boutique offers the highest quality girl's clothing available; our pieces are timeless and made to wear for multiple seasons. We understand that your little girl is the most precious gift; and we want you to love our clothes each and every time she puts on her MiaCarina Set.

MiaCarina.com designs have been made to fit a little girl's lifestyle; whether it be a formal occasion or everyday wear; we have something just for your little girl at MiaCarina.com.

With a love of fashion and an excellent taste for design; Mia Carina was founded. Over the years our philosophy has never changed; we love creating "high fashion for little girls" and hope you will continue to visit us over the years.

Receive FREE Shipping on all orders over $100.

v 2 issue 23: Celebrate the Great Outdoors

2009-06-07T19:19:00.005-04:00

This issue contains super summer products and ideas for enjoying the great outdoors this summer with your family.

Cover by Ruthi David

1 Junior Banz offer 100% UVA/UVB protection and comfort with 5 great patterns to choose from. Available in kids sizes 4-8, these high quality shades get the job done. Enter Code: TTW09 for FREE shipping through 6/30/09.

2 Surf's up...campin' style! Go over to good 'ole Barn Dandy's to get yer self one of the fine indoor tents for great outdoor fun...even on a rainy day.

3 The tight weave of the fabric used in UVSkinz sunblock clothing provides 50+spf protection by blocking 98% of the sun's harmful rays. We love it because it's chemical-free sun protection which doesn't need continuous reapplying. Plus chlorine resistant. Easy & effective! Enter code: TTW20 20%. Offer valid through 6/15/09.

4 Binoculare are a great way to get your children involved in the great outdoors. Make sure they can magnify objects at least seven times and have a 50mm objective lens.

5 Get the kiddies into the spirit of saving trees. Reusable cloth napkins designed to appeal to the hearts and souls of the little ones. Fabu! fabkins.com Enter code:TTW10 for 10% off your total purchase through 6/30/09

6 Bubbles are a staple in every kids summer. With Bubble Thing your child can make super long bubbles, every kid in the neighborhood will be over to try it out. Bubble Thing comes with easy to follow instructions, bubble recipes, safety instructions and trick illustrations.

7 Now your kids can sculpt castles jut like the big boys with this create-a-castle kit. It comes with tower and brick molds, a shovel, and more- all packed in it's own storage tote.

This weeks mom tips:
Time Saving Tip:
Menu Planning: Dinner is a hectic meal for busy moms who are just getting off of work or who have been busy with other activities all day. Here is some menu planning tips to help make dinner meals easy and even fun.

Schedule your meals a week in advance. This is one of the most important planning tips for meals. Knowing what you are going to eat throughout the week means less chance that you will stop off at the closest fast food joint for a convenient, but unhealthy meal. Create your shopping list from the list of ingredients to avoid buying what you don't need at the grocery store.

Cook your meals in advance. After deciding on a menu plan for the week, go ahead and fix as many meals as you can. Choose a day when the entire family can help like Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Each person can take one meal and fix it for the following week. Once everything has cooled, store it in sealed containers or casserole dishes to be frozen until the night it is needed.

Do prep work in advance. All of the meals can't be cooked at once. Some foods just taste better freshly prepared. For them, do as much prep work in advance as you can. The night of the meal, all that is needed is to add the wet ingredients and bake.

Have a leftover night. After preparing meals for five or six days, there is bound to be some food left over. Designate one night to be leftover night and let everyone mix and match for dinner. It saves mom from having to throw away any food.

Green tips:
Older showerheads can use three gallons per minute or more. New, efficient models can use two GPM or less. Also look for showerheads that deliver water in multiple small streams, rather than a fine mist; they keep water warmer and make rinsing easier. Avoid designs with multiple heads that compound water waste.

An aerator (that cylindrical device that threads onto the end of a faucet) reduces the amount of water needed to do jobs such as hand washing and dish rinsing. Look for one at the hardware store; it will be marked with the flow it permits, measured in GPM. A 2.0 GPM aerator is ideal for kitchen faucets, while a 1.0 GPM version works great for the bathroom sink.

Using cold water can save up to 80 percent of the energy required to wash clothes.

Fun and Frugal Family Outings
Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.

Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.

Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.

Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.

Go boating. If you're fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are inexpensive, and when you're done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.

Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.

Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn't have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.

Fun camping tips:
* When camping outdoors in unfamiliar areas, everyone gets a whistle. Young and old.
* Choose a campsite that fits your needs: Tent or cabin, what's right for you? Some campgrounds you can tent, but have access to plumbing in central locations to get the best of roughing it with the modern convenience of a flushable toilet and a running shower.
* Camp fire goodies, don't forget the smores! but marshmallows are not the only things you'll be cooking, popcorn, hot dogs, toast, and depending on your level of roughing it you'll be cooking on the fire a lot, have water nearby for safety and use a fire ring to contain the flames.
* Let the kids help, packing things like trail mix, raisins and peanuts, rolling sleeping bags, and so many other things the kids can help with when it comes to camping.
* Pick up some books on wildlife, bird or plant identifiers for the kids to find things while on their trip. You'll be pleasantly surprised when they start looking for the things they just read about.
* Bring a disposable camera for each family member to take pictures of their favorite things on the camping trip (kids too!) then when you get home develop the film and make a camping trip scrapbook or photo album.

Having fun as a family doesn't require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.

v 2 issue 22: Summer Fashion

2009-05-24T16:32:00.003-04:00

Summer style is all about being comfortable and our current issue is jam-packed with stylish outfits that are practical as well as fashion-savvy.

Cover by Rachel Cohara

1 Corky and company has a whole new clothing line, kids swimwear and you will go wild over this huge selection of boutique brand girls swimwear. This halter style ties behind the neck as well as behind the back for a secure fit. Available in sizes 4-14.

2 The black tie and rocker buttons on this tee are all a bluff. Call it the safe way for kids to get their rock on. Go to shrnk to find this and other "stylin' hip rags for newborns & kids".

3 The cargo shorts at pippers are super comfortable. Great American style and roomy pockets for seashells, rocks, cars, etc. Most of all, we love the ten preppy patterns to choose from. Enter code: TOTS for 25% off the entire line -Final sale.

4 Neige delivers again. Gorgeous Liberty cotton fabric is layered over a soft voile petticoat with matching voile straps. Pulled all together with a drawstring neckline and a full back bow, your little girl is bound to be...oh, so pretty! Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your purchase. This can be combined with their fantastic Spring sale going on now! Exp. 5/31/09.

5 Boys ahead of the fashion curve love Knuckleheads. The cool teal color and red stitch detail as well as the pleated chest pockets make this shirt a great choice to gussy up for a special event or just appear dapper at the family barbecue.- Little Boy Chic. Enter code: tottrends for 10% off your total purchase. Exp. 7/1/09.

6 Dishwasher safe shoes, yes that's right! These OKAb Microplast® molded slip-on sandals cushions feet while remaining antimicrobial, waterproof and washable. Now for the fun part. They come equipped with an easy "change-out" ribbon. A total of 3 sets of ribbons are included with each pair of sandals. Available for both girls and Mom at littlebowpeeptails.com. Tip: Order up one size, they run a little small. Enter code: TOTTRENDS10 for 10% off your total purchase.

7 Angela Frost, available in boutiques and fine stores across the U.S., brings us a fabulous little black dress. With or without the Black Licorice Zippity Doo Da leggings, the dress is a sweet sensation. Available in sizes 2t thru 7/8.

This weeks mom tips:
Green Tip:
Reusables- Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
Mug-to-Go: Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages.

Financial Tip:
Get your financial life in order. If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) at work and your company offers a matching contribution, you must participate in the program and contribute enough to get the maximum match from your employer. There's no bigger priority than to get what is essentially free money from your employer.

Time Saving Tip:
Stock your produce drawer or a lower shelf in your refrigerator with snacks like carrot sticks and apple slices that your kids can grab without your help. Set up a similar area in your pantry with baggies full of dried fruit or graham crackers.

Organizing Tip:
Mail/School Papers. Put a basket by the door or counter for mail. Put a magnetic clip on the fridge labeled with each child's name for homework assignments and notes from school.

Creating a Children’s Garden
Childhood is a time of wonder and joy. Our children appreciate the new ideas we share with them through books and conversation and the mysteries of life that we attempt to teach them in our home and natural environments.

A garden is one of those mysteries of life that can be a great joy to children and parents alike.

Gardening provides so many good experiences for our kids. In addition to being able to witness and to have a hand in bringing forth new life, kids benefit from being involved in an outdoor activity that enhances our health and an appreciation for natural environments.

Here are some suggestions for key components of a child’s garden:
• There should be somewhere to play in and around the garden. Set up a sprinkler that will not only water the plants but provide fun for your child to run through.
• Kids love to hide things so a great child’s garden should have a garden ceramic or plants that encourage the hiding of objects or little giggling people.
• To assist kids in observing and caring for plants, create tiny walkways in between sections of the garden.
• Digging in the soil will always be among the top things children love about their garden. Purchase size and age appropriate tools for your kids and allow them to plant seeds in soil.

Set up a watering routine on large chart paper and use markers and dates to indicate when and how often the plants should be watered and fed plant food.

When the first sprouts poke through the ground, have your kids mark that on the chart paper. If you have a camera take a picture. Better yet if you have a digital camera you can take pictures and upload them to your computer. You can then insert the pictures into your child’s gardening document and then do all updates using the computer. Once done you’ll have a chart complete with pictures showing the plants’ actual progress. You may, however, prefer the hand drawn chart because it will contain the hand written markings of your children, which will likely be of greater sentimental value to you and your kids in the years to come.

Don’t forget to plant vegetables in addition to flowers and herbs. It might be best to use fast growing plants like nasturtium and vegetables like peas. Kids love to see the results of their hard effort fast!

When choosing which plants to include in your garden, remember that some plants are poisonous and not a good choice for a children's garden:
•Foxglove, Daphne, and laburnum

Another safety tip: Keep adult tools and garden pesticides away from your children and let them know that those items are not to be touched because they are not safe and require adult supervision.

Have fun with your children’s garden. It will be a source of great outdoor activity and memories for you and your kids for years to come. It will also provide an opportunity for educational learning and for adding some wonderful flowers and vegetables to the family garden.

v4 issue 39: Around the World

2009-05-10T14:46:00.004-04:00

This issue is packed with multicultural materials to teach your children about global community in a way that is both fun and educational.

Cover by Jen Jacobs

1 Anu comes from the land of India. Dressed in fashionable attire from her native land, she is just one of the dolls from the Culture Club Kids collection at Lollipop Rascals. Made of soft tricot with hair of yarn, Anu is appropriate for play with children of 3 and older. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

2 Exotic lands, treasured customs, and amazing landscapes in full length DVD adventures. The Little Travelers allow children to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Bali, Japan, or the British Isles through the eyes of a child. Enter code: lovesaving for 25% your purchase. WOW!

3 Dreamland is the fifth recording in the World Playground series of music from Putumayo. The beautiful lullabies and soothing songs of this collection come from the lands of Africa, North & South America, Asia, and Europe. A vast collection of culturally sweet sounds. - Mother Earth and Baby Enter code TTW for 10% off your purchases

4 Tag along with a little boy and his teddy bear as they travel to Italy in CIAO BAMBINO!, or to France in BONJOUR L'ENFANT! Both books introduce children to the places and languages of our world through the pages of a scrapbook. To receive an autographed copy of these books after you purchase email dannaleahy@yahoo.com.

5 Booda Brand's Garden Dream Tee is inspired by the children of India. The purchase of this long sleeve tee with Indian textile prints, comes with a Booda promise: the gift of a book to the Room to Read program. Cocotier Kids Enter code:TOTS for 15% off your purchases

6 Global Funds for Children and Little Citizens team up to create this fantastic cotton shirt. The image on the shirt comes from one of their contest winners. All sale proceeds go directly to this wonderful organization. $28 at teacollection.com.

7 Show off your national spirit with this belt that displays flags from countries around the world. Myself belts makes dressing and undressing easy for your child. Great for promoting independence and self-confident plus they look great! Enter code: TOT for 10% off your total purchase.

8 Galloping Minds leads the way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn the words of Spanish. Through images and music, accompanied by phrases written in both English and Spanish, all the basics are covered: colors, numbers, body parts, food, and much more. $5.00 of each DVD and Free Shipping: HERE

Exposing your child to all of the cultures in our world

A Few Ideas and Suggestions for Parents

When children are young they usually don't pay any attention to the color of a mother's child skin, or other features that may look different from them. As they get older however they will probably begin to notice that other children are very different from them. They will also begin to notice that many other kids do things differently than they do. So how do you teach your child about different races and different cultures?

When your child is young, about the age of four and five, you can sit down with them and begin showering them and explaining to them about the many different races and cultures around the world. You can purchase some books and videos that will help them to see people from various countries. (wonderful choices in our review section)

The goal is to broaden your child's mind and help them to learn that there are lots of people who are different from them, and that it is very important to respect everyone. Some children are isolated for most of their childhood and unfortunately are never exposed to people of various races and cultures. So when they are older and they begin to travel and meet others they may react in a negative way. Not because they are a bad person, but just because they don't understand. Some parents even choose to help their children learn another language. As your child gets older they may choose to take another language in school. They will usually begin introducing new languages in elementary school. However when your child reaches middle school they will be able to pick and choose for themselves which language they would like to focus on.

You should also take the time to introduce your child to new foods from various places around the world. Some people live in very small towns and just are not exposed to these types of things. However thanks to the internet, you can now find tons of recipes from all around the world. If you cannot find the ingredients for some of these recipes then you can always order them online.

How about sharing an International recipe with your family once a month?
Learn how to make "Roti Indian Flat Bread" by video as well as many other International recipes at this great website: Kids Cooking Activities.

Take a journey around the world to discover the similarities we share with our global community in this new release: Seven Hands, Seven Lands. "Where in the world are all the great teachers”? They are EVERYWHERE. Nominate your teacher to win a great gift set including this wonderful book.

Instead of waiting until your child begins asking about people of different races and cultures why not take the time and teach them while they are young. This will help to make sure that your child is a well rounded individual.

Showcase: Stylish Kids Rooms

Stylish Kids Rooms is a unique children’s boutique owned and managed by Laurel Beck Design, an interior decorating firm specializing in creating spaces for infants, children, and teens. Combining Laurel's expertise in art and design with Amy's experience in creating early childhood environments, Stylish Kids Rooms offers heirloom-quality furniture, luxury bedding, designer nursery and bedroom collections, and whimsical decor.

Fit for a princess, our Cinderella Carriage Crib is the centerpiece of a royal nursery. The hand-forged iron can be customized in color and finish to match your nursery. We also offer this gorgeous piece as a twin or full bed!

Wish you could buy a whole room? That’s our specialty. Our designers have created themed bedrooms and nurseries with matching bedding, decor, and furnishings. If we don’t already have a theme to fit your style, we’ll put together a room just for you…at no extra charge!

At Stylish Kids Rooms, we know parents are shopping for more than just furniture. That’s why we work with over 40 artists and designers from around the country to offer you a unique selection of artwork, rugs, toys, diaper bags, and baby gifts.

Finally, we donate 10% of all our profits to Remnant Restoration, a ministry of design for widows and orphans. Together with corporate sponsors and volunteers, our ministry provides free bedrooms, playrooms, and outdoor play spaces for recently-adopted children as well as new bedrooms, yards, and garage organization systems for widows. When you buy from Stylish Kids Rooms...you're helping us restore hope to others, one design at a time. You can get more information about our cause at www.remnantrestoration.org.

Visit us at www.StylishKidsRooms.com and receive 15% off your order when you spend $100 or more. Use Voucher Code TOTSWEEK at checkout.

v 2 issue 21: Around the World

2009-05-10T14:40:00.002-04:00

This issue is packed with multicultural materials to teach your children about global community in a way that is both fun and educational.

Cover by Timothi Jane Graham

1 Tag along with the Roberts family as they explore London. You will enjoying learning all about the history and culture of this storied city in Travel With Kids London. Enjoy their complete award winning family travel guide series packed with history, culture and excellent tips for traveling...move over Griswalds.

2 Show off your national spirit with this belt that displays flags from countries around the world. Myself belts makes dressing and undressing easy for your child. Great for promoting independence and self-confident plus they look great! Enter code: TOT for 10% off your total purchase.

3 Get down on the floor and have fun exploring the world through vibrant colored images of animals, agriculture, and many other features in this Award winning world floor puzzle at Lollipop Rascals. Twenty four jumbo pieces that make up 8" x 11" x 3 1/2" of educational fun! Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

4 Explore the concept of community in this wonderful book featuring "Words of Wisdom from Fred Rogers,”. Be My Neighbor explores the concept of neighborhood though stories and images of 37 countries.

5 Exotic lands, treasured customs, and amazing landscapes in full length DVD adventures. The Little Travelers allow children to experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Bali, Japan, or the British Isles through the eyes of a child. Enter code: lovesaving for 25% your purchase. WOW!

6 Anu comes from the land of India. Dressed in fashionable attire from her native land, she is just one of the dolls from the Culture Club Kids collection at Lollipop Rascals. Made of soft tricot with hair of yarn, Anu is appropriate for play with children of 3 and older. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchases

7 Tag along with a little boy and his teddy bear as they travel to Italy in CIAO BAMBINO!, or to France in BONJOUR L'ENFANT! Both books introduce children to the places and languages of our world through the pages of a scrapbook. To receive an autographed copy of these books after you purchase email dannaleahy@yahoo.com.

8 Follow the lives of a family with two children through the daily life activities of Puerto Rico. The fun starts at breakfast and doesn't stop until bedtime. With The Families of the World series children get to learn all about the community, schools, homes... of a selected region of the world.

Exposing your child to all of the cultures in our world

A Few Ideas and Suggestions for Parents

When children are young they usually don't pay any attention to the color of a mother's child skin, or other features that may look different from them. As they get older however they will probably begin to notice that other children are very different from them. They will also begin to notice that many other kids do things differently than they do. So how do you teach your child about different races and different cultures?

When your child is young, about the age of four and five, you can sit down with them and begin showering them and explaining to them about the many different races and cultures around the world. You can purchase some books and videos that will help them to see people from various countries. (wonderful choices in our review section)

The goal is to broaden your child's mind and help them to learn that there are lots of people who are different from them, and that it is very important to respect everyone. Some children are isolated for most of their childhood and unfortunately are never exposed to people of various races and cultures. So when they are older and they begin to travel and meet others they may react in a negative way. Not because they are a bad person, but just because they don't understand. Some parents even choose to help their children learn another language. As your child gets older they may choose to take another language in school. They will usually begin introducing new languages in elementary school. However when your child reaches middle school they will be able to pick and choose for themselves which language they would like to focus on.

You should also take the time to introduce your child to new foods from various places around the world. Some people live in very small towns and just are not exposed to these types of things. However thanks to the internet, you can now find tons of recipes from all around the world. If you cannot find the ingredients for some of these recipes then you can always order them online.

How about sharing an International recipe with your family once a month?
Learn how to make "Roti Indian Flat Bread" by video as well as many other International recipes at this great website: Kids Cooking Activities.

Take a journey around the world to discover the similarities we share with our global community in this new release: Seven Hands, Seven Lands. "Where in the world are all the great teachers”? They are EVERYWHERE. Nominate your teacher to win a great gift set including this wonderful book.

Instead of waiting until your child begins asking about people of different races and cultures why not take the time and teach them while they are young. This will help to make sure that your child is a well rounded individual.

Showcase: Stylish Kids Rooms

Stylish Kids Rooms is a unique children’s boutique owned and managed by Laurel Beck Design, an interior decorating firm specializing in creating spaces for infants, children, and teens. Combining Laurel's expertise in art and design with Amy's experience in creating early childhood environments, Stylish Kids Rooms offers heirloom-quality furniture, luxury bedding, designer nursery and bedroom collections, and whimsical decor.

Fit for a princess, our Cinderella Carriage Crib is the centerpiece of a royal nursery. The hand-forged iron can be customized in color and finish to match your nursery. We also offer this gorgeous piece as a twin or full bed!

Wish you could buy a whole room? That’s our specialty. Our designers have created themed bedrooms and nurseries with matching bedding, decor, and furnishings. If we don’t already have a theme to fit your style, we’ll put together a room just for you…at no extra charge!

At Stylish Kids Rooms, we know parents are shopping for more than just furniture. That’s why we work with over 40 artists and designers from around the country to offer you a unique selection of artwork, rugs, toys, diaper bags, and baby gifts.

Finally, we donate 10% of all our profits to Remnant Restoration, a ministry of design for widows and orphans. Together with corporate sponsors and volunteers, our ministry provides free bedrooms, playrooms, and outdoor play spaces for recently-adopted children as well as new bedrooms, yards, and garage organization systems for widows. When you buy from Stylish Kids Rooms...you're helping us restore hope to others, one design at a time. You can get more information about our cause at www.remnantrestoration.org.

Visit us at www.StylishKidsRooms.com and receive 15% off your order when you spend $100 or more. Use Voucher Code TOTSWEEK at checkout.

v 2 issue 20: Mother's Day Gift Guide

2009-05-03T17:45:00.005-04:00

In this issue we share some great gift ideas for Moms. Treat yourself and that special Mom in your life.

Cover by Amy Hall

1 Move over plastic... This bag is full of style, design and completely functional. Green Girl’s fully reversible totes are so pretty you will want to carry them with you everywhere. Check out their tiny totes for your little shopper. Saving the Earth has never looked so good.

2 Organic style has come a long way in this simply sheik Cindia Dress found at Mama Om. Both super comfortable and fabulously hip, the dress comes in shades of kiwi, tan, and mora. Treat your little girls to a matching Cindilina dress. Enter code: TotsTrends for 20% off your total purchase.

3 A charming little feet necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs is just over 1/2" in diameter and can be personalized with a name or message of choice. Each custom made pendant comes with a sterling silver chain. A truly fabulous gift. Enter code: tellafriend for 10% off your purchase.

4 Quality meets luxury with this fabulously soft oversized throw for Mom. Totally reversible and generously sized at 65"x65". Natalie Nicole's will customize to your liking for FREE. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your purchase, WOW!

5 Mother's name bracelet features all genuine black freshwater pearls, Clear Swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.This beautiful name bracelet will be a treasured gift for any mother, grandmother or special person in your life. Totally customize this beauty at Belle Pearl Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase.

6 Show your love! An oh-so-comfy burnout tee is decked out in messages that rock. The glitter and glam of this my kids rock tee is a specialty of paper lilli. Enter code: Friend for 20% off your total purchase.

7 The natural beauty of geodes is captured and crafted into fine jewelry by Kimberly MacDonald. Sold exclusively at plainmary.com, the Baby Geode Collection is made in New York and is quickly becoming a must have with style icons. Enter code tots15 for 15% off your total purchase.

8 Now you can work your abs from the inside and the outside with bootcamp for tummies by Mama Mio skincare. This kit comes complete with Julie Tupler's ab-overhaul exercise techniques as well as a 2 step skincare program to tighten and shape your tummies. Register for a $10 gift certificate.

9 EM Tanner Designs carries this yummy personalized messenger bag in deep chocolate. Big enough to store all your necessary doo-dads with a little extra room to spare. The adjustable strap guarantees a perfect fit. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off your total purchase.

10 Stuff all of your market goodies into one fabulous bag! The vino zinnia market tote has extra stitching and a rigid insert to give it a little extra oomph for weighty toting.- printpatternpaper.com Enter code TOTS09 for 15% off your total purchase.

11 The longer body length of this sheer, long sleeved tee keeps Mom looking lean-despite the size of her team. Let the world know Mom's still lookin' good in this V-neck tee from demi bella.

12 Don't hide your love behind a locket door. Penelope Poet carries a gorgeous picture frame locket made of sterling silver. The heart shaped frame is a spectacular border for a black and white pint-sized print...so show your love! Enter code: TTWPP10 for 10% off this heart locket plus free standard shipping. Exp. 5/9/09

Happy Mother's Day

Sharing Mom sentiments of love sent in from some of our talented photographers. Click on images to view their online portfolio.

Natural Beauty Ingredients That Work Wonders

We have been programmed from birth it seems by TV commercials and magazine advertisements to think that beauty comes in a bottle. We become convinced that beauty products can only come from laboratories and people with doctor’s initials behind their name. The truth though is that nature has provided us with many beauty ingredients that are safe and effective. Many of them can be found in our pantry because we already buy them on a regular basis, for other things. You don’t need any special training to make your own skincare and beauty products at home using pure and natural ingredients.

Here are a few of the ingredients you may need:

Honey – Not only is it a tasty and healthy sweetener, it is good for your skin. Honey is great for skin rashes and dry spots. It is especially yummy to use in lip balms for dry and chapped lips. Honey can even be use on wounds because of its natural anti-bacterial qualities so it can aid in healing your skin as well. It makes a great healing, facial mask that you can apply as is or add to a homemade cream.

Baking Soda – This versatile ingredient can be used to make ant-bacterial facial scrubs. It is safe and mildly abrasive making it a good clean cleanser for all skin types including acne prone skin. Baking soda is also great for brushing your teeth.

Ginger – This flavorful staple of Chinese cuisine has analgesic and anti-bacterial properties. It promotes good circulation and is a good ingredient in creams and shampoos. It also smells heavenly.

Lavender - This herb is wonderfully soothing to inflamed and acne prone skin because it is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is commonly diluted in rose water or witch hazel to make an astringent for the face. It also repels bug and soothes insect bites and even helps you get to sleep.

Milk – This ingredient is commonly used in baths to soothe and exfoliate. The lactic acid in milk helps to slough off dead skin cells so that new ones can emerge. Milk can also be used to make facial masks as well.

Carrots - Carrots are very high in vitamin A and are a source of vitamin C, folacin (folic acid) and potassium. Just cook them lightly and blend with a bit of honey to make a great facial mask.

Oats- They are more than just breakfast food. Oats can be very soothing and anti-inflammatory and make great additions to a baths perhaps after a bad sunburn.

Beets – Beetroots contain powerful anti-oxidants and they have a red pigment that makes them a great ingredient for making liquid blushes and lip color. You can’t get make-up more natural than that!

Green Tea – This powerful tea has long been held in high esteem for its healing properties. It has a soothing and calming affect on skin and is a wonderful ingredient for sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners. It is especially helpful for rosacea and acne.

As you can see, nature has already provided a wondrous array of natural beauty products.

v 2 issue 19: Best of Etsy - Spring

2009-04-19T19:18:00.004-04:00

This week we bring you some of our favorite Etsy shops. Etsy is community of independent artists and designers featuring original handmade items. PLUS: Contaminants in Bath Products, take a stand!

Cover by Shalla Melton

1 Two to four layers of frilly, pretty fun. Pettiskirts from Rachel on the Flower are a staple to any fashionistas wardrobe. With so many colors to choose from, who wouldn't want a whole collection?

2 We love these adorable calling cards for play dates. 48 of these brilliant business-like cards come packed inside the sweetest decorative tin. What a wonderful idea to keep things organized and quick in the chaotic world of motherhood.- Candice Katie's Art.

3 Get ready for summer. Vibrant colors, bold patterns, and a touch of feminine will make these dresses at Zozo Bug Baby a summer favorite. Available for girls of 6 months to 10 years. Enter code: TotTrends at checkout for FREE SHIPPING.

4 Looking for a hip fashionable bag? Visit Bags by April. Each bag is handmade by April, a 20 year veteran seamstress. This kaleidoscope carnival Daisy bag measures 11" wide x 11" tall. Roomy enough to carry everything all your need.Enter code: KTW20 at checkout for 20% total purchase

5 Whimsy Couture is the place to find fun vintage inspired clothing for your little girl. You will adore this sweet and we do mean sweet cupcake twirl skirt. Pair it with this brown peasant top and hair accessories for just the right outfit for a special occasion. Size 6m-8yrs.Enter code: TTW at checkout for 10% off, exc. shipping

6 A 27" x 39" piece of art which is both functional and graphically funtabulous! Definitely tons of bang for your buck with this masterpiece. Teach the alphabet, learn to spell a name, point out colors... Look, learn, & play the artful way.-Penny People Designs.

7 Maylee's Garden Handmade Vegan Soaps: pure, non-toxic, and made with essential oils. A variety of products are available ranging from laundry soaps to body butters. The quality is naturally luscious with fragrances that soothe the senses. Enter code: tot trends at checkout for FREE SHIPPING

8 Suit your little dudes up with these neckties at Dainty Couture. The neck has a stretchy adjustable strap with a snap closure to accommodate any neck size. Made of beautiful polyester fabric featuring gold, turquoise and chocolate stripes.Enter code: TOT409 at checkout for 10% off. Exp 4/30/09.

Contaminants in Bath Products

Children’s Bath Products Tainted with Cancer-Causing Chemicals.

Lack of Regulatory Oversight Allows Toxic Products in Marketplace

In March 2009, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a national report called Toxic Tub, which revealed that despite claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products contain unregulated cancer-causing chemicals. The report found formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, both carcinogens, in several popular baby products including Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Sesame Street Bubble Bath, and Huggies Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea baby wash.

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known to cause cancer in animals, and are listed as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children.

Most Americans believe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates cosmetics, but unfortunately, the FDA has almost no authority over the 50 billion dollar industry. In the U.S., these companies operate through “self-regulation,” and can use nearly any ingredient in personal care products sold here, with no required safety assessment.

Other nations, however, have stricter standards. Formaldehyde is banned from personal care products in Japan and Sweden. The European Union bans 1,4-dioxane from these products and has recalled any found to contain the chemical.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition founded by Clean Water Action and other organizations, has been working to move the cosmetics industry away from toxic chemicals in products like lotion, deodorant, bubble bath, fragrance and lipstick, as well as working to pass legislation that would empower the FDA to regulate these everyday products. While they have made major strides, there is no shortage of work ahead.

What You Can Do To Limit Your Exposure and Make Change

• Avoid using products that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, including ingredients sodium myreth sulfate, PEG compounds and chemicals with "xynol," "ceteareth" and "oleth" in name. Similarly, avoid products that contain formaldehye-releasing preservatives, including quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
• Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.
• Choose safely: Search Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives.
• Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe products.

Visit Clean Water Action’s Campaign for Healthy, Safer Families and Communities for more information.

Sarah Holzgraf
Clean Water Action
(603) 622-8151
sholzgraf@cleanwater.org

Showcase- Em Tanner Designs

It began with a simple present-a "big bro" t-shirt....then burst at the seams with ideas! creativity continually rolls off the press at EMTanner Designs.

Em, a crazy mommy of 4, has managed to turn her passion into a company w/staff and a warehouse and she honestly hasn't a clue how it all happened! It is all pretty much a blur up to this point.

We offer surprisingly unique gifts that will please even the most selective shopper! How much fun are matching sibling tees on vacation? Pick up one of the original funky aluminum lunchboxes for your savvy school kiddos!

Clever dry erase family planners any mom is sure to love...or the quirky melamine plate collection to color code everyone at dinner time!

It's now going on four years and we just recently got a "facelift"! Swing by and check out our great new site and we are adding new products daily! The possibilities are endless with us!

Enter code: TOTTRENDS to receive 20% off your entire purchase.

v 2 issue 18: Raising Readers

2009-04-05T18:03:00.006-04:00

This week we encourage parents to promote the pleasure and enjoyment of reading. Turn off the TV, put away the video game and step into the world of imagination through a book. We are thrilled to bring you some fantastic tools for promoting literacy.

Cover by Toni Elmer

1 "Lawrence the Laughing Cookie Jar" is Mr. & Mrs. Bigelow's sidekick who helps out when the children overindulge in cookie madness. However, the children foster their creativity by finding new ways to out swindle Lawrence...making a great story in the process.-mpcpress.com

2 A fabulous idea to handle all of the overflowing masterpieces of childhood. Condense the artwork, and the wonderful thoughts that go with them, into a personalized book complete with professional typeset and a hardcover binding. So great, you'll want to make one for every year!-iseeme.com Enter code: FSR615 for $5 off on orders that are over $40!

3 BOB Books are created by a husband and wife team, Bobby Lynn Maslen and John R. Maslen. John an award winning watercolor painter and Bobby Lynn a teacher bring together a step-by-step, book-by-book program to guide your child gently through the early stages of reading. Each level addresses a stage in a child's reading using the same words again and again throughout the story.

4 In “How to make your child a reader for life” Paul Kropp urges parents to read to their children from the time they are babies and never stop reading to them. He guides parents through specific reading challenges including bored readers, reluctant readers, gifted readers, and reading slumps. Also includes an extensive recommended reading list.

5 "I Love Chocolate", the delectable tale by Davide Cali, entices readers to use their senses in exploring the fabulous world of chocolate. 32 pages of chocolaty fun-which we're sure most of you can relate to!- tundrabooks.com

6 Life can get so busy that sometimes we forget to share the classic stories that we were brought up on with our children. Now we can relive them again and share them with our kids with PlainTales. These CD’s bring out the adventurer in your children with classic stories that are full of excitement and mystery. Recommended for ages 4-10 but we can assure you they are just as interesting for parents.

7 Readeez provides super clear audio pronunciation with large legible fonts to keep kids in sync with the words of the story. Perky tunes & lovable characters will have children watching again...and again...and again... There's no way they won't learn and have fun.

Build A Solid Foundation For Literacy
It was 1960s Winston-Salem, North Carolina and my life was more boring than uncured ham. Growing up in the desegregating South, I felt the comforts of community, the sting of racism, and the desire to explore beyond my southern home. As educators, my parents exposed me to the library early in life where I spent most of my Saturdays. I remember the librarian who was the stereotypical bespectacled librarian taking me by the hand and leading the Saturday morning children crew through what seemed like the magical maze of the children’s section. She invited us to find a book that called our name, and after half an hour of hungrily roaming the aisles, she would call us back together and read our selections to us. We sat on the floor enthralled with the latest stories that stimulated our imaginations. This library experience built my listening skills, increased my attention span, expanded my thinking, and promoted discipline in a public setting. Most importantly, it established a love of reading at an early age that has stayed with me to this day.

Fast forward to 1987 Washington, DC, the year I gave birth to my only daughter. Rocking her in my arms, I wanted to spark her with the love of reading the librarian had lit for me. A news devourer, I began reading the Washington Post to my daughter when she was a baby. I started with the Style section, followed by the Metro, and then the World News and from the table carrier, to the high seat, to her own chair at the table; my daughter listened to me read the Post on a daily basis. When heading off to playgroups, trust me, my daughter was probably the most up-to-date news expert there.

My husband’s approach to reading to my daughter was softer. After taking her nightly bath, she would put on her cozy pajamas and settle in her bed, anticipating her nightly cup of water and a bedtime story from her father. It was their reading ritual. During her toddler and pre-school years, they chose the books together. When she got older, she chose the books that she wanted him to read to her. Each night my daughter clung to his every word as he read her favorite children’s books to her.

By reading to our daughter in her early years, we laid the foundation for raising a reader. Though our styles of reading to her were different, reading was a simple and enjoyable way for us to bond with our daughter and demonstrate her importance to us by establishing a one-on-one communication line.

Today, my daughter is an avid reader. Her early love of reading was instilled in her as an infant. In May, my daughter is graduating from college with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication and Media Studies and a minor in Middle East Studies. In the fall she will be pursuing a Master’s in International Journalism from City University London. Her goal is to become an international correspondent. While I have no scientific data, I am convinced her reading experience with us helped her master her language development. It also developed her ability to express herself more confidently verbally and in the written word. By reading to her on a regular basis and then encouraging independent reading in her later years, we gave her a solid foundation for literacy.

Reading to children is critical in a child’s development. Reading books to little ones at an early age is essential and reading children’s stories aloud is one of the most important activities we can do for and with our children.

Written by Author Karen D. Cuthrell ©2009 Author of Meet the Feeling Friends

Meet the feeling friends

Emotions tell us how we feel about different situations. Children feel all types of emotions and don’t always understand them. They may not know what to do with them when they feel them. Author Karen Cuthrell (a.k.a. KK) pre-to-beginner reader book series empowers children to identify and express the feelings that hide inside them waiting to be recognized and understood.

KK co-created the Feeling Friends 15 years ago as a response to her young daughter’s challenges with expressing her feelings openly and honestly. What began as an interactive puppet show for preschoolers in the Metro DC area soon developed into a 13 book series and audio CD. KK and the Feeling Friends™ provides kids with the tools they’ll need to survive the big, wide world of unidentified and unexpressed feelings.

Join KK and her friends on Feeling Free Island as she introduces you to her bakers' dozen of delightful friends. These characters bring out an array of primary feelings; love, joy, worry, anger, sadness, happiness, loneliness, grumpiness, shyness, panic, caution and confidence!

Meet just a few of the feeling friends:

LOTTA THE LOVAROO
Lotta the LovaRoo is the matriarch of the Feelings Friends. She’s loving, patient, encouraging, and honest. She allows the children and Feeling Friends the space to learn from her wisdom and use his/her own reasoning to learn how to identify, express, and deal with his/her own feelings.

WORRY THE FEAR WORM
Worry represents fear. Worry is constantly scared something terrible is going to happen. He can never see the bright side of the story on his own.

JOEY THE JOY BIRD
Joey represents joy. He is a parrot with brilliant colors and a joyous, loud voice.

FLUTTER THE SHY BUTTERFLY
Flutter represents shyness. She wears glasses and braces and often just flutters away if people get too close.

GRISWALD THE GRUMPY GRIZZLY
Griswald represents grumpiness. He loves to sleep and takes as many naps as he can in his cave deep in the forest.

Meet the Feeling Friends is the first of thirteen books in the Feeling Friends series. Journey to Feeling Free Island and join KK as she introduces each of the 12 Feeling Friends. Each friend reveals his or her identity through engaging rhymes and colorful illustrations. The remaining 12 books in the series, and a compilation audio CD of the character songs will be available in April 2009.

Cuthrell will be presenting her concept at the National Head Start Association at its 36th Annual National Training Conference in Orlando, Florida April 27-May 2, 2009. Come out and show your support!

v 2 issue 17: Media Mania

2009-03-22T16:18:00.002-04:00

This week we have selected some DVD programs and movies that are fun and educational.
PLUS: An interview with the founder and president of Little Airplane Productions.

Cover by Kim Weiss

1 Shaun the Sheep is a TTW & KTW favorite due to its humorous antics. Watch these crazy animals scheme to make their own hot tub with ‘Back in the BA-A-Ath’. $11 at amazon.com.

2 If you missed Marley and Me at the theaters, don't miss out on this loving and laughable movie any longer. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, this movie will have you in hysterical laughter as these two take on Marley...an adorable Labrador pup who flunks obedience school and quickly turns his new home into a disaster area. Pre-order your copy today at amazon.com

3 Get fun-ergized with Trevor Romain and his series of self-help books and DVD series which use humorous adventures to teach real life lessons for kids. ‘If You Don’t Take Care of Your Body Where Else Are You Going to Live?’ will get your kids moving and thinking about junk food in a whole new way. Look to the Trevor Romain series to assist your child with tough situations and life’s road blocks such as bullies, cliques at school, divorce, and death.

4 Head out on a Critter Quest and explore the creatures in your own back yard. The Smithsonian Channel’s Critter Quest takes you on a backyard safari to discover the critters right outside your door. Your child will learn fun facts about all the creatures in your yard and show you what their day to day existence is like.

5 For your inquisitive child that loves to know how things work and how things are built the DVD series How’d They Build That by Marvelous Machines is a great gift. Just $9 for each DVD (and free shipping!) Your child can learn how they build fire trucks, garbage trucks, concrete trucks and school buses.

6 Head out on a wild adventure with Animalia: Welcome to the Kingdom, based on the children’s alphabet books by Graeme Base. Your 6-9 year old will love the action, the animals ability to talk and the graphics are amazing in this movie, just as they were in the book.

7 Introduce children to the land, language, and culture of China. Walker and his friend Ping Ping lead you through the landscapes of China to explore a Chinese market and the Great Wall. Educational and fun!

8 Come along with Billy Blue Hair and his trusty dog Doogie as they fetch some fascinating facts on animals in "Why Do Giraffes Have Long Necks?" The excursion leads children on a global quest where they gather interesting facts on animals of all sorts. Grrreat!

This weeks mom tips:
Green Tip: Wash clothes in cold water…Using cold water saves a significant amount of energy. Clothes last longer and colors stay brighter. Line drying clothes saves even more energy.

Cleaning Tip: Found magic marker on the couch? Try Hair spray to remove magic marker from surfaces.

Organizing Tip: This sounds very simple, but not many moms hang up their keys…lost time by searching for keys (not to mention the frustration!) could be spent playing with your kids or organizing the junk drawer. Find a stylish hook to hang near the door and save the last minute frantic run around.

Time Saving Tip: Plan your meals in advance! By planning your meals for the week you will save time and money at the grocery store. Not to mention the stress of coming up with a meal on the spot. Also save time by avoiding the grocery store during peak shopping times (11a-1p and 5-7p). You may want to even consider grocery delivery, it’s not as expensive as you think when you consider gas expense.

Interview with founder and president of Little Airplane Productions

We recently interviewed Josh Selig the founder and president of Little Airplane Productions. Josh is a writer, producer, and filmmaker. We were thrilled to talk to Josh about one of our favorite shows that he writes and produces, “The Wonder Pets!” and the release of the newest adventure, “Wonder Pets Join the Circus !”. The Wonder Pets follows the adventures of three classroom pets that travel around the globe rescuing animals in need of help.

TTW: How did you come up with the idea of “The Wonder Pets!”?

JS: I always wanted to make a show about superheroes who had no actual superpowers. The only power that Linny, Tuck and Ming-Ming have is teamwork, but when they use it they can do extraordinary things!

TTW: Where does the inspiration for the adventures come from?

JS: We are always thinking about new animals that the Wonder Pets can save. I was just reading in National Geographic about a type of goat in Africa that can climb trees to get to a particular kind of tasty fruit. Now I want the Wonder Pets to save one of those goats!

TTW: Has “The Wonder Pets!” gone through any major changes from the very first episode in 1999?

JS: Actually, my company, Little Airplane Productions, began in 1999, but “The Wonder Pets!” has only been around since 2003. Our biggest change is that at first we made some short episodes that only starred Linny the Guinea Pig. About a year later we added Tuck and Ming-Ming. And then a few years later, we added Ollie as one of their friends!

TTW: My all time favorite adventure is “The Wonder Pets! Save the Puppy!” Do you have a favorite adventure?

JS: For me, the greatest adventure is the actual making of the different episodes. We learn so much on each show and we always meet new actors, new composers and new artists. Making the show is easily as exciting as the show itself!

TTW: What is the process for “The Wonder Pets!” animation?

JS: It’s an original process that we call “Photo-Puppetry Animation.” It was created at Little Airplane by our brilliant Creative Director, Jennifer Oxley. It involves taking real photographs and turning them into paper doll-like digital puppets that can be manipulated in the computer.

TTW: What is the typical amount of time you/your team put into creating a new episode?

JS: It takes about 9 months to make one episode of “The Wonder Pets!” We start out with writing and we finish with animation and there are lots of steps in between. Each step is very important and my team at Little Airplane Productions works very hard to make sure we get each part just right. By the time an episode is finished we have probably seen it about 30 times in various stages of its development.

TTW: How did you come across this fresh yet original concept for “The Wonder Pets! Join the Circus!”

JS: I used to be a juggler, unicyclist and fire-eater so I’ve always been fascinated by the circus. I also wanted to write an episode in which the Wonder Pets split up for awhile. At the circus, they each get to perform their very own circus acts. They have a great time but, in the end, they miss each other and they also miss teamwork!

For more information about his company and their projects, visit www.littleairplane.com

v 2 issue 16: Out of this World

2009-03-08T19:32:00.003-04:00

This week we took on the mission to find cosmic style and fun for your space enthusiast. Plus: Our favorite new music for kids.

Cover by Jodie Goodison

1 When the mission is a good night's sleep, venture on over to Barn Dandy's. They've got a sleeping bag that is out of this world. Comfy & cozy with a vintage moonwalk feel.

2 While you are at Barn Dandys, you can also pick up a dandy dish set. The space set comes with a plate, bowl, cup, fork and spoon. Everything you need for a spacetacular eating adventure.

3 The Space Boy Gift Set includes a copy of the wonderful picture book "Space Boy" by Leo Landry and a solar puzzle. The puzzle is a whopping 2' x 3' with 24 pieces in all, and the book is a sweet story about Nicholas and his quest for some peace and quiet...which leads him to the moon!- At lollipoprascals.com. Enter code: TTW20 for 20% off your entire purchase

4 Your little space enthusiast will adore this rocket ship tee at Hiho Batik. Each piece is individually waxed and dyed to create an original piece of art. Need something extra special for an upcoming event? Hiho Batik will produce something that is truly unique just for you.

5 We love how easy Wallcandy Arts makes decorating a room! This Rock It set includes everything your child needs to soar into the outer galactic atmosphere, well with a little imagination anyway. With a ChalkBoard rocket the is 4.5' tall, stars and comments, this set is sure to spark their imagination. Use code: SPRINGCLEANING for 10% at checkout. Hurry expires soon!

6 Yoozzoo plush toys are made in New Zealand and filled with virgin wool. Great quality and cuteness comes with each of the four characters, just take a peek @ Booh all snazzed up in her plush crimson suit with one gloriously huge third eye!-Raspberrykids.com Enter code: tottrends15 for 15% off your purchase plus the exchange from US to CAD currency WOW! Great deal.

7 Spice up a room with the intergalactic duvet/bedding set from Pinky Scout. Each set comes with your choice of a twin or full/queen duvet cover and a single coordinating sham. Cosmic style any child would love! Free shipping on orders over $100 plus Enter TTWPS for $15% off your order!

This weeks mom tips

Quick tips for Spring cleaning-

Spring is in the air and it's time to clean all those hidden and neglected spots that are coming alive with the sunshine.

Divide and conquer- As with any daunting task, housecleaning is easier if you break it into smaller parts.

Start with an entrance and that closet. Take all the boots out and wash them and then put them in a storage area. Have your winter coats cleaned and sore away with all the accessories like hats, scarves and mittens. Now that the closet is empty wash it thoroughly, add a spring freshener and then your spring apparel.

Next, clean the entry way by washing the walls, floors, mats and windows and window dressings. All the places that don't get included with normal cleaning.

After that, work on the next adjacent room. It might be the same day or it might be the next day, but as you go along you can look back and see all that you have accomplished. The bathroom and kitchen should be done last because they get dirtier than any other part of the house.

You will feel great! Each place you've been is totally cleaned and showered with the welcoming incense of spring.

Set your big goal to clean it all, but break it down into smaller goals so that you accomplish it one step at a time. Once you see you are achieving this task by completing one area at a time one small goal at a time - you want to keep going and do it all.

If you can't clean, straighten up. If you're short on time, getting rid of clutter can make a room feel a lot cleaner. Make it a habit to tidy things up every day or two and there will be less to do when you do haul out the vacuum cleaner and dust cloth.

Out of this world- Spectacular Music

Some of our favorite new music for kids that parents will enjoy as well.

Your kids will love this funky music with a Jewish twist. Mama Doni "I Love Herring" is a little reggae, folk, country, klezmer and “Jewgrass” all woven together with Yiddish terms and a Jewish sensibility. This progressive music brings an unexpected and playful twist to Jewish culture, humor, and traditions.

Come On, Get Happy (The Best of Daddy A Go Go, Volume 1) by John Boydston.
This album is packed with many favorites from all six previous Daddy A Go Go CDs. From the makeover of the Partridge Family theme song to Scooby Doo, Where Are You? John Boydston has a way of bringing out the rock and roll in your child and you too! So strap on some comfy shoes and get ready to 'cut a rug' with your youngster.

Grammy nominated, Family recording artist Brady Rymer has a new CD out, "Here Comes Brady Rymer & the Little Band That Could". Your kids will adore the fun lyrics and pop rock beat of this band. This is a great CD for a road trip or a backyard barbecue, well just plain anywhere.

Want an effortless way to introduce Spanish to your children? The Spanglish Wrangler - "Spanglish Sing-Along!" is a music cd of bilingual songs for the whole family. Will Thomas, the Spanglish Wrangler says "Songs are a more effective way to learn a language because kids like to listen to them repeatedly, and they like mastering them". We think he has an excellent point.

In Gustafer Yellowgold’s Mellow Fever, Gustafer has come to Earth in his Sunpod and landed in Minnesota where he is living out his dream of a cooler existence, making new and interesting friends along the way. This is the 3rd in a series by award-winning song writer Morgan Taylor. Morgan's songs are fabulous fun for kids of all ages. We love the feel good melody. Feel yourself drift away in the "Butter Pond Lake".

Bobs & Lolo is music with a message! They can now be seen on the national TV network - Treehouse TV. Choose from their newest CD "Action Packed" using kid friendly analogies like trains, superheroes and more, "Sea Notes", "Musical Adventures", or "On Your Feet" DVD which has fun songs about bugs, exercise and more. Check out these girls adorable matching outfits!

v 2 issue 15: Get Accessorized

2009-02-22T16:23:00.004-05:00

Dress up your every day gear and clothing with these products that add a little extra. We review accessories for your children in this week's issue.

Cover by Adrienne Rider

1 Gorgeous knitted hats, adorned with a blooming flower and a long, color coordinating ribbon, can be transformed into a purse for 2-in-1 function. Versatile and chic accessorizing from Lollitops!

2 Creating a bouquet of accessories is a cinch with customclippies.com. With an endless assortment of flower hair clips made of organza, silk, and everything in between...the selection can't be beat. Enter code: Trendsweekrdr15 for 15% off your total purchase. Exp: 4/30/09

3 Repurposed 4 You creates the cutest bags for young girls featuring pages right out of recycled children’s books. These pages are then stitched to vinyl to keep the pages looking fresh and fun. Every purse is one of a kind. Extremely durable and roomy at Approx. 11 inches x 12 inches. Available at Celerystreet.com Enter code: GREENKIDS15 for 15% off your total purchase. Exp. 3/31/09

4 We are certain your youngsters will love Kidzsack back sack as much as we do. It is eco conscious, made of recycled fabric in the USA. The sack is screenprinted for coloring and comes with 8 washable, non-toxic markers. When your child wants to change the colors, just wash your Kidzsack and start again. What an artistic way to accessorize an outfit! Enter: Kids Trends for 5% off wholesale orders of 36 pcs. and more

5 Spice up her hair with fun ponytail holders at Bugalug. These patterns will coordinate with just about any outfits at only $3.50 each. So grab a bunch and mix and match. An easy way to tie back her hair and look put together. Enter code: TREND10 to save 10% off total purchase. Exp: 3/31/09

6 The perfect accessory for your young lady is this affordable freshwater drop pearl necklace from PearlParadise. Approx.10 mm Drop-Shape Freshwater Pearl sits on a Leather strand in raspberry or turquoise with sterling, 14k white or 14k yellow gold accent. Each Pearl Necklace comes in an elegant gift box with care instructions. Every day can be a special day for pearls at only $35 each.

7 According to Cambodian folklore, the delicate sounds of this jingle bell ankle bracelet ward off unwanted spirits. Pass along an ancient tradition with the sounds of dainty bells and the beauty of sterling silver. Available at baby emi. Enter code: TTW15 for 15% off your total purchase

This weeks Mom tip:
Vinegar - an earth friendly alternative to many chemicals

The active component of vinegar that makes it so useful is acetic acid; which is a byproduct of a bacteria called acetobacter. White vinegar is incredibly cheap, particularly when bought in bulk (under a dollar per litre or quart) and has a long shelf life.

• Some commercial air fresheners use chemicals that can be harmful to a baby's development. Instead, lightly spritz the place with vinegar.
• Vinegar will clean out deposits clogging a steam iron or coffeemaker.
• A cup of vinegar will clean a washing machine. Run it through a regular cycle - but not with clothes.
• If using vinegar as a cleaning agent, pick the white variety. Brown will stain porous surfaces.
• To create a tub-scum cleaner, mix baking soda and a "green" liquid soap to a honey-thick consistency. Apply it with a little elbow grease and perhaps a splash of white vinegar.
• Use full strength vinegar to polish chrome and stainless steel.
• Vinegar can also be used as a glass cleaner either mixed with water or used neat in a spray bottle.
• Vinegar can be used as a fabric softener by adding half the amount of vinegar as you would of your usual softening agent.
• Use it as a broad leaf weed killer - spray it neat onto the leaves of weeds, being careful to avoid plants you wish to keep. A mix of vinegar and salt can be used to keep weeks and grass out of driveway cement joins.
• Old, stiff paintbrushes can be revived by dipping them into heated white vinegar for a couple of hours, followed by a rinse in soapy water. Beats using turpentine!
• For a DIY dusting formula, add a few drops of olive oil to 1/4 cup vinegar. Dampen your dust cloth with the solution.

Get Kids Involved in Food Preparation
Storybooks with cooking involved are a good place to start building an interest in helping in the kitchen for younger kids. My son became very interested in food prep after watching the Disney movie ratatouille.

Ask questions and talk about what will happen when you do certain things, like chop something up, or put something in the oven ... this gets their interest even if they aren't doing the action themselves yet.

The simplest tasks can get even a toddler involved in food prep, stirring the macaroni, pouring the milk, etc.

Clean up is a time when everyone can help as well.

Gathering of ingredients is an important step and one that most kids can handle, "please bring me 3 carrots, and 2 sticks of celery" and a good beginning to helping out in the kitchen area.

Teach them to make something that they can make with little help from you, a scrambled egg, a grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of soup, a fruit salad, etc.

Look for kids sized kitchen gear and alternate tools for little fingers, for example kids could use a rolling pizza cutter to cut up veggies instead of a big sharp knife.

Get kids their own cookbook and let them choose a recipe, there are a variety of kids geared cookbooks on the market today to choose from.

Let them experiment with different foods, textures, ingredients, combinations, sauces, dips etc.... even if you think something sounds gross and they want to try combining it let them try a small amount, it's the best way to learn about foods.

Don't take over, as adults and parents we tend to want to do things for them when we see a little bit of a struggle or when we think they might not succeed, try to take a different approach, stand back and be observant but don't help unless they ask you too or if it's with something sharp or extremely hot.

v 2 issue 14: Retro Revival

2009-02-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks issue is packed with retro style that is urban and hip! We think these products emphasize the beauty of yesterday's styles.

Cover by Dave Feiling

1 Craftsbury Kids Retro Rocket Cape will have your child flying away into fantasy in no time. With the one-size-fits-all snap closure, he or she can transform into super-status without any help. Each satin cape is lined with velvet chamois (made from recycled plastic bottles) and adorned with a retro-cool hand sewn wool felt appliqué. Superhero sized to fit up to a 10 year old.

2 Your little girl can really feel punk in this retro style blouse. The Wati Ellie Tiered top has orange and red dots and is accented with a tie at the neck. -$33 at juvieshop.com

3 Want to add just a little retro flair? These retro Headbands at Cutie and Patootie are the perfect accessory. Wear them year-round, easily matches any outfit.
Enter code: retro for 15% on your total purchase

4 A vibrant flower print covers the panels of this funky flower play clothes cover. Quickly slips over heads and stays securely in place with ties on both sides. Keep them clean & swanky! My Retro Baby
Enter code: shopretro2 for 20% off orders over $100. Exp: 3/15/09

5 Reptillia stomps onto the scene of wildly good crib rock tees. Straight from Japan, this giant lizard is just one of the new tees from the LEGENDS line...the new monster rockin' collection from Crib Rock.

6 These slim cropped trousers at Boden are so fly. We love the heavy weight, good quality cotton and vibrant color. The bright colored buttons really add a wonderful touch to the back pockets. You will want these for your hipster in every color. Available up to size 14.

This weeks Mom tips:
Dried Fruit and Health Advantages

Part of the food pyramid says that we need to eat fruit on a daily basis. Much of our vitamin C comes from fruits and fruit juices. Dried varieties of fruits are both good and marginal for our bodies.

Certain fruits can be dried for prolonged storage. We buy fresh fruits from the grocery store and the farmer’s market as a part of a healthy diet. But, fresh doesn’t stay fresh for as long as we like. One way to save that fruit is to dry it.

The drying process can be as easy for you as sticking some fruit directly on the oven rack and letting it shrivel up. A piece of fruit is mostly water. The drying process concentrates the natural sugars and can feed our sweet tooth better than candy and other sweet foods. Also the vitamins and nutrients contained in the fruit are still present. Depending on the fruit, it contains folate, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Dried fruit benefits our bodies with natural sugar instead of added sugar. Eating some fruit is much better than eating artificially flavored sweets. But, there is one drawback to dried varieties of fruit. Like everything else, dried fruit is eaten in moderation to avoid eating too much. While it is okay to eat a lot of real fruit, dried fruit contains more calories than regular fruit. Why is that, you may ask? Because more fruit fits in a serving, the calories add up. Be careful to eat the serving size of dried fruit to avoid ingesting too much sugar or calories. It only takes a couple of handfuls of raisins to get most of the daily allowance for vitamin C and A. As long as you don’t eat too much dried fruits on a daily basis they are good for your health. It is just like anything else. Eating all things in moderation keeps them as healthy additions to your diet. Besides, dried fruits are easy to transport anywhere for a simple snack.

Keeping Your Children Safe from Indoor Toxins
Children are rambunctious and as a parent you do everything in your power to protect them. You make sure they wear bicycle helmets, you tell them to wash their hands and to look both ways before crossing the street, but have you ever thought about protecting them from poor indoor air quality? While poor indoor air quality (IAQ) poses health risks it can be positively impacted.

Poor IAQ is caused by a build-up of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air. VOCs are emitted from the very materials used to furnish and maintain homes including furniture, bedding, paint and cleaning products. This build-up, along with poor ventilation, causes indoor air to be anywhere from two to five times more polluted than outside air. And, at elevated levels, VOCs pose short- and long-term health consequences. Short-term health effects include triggering asthma and allergy attacks, respiratory irritation, headaches and flu-like symptoms. Long-term issues include respiratory and neurological diseases and cancer.

Good IAQ is important for everyone, but especially for children. Children’s organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing. And since they breathe at a faster rate than adults they breathe in a relatively greater volume of air, putting them at a higher risk for inhaling potentially harmful chemicals.

There is some good news. By knowing what causes poor IAQ, you can make the necessary changes to provide your family with good indoor air. One of the most significant ways to limit exposure to toxic air is through source control. Take the paint in a child’s room for example. As paint dries it releases VOCs into the air, causing indoor VOC levels to be as much as 1000 times higher than outdoor air. Additionally, VOC emissions can continue even six months after application.

Right now many paints are labeled VOC-free or Low-VOC which refers to the VOC content in the paint. This label does not give you any information about chemical emissions being released into the air where they are easily inhaled. Selecting a low-emitting paint is the best way to ensure that the fewest possible VOCs are being emitted into the air.

In addition, make sure low-emitting paints, and other products, are certified by a reputable third-party, independent source like GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. GREENGUARD Certification ensures products have been tested and emit the fewest possible chemicals. Many of these low-emitting, non-toxic products are in the marketplace now including personal computers, printers, mattresses, flooring, kitchen and bathroom counters, architectural paints, insulations, wall coverings and window treatments. A complete list can be found at greenguard.org

Other key tips to limiting your exposure to VOCs include:

•Using water-based cleaners that are odor-free and biodegradable; avoid ones that say danger, caution or flammable. Use non-fragranced cleaners and polishes you rub on rather than spray. Often cloths damp from water work well to control dust.

•Use microfiber dusting cloths and mops that can be easily replaced and washed. Avoid the rag mop and sponges that can easily become contaminated with bacteria and particles.

•Take off the plastic bags and air out dry-cleaned clothes before bringing them into the home.

•Avoid any products with long-lasting odors, even if they claim to have natural scents.

•Do not use any air cleaners that release or use ozone in the process - buy cleaners that meet California’s new rule on ozone and are verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for ozone compliance.

•Use high efficiency (HEPA) vacuum cleaners only and vacuum all carpet frequently - at least every other day.

•Consider removing your shoes when entering the home from the outside.

So while you are busy protecting your children from bumps, bruises and illnesses, don’t forget about poor indoor air quality.

If you would like to read more about IAQ and its impact on children’s health visit:
Air Quality Sciences
www.greenguard.org
www.epa.gov
www.americanlung.org

Source: Mandi Joyner, Communications Manager, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute

v 2 issue 13: Winter Wonderland

2009-01-25T18:22:00.004-05:00

The cold weather has arrived and it is time to bundle up. This issue brings you winter style... from blankets to jackets we have listed some fantastic products that will keep your kiddos warm.

Cover by Connie Hill

1 Your child will love the look and feel of this Kiwi Industries "Purple Circle Sweater" at Kitsel. This pullover sweater is big on warmth and detail with its easy-off shoulder buttons and fun pattern. Pair it with the matching fuchsia and camel stripe hat.

2 This jacket at Chasing Fireflies will have your little girl feeling like a million bucks in this super cozy jacket that is completely lined in faux fur, even the pockets! The attached hood makes it perfect for a cold winter day. Available up to size 8.

3 Parents and big kids can get in on double-sided fleece softness with this Jumbo Cuddle Blanket by Ambajam.

4 Sweaters from Sweeters are all hand-made by knitters in the USA. No mass production here... this is the real deal. Pick colors, designs, and styles. Available in all sizes. The initial sweater is just one of many great designs.

5 These rib jersey jammies are perfect for kids that get overheated easily at night. They are warm without extra bulk and are made of 100% organic cotton. For those that love handmade like we do these jammies are sewn by work-at-home Moms and available at GreenEdge Kids.

6 To cover the ears, or not to cover the ears...that is the question. The Scout hat, with its warm sherpa lining and quilted rip-stop nylon shell, has a rim to keep the sun out and flaps to keep the ears warm (or not). Visit The Short Hat Company to check out this and many other cool pieces of headgear.

7 Wrap this jacket around your little one for an instantaneous "Oh my, how adorable!" Pink fuzzy polka dots adorn this kiwi green fleece swing coat, making it adorable and cozy. Made with high quality fabrics and quality craftsmanship from Corky.

This weeks Mom tips:
Green tip:
Natural Drain Cleaner
1-1/2 cups vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Boiling Water
Put a kettle of water on the stove to boil. Pour the baking soda down drain. Next, pour in the vinegar and cover the drain. Allow the solution to sit and work for at least 5 minutes. (The vinegar and baking soda will begin to break down some of the fatty acids which will allow the clog to wash down the drain.) Grab the now boiling kettle of water, remove the cover from the drain and begin to pour the boiling water down the drain. Do not use this method if you have used a chemical drain opener as it may still be present in the drain.

Financial Tip:
Protect Your Home
If you haven't carefully read your homeowner's insurance policy in the past year or so, you could be seriously jeopardizing your biggest investment.
Even before the massive losses caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, insurers were scaling back policies to make it harder for homeowners to receive payouts that would cover their true rebuild costs in the event of a total home loss.
You should have an extended replacement coverage policy, where your payout can be more than the current value of your home. Find out what it would actually cost you to rebuild your home today. If your policy doesn't cover that amount, raise your current level of insurance.

Cleaning Tip:
Clean one room at a time. Don't even think about cleaning the whole room, it will only bring you down. If you just have a few minutes, de-clutter the floor first. If the floor is picked up, it makes the whole room feel tidier and gives you a little psychological boost. If you tell yourself you're just going to do one small part of the room, you will find the energy to get it done quickly - and sometimes build momentum to keep cleaning, if you have time.

Time Saving Tip:
Download free workout routines you can do in 30 minutes or less from Shape, or follow exercise videos at Women Workout Routines and YouTube. Search for videos on YouTube by using the phrase "exercise video" and the body part you want to concentrate on like "abs."

Twelve Tips for Winter Skin Care
1) Create a moisture rich barrier that is applied just after bathing or washing. It's important that the product not sit on the skin and suffocate it, as something heavy like petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening or cooking oils can (which many people actually turn to in desperation believe it or not).
For body a very generous application of body cream rich in oils and emollient.
For face, a hard working face potion will do the trick.

2) Don't skimp on the sunscreen - even though it's Winter, sun damage can still happen, particularly if there's snow on the ground.

3) Keep bath water at a body friendly temperature - this is one that I've had to learn the hard way. An afternoon outside in frigid air has made me come in and virtually par-boil my skin under a too hot shower. According to WebMD- hot water breaks down the lipids in skin, and contributes to itchiness and dry patches. They recommend a lukewarm bath with baking soda or oatmeal for a short amount of time - which sounds like a true buzz-kill to those of us freezing to the bone on these 0 degree wind-chill days, but is pretty good advice.

4) Crank up the Humidifier! Mine has become my constant companion when inside. Purchased from CVS (their store brand) for $14, I sprinkle in a bit of sea salt to get a good amount of steam going and keep it filled 24/7. It's marvelous for banishing static electricity, and dried out anything. The plants are even happier!

5) Turn down the thermostat at night- even on that electric blankie - you may not realize that bedding down under 6 quilts and cranking up the heat can turn your bed into an all-night sweat box. If you wake up thirsty as a desert dog in the morning this could be the cause. Sweating and reheating can really irritate skin and disrupt sleep. Turn down the room temp to around 60 degrees or lower, and keep a glass of water at your bedside.

6) Dress in layers, with natural fibers such as cotton or wool next to skin. Again, sweating and overheating can really irritate and spark a nasty itch/scratch cycle. Make sure you have a natural moisture wicking fabric closest to you to protect from this.

7) Exfoliate, but don't torment your skin. When skin is irritated from dry winds, and/or too much indoor heat, it's not the best time to heap on more insults in the form of intense acids and peels. A nourishing scrub made from nice things like sugar, coffee and hazelnut oil will be a welcome treat, rather than torture test. Make them in your kitchen from the day's coffee grounds and a teaspoon or two from the sugar bowl. For face, turn to a gentle scrub made by sprinkling a teaspoon of sugar over a tablespoon of plain yogurt, and follow with a nice soothing and regenerating treatment.

8) Supplement from the inside with Flax Seed Oil. I've been hooked on this stuff for years. I use it instead of butter on veggies, and salads. Loaded with essential fatty acids, it accelerates healing and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. If you're not feeling the flavor, it comes in convenient pills. If you're still not loving it, experiment with other great oils such as hazelnut, walnut, and avocado oils. Available at Whole Foods and health food stores.

9) Moisturize lips with non addictive lip balms.

10) Cover your face! Some of the most delicate skin on your body should not be pointed at a freezing 40 mile an hour wind without protection. We love our creams but they can only go so far. This one takes a bit of planning in order to avoid looking like you're pulling a heist at your local bank branch. A cowl / neck warmer that can be pulled up over the face without having to maneuver a lot of yardage is a great choice.

(11) Lighten up on the dieting a little. There's a reason little ducks get through Winter sitting out on a frozen pond. They have a helpful layer of fat to work as a buffer against the elements. We're not saying dive into the dessert bar at the next party, or even the cheese plate, but you may want to make sure you have a good amount of healthy fats in your diet in the way of salmon, eggs, nuts, oils. These will help protect your entire body from the elements and help lubricate skin. Also, now more than ever, focus on skin loving foods that boost skin health, such as leafy greens, and our favorite, Sweet Potatoes.

12) Exercise inside. Get your blood and all those nutrients flowing to your skin with a quick and healthy yoga routine or 30 minutes on a treadmill. Working out indoors is less stressful than braving the cold winds. Keeping the cells of your skin open in the warm and moist indoors so they can excrete toxins will keep it lubricated and cleansed. Not that we have anything against skiing, but racing down a hill at 60 miles per hour is not skin friendly no matter how much cream you slather on.

Source: Bloomacious

v 2 issue 12: Casual Comfort

2009-01-04T18:59:00.004-05:00

This issue is packed with items that are both comfortable and hip for your children. Always a favorite for kids style.

Cover by Toni Elmer

1 This Lucky brand Asian artwork tee is full of style and comfort. Adorned with an eagle soaring over the sea as well as the artist's stamp and characters. Tons of detail for -$32.

2 Who doesn't love the comfort and warmth of cords? These garment washed soft cords have pre-patched knees in a heart design. Even an elastic waist for total comfort around the belly. Available in brown up to size 12 at Mini Boden

3 We think this Flowers by Zoe peace love top and yoga pants set is totally far out! Wear this set lounging around the house, to the movies are just anywhere you want to feel stylish and comfortable. Available at LaBella Flora

4 This hoodie is great for those chilly evenings around the house. The North Face® microfleece Glacier Hoodie is super soft with a relaxed fit for everyday wear or layering. Available in black, brown, blue and pink.

5 Jump, run, kick... Eleven shoes are made to take it all! Eleven combines quality footwear with style and comfort. You kids will enjoy this comfort from the first moment they slip their feet into these trainers. These shoes combine the look of a tie sneaker with the ease of Velcro. Available in blue, orange and pink.

6 Now your Little Miss Muffet can have her very own "Tuffet" to sit on. These overstuffed 36" round floor pillows at Pixie Dust Décor are available in many whimsical fabric choices and edged with a coordinating fabric ruffle. Oh so cozy and comfy!

7 Schatzi tees are made of 100% ultra soft, pre-washed, ring-spun cotton for a feeling of total softness! The distressed edges and dragon screen print give it a super cool finishing touch! trust.love.dress...Schatzi.

This weeks Mom tips:

Cleaning Tip: Our readers gave us two great ideas for keeping jewelry tarnish-free. To prevent precious metals from tarnishing, place the items in small plastic bags (bag must be airtight). To keep costume jewelry from tarnishing, place a piece of chalk in your jewelry box. So much easier than polishing, eh?

Green Tip: This green tip is dedicated to ensuring you have a green thumb: use your cooled coffee grinds to fertilize your plants. Or if you prefer, use Starbuck's coffee grinds. Most Starbuck's locations have a bin of free used coffee grinds for customers.

Financial Tip: The Consumerist has come up with a list of ways you can save money that stores hope you don't know about:
1. Buy Loss Leaders and Leave – Loss leaders are products sold below cost to get customers into the store, such as items advertised in flyers (limit 5 per customer etc). Pick up these items, then leave.
2. Use Credit and Pay it Off on Time - Take advantage of credit offers such as '12 months, no interest, no payments" only if you can pay off the credit within that time period, otherwise you will have been tricked into paying a lot more for the item than if you had paid cash. Use the cash you would have used to pay for the items and put it in a high yield savings account until you need to pay off the credit.
3. Say No to the Extended Warranty - Instead, purchase your electronics with a credit card that offers Extended Warranty protection.
4. Activate Your Own Phone - Buy a used phone, (be sure it is unlocked) and then call your cell phone company of choice and activate it. This way, there is no contract required!
5. Shop in the Store but Buy Online – This way you get to see it, try it out, ask questions, and then save a lot of money by buying it online.
6. Buy 1 when the Deal is 2-for-$5 – Buying more than you need is never a good deal. And, 2-for-1 deals are usually on items the store simply has too many of.
7. Open a Store Credit Card then Cut it Up – If you have to spend a lot at one department store, it may be worth it to open a card and take advantage of the percentage off they offer to new members on their first purchase. But once you’ve paid it off, cancel the card so you don't have to pay interest and fees.
8. Use Websites to Track 30-Day Price Guarantees - Be sure to check for any special sales or price drops, and if you see one, go get your money!
9. Buy Seasonal Items at Clearance Prices - Take advantage of end of the season and end of holiday clearance sales. Retailers have to get rid of the items to make room for the next season's stuff, so stock up and save in the long term!
10 Buy “Accessories” on eBay and Avoid Big Markups - Whether its a cable for your xbox or a cell phone charger, these small item prices can wipe out the savings you thought you were getting on your big item. So price surf on ebay, TigerDirect.com etc and save!

Winter Exercise - Stay Motivated
You have worked all year to get in shape. When winter hits, the weather gets cold and gloomy. Learn to ignore the gloom and doom and stay on track to better health.

During the warmer weather, it is easy to get physical activity. We work in the garden, go for walks in the evening, bike ride with the family, and spend lots of time outdoors. When someone wants to go, we jump up and go. There seems to be more energy in our steps.

The main motivation is looking good in great clothes. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all want to look our best for as long as we can. The by-product of looking good is that we can achieve great health benefits. Unfortunately, when winter rolls around, all we desire is to curl up on the couch in big sweaters and slippers. It’s not cute but it’s comfortable.

But, that big sweater gives us a false sense of security. We can’t see how much damage we could potentially be doing by eating and maintaining a sedentary lifestyle. It is okay to want to slack off a bit on the exercise but totally dropping things is a no-no.

Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated during the winter months. To start, set a regular time to work out and stick to it. You may not feel like meeting a friend at the gym for a class but you can pop in a DVD or VHS tape and sweat at home. Instead of cranking up the car and braving the cold, you stayed comfortable and worked out anyway.

Maybe the business of the holidays had you skipping your workout sessions. Exercise is cumulative. Every little bit adds up. Fifteen minutes in the morning plus another fifteen minutes in the afternoon equals thirty minutes of physical activity that day.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be an hour of jumping up and down to a routine. It could be reading a magazine while walking on the treadmill. Dancing around the room, as you vacuum and clean, counts as exercise, also.

Make a lifestyle change that includes regular exercise as a part of your day, even in the winter.

Here are a few of our favorite at home fitness items that require little time with maximum benefits.

6-lb. Abs Ball Kit
Power-sculpt your core with this sure-grip, two-handled abs ball. Includes Abs Ball Workout DVD (35 minutes). Define your obliques and abs - beginner and advanced.

Total Body Cross Trainer
Includes fast-paced flow of yoga, Pilates, strength training, balance and cardio moves using a stability disk. 60-minute DVD features 20-minute segments for lower body, upper body and abs. Kit includes 13" stability disk and 66" resistance cord.

Fat Burning Workout with Toning Ball
Soft, easy to grip sculpting ball and Workout on DVD. Gives you a toning session based on The Firm's proven cardio plus strength-training foundation. Targeting your torso, abs and back.

Use CODE: AFSAV for $15 off $60 or more on all items at Mind-Body Fitness at Gaiam

v 2 issue 11: Editors Picks

2008-12-21T17:08:00.002-05:00

Our current issue includes our favorite picks from 2008. These products are of high quality, along with being stylish and of excellent value.

Cover by Shannon Stewart

1 These fun two-in-one dresses are a favorite of Tinseltown's little girls. These comfy, soft, reversible and twirly dresses have been seen on Jasmine Anthony (TV actress) and Apple Martin (Paltrow's daughter). Pick one of their designs or design your own at TwirlyGirlShop.com.

2 For little miss prep, the coordinating backpacks, wristlets and wallets at Amies Circle are a fun way to tote around her favorite things. Prices range from just $12 to $25.

3 Karito Kid dolls embrace the ethnicity of our world by teaching about Earth's varying cultures. Each 21" poseable doll celebrates beauty through ethnic features and comes with a chapter book & scrapbook detailing the country of the doll's origin. Be sure to activate your doll on the site for a 3% charitable donation.

4 Tattoo fans alike will appreciate this COOL signature Ed Hardy "Snake & Tattoo" Tee. The front has decorative art,the back has Ed Hardy's signature. Trivia note- Hardy pioneered the pop-culture tattoo-as-art space decades before the worldwide boom in tattoo art. This tee is available at Kitsel.com in toddler through size 8 - No needles required.

5 For those concerned about the carbon footprint but also desire a stylish flair we recommend energy cargos at GreenEdge Kids. Designed with quality, form and function in mind, these pants are created with heavyweight hemp/organic cotton fabric which make them extra durable and are also wrinkle resistant. Dyed with low impact dyes in subtle colors and water-based screen printed graphics. We also love that they are made in the USA.
Enter code: kidstrends15 for $15 off any order of $50 or more.

6 Calling all super hero's! With the I Am My Own Hero Cape & Mask, your child's imagination will soar and lead to many daily adventures. Available in 7 different colors (for both boys and girls). Personalize with their initial and select color and trim size. $49, Bodemi.com.

7 Hand-crafted, and made of eco-friendly rubberwood...this is a toy with integrity. Not only is it safe, but also multi-faceted. Flip the Tiger puzzle over and you have a whole new puzzle in a flash. Stand it up and you have a decorative piece of art. Nothing like a piece of artwork that makes you think! We think the company name says it all – Imagiplay.

8 Indulge yourself with a PediCare Spa Pedicure Gift Set from woodspritesoap.com. This set includes everything you need to keep your feet smooth and soft. Comes with Cool Your Heels Soothing Spa Foot Soak, Tea Tree & Peppermint Exfoliating Foot Scrub, and the Overnight Sensation Organic Foot Butter. Do it at home and do it organically- for less than a trip to the spa.

9 Your little girl will look stunning in this crocheted vintage style hat with pink ribbon rose. This hat stretches to fit heads 18 months up to 9 years old. Visit Petite Fleur Designs for this beauty as well as other elegant hair accessories.

Our favorite Mom tips:
Time Saving Tip:
Save time by having your grocery list sent directly to your cell phone with Cozi, a free family organizer. Cozi helps busy families manage schedules, appointments, shopping and communications from wherever you are — the kitchen, car, office or even the grocery store. Learn more at www.cozi.com

Cleaning Tip: Before hanging shower curtains, soak in salt water solutions to prevent mildew.

Green Tip #1:
Turning off and unplugging electrical appliances when they are not in use will save a surprising amount of energy. Many appliances enter “passive standby” mode when they are turned off, which allows the appliances to start up quickly when switched on. Other appliances continuously use energy to power clock displays. According to Energy Star, as much as 40 percent of the energy used to power appliances is consumed while they are turned off. Unplugging appliances will help avoid this energy waste.

Green Tip #2: Formaldehyde may be present in plywood & particleboard, and in some drapery & upholstery materials, so check for warnings before you buy.

Organizing Tip:
Purchase baskets/bins for the hall closet and label them for each family member. This way you can put everyone’s hats, mittens, bags etc in their basket for later picking up or just to keep the closet organized.

Financial Tip:
Do as mom would do...turn down the thermostat by two degrees, repair those leaky faucets, use light bulbs that consume less power, clean heating and air vents regularly, and make sure that doors and windows are airtight. You will save a bundle following these rules.

Recipes from our readers:
Coconut-Frushi

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked sushi rice or other short-grain rice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup light coconut milk
Dash of salt

Cooking spray
10 orange sections
20 fresh raspberries
1 (6-ounce) carton vanilla fat-free yogurt

Preparation
Bring water and rice to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until water is almost absorbed. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 15 minutes.
Place rice in a large bowl. Add sugar, coconut milk, and salt, stirring gently until well combined. Cover and let stand 20 minutes.

Lightly coat hands with cooking spray. Divide rice mixture into 20 equal portions, shaping each into a ball (about 1 rounded tablespoon each). Lightly press each rice ball into an oval between palms; place ovals on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Top each of 10 ovals with 1 orange section, and press gently to adhere. Top each of the remaining 10 ovals with 2 raspberries. Cover and chill frushi until ready to serve. Serve with yogurt for dipping.

Makes 5 servings (serving size: 4 frushi pieces and about 2 1/2 tablespoons yogurt)

Submitted by TTW reader Emily
Source: Cooking Light

Whole wheat banana chip muffins

1 c. ripe mashed bananas
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. butter or shortening, melted
1 c. whole wheat flour
3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Mix bananas, eggs and butter. Combine dry ingredients with above.
Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, Cook mini muffins for 10 minutes.
Can freeze. Yield: 1 dozen large or 2 dozen minis.

I like to bake 3 batches at once and freeze in large bags for quick and easy on the go breakfast.

Submitted by TTW reader Alex

Old Fashion Suckers

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
1 tsp pure peppermint extract (or another flavor of choice)
gel-paste food coloring of your choice

In preparation grease both a baking sheet (rimmed) and a metal spatula. In a sauce pan bring sugar, corn syrup, and water to a boil over medium-high heat-stirring till you reach a boil. Allow the mixture boil now without stirring. You will need to bring the mixture to 304 degrees on your candy thermometer-about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and add lemon and your flavoring extract. Stir and then pour onto prepared pan. Fold mixture into itself from all sides using spatula until the mixture starts to turn a little opaque.

Wearing rubber gloves, you will need to pull candy-as soon as it's cools enough to handle-although it will remain hot. Pull to about 8-10 inches, twist and fold back into itself. Take a small ball and drop food coloring in-you will need to continue to fold and twist both pieces until the candy mixture begins to whiten. Just a minute or two.

Lengthen both pieces about a foot and twist into each other. Twist from one end and use scissor to cut the length you desire. Wrap around candy sticks.

Submitted by TTW reader Joy

Kentucky Egg Nog

4 egg yolks
8 cups milk
2/3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
Heat until simmering, set aside to cool. Once room temp, refrigerate.

While the above is cooking, mix:
4 egg whites
6 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1.2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. vanilla
Combine well and chill. Shake or stir several times before adding to milk
mixture. When all ingredients have chilled for several hours, mix the egg
white mixture with the milk mixture. Serve chilled.

I use skim milk (or almond milk), organic sugar and real or 'pure' vanilla. I also go a little heavier on the cinnamon and nutmeg. I think it tastes better.

You may add Kentucky Bourbon to your liking.

Submitted by TTW reader MaryAnne, NH

v 2 issue 10: Holiday Fashion

2008-12-07T17:21:00.002-05:00

The Holidays are fast approaching and you may be wondering what to dress your children in. Not to worry, we have you covered! Our current issue is jam-packed with stylish outfits for the upcoming festivities.

Cover by Joy Kaminski

1 Dazzle all her friends with the Posh Party Dress found at Mini Boden. Available in purple as well, the color of royalty and the sparkles will make her shine. Gorgeous at $60.
10% off as well as free shipping and returns

2 Lightning may strike when you see your non-girly girl wearing a necklace, but it is only because it is the super cool Golden Child Lightning & Thunder necklace. A bit pricey at $122, but this necklace combines 14kt gold and sterling silver for its super cool style.

3 For your handsome little man, classics should be a staple. Argyle will never go out of style! We love this Argyle v-neck by GapKids for the preppy-cool look. Pair with jeans or slacks for simple style.

4 Gotta Dress Up outfit from Crazy 8’s is a real stunner, not only for the price but for the versatility of each piece. Pair the Corduroy Blazer, Dressy Sweater Vest, dress shirt, and corduroy pant together to wow the crowd or purchase a few pieces separately to tone it down a bit.

5 The pleated party dress by GapKids is a must have for every little girls wardrobe. The perfect party dress with its sparkles and pleats...we think it is a knockout solo and can be dressed down with an adorable cardi in just about any color.

6 This stunning skirt by Mademoiselle Charlotte is a bargain at its sale price for $80 (regularly $200). Made of 100% silk, it is a work of art with its layers of silk and velvet top. Pair with just about any top to dress it up and down for a play date or party. -Izzyandash.com

7 Piperlime is our favorite online shoe store for kids as well as mom and dad. We found these beautiful Slip on mary-jane Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes that are styled just like mom’s but fit little feet. Beautify stitched and full of detail!

8 We are drooling over Neige's Harlon Jacket. This classic yet sophisticated jacket is crafted from wool blend tweed from France. Your folks will simply adore seeing their little man dressed in this stunning look. $96.50, Aggiehill.com

This weeks Mom tips:
More Christmas Green Tips...

Decorating: Choose super-efficient LED lights. They’re more expensive than traditional twinkle lights, but they burn 80 to 90 percent less energy and are cool to the touch.

Use real plates, napkins and flatware, not plastic or paper that gets thrown away when the party’s over. If you don’t have enough plates, rent them or buy inexpensive ones. You’ll get your money back in just a few years of use.

Burn candles made of beeswax or soy instead of candles made of petroleum products.

Giving & Receiving: Try drawing names or giving only to the children, rather than exchanging gifts with everyone.

Buy as much as you can from local stores and artisans, or order gifts online to save gas-guzzling trips to the mall. Many online shops are offering free shipping for the holidays.

Having your child draw a picture on plain newsprint and use it to wrap a gift.

Don’t throw away holiday cards after you’ve read them. Cut the decorated fronts into squares to make gift tags for next year’s presents.

Set a financial limit:
This stops everyone from going crazy and encourages more creativity.

Ideas for homemade presents:
Handmade chocolate truffles,jams or chutneys,Duvet covers, cushions, table runners, lavender bags, Handmade photo albums or frames, calendars or Christmas decorations.

Make a New Year’s resolution to recycle - and stick to it!

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas
Everyone loves getting gifts that come from the heart. What shows this better than gifts made by hand? While this may make some people panic at the thought of trying to make something arts and crafts, it really isn't that hard to make a nice gift for someone.

A nice handmade gift could be writing a poem for a family member. Poems don't even have to rhyme. Print it out in a nice font and put it in a nice frame. It's a gift someone will treasure for years to come. You can have kids help write one for different family members. Make it even more special by adding a picture of yourself or your child with the person they are writing the poem about. This could be your background for the poem set to low transparency in a photo editing program or just a small image at the top of page. See example.

Homemade cookies, fresh from the oven, are a great treat. A lot of people just don't have the time to make them. You can make a frozen cookie kit. Mix up a batch of their favorite cookies. Roll them out into balls and flatten them slightly. Flash freeze them by putting them on wax paper on a cookie sheet until they are solid. Remove them from the sheets and place them in a freezer bag. Bake for two to three minutes more than the normal time or until golden brown. They can be baked in small batches, even in the toaster over, or all at the same time.

For kids, a great gift that can be added to is a Dress Up Kit. Get an old suitcase or two and fill it with old clothes that you don't wear anymore. Include hats and shoes. Now and then, add more items to the box. Ask other relatives to contribute to it as well. If you have pictures of family members wearing the clothes, print them out and decoupage them on the outside of the suitcase and then coat with a clear finish.
Our favorite picks- Dad's old ties, Grandpa's hat, Nana's apron, Mom's high heel shoes and costume jewelry.

v 2 issue 9: Holiday Gifts

2008-11-23T19:03:00.004-05:00

The Holiday gift-giving season is upon us...and so is the worry about what to buy. Our gift-giving issue is full of the best gifts to give for all ages and all price ranges.

Cover by Rebecca Cleary

1. Perfect for your rock 'n roll superstar; the Daisy Rock Guitars are high quality, durable, colorful guitars with all the added perks like mahogany necks, rosewood fingerboards, and chrome tuners.

2. Totem is the perfect gift for creative kids who like to build. Create a spacecraft, sailboat, airplane, or just about anything with their building cards. Sparkability $32.

3. Encourage learning with Double Shutter Jr. by Blue Orange games. Perfect for ages 6 and up, this game employs math skills to win and can be played solo or with up to 6 players. $22.95, LittleJetSet.com.

4. Make listening fun and snazzy with chicBuds earphones. These retractable, decorative earphones work with ipods, cd players or your computer. Detailed with Swarovski Crystals for $49.

5. Karaoke is always a fun time and Gustafer Yellowgold's Have you Never Been Yellow DVD/CD set is fabulous fun for kids of all ages. The New York Times calls it "Dr. Seuss meets 'Yellow Submarine'" and we agree.

6. Who doesn't love Disney? Make yummy waffles, eggs, muffins and more with this 5-in-1 waffle iron with Disney designs. Its nonstick surface, stay-cool exterior, and hinged lid make cooking up yummy fun treats easy. $34.99 at Target.

7. Perfect for posh princesses, the Fancy Nancy Posh Bedroom Game will have her in giggles. Makeover her room with boas, ribbons, tiaras, and more to win. $21, Briarpatch.com.

8. Fun for all ages, the Jishaku game will have you addicted! We love this game, it kept us (and our kids) entertained for hours! Jishaku is a strategy game that will leave you laughing and wanting to play some more.

9. Shaun the sheep is a favorite of kids 'across the pond' and is soon to become a favorite of our kids as well. Shaun and his flock have lots of fun on the farm and bring lots of giggles with them. Check out their entire collection at Lionsgate.com.

10.Calling all super hero's! With the I Am My Own Hero Cape & Mask, your child's imagination will soar and lead to many daily adventures. Available in 7 different colors (for both boys and girls). Personalize with their initial and select color and trim size. $49, Bodemi.com.

11 Garfield lovers will love Garfield's Fun Fest. The Big Talent Show is coming up and Garfield loses his humor and has to journey to get his funny back and win his love's heart back. A fun movie for the whole family.

12. Remember creating these in grade school? Cahootie has taken this childhood game and made it colorful and in a variety of themes. Download or purchase online. Cahootie.com

13. A classic holiday gift is a redesigned bedroom...and Whistle & Wink will help you do just that with their decorative pillows and shams. From airplanes and spaceships to butterflies and birds, there is something for every child at Whistleandwink.com.

14. I Spy Private Eye is the perfect game for family game night. Become an I Spy Private Eye and remember what you spy...with just 30 seconds to spy the images on all 9 cubes, this game will test their memory and be a family favorite. $25, Briarpatch.com

Family Holiday Gifts
Custom Creations Unlimited
Every item they offer is custom made just for you. Each image is hand reviewed to be sure it will turn out beautiful. Many items include a free proof prior to production. This includes all their Photo Blankets and Photo Beach Towels. Place our order by December 12th to insure Christmas delivery.
Use code: shipping22 to receive free shipping

Joli Bebe Organic
Buy it for yourself or a gift. These organic pieces are made of 50% Organic Cotton - 50% SoyFabric which produces superiority that stands on its own with unbeatable softness. We love this flattering criss-cross yoga tank with hidden shelf bra for nursing access. Match it with the yoga pants and you have pure comfort while at the gym or lounging around the house.Use code: holiday to receive 30% off your entire purchase!

Alex Casey Baby
Gift for Dad- The slide tote bag was designed with Dad's in mind. They are stylish, versatile, and best of all, comfortable to carry. The ergonomic strap spreads the weight of the bag across your back and shoulders. Our favorite feature is the fully-lined bottle pockets that make reaching for a quick drink a snap!

This bag is not just for Dad, treat yourself to one as well. Great for workout gear, with yoga mat strap and plenty of room for sneakers and more. Will also fit a 14" laptop - great for a work/school bag as well. Now that is versatility for $95!
Enter code:TTW5 for 15% off all orders through 12/31/08

Making Homemade Christmas Cards with Your Child
One of the best ways to teach your children the true meaning of the holidays is to start a family tradition of making homemade gifts. You can start with your children when they are young helping them to make special homemade Christmas gifts for family and friends.

One of the simplest homemade gifts to give family members is homemade Christmas cards. This hand made keepsakes will be kept for many years to come by the lucky people that receive them. This craft is simple enough to do with even the youngest of children.

To make homemade Christmas cards, it is best to have all of your supplies gathered in a central location before hand. Keep a plastic container full of all sorts of craft goodies that the children can use to personalize the Christmas cards that they send. Some of the items that you can include in this box are glitter, stickers, buttons, and ribbons. There are many more things that you can include, the sky is the limit.

Print out current pictures of your children on the computer to use for the homemade Christmas cards. If you do not have a printer to do this on, you can have it done at your local store with a photo mat. Family and friends love to see updated pictures of the children so make sure each card has one on it.

Allow your child to choose whatever color of construction paper that he wants to make the Christmas cards. Just because you think it should be red and green, it does not mean that he does. This is his special homemade gift to his loved ones and he should get to choose the colors.

Fold the paper over to form the Christmas card. Now comes the fun part, the two of you get to decorate the card for the person that will be receiving it. It is often best to decide where the photo will be attached to the card. Both the outside and the inside are great places to put the photo on the Christmas card.

You can help your child cut out little boxes and Christmas trees and ornaments to adorn his special card. If your child is not yet ready to tackle the scissors, you can have these shapes cut out in advance so that all he has to do is glue them on. Allow your child to place the shapes in whatever pattern that he likes.

Help your child to write a heart felt Christmas note to the person that he is sending the card to. It is best to help him personalize each little note to the recipient. Make sure that your child signs his name at the bottom of the note, even it is just a scribble.

Finish the card off with some of the special craft items that you have in your box for him. Now would be the time to add ribbon and or glitter to this special homemade Christmas card.

Think of the joy that this will bring your child year after year when you bring out supplies to make the family Christmas Cards. As they get older the creativity is the limit!

My son and I have chosen our family tradition to be Christmas tree ornaments. Every year since he was 2 we have made these for all the family members. It is always fun and each one is so unique. My favorite part is watching his face light up while he watches each gift be opened by those he loves.

v 2 issue 8: Entertaining is Elemental

2008-11-09T20:11:00.005-05:00

This issue is full of all your child's needs to entertain in style, from fancy dress up cloths and shoes to fantastic card companies, we have it covered.

Cover by Ruthi David

1 The possibilities of the Emily pearl necklace and bracelet set are endless. All genuine freshwater white pearls are hand-knotted and secured with a sterling silver filigree clasp, then packaged in Belle Pearl's signature packing. Makes a great party gift or accessory.

2 Whether you have a fancy Nancy or a dancing queen, the microfiber leggings from BonBon Cupcakes are a delight. The black leggings with a leopard ruffle are snazzied up with rhinestones to add a little zing. Packaged to look like a cupcake in a clear bakery box...yum!

3 Pirouette of Los Angeles is a charming addition to your entertaining wardrobe. Pirouette offers contemporary tween clothing for sizes 7-14. We love that their line is made in the grand 'ol USA. Find their line at Eurochild.com starting at $31.

4 One of our favorite companies that we love to dish with our readers is Tea Collection. We feel you can never go wrong with Tea. They have done it again with this fabulous Norwegian styled vest with its traditional knit motif. Available in size 6 months up to 8 years at TeaCollection.com

5 For those concerned about the carbon footprint but also desire a stylish flair we recommend energy cargos at GreenEdge Kids. Designed with quality, form and function in mind, these pants are created with heavyweight hemp/organic cotton fabric which make them extra durable and are also wrinkle resistant. Dyed with low impact dyes in subtle colors and water-based screen printed graphics. We also love that they are made in the USA.

6 Calling all diva's in training...for special events only Gigi shoes will do. Gigi shoes can be customized to match every outfit in her closet with just a change of the strap. With 13 different colored shoes to choose from and 300 strap styles the possibilities are endless.

7 For the little girl who dreams of enchanted forests and sugarplum fairies, a tutu is an absolute necessity. Tutu Couture can help you make her dream come true with their handcrafted tutus that are made from over seventy yards of premium tulle and accented with beautiful rhinestones and more. Our pick is the black poofy princess tutu that is accented with pink marabou fur and a pink zebra bow.

This weeks mom tips:
Green Tip:
Choose to go to places you can get to without a car — by walking, biking, hiking, or taking public transportation. If you have to drive, car-pool with a friend.

Financial Tip:
Don't speed...speeding uses extra gas. Rapid acceleration and hard breaking are inefficient and lower your gas mileage.

Cleaning Tip:
Stock up on wipes of all kinds! Windex now makes wipes as well as dusting cloth wipes and cleaning wipes...when in a hurry just wipe it down.

Time Saving Tip:
Keep a few new garbage bags at the bottom on the garbage basket...easily slide the new one into place.

The Paper Patch
Looking for that special personalized party cards, thank you cards, or just fun stationary? Here are a few of our favorites...

Tiny Prints- Discover contemporary party invitations, birthday party invitations and party cards for your whole family.
Enter code: TT2008 for a 10% off your total purchase.

Couture Invito offers a unique line of custom invitations and stationery. If you don't see what you are looking for on their site, they will custom design a card for you. We adore their kids stationary and photo envelopes!
Enter code: TTWfall2008 for a 10% off your total purchase.

In a Baby Carriage designs range from modern to classic, simple or fun. Find a design to match your individual style!
Enter code: TTW for a 10% off your total purchase.

Mango Ink is a Husband and Wife card company offering birthday cards with style! We love their unique designs and we are sure you will too. They are truly sweet!

1st Comes Love Specializes in creating one-of-a-kind invitations for one-of-a-kind events. You will love their pop-off the card embellishments!
Enter code: TTW08 for a 15% off your total purchase.

Fin and Roe.com photo correspondence is your one-stop shop for high-end photo cards. Create custom invitations to fit your specific needs.We adore their Mommy Calling Cards!
Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 10% off entire purchase. Exp: 12/15/08

Sweetbeets Is an Eco-friendly company using letterpress printed in Canada on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Vintage printing press produces a crisp impression that you can see and feel.
Enter code: tottrends08 for 20% off your total order! Expires 11/30/08 Enter code in message to seller during checkout to receive a refund via PayPal.

Paper Locket creates sassy, unique and chic invitations as well as Personalized Wall Art using your favorite photos
Enter code: trends08 for 20% off your holiday card order

A Touch Of Whimsy is a great place for unique, personalized stationery with a whimsical flair. Oodles of personalized gifts from recipe cards, excuse notes to calling cards.
Enter code: trend15 for 15% off your entire order. Expires 1/15/09

Simple Salutations- Two sisters own and run this fantastic card company that is Artistic, Fun and Affordable!
Enter code: tottrends for 15% off your entire purchase.

Be Creative is bringing back the art of hand written correspondences with simple, modern, and elegant designs. We adore their favor tags!
Enter Code: TOTBOGO08 to Buy one get one FREE (equal or less value). Contact shop owner first- Expires 12/5/08.

Le Papier Studio has custom invitations for all your events. Their custom silhouette artwork for little ones is superb! They will even create one of a kind pieces if you ask.
Enter Code: SHOPHOLIDAY for %10 off your entire purchase.

Nella Designs offers handcrafted, custom paper goods perfect for every occasion. Our favorite- their personalizes dog stickers for envelopes.
Free gift with purchase. At checkout enter as seen in TTW.

v 2 issue 7: Embrace Your World

2008-10-26T19:34:00.005-04:00

Everyone is trying to change their lives to be more environmentally friendly. It is time to give your child the right start with eco friendly products.

Cover by Fara Smith

1 Kayla is the Marsh Pixie straight from the Everglades of Florida. She's here to spread a message about the fragile eco-system of her origin. One of three Planet Pixies, Kayla is sure to steal your heart with her message and will definitely win you over with her sparkling blue eyes. Sneak a peek at I Love My Planet Toys

2 Damagua is the bark of a tree from the Amazon which is peeled off, pounded flat, and dried by the natives of Ecuador. MamaOm purchases this damagua from the indigenous to create large handbags with a lot more than just style to them. They are trimmed with natural (chemical-free) leather and the beads are tagua (which is like a nut that grows on palm trees in Ecuador). Talk about a bag with a conscience!

3 One more way to say NO to plastic! Wrap-n-mat's are reusable, washable and keep food fresh. Another bonus- They are large enough to serve as a placemat giving your child a clean eating service away from cafeteria table germs. Make any lunch special with a variety of prints including Holiday prints.

4 Indulge yourself with a PediCare Spa Pedicure Gift Set from woodspritesoap.com. This set includes everything you need to keep your feet smooth and soft. Comes with Cool Your Heels Soothing Spa Foot Soak, Tea Tree & Peppermint Exfoliating Foot Scrub, and the Overnight Sensation Organic Foot Butter. Do it at home and do it organically- for less than a trip to the spa.

5 BYOB now stands for bring your own bag! Help stop the spread of plastic bags and start reusing today. Pick from five cool styles, each ethically made in Vancouver with wide straps for your comfort, a bottom gusset for extra toting strength, and a quote to inspire some mother love.

Buy 1 get 1 free use the code: onefree or for two free use the code: twofree

6 Make the world more beautiful by changing whats inside us, how we view the world. This Seventh Generation Ingredient Shirt comes with a marker for your child to customize and show the world whats inside them. Available in infant through adult sizes in 4 colors, perfect for a family project. Each purchase will help the EWG-Environmental Work Group get the word out about ingredient transparency.

7 Embrace your world in more ways than one with a shirt from when i grow up! Wearing one of these sweet tees shows you care about the Earth and it's future. For only $22.-, little tree huggers can wrap their arms around this plant a tree t-shirt printed in water-based inks on an organic tee.

This weeks mom tips:

Say No to plastic and paper!

Plastic Bags-It is estimated that the United States consumes 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually requiring approximately 12 million barrels of oil. (Wall Street Journal)

Paper Bags-In 1999, the American Forest and Paper Association reported that Americans used 10 billion paper shopping bags, consuming 14 million trees.

Ok, so you have decided you are ready to do your part to put an end to this madness...
You do not have to carry around those boring recycle bags that the grocery stores sell. Show off your pride in helping keep America clean in style with these bags from skeeda.com! Large enough to hold the same contents of 3 plastic bags and folds completely flat for storage in your trunk. You can choose 3 fabulous fabrics for $40 or $15 each.

Tip: Always store your recycle bags in your trunk. Once you have finished unpacking your groceries head right back outside and put these bags back in your trunk. Make it a habit and you will always have them on hand. Most grocery stores have gone 2 steps further in helping us to remember our bags. 1- They are giving us 5 cents back for every recycle bag we use. 2- They have added a stop sign on their door, "Did you remember your bags". This is BRILLIANT!

10 Quick Tips for Green Cleaning
1) Use cleaning products made from safe natural and not-toxic ingredients to prevent exposure to the hazardous synthetic chemicals conventional cleaners contain.

2) Dust with a damp cloth to ensure that household dust, which collects toxins, is removed from surfaces and not stirred back into the air.

3) Open windows and doors occasionally (even in winter!) to rinse out any air pollutants that have accumulated inside.

4) Don’t use aerosol products. They fill your home with microscopic droplets of whatever is being sprayed. These droplets remain suspended in the air for hours and are easily inhaled.

5) Avoid room deodorizers or other air “freshening” products, which are frequently made from unhealthy chemicals.

6) Don’t use any pesticide products in your home, your yard or garden, or on your pets. Instead, supplement a preventative strategy with natural pest control methods.

7) If you decide to use them, keep conventional cleaners and other chemical products out of your children’s rooms.

8) Use chlorine-free dishwasher detergent. The chlorine in conventional detergents is easily vaporized by hot dishwasher water and then released into your home’s air.

9) Ask guests to remove their shoes when entering your home. That way, they won’t track in pollutants.

10) Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. These special filters trap unhealthy dust particles.
Source: Seventh Generation

Eco Friendly Children’s Clothes are on the Rise
Everyone is trying to change their lives to be more environmentally friendly. It is time to give your child the right start with eco friendly children’s clothes.

The world is embracing the trend in going green. People, everywhere, are evaluating their lives and finding ways to become greener in their living. One of the biggest trends on the rise is to start your children on the road to living green by buying eco friendly children’s clothes. As you start to become green in your life, you need to look at the newest trends in eco friendly clothing for the littlest member of the family. This will benefit the environment and your child in many ways.

Eco friendly children’s clothes are made of many organic materials. One of the most common fibers used are organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals can cause harm to our environment. The rain water washes the pesticides into our rivers and lakes. This pollution can work its way into our very water supply. The lack of use of pesticides on the organically grown cotton can be beneficial to your young child’s skin. Your child’s skin is very fragile and can be irritated easily.

Organic cotton allows children’s clothes to breath. Conventional cotton can trap heat and sweat against a child’s skin. This can lead to rashes and other skin problems. Organic cotton can help to move water away from your child’s delicate skin. This will help to keep rashes to a minimum.

Organic cotton helps eco friendly children’s clothes to last longer. Any parent will tell you that one of the largest expenses to having a child is the cost of clothing. Often times children’s clothes wear out from the constant washing required to keep them clean. Many times, you will find yourself changing your child multiple times during the course of the day. You can toss the many eco friendly dirty clothes into the wash with the knowledge that will hold up to the washing that lies ahead for it.

With all of the benefits of buying your child eco friendly clothing, it is easy to decide to help your child start out life by living green. By showing your child at a young age the importance of taking care of the environment, you will help to secure the future of it.

v 2 issue 6: Warming Up To Fall

2008-10-12T21:17:00.002-04:00

The cool months are approaching and it is time to bundle up. This issue brings you fall style that is sure to keep your child warm and fashionable!

Cover by Dana Puccio

1 Looking for a unique addition to a fall wardrobe? Look no further. Lola in Pink or Lola in Green are the legwarmers from Matilda Jane which scream cool. Throw them on with a great skirt and let the pom-poms take care of the style.

2 The AllyZabba signature baby blanket has transformed itself into a huge adult sized treasure. Gorgeous chocolate plush fabric on one side and your choice of blue aloha or choco-dot as the reverse side print. Cover up the whole family while watching the tube...ya, it's that big!

3 Find scarves for Mom and Dad, as well as blankets at the Pashmina Store. You will fall in love with the feel of the 100% pashmina wool fabric. Pashmina is the traditional name for the very finest grade of cashmere wool...Pure comfort.

4 Your child will be toasty warm in this Tottie BEAN signature pullover. It can be worn alone or layered when a little extra warmth is needed. Perfect for chilly mornings on the sports field. Available in pink, white, navy and black up to size 14.

5 Here's a little ditty about Jesse Walker: knitting since seven, decided to stay home with the kids, started her own biz (knitting of course!), and now she is a success with products located in 400 stores across the USA and internationally. Pick out your yarn choice and, before you know it, you too can have one of these stocking caps they call, “The Perfect Hat”. Perfect for chilly mornings!

6 The Pink Katie Cardigan from Room Seven is a wrap around cardigan inspired by the twinkle toes of ballet. Colorful and snazzy, this sweater can brighten up any outfit. Order up @ the Silly Wagon!
Enter code: BOOKWORM08 for 15% off your total order!

7 Your little girl will look stunning in this crocheted vintage style hat with pink ribbon rose. This hat stretches to fit heads 18 months up to 9 years old. Visit Petite Fleur Designs for this beauty as well as other elegant hair accessories.

This weeks mom tips:
Cleaning Tip: Before hanging shower curtains, soak in salt water solutions to prevent mildew.

Organizing Tip: Make your bed first thing in the morning when you get out of bed.

Time Saving Tip: Create a box/folder just for bills. Compile all you need to get the job done including stamps, envelops, checkbook and of course the bills. Having it all in one place allows you to easily get the task done. Just pull out the box whenever you have a free minute.

Green Tip: Replace 5 light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). According to the Department of Energy and the US EPA, Energy Star CFL bulbs are up to 66 percent more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs.

Keeping your child well during the cold and flu season
With fall comes runny noses and sore throats… the dreaded common cold.

The cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus. And, like all other viruses, the rhinovirus has no cure. A virus infiltrates a cell and rewrites the DNA to mimic the virus. From there it continues to replicate these viral cells.

The way to fight a virus is to fight the symptoms. There are over 200 types of rhinovirus causing the common cold. The cold virus you get today may not be the same one you contract next year.

Cold viruses attack the respiratory system. We cough, sneeze, our noses run, our eyes run, we get a sore throat, and we generally feel really, really bad. People can function with a cold but often it takes all the strength we can muster.

When our immune system is compromised we are more susceptible to the viruses invading our bodies. The “compromise” can come when we are rundown and tired.
Our bodies are ill prepared to fight the potential infection.

Protect the one you love and yourself by taking care of colds and flu at the first sign of symptoms.

There are ways to help avoid colds and flu. Eating certain foods can fight infections and other nasty things that attack the body.

What we eat is important. It is our food that provides the nutrients to sustain our body’s metabolism, cellular function, and defenses. A lack of those nutrients and the body starts to feel ill inside.

Calcium, protein, fruits, vegetables are all required to make the body function properly. If you are not getting plenty of these in your diet your body will find way to get them by robbing from your muscles, bones and other body parts.

Watch what you and your children eat. It not only tastes good on the outside but does a body good on the inside.

v 2 issue 5: Elementary School Musical

2008-09-28T18:23:00.005-04:00

This issue is packed with everything musical. Fun items as well as an article that will be sure to get you excited about taking your children to the Theatre.

Cover by Sara Anthony

1 One Night In Frogtown is teaching diversity through music with this beboppable, unstoppable tale of a young saxophone playing tadpole (Tad) traveling the pond in search of his musical tadpole soul. This colorful book comes with a read-and-sing-along CD designed to be enjoyed together or apart.

2 Heavy duty organizational skills keep this monkey rockin'. This Metal Mania Wall Hook is cut from 10 gauge solid steel. It's polished and painted to perfection and is sure to stand the test of time. Available at cribrockcouture.com

3 Mee Wee is Hip Hop music for children. Each song reflects a character value such as friendship, generosity and love. What a fantastic outreach program this is! "I can be anything" is about viewing the future with optimism. Opportunity is all around-- if you believe in yourself then you can succeed.

4 Sing it loud - sing it proud, your a Rock Star! Hubby Buddy knows how to Rock! and they are saying it loud and clear with this warm longsleeve tee. The quality of this fabric makes it not only fun but comfortable too.

5 Do you have a High School Musical fan? They will love this "I Love Troy Charm Bracelet" at Thesillywagon.com. The charms are adorned with little crystals as well as an easy on and off clasp. You will want to pick this one up for the holidays before they are SOLD OUT!
Enter code: BOOKWORM08 for 15% off your total order!

6 Universal Music compiles the great songs of the past and future to create CDs kids and parents will love! Even better, the CDs are age graded for worry free selection. Jazz, Motown, 80's greats....you can find them all at ilovethatsong.com

7 "Makin' Waves" is the new CD from Leonardo. Great beats, guitars, and ukuleles bring the fun lyrics of these songs to life. If you like the beach, swimming, surfing...Leonardo has 15 new songs to keep you satisfied.

This weeks mom tips:

Organizing Tip:
Store your child's outgrown clothes in large plastic bins and affix labels such as "0 to 3 months", "6 to 9 months", "9 to 12 months", and so on. Once your child has grown out of a size, you can easily store the clothes, loan them to a friend, or take them to a consignment shop.

Cleaning Tip:
Jewelry Cleaning
Don't have a jewelry cleaner and not sure how to clean your jewelry? The best thing to clean any of your jewelry whether real or not is simple. Grab a 'soft' bristle toothbrush and your favorite toothpaste and a little water. Brushing your jewelry with toothpaste will leave your jewelry shiny and bright with no worries on harming diamonds or gold. Rinse and wipe with a soft cloth to dry.

Green Tip:
Opening your curtains when the sun is shining will utilize solar heat and daylight, reducing your heating and electricity bills (and help reduce energy needs, thus helping mother earth). Closing the shades at night will help keep heat inside.

Time Saving Tip:
Sign up for a weekly menu sent by email and a grocery list, categorized by aisle, sent to your inbox from a menu planning service like Saving Dinner or Dine Without Whine. If you're short on time, get meals delivered to your home from FamilyChef or Artiko. There also are businesses offering freezer-ready meals you can make or just pick up. Try Entrees Made Easy or Dream Dinners.

Taking Children To The Theatre
Taking children to the theatre is marvelous fun. Their eyes light up with amazement when the lights go down. The actors walk on stage and your child’s imagination ignites.

To experience the joy of taking your children to the theatre there are of course a few strategies for success and mistakes to avoid.

Choosing the right show. Don’t think your 4 year old can sit still through a 4 hour show? You might be surprised. The key is to choose an age appropriate show. The Lion King is a sure winner as the actors sing, dance, and move throughout the crowd. It’s captivating. West Side Story and even Fiddler on the Roof are fine choices for slightly older children. Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and even the Wizard of OZ are all fun and familiar stories that children can relate to and will enjoy seeing on stage.

Be prepared. The wiggles infect even the oldest of children, and many adults. Expect your child to get antsy. Be ready with quiet snacks in your purse – lifesavers are great because they quiet their little mouths and keep their throats moist to prevent coughing. Make sure everyone uses the bathroom before the show.

Comfortable clothing is a must – yes it’s fun to dress up for the theater but choking neckties and itchy lace are sure to induce a case of the wiggles. If possible, go during a matinee show so your child doesn’t have to struggle with being sleepy.

Talk to your children before the show so they know what to expect. Tell them how long the show is, what it’s about, and the behavior you expect from them and why. For example, if you expect them to not talk during when the actors are on stage let them know it’s because the actors and other people watching the show can hear them and it’s inconsiderate.

Harness your expectations. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Your child may be having a bad day, the show may be uninteresting, or they may be uncomfortable. While it isn’t fun to have to leave a show early, sometimes it’s just not worth making them sit through a show. If you have more than one child, it helps to have more than one adult as one child may be enjoying the show while the other is on the verge of having a breakdown – it happens.

Make it an event. It’s fun to get dressed up for a night, or afternoon, at the theater. Going out to eat before or after is a great way to add an extra special and ‘grown up’ touch to the day. During intermission get up and walk around. Explore the theatre, let them use the bathroom and get snacks.

The more enjoyable and relaxed a trip to the theater is, the more likely they’ll be excited and even eager to go again. Taking your children to the theatre opens them up to a whole new world of imagination, culture, and entertainment.

v 2 issue 4: Sports Star

2008-09-14T20:19:00.004-04:00

We have a great way to introduce a love of sports to children. In this issue you will find some of our favorite sports items as well as a guide to finding the right sport for your sports enthusiast.

Cover by Shannon Stewart

1 Practice makes perfect and with the Deluxe Power Pitch N Hit your child will be a baseball star in no time. Control the speed and angle of every pitch with a button on the bat and with its jam-free design it delivers the perfect fast balls, curve balls and sliders. Best of all the Pitch N Hit grows with your child and comes with 12 practice balls. Head to Highlights.comfor this great gift (hurry while its on sale for just $39.99).

2 Chart your superstar's height through the ages and stages of childhood with this fabulously boyish All Star Growth Chart. Top notch artistic effects and superior quality help this chart stand up to the test of time. Find it at Ashley Taylor Home.

3 A super duper soccer backpack specially designed to easily carry a size 5 soccer ball. Includes a large main compartment, a secret spot for headphones and music players, and extra side compartments on the outside for whatever else you might need. Pack it once and you'll be ready for soccer practice in a snap.

4 Wind up for a really cool gift for a baseball loving kid. This speed sensor ball with LED display gives you child the chance to measure their pitching speed without a radar gun. The ball is accurate from 20 up to 120 MPH and it the regular size and weight of a normal ball. Comes in both baseball and softball options at The Batters Box.

5 The Mini Mitt Chair is a small sized lounger upholstered in plush, easy to clean fabric. The perfect size for catching toddler and kid sized tooshies. Available in a variety of shades, it's the grand slam of finishing touches for any sports themed room.

6 Score your child a winner of a quilt. A brilliant blue handmade quilt decorated with soccer balls of equally brilliant colors. Garnet Hill has it in sizes to fit cribs, twin, and double/queen sized beds.

7 300 Swarovski crystals embellish the front of this sparkly long sleeve black tee to form the design of one spectacular soccer ball. Her Majestee holds the crown for the fanciest tee around for soccer loving chics of size 2T, 4T, & 6T.

This weeks mom tips:

Time Saving Tip:
I take return address labels around in my purse and when I take the kids to the doctors office I just stick one on the sign in sheet instead of having to write all the info out and watch the kids at the time. It's a GREAT time saver for me!
-submitted by Kristin, (Mommy of 3)

Cleaning Tip:
Use cotton balls dipped in bleach to remove mildew from the corners of the tub. Just let them sit and when you are finished cleaning the bathroom, remove the cotton and rinse.

Sanity Saving Tip:
Let calls go to voice mail! Phone interruptions cause you to become distracted from your to do list or spending quality time with your kids. By returning phone calls at your convenience you can get your list done and cut down on chatter time.

Financial Tip:
Protect Your Home
If you haven't carefully read your homeowner's insurance policy in the past year or so, you could be seriously jeopardizing your biggest investment.

Even before the massive losses caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, insurers were scaling back policies to make it harder for homeowners to receive payouts that would cover their true rebuild costs in the event of a total home loss.

You should have an extended replacement coverage policy, where your payout can be more than the current value of your home. Find out what it would actually cost you to rebuild your home today. If your policy doesn't cover that amount, raise your current level of insurance.

How to find the right sport for your elementary age child

Children thrive with physical activity. They love to run, jump, climb, skip, throw and catch – it is part of their wiring and there’s a good reason for it.

Begin playing sports at age 5? Absolutely! Sports play an integral role in the development of young children. Physical activity develops both gross and fine motor skills. A delay in developing these skills has a lasting effect on a child’s growth and development.

The development of gross motor skills like running, balancing and catching is directly connected with the development of fine motor skills like writing, using utensils and brushing their teeth.

Sports are a great way to not only develop gross motor skills, it also helps a child gain confidence, learn social skills, and create healthy habits to last a lifetime. Here’s how to introduce sports to your young child for maximum benefit.

Step One: Explore what is available in your community. The options are often overwhelming from gymnastics to tee ball, soccer to tennis, horseback riding and martial arts – there are sports for every personality, skill level, and interest.
Look for age appropriate activities. For example, a typical 5 year old will be just beginning to grasp many gross motor skills like running, jumping, bouncing, kicking, and walking a straight line. Depending on your child’s development tumbling, swimming, or soccer may be great choices.
As children move beyond kindergarten and are in their early elementary years their gross motor skills really take off and the opportunities for sports expand.

Step Two: Present your child with a couple of options based on what is available in your community and what matches their interests and personality. Many children will want to try everything while others will be reluctant to get involved. Where does your child fall in the spectrum? Keeping their personality and talents in mind consider giving them a couple of options to choose from.

Step Three: Look for programs which are focused on fun not competition. Yes winning can be fun however the point of sports is to learn about ourselves, grow both physically and mentally, and to enjoy the results of trying our best – winning is simply a bonus. A program which is focused only on winning short changes the child of the many benefits of sports. They learn that their efforts only matter when they win.

Step Four: Be an involved, but not too involved, parent. We’ve all been to games where 5 year olds are running down the field and the parents are yelling at the children about their on field performance – yikes! It’s important for your child to know that you support them to do their best, cheer them and their teammates on instead of coaching from the sidelines. If their skills could use a little improving, and really whose couldn’t? Then practice with them at home – make it fun!

Step Five: Be a good role model. Show your child that physical activity is an important part of life, not just by signing them up for sports but through your own actions. Get involved in physical activity yourself. Become involved by bringing snacks, practicing with them, and helping out where you can.

Physical activity plays an integral role in the overall development of a strong and healthy child. Keeping your child’s personality and strengths in mind, support them to find sports which focus on skill building and fun. Follow through and support them to grow and develop their strengths. They’ll be more confident and skilled adults - they’ll thank you for it in the long run.

v 2 issue 3: Back to School

2008-08-24T21:37:00.002-04:00

Summer vacation has come to an end, and it’s time for the kids to go back to school. Whether your child is beginning preschool, kindergarten or elementary school, preparation will help make school go smoothly. We've packed this issue full of products your child will adore for back-to-school!

Cover by Kara May

1 Room Seven is a well-known children's clothing company based out of Europe. Girls will love this ever so girly backpack to get them off to school with classy style. Several correlating prints are combined to fashionably adorn a backpack with all the space needed for school supplies and the little extras a girl might need...(think extra sets of clothes for the preschoolers/they take up tons of space). Available at Littlejetset.com

2 Snikiddy Snacks have a fantastic solution to your child’s craving for junk food. They are made with 100% organic ingredients so you will feel good about sending them off to school with a snack that you know will be eaten. These delicious delights come in everything from Grilled Cheese Puffs to Chocolate Chippers to satisfy the sweet tooth. Available in individual packets for perfect portion control.

3 EM Tanner Designs is a great place to pick up personalized items with lots of style. This funky fireball lunchbox really lights our fire. No problems finding your lunchbox when it has your name written all over it and eye catching flames flying off the first initial like a hotrod.

4 A lunch bag to keep hot or cold lunches just the right temperature and compartments to store everything: one wide zip pocket for the top and another for the bottom, three slide pockets for extra snacks, and holders to keep utensils and drinks in place. The rouge color is delightful! Find lots of great Allerhand bags and backpacks at oompatoys.com.

5 We are still talking about how much we adore Mayfair Lane organizers. Your child can decorate their lockers in style with picture frames, notepads and clips. They have an incredible selection of prints to choose from. Best of all… they stick to any smooth service with no sticky residue to deal with!
See our full review of Mayfair Lane in our Editors Blog.

6 Stripes-colored dots, you get it all with this school bag at Littlemissmatched.com. If you get board with one design just unzip and reverse the front flap for a whole new look. It is large enough to store all your needs for school and more. If you like coordinating you can get a matching pencil case, notebooks, wallet and our favorite… their 3 pack of miss-matched socks. Now that is cool to the max!

7 Knick-knack, patty-whack get your bag a PakNak. PakNaks are the coolest little soft & rubbery charms used to decorate backpacks, lunch bags, or anything else you can think of. Start a collection today! Every adorable charm is super adhesive and easily interchangeable...no rings that little kiddos can't handle on their own. Each one has their own little story and we love them all.
PakNaks would like to extend a 15% discount to TTW readers. Enter code: TTW15 at checkout.

Preparation will help make school go smoothly

The Elements of Kindergarten Readiness from Tessandtab.com

Social Kills:
Many parents believe that skills like counting and writing are the key factors in kindergarten readiness. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that teachers say children with advanced social skills are more likely to have a successful kindergarten experience.

Academic Skills:
Starting early to prepare your child does not mean attempting to teach them kindergarten skills in preschool or at home. It just means ensuring that they have mastered these preschool skills.

Fine Motor Skills:
Over the next year, these skills will become second nature to your child. For now, you just need to make sure your child is familiar with the hand/eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills that are most useful.

What Teachers Expect:
• Share, take turns and listen
• Sit quietly in a circle for 10 - 15 minutes
• Use words to communicate
• Use the toilet by yourself
• Dress yourself (zip, button, fasten clothes and shoes)
• Follow simple directions
• Recite and recognize alphabet letters
• Know basic colors, shapes and numbers
• Use positional words (over, under, up, down)
• Print your first name
• Recite your address and phone number
• Properly hold a pencil
• Hold and use a pair of scissors
• Know how to use crayons and glue
• Assemble a 10-12 piece puzzle

What Parents Can Do:
Introduce your child to new social experiences by joining a play group, attending story hour at the local library and encouraging interaction with new friends. Keep a list of social activities that excite and frustrate your child and share this important information with the kindergarten teacher.

* Tessy & Tab offers fabulous kits to get little ones ready for school. The Kindergarten Confidence Kit is made for those venturing on to bigger things. The Confidence Kit gives an in depth preview of what children and parents can expect from the upcoming year through a Parent's Guide, writing practice sheets, a poster, and a DVD featuring a real day at Kindergarten. Perfect to ease fear &/or prepare for a new school experience.

Showcase: Meringue Boutique
Meringue Boutique has made a name for themselves by carrying all of the women’s clothing lines worn by moms everywhere: designer denim from Seven for all Mankind and True Religion; tops and tees from Splendid, Michael Stars, Three Dots, etc.; and undergarments from favorites like Spanx, Yummie Tummie, and Hanky Panky.

However, Meringue is just as focused on the trends for children as they are for women. Meringue Boutique is equipped to meet all of your children’s clothing needs- from super-cute shower gifts to exceptional clothing for your own little one.

With fashionable brands like Petit Joie, Kingsley, Luna Luna, Hubcap, Splendid Littles, C&C California and all of the designer denim labels- your trendy tot will be set for back to school- with style! Meringue also carries a wide variety of diaper bags from in-demand lines like Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville, besides maternity denim and tops.

Visit www.meringueboutique.com today!

Tot Trends Weekly readers can save an additional 10% on off all baby sale items. Use code: TOTS10 at checkout

v 2 issue 2: Boys Only

2008-08-10T20:22:00.009-04:00

Calling all boys and tomboys too. We have selected some of our favorite items that your boys will be proud to own. We also have a book list of our favorite books for boys about boys.

Cover by Alicia O. Crews

1 Tattoo fans alike will appreciate this COOL signature Ed Hardy "Snake & Tattoo" Tee. The front has decorative art,the back has Ed Hardy's signature. Trivia note- Hardy pioneered the pop-culture tattoo-as-art space decades before the worldwide boom in tattoo art. This tee is available at Kitsel.com in toddler through size 8 - No needles required.
Coupon code: BABES at checkout to receive 10% off.

2 Buzz on over to miatom.com to find one-of-a-kind tees with a hint of manly spirit. All shirts are tagless with digitally printed images such as this motorbike Tee. You will also find golf tees, boxing gloves and more... Ranging in price from $20. to $27.95, we know your little mate will love these Aussie tees!

3 This remote control car can go anywhere imaginable! It's deep tread tires have twin propellers that spin for extra power to get through even the roughest terrain. One can only imagine the thrill your little boy will receive as he is kicking up dirt and water with this powerful Komodo Dragon remote control car.

4 What little boy doesn't love trucks? He will be the envy of the school yard with this Appaman Digger Tee from Cute Little Clothes. This manly shirt is available in vintage black sizes 2T-7.

5 The eyes don't lie...this is one super cool t-shirt. A simple black design of a monster truck stands out when detailed with flaming tires. Known to stop foot traffic (when others ask where you found it!), so be prepared to say you bought it from hipsterhugs.com!

6 A fabulous addition to a landlubber's room! The Pirate Island clock is 13" round with a moving pirate flag pendulum, detailed artwork and precision quality which makes this device well worth the booty! View the whole Timeworks collection for sale now at Layla Grace.

7 Bold, flashy, and sure to spice up the wardrobe of any tot. We love the artistic graphics of this long sleeve tee. Tons of fabulous styles for the ladies too, but the Dream Big long sleeve tee is our favorite pick for this issue since it's all about the boys!

This weeks mom tips:
Health Tip:
How to treat a bee sting:
Immediately scrap off the stinger with the edge of a credit card or a very dull knife. Wash the area with soapy water, and then hold an ice cube on the infected area for a few minutes. If you pull out a stinger instead of scraping it off more venom is apt to enter your child’s body.
*Watch your child for an allergic reaction. If your child begins having difficulty breathing or is swelling in his mouth or neck area or develops a rash around the sting area you should seek medical attention.

Cleaning Tip:
Add sparkle to your dishes in your automatic dishwasher by doing the following: Run the dishwasher on the regular cycle without soap. When the machine has filled with water, open the door and add a cup of white vinegar. Finish the cycle. This helps to remove deposits in the pipes.

Organizing Tip:
Wash the dishes and wipe the counters after each meal. No matter how large or small the meal or how tired and in a hurry you are, do the dishes. Make leaving your kitchen clean as important a priority as getting dressed for work. You never know when you will have unexpected guests.

Great books about boys for boys
A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook.
No one likes Josh the Tattler because he tattles way too much. He tattles on his classmates, his brother, and even his dog! Until one night he wakes up to find his tongue is very long, yellow, and covered in bright purple spots. Will a bad case of Tattle Tongue teach him a lesson?

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.
We all have good days and bad days. Your little boy will get a kick out of how bad things go one day for little Alexander. The book ends with his mother's assurance that everyone has bad days, even people who live in Australia.

Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson.
While Bear is on the trail of a snack, things quickly turn windy, wet and, as Bear gets lost, downright spooky. He cries and trembles, curling up amid the gnarled roots of a huge tree until his ever-faithful band of woodland friends come to his aid.

Dirt On My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy.
From the thrill of flying to the imaginary planet Woosocket to bonding with a friend over a shared hatred of spinach, these poems capture the very essence of being a kid.

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long.
Jeremy Jacob sets off on a pirate adventure, he loves doing everything the pirates do but then he finds out what they don't do. Equipped with pail and shovel, young Jeremy Jacob is happily constructing a sandcastle and moat when his day at the beach takes an unexpected turn.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
Max's room grows into a mysterious, wild forest out of his imagination, and Max journeys to the land of the Wild Things. They are fearsome-looking monsters, but Max conquers them with a scary look and he is made the King of all Wild Things. This is a great book for big imaginations.

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